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Electricity prices in Thailand are set to increase slightly beginning in May 2026, with the adjustment kept at a modest 1.8% compared to current rates. For residential consumers, the new tariff for the May–August period will be fixed at 3.95 baht per kilowatt-hour. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) reached this decision after reviewing public feedback and ultimately selected the least impactful option among three proposed scenarios. The approved structure includes a fuel

Authorities in Phuket have stepped up enforcement against so-called nominee business structures, carrying out coordinated raids across multiple locations on the island as part of a wider national initiative. The operation was overseen by Sinlert Sukhum, who presented the results during a press briefing attended by officials and media representatives. In total, eight sites were inspected, including businesses in sectors such as car rentals, property services, and childcare. Th

A charity running event will take place in Phuket on May 1, organized to support Chalong Hospital. The initiative was announced by the provincial office of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, with the event scheduled at Bang Wad Reservoir. The run is timed to coincide with Labor Day, which in Thailand is observed as a public holiday and is traditionally marked by nationwide activities highlighting workers’ rights. Details about the “May Day Run” were shared on Ma

His Majesty Maha Vajiralongkorn has officially endorsed a new cabinet proposed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The approved list of ministers was published in the Royal Gazette on March 31. The newly formed administration, often referred to as the “second cabinet of Anutin,” is scheduled to be sworn in on April 6, which coincides with Chakri Day. The government is expected to present its policy agenda to parliament the following day. Observers have noted an unusually h

The Phuket Provincial Police has issued a warning to motorists, announcing a tougher approach to traffic law enforcement starting April 1. Authorities explained that March 31 marks the end of a nationwide “leniency phase,” during which officers were encouraged to issue warnings instead of fines whenever possible. Although it remains unclear how consistently this policy was applied in Phuket, officials have confirmed that stricter enforcement will now take effect across the is

Thailand’s Minister of Culture, Sabeeda Thaised, has praised the outstanding success of the Thailand Biennale held in Phuket, highlighting its major contribution to both the cultural and tourism sectors. According to official figures, the event attracted more than 2.4 million visitors and generated over 28.9 billion baht in economic activity. This includes spending by international tourists, domestic travelers staying overnight, and day visitors, demonstrating the event’s bro

Phuket Airport immigration authorities have rejected accusations that staff were charging passengers for fast-track services during long queues at passport control. The statement came on March 29 after social media users criticized the situation on March 28, claiming that travelers were being encouraged to pay 200 baht for expedited processing. Cause of the delays According to the Immigration Bureau, the congestion in the international departures area was caused by a temporar

Authorities in Phuket are stepping up measures to keep consumer prices under control as increasing fuel costs begin to affect the local market. The Phuket Provincial Commerce Office has urged businesses to raise prices responsibly, only when justified by actual cost increases, and to avoid unjustified markups. At the same time, officials are expanding support programs aimed at easing the financial burden on residents. Monitoring and transparency According to Provincial Commer

Thailand has officially introduced standardized sobriety tests that allow shop and bar staff to assess whether customers are intoxicated before selling alcohol. Although selling alcohol to intoxicated individuals has long been prohibited in the country, only recent amendments to the Alcohol Control Act have clearly defined how such checks should be carried out in practice. The Ministry of Public Health published the official guidelines on March 28, and they have already come

Thailand is preparing to introduce a new digital system that will automatically screen applicants for commercial driving licences against police records. Starting from around July 2026, individuals applying for or renewing licences for public and commercial transport will undergo automatic background checks. The initiative is part of a data integration project between the Department of Land Transport (DLT) and the Royal Thai Police (RTP). Digital integration of databases Foll

Authorities in Phuket have launched a large-scale operation to tackle illegal land encroachment at Freedom Beach, located within the protected Nakkerd Mountain National Forest Reserve. The initiative began on March 26 after local residents filed complaints about land being unlawfully occupied and intimidation allegedly carried out by influential groups. In response, Phuket Governor Nirut Laopongsitthathorn ordered a joint task force to investigate the situation. The inspectio

Phuket’s Immigration Bureau and other government offices will operate on a reduced schedule in early April, with more non-working days than working ones. According to an official announcement released on March 25, government agencies will be closed for eight days during the first half of the month, while remaining open for only seven days. Holiday schedule The extended closures are linked to two national holidays — Chakri Memorial Day on April 6 and the Songkran festival from

Fuel prices across Thailand jumped sharply on March 26 after the Oil Fuel Fund (OFFO) reduced subsidies, pushing retail costs up by 6 baht per liter. The updated subsidy rates were announced late on March 25. On the same day, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas stated that the government would no longer impose price caps on fuel, allowing prices to fluctuate according to market forces. Although official pricing tables initially remained unchanged overnight, they were updat

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun informing its diplomatic staff abroad about a possible reduction in visa-free stays from 60 days back to 30 days. The topic was raised during a four-day seminar for consular officials, which started on March 24 in Bangkok and will run through March 27. According to reports, the issue was highlighted on the very first day of discussions, signaling the seriousness of the proposed policy shift. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuang

Thai authorities have dismantled a major international drug network, arresting a South Korean suspect believed to be a key figure in the operation during a raid in Phuket. The arrest was carried out by the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) in cooperation with Immigration Police. The suspect, identified only as Mr. Kim, had been wanted under an INTERPOL Red Notice and had reportedly evaded capture for more than two years. The operation followed intelligence provided

Thailand’s Ministry of Energy has adjusted subsidies from the Oil Fuel Fund (OFFO) to encourage drivers to switch to gasohol E20, making it more affordable while increasing the price of standard E10 fuel. E20 contains 20% ethanol — double the amount found in E10 — and since the second half of March, the price gap between E20 and regular 95-grade gasohol has widened to about 5 baht per liter. The move is aimed at reducing reliance on petroleum amid rising global oil prices. Ac

The Rawai Sabai Dee fair recently took place at Promthep Cape, offering visitors a blend of scenic sunsets, live entertainment, and seaside dining over three consecutive evenings. Held from March 20 to 22, the event brought together locals and tourists at Phuket’s southernmost point. Guests had the chance to enjoy ocean views at sunset while listening to live music and sampling a variety of food. The fair was organized alongside the Rawai Sabai Run 2026, adding a festive atmo

A French national wanted under an Interpol Red Notice was detained in Phuket on March 12 following a request from the French Embassy. The request, sent through the Foreign Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police, called for cooperation in locating and arresting the suspect, revoking his permission to remain in Thailand, and arranging his deportation to France. Authorities began investigating after receiving information that the man might be residing in Phuket. Their efforts

Authorities in Phuket are taking steps to address major delays in the issuance and renewal of work permits affecting more than 130,000 foreign workers, after businesses raised concerns about the impact on operations. The issue was discussed during a monthly labour agency meeting held on March 4 at the Phuket Provincial Labour Office. Phuket Vice Governor Teeraphong Chuaychoo urged officials to act quickly to resolve the growing backlog. Representatives from several key instit