Insight

Authorities in Phuket have dismantled a large-scale methamphetamine supply network that used household appliances to smuggle drugs onto the island. Nearly 200,000 meth pills were seized, and two suspects were taken into custody. At a press briefing on April 4, Provincial Police Commander Sinlert Sukhum revealed that the investigation began after officers intercepted a shipment of 19,892 pills in Satun province on March 30. The drugs had been concealed inside evaporative air c

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

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

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

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