{"version":"https:\/\/jsonfeed.org\/version\/1","title":"Inside Thailand","home_page_url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th","feed_url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/index\/id\/48","items":[{"id":"c005700e2bf50b89f68cfa4011c42cad","title":"Songkran Day Coinciding with the National Day for Older Persons","content_text":"<p><strong>The day of 13 April each year is Songkran Day, the traditional Thai New Year, coinciding with the National Day for Older Persons. During the Songkran Festival, people from rural areas who are working in the city usually return home to visit and pay respect to their elders.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Thai people are enjoying the long Songkran holiday when the traditional Thai New Year is celebrated in all parts of the country, with many joyous activities. Often referred to as the &ldquo;Water Festival&rdquo; among foreigners, Songkran is the festival that Thai people of all ages wait for every year, particularly the country folk, who still retain their traditional practices.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Although this festival of entertaining and socializing covers one week or more in some rural areas, the highlight is between 13 and 15 April.&nbsp; Many people take the whole week off to celebrate the Kingdom&rsquo;s traditional New Year. On this occasion, people both young and old usually go to the temple for merit-making, such as alms-giving to monks. They also sprinkle Buddha images with scented water. Young people pour lustral water onto the palms of their elders as a gesture of respect and present them with gifts. In return, the elders give their blessings to them.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>It is a time when Thais splash water over friends and other people to give them a New Year blessing. The water-splashing has made the festival famous around the globe. Many foreigners find Songkran a great time to visit Thailand to experience distinctive cultural activities in a delightful atmosphere. The festival was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on 6 December 2023.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>&nbsp;The Tourism Authority of Thailand officially opened the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2026 at Benchakitti Park, Bangkok, on 11 April 2026. Running until 15 April, the five-day event brings together cultural heritage, live entertainment, and water celebrations at one of Thailand&rsquo;s largest Songkran gatherings. Songkran Festival 2026 is also being held across all regions of the Kingdom, welcoming visitors from around the world to celebrate the Thai New Year through cultural traditions and community events.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The day of 13 April was picked as Thailand&rsquo;s National Day for Older Persons to underline the significance of older persons and to show gratitude and respect to them. The Thai government designated the National Day for Older Persons on 14 December 1982, after ageing as a policy issue received international recognition at the first World Assembly on Ageing held in Vienna, Austria, in the same year.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Government attaches great importance to providing good care for the older population. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security serves as the core agency in organizing various activities to enhance the potential of senior citizens and provide them with well-being and welfare.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/48\/iid\/494034","date_published":"2026-04-12T16:57:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260412535137ac253b8e75e90d960355b7e275173727.jpeg"},{"id":"62a83981dfadc2a28fe8c88d30436c28","title":"Cabinet Approves Over 7.7 Billion Baht to Ease Impact of Rising Energy Costs","content_text":"<p><strong>The Cabinet, during its meeting on 11 April 2026, approved a budget of about 7,742 million baht to help people cope with rising energy prices and higher transport costs, as well as organizing activities to reduce the cost of living across the country.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The budget from the central fund will be spent on three major areas. In the first area, 6,022.8 million baht will be used to provide allowances for state welfare cardholders, who are low-income earners. The second area involves 1,458 million baht, which will be used to assist transport operators and drivers.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>In the third area, 260.6 million baht will be used to ease the cost of living for the people in three projects, as follows:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>1. &ldquo;Green Flag Low-Cost Scheme Plus&rdquo; to sell agricultural products and production factors to help reduce production costs for farmers;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>2. Lower Cost of Living Campaign&rdquo; to be carried out nationwide through &quot;Blue Flag&rdquo; outlets, mobile trucks, and mobile groceries;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>3. &ldquo;Thais Help Thais Program,&rdquo; with sales promotion via online platforms, which will also help small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) operators.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>These three projects will provide people with greater access to essential goods at reasonable prices. At the same time, they will also increase channels for manufacturers, farmers, community enterprises, and SMEs to distribute their products and earn more income during the ongoing economic slowdown.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Government is implementing these measures to ease the impact of higher oi prices because of the Middle East tensions, so that people, small farmers, and entrepreneurs would be able to continue their businesses and lead their normal lives.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>These measures also aim to create a favorable business ecosystem for economic growth and lay down a foundation for the revival of the business sector.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/48\/iid\/493874","date_published":"2026-04-11T22:24:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/2026041162132ea3402b4e78253edfcc258ac915223314.jpeg"},{"id":"a007fdc6a65412a7a3cd4a3620ef094c","title":"Thai Officials Seize Over 20 Billion Baht in Assets Linked to Transnational Scam Network","content_text":"<p><strong>Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul on 9 April 2026 announced in a press briefing at the Anti-Money Laundering Office that Thai authorities had seized over 20 billion baht in assets linked to a major transnational cyber scam network.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Prime Minister explained that the confiscation of assets was carried out in two phases, with the first phase covering 68 items worth 12 billion baht and the second one 34 items valued at 8.2 billion baht. The network of scammers includes Ms. Taengthai, Mr. Yim Leak, Mrs. Virinya, Mr. Ben Smith, and Ms. Katreeya and associates.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek stated that the Government had included the prevention and suppression of technology-related crimes as part of the &ldquo;national agenda,&rdquo; in line with its policy statement delivered to the National Assembly.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>She said that the policy on efforts to combat online fraud and money laundering aims to build&nbsp;confidence in Thailand&rsquo;s legal and financial systems, both among the people and in the international community.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Prime Minister thanked relevant agencies for their joint cooperation against online scam operations, leading to the confiscation of more than 20 billion baht in assets connected to the transnational scam network.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>He instructed the Anti-Money Laundering Office and other relevant agencies to strictly enforce the law and implement measures focusing on &ldquo;conduct, not identity.&quot;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>These agencies were also told to (1) protect victims&rsquo; rights through legal processes, ensuring that assets linked to scam operations are returned to compensate victims, (2) work together with the Royal Thai Police and the Securities and Exchange Commission to expand investigations into the assets linked to cyber scams, and (3) pursue further legal action against money laundering offenders.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/48\/iid\/493315","date_published":"2026-04-10T10:16:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260410e763061ecade5f807eccf4b72a4f66b6102540.jpg"},{"id":"70f699a1a8ae59024685d1da804011c4","title":"Policy Statement Delivered by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to the National Assembly","content_text":"<p><strong>Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered the policy statement of the Council of Ministers to the National Assembly on 9 April 2026, stressing that the Government will uphold three main principles, which include (1) to protect and preserve the institutions of &ldquo;Nation, Religion, and Monarchy,&rdquo; (2) to uphold the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State, and (3) to maintain the rule of law, the fair and just enforcement of the law, and the administration of state affairs in accordance with the principles of good governance, for the benefit of the people.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Prime Minister pointed out that Thailand is currently facing economic, social, environmental, and security threats, and that the Government is, therefore, committed to building upon immediate problem-solving efforts, while emphasizing economic and social restructuring.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Government will change the form of public administration into an &ldquo;integrated strategic cluster system&rdquo; to ensure mission alignment across all sectors and unified operations, with the people&rsquo;s well-being as the ultimate goal. It will also unite with the private sector and citizens to empower Thai society.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>He explained that the Government will shift the role of the public sector to serve as a supporter and facilitator and accelerate the development of the state&rsquo;s digital systems to achieve a full &ldquo;Government Digital Transformation,&rdquo; particularly in public service delivery, to ensure greater precision, speed, transparency, and accountability.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Prime Minister also highlighted key policies to tackle the country&rsquo;s urgent problems, while creating opportunities and leading Thailand toward higher competitiveness and resilience, in order to restore confidence and bring happiness to the Thai people.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>For instance, the Government will create income-generating opportunities and reduce costs for SMEs. It will promote Thai products and services globally through &ldquo;Team Thailand,&rdquo; and upgrade Thai agricultural and food industries into a &ldquo;global food security hub.&rdquo; Thailand will also be developed as a &ldquo;365-Day Destination (Destination Thailand)&quot; in its tourism promotion.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Moreover, the Government will continue efforts to improve the Thai-Cambodian situation through peaceful means and existing mechanisms, and it will develop the military volunteer system and reform the conscription system.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>In closing, the Prime Minister said, &ldquo;I will work in&nbsp;all possible ways to ensure that Thailand is stable internally, Thai people are able to stand on their own feet, the Thai economy is competitive, and the world trusts Thailand.&rdquo;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/48\/iid\/493243","date_published":"2026-04-09T19:28:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/2026040982b9ce70c80f0afb81f00f6601590ff9194222.jpeg"},{"id":"6b84c34de3dca7f90a504de5131b9965","title":"Reducing Ex-Refinery Diesel Prices and Considering Overnight Petrol Station Restrictions ","content_text":"<p><strong>The Energy Regulatory Commission has decided to cut the ex-refinery diesel prices by about two baht per liter to curb excess refinery margins and tackle rising energy prices. The Government is also considering overnight petrol station closures.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The decision on the ex-refinery diesel prices was made during a meeting of the committee on 7 April 2026, chaired by Minister of Energy Akanat Promphan, who said that the decision marked the first time in history that the Government had used legal authority to impose a reduction on refinery prices based on the Singapore market reference.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>He cited a study stating that gross refinery margins increased significantly in March and April from normal levels, which did not reflect the actual cost of crude oil. These &quot;abnormal&quot; levels prompted the Government to invoke powers under the Emergency Decree on Remedying and Preventing Fuel Shortages, B.E. 2516 (1973), requiring all refineries to immediately reduce ex-refinery diesel prices for B7 and B20 by 2.14 baht per liter.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>In so doing, the burden on the Oil Fuel Fund will also be reduced, as refineries lower prices when selling to distributors. The Energy Regulatory Commission will review refinery&nbsp;margins weekly in accordance with the situation.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Mr. Akanat said that, in response to the energy crisis. the Government is also stepping up its campaigns for energy saving and efforts to encourage the use of biofuel to reduce reliance on imported oil.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Meanwhile, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charvirakul is considering enforcing overnight closures of petrol stations from 22.00 to 05.00 hr, in an effort to conserve energy during Middle East tensions. The restrictions are expected to begin after Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year festival, on 20 April 2026. Although the highlight of the Songkran festival is between 13 and 15 April, the festival covers one week or more in some rural areas.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>In order to address the ongoing energy crisis, the Government has also implemented Work from Home (WFH) and Work from Anywhere (WFA) measures for government officials and state enterprise employees, who have also been urged to reduce private car use and turn to public transport.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/48\/iid\/492550","date_published":"2026-04-08T09:50:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202604082d1e2768d8e383bbc7731ab6d3a008cd100940.jpg"},{"id":"75916b40d46be94204d29e718e619fe1","title":"Government Sets Three Guidelines to Get Through Current Economic Difficulties","content_text":"<p><strong>Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek stated that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul had set three guidelines to help people get through current economic difficulties as a result of the Middle East conflict.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>In the first guideline, expenditures in the public sector will be cut, so that more national budget allocations will be used to prioritize impact mitigation on the people.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The second guideline seeks to restructure energy prices, including fuel and electricity, in order to lower energy costs for the people as soon as possible.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>In the third guideline, relief measures will be implemented to ease the people&rsquo;s hardships, such as the &ldquo;half-half plus co-payment&rdquo; program&nbsp;and the low-interest credit extension for farmers, industrial operators, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Prime Minister pointed out that people must accept reality, as Thailand is facing a global crisis. All Thai people must, therefore, join hands in adjusting together to overcome this crisis. National unity is the most important social capital during this time. He believed that cooperation among the people would help Thailand get through the&nbsp;crisis and enable the people to live with changes that would arise in the future.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Prime Minister explained that impacts of the Middle East situation have spread worldwide and caused sharp increases in the prices of fuel, natural gas, and related by products, especially fertilizers and plastic pellets. Thailand imports about 50 percent of its energy from the Middle East.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>He said that the Middle East conflict has continued to escalate, and attacks were now targeted at oil production sites, refineries, depots, and oil and gas transport systems across the region. Even if the conflict de-escalates in the future, it will take some time for oil and gas production infrastructure in the Middle East to recover&nbsp;to normal output. Consequently, high energy prices and shortages of petrochemical products are likely to persist for a certain period.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/48\/iid\/492493","date_published":"2026-04-07T21:30:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/2026040770e3d1bec5907a15214ef2e9b3811cc3213837.jpeg"},{"id":"1b451506fc2469d1a69708d1b2441ffc","title":"Special Cabinet Meeting after the Oath-Taking Ceremony ","content_text":"<p><strong>Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on 6 April 2026 at 20.00 hr chaired a special Cabinet meeting at Santi Maitri Building, Government House, after leading members of his Cabinet to take an oath of allegiance before His Majesty the King, in an audience with Their Majesties the King and Queen at Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, Dusit Palace.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>At the meeting, the Prime Minister encouraged Cabinet members to uphold the oath of allegiance pledged before His Majesty the King as guidance for working to ease people&rsquo;s hardships. He stated that this Cabinet has had to work hard since its first day in office, with no trial period, as it assumed office during the Middle East crisis. The escalating Middle East conflict has inevitably impacted Thailand.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>However, Prime Minister Anutin believed that, with cooperation from all Cabinet members, the Government would be able to effectively tackle people&rsquo;s problems, ease their difficulties, and move Thailand forward. He also urged all Cabinet members to uphold public interests as their common goal and fully work together to carry out the Government&rsquo;s missions with&nbsp;maximum efficiency.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The Prime Minister said that the Cabinet should be considered the Cabinet of His Majesty the King and of the people, and it should also be united without party divisions. He is ready to listen to the views of all Cabinet members and their suggestions.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>He also called on them to work together with love, unity. and mutual understanding, saying that the unity of the Government would enable the country to overcome all obstacles. Future Cabinet meetings will be held every Tuesday, starting from 10.00 hr. All Cabinet members were told to attach great importance to attending Cabinet meetings.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Meanwhile, the special Cabinet meeting approved the appointment of four political officials, following the proposal of the Secretariat of the Prime Minister, as follows:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>1. Mr. Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, as Advisor to the Prime Minister;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>2. Police General Permpoon Chidchob, as Advisor to the Prime Minister;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>3. Mr. Auttapol Rerkpiboon, as Advisor to the Prime Minister;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>4. Ms. Rachada Dhnadirek, as Government Spokesperson.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The appointment of these political officials takes effect on 6 April 2026.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/48\/iid\/492073","date_published":"2026-04-06T23:51:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260407dfc3c9bacb3d5c38cd59fdb39d2458df015348.jpeg"},{"id":"a8b6353649a411e07ec305cb831d110d","title":"\u201cSmile @ South\u201d Project to Boost Economic Recovery Following Severe Floods in the South","content_text":"<p><strong>The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the &ldquo;Smile @ South&rdquo; project as a proactive strategy to support economic recovery, following severe floods in Hat Yai and several provinces in southern Thailand in November 2025.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The project is intended to urgently revitalize tourism across southern Thailand and stimulate spending in the local economic system through the campaign &ldquo;Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges @ HAT YAI.&rdquo; The campaign features the &ldquo;Amazing Bag&rdquo; gifting activity, a lucky draw with prizes worth over 500,000 baht, and exclusive privileges and discounts at more than 100 outlets across the region.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, along with representatives from the public and private sectors, on 3 April 2026 welcomed international travelers at Hat Yai International Airport and the Sadao Customs House and provided them with the Amazing Bag, containing handcrafted items that reflect the identity and craftsmanship of southern Thailand. They also have the chance to win &quot;Lucky Vouchers,&quot; with a combined value exceeding 500,000 baht.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>According to TAT, during the campaign period from 1 April to 31 May 2026, international travelers arriving via Hat Yai International Airport, Sadao Customs Checkpoint, or Padang Besar Customs Checkpoint may participate by presenting their passport at designated activity booths to receive the Amazing Bag. A QR code inside provides access to exclusive privileges redeemable across participating establishments in the South.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The TAT Governor is confident that the &ldquo;Smile @ South&rdquo; project will encourage more tourists to visit Thailand, especially those from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>She said that southern Thailand continues to captivate visitors with its rich culinary heritage, warm hospitality, and diverse cultural and natural attractions. The South is fully prepared to welcome visitors, and this initiative ensures they feel engaged and valued from the moment they arrive.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>It is expected that the project will generate at least 480 million baht for the local tourism industry during the period, while reinforcing positive perceptions of southern Thailand as a welcoming and vibrant destination.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/48\/iid\/491902","date_published":"2026-04-05T22:58:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260406b8705da2b47b2481f3e8404caaff4b72055914.jpeg"},{"id":"675799b741d911b2612694d1746478c2","title":"Sufficient Fuel Supplies to Meet Demand during Songkran Festival","content_text":"<p><strong>The Ministry of Energy reported that the current energy situation remains normal, with both domestic production and fuel reserves stable and supplies being continuously secured. It confirmed that during the upcoming Songkran, Thailand&rsquo;s traditional New Year, festival, there would be no fuel shortages.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Ms. Nuttaa Mahattana, Spokesperson of the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East, on 3 April 2026 briefed the media on measures to address concerns about the energy situation, cost of living, and Middle East conflict.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>She said that the Ministry of Transport has prepared contingency measures by arranging oil transport vehicles to serve as backup supply points in case of exceptionally high demand in certain areas.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce has intensified the supervision of the prices of goods and services. Business operators are required to clearly display product prices and are prohibited from selling goods at unreasonably high prices or engaging in hoarding practices. Violations may be reported to the Department of Internal Trade&rsquo;s hotline at 1569.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Concerning the situation in the Middle East, Ms. Nuttaa stated that the position of the United States remained unclear regarding whether it would escalate or ease sanctions, and no definite timeline has been announced. The United Kingdom on 2 April hosted a virtual meeting with more than 40 countries &ndash; without the participation of the United States &ndash; to discuss joint action to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>However, the escalation of attacks is causing intense global concern. Iran has reportedly targeted U.S. technology companies in neighboring countries and has threatened to strike companies in Israel, where a significant number of Thai nationals reside. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, therefore, urges Thai citizens to closely follow official updates through the ministry&rsquo;s communication channels. The Government continues to give the highest priority to ensuring the safety of Thai nationals in Israel during this period.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The spokesperson added that during the transition period of the government, the center will conclude its mandate together with the current administration. If future press briefings are not held, the public may continue to follow updates directly from relevant government agencies, as follows:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>- Ministry of Energy on energy situation;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>- Ministry of Foreign Affairs on safety of Thai nationals overseas;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>- Ministry of Commerce on product price situation;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>- Ministry of Finance on economic relief measures.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The center&rsquo;s Facebook page will continue to compile useful information and communicate updates to the public.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/48\/iid\/491662","date_published":"2026-04-03T17:50:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/202604033f9d41cb0eecdfeb56e917976d999a76185836.jpeg"},{"id":"8880892866de84c0bafea6149da2cb52","title":"Thailand Focuses on Short-Haul Tourism during the Middle East Crisis","content_text":"<p><strong>The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is adjusting its tourism promotion strategy, with an emphasis on encouraging short-distance, low-energy travel, during the Middle East crisis, which has led to&nbsp;global energy price volatility.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool stated that an assessment of the tourism situation in March 2026 showed signs of a slowdown among tourist arrivals from long-haul markets, especially countries in the Middle East. Impacts of the Middle East conflict were related to airline seat constraints and rising transportation costs.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>TAT has, therefore, turned to focus on travelers from short-haul markets, such as China, Malaysia, and India, which are large markets and have great potential for further growth. China, in particular, registered a notable growth of 38 percent in March 2026 over the same period of 2025.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>Moreover, apart from stimulating domestic tourism under the &ldquo;Healing Journey Thailand&rdquo; campaign through the &ldquo;near-home travel&rdquo; concept, emphasis will be placed on promoting community-based tourism, in line with the changing tourist behavior, with greater attention on sustainability and local identity.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>The TAT Governor said that the initiative would also help reduce energy-related travel costs for tourists, while distributing income to local communities and lesser-known tourist destinations across the country.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>TAT is also confident that the strategic adjustment will help maintain the stability of&nbsp;Thailand&rsquo;s tourism industry in the short term, aligning with its direction for 2026, &ldquo;The New Thailand,&rdquo; which focuses on &ldquo;Value over Volume&rdquo; and premium experiences in all dimensions.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n<p><strong>These efforts, she said, would drive the sustainable growth of the Thai tourism industry during the global challenges of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Thailand has also been organizing various events to attract visitors, especially those from short-haul markets.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n","url":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/content\/category\/detail\/id\/48\/iid\/491263","date_published":"2026-04-02T22:07:00","image":"https:\/\/thailand.prd.go.th\/en\/file\/get\/file\/20260403bce7fca5b27bb92bb2fb34e507dedeae084105.jpg"}]}