Iran war punctures strategy of ‘Sell America, Buy Asia’
HONG KONG — The war in Iran is forcing investors to reevaluate one of their most profitable stock strategies, leading some to conclude that the “Sell America, Buy Asia” trade has reached an inflection point.

Forest fires feed haze blanketing Chiang Mai
CHIANG MAI — Air quality in this northern border province has deteriorated sharply, with thick haze blanketing the city as forest fires surge across much of the upper North.

Authorities tout biofuel as global oil prices soar
Energy authorities are stepping up efforts to expand biofuel usage to reduce reliance on oil imports and safeguard against potential fuel shortages.

Navy readies sea evacuation plan for Thais  
The Royal Thai Navy has prepared a “Plan B” to evacuate Thai nationals from the Middle East by sea should airspace closures halt flights amid escalating regional tensions.

25% tourism decline ‘worst-case scenario’
War in the Middle East could seriously affect Thai tourism this year, with a 25% decline from the 2026 target being the worst-case scenario if the fighting extends beyond three months, prompting officials to target short‑haul tourists to fill the gap.

Free rice being offered to encourage blood donations
The National Blood Centre is offering blood donors five-kilogramme bags of jasmine rice between Thursday and Friday to shore up reserves after finding they have fallen far below minimum levels.

Four suspected couriers killed, 600,000 speed pills seized in Chiang Mai
CHIANG MAI - Four suspected drug couriers were killed and 600,000 methamphetamine pills seized following a clash between security forces and a drug smuggling gang in Mae Ai district of this northern province.  

Thailand’s search for fuel takes on more urgency
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered a stepped-up effort to secure more oil and gas after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz cut off access to about half of Thailand’s regular supply.

Thai government revenue tops target
Thai government revenue exceeded projections in the first four months of the 2026 fiscal year, driven by higher fuel tax receipts and additional income from state enterprises.

Global memory rally drives up PC prices at Commart
The global surge in memory prices has lifted computer costs in Thailand by 10-20%, while artificial intelligence (AI) server costs have climbed significantly, with some key components such as memory nearly doubling in the first quarter.