Top National Thailand Stories From the Past Week: Fuel Prices Significantly Rise Nationwide, and More
Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, March 23rd to Sunday, March 29th 2026. They are not in any particular level of importance but…
Thailand saw a sharp nationwide fuel price hike last week as the government approved a 6-baht-per-litre increase effective March 26, impacting motorists from Phuket to Chiang Mai. The decision, triggered by escalating global oil costs linked to Middle East tensions, was among several major national headlines between March 23 and March 29, 2026.
New Regulations and Energy Market Oversight
Thailand’s Department of Energy Business introduced stricter transparency rules for fuel traders in response to the price surge. Officials said the measures aim to enhance oversight of the domestic energy market amid growing supply concerns.
The government’s intervention comes as localized shortages and rising costs threaten domestic travel ahead of the Songkran Festival, a peak period for interprovincial movement.
Other Major Incidents: Earthquake Anniversary, Alcohol Sales, and Pattaya Violence
March 28 marked one year since a 7.7-magnitude earthquake near Mandalay, Myanmar, sent tremors over 1,000 kilometers to Bangkok, raising lingering questions about building safety in the Thai capital.
The Royal Gazette published new rules requiring alcohol sellers—including bars, nightclubs, and restaurants—to assess customer sobriety before serving, targeting prevention of sales to intoxicated patrons.
In Pattaya, police launched an investigation after a 55-year-old Australian tourist suffered multiple head injuries during an altercation inside a Walking Street entertainment venue. Separately, a violent brawl involving foreign female tourists and Thai transgender women erupted at the entrance to Walking Street in the early hours of March 29, drawing a crowd and going viral online.
On Friday night, panic spread near the Pattaya Music Festival venue at Lan Pho Public Park when a 60-year-old local restaurant owner allegedly fired a handgun, seriously wounding two people, one critically.
Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/03/30/top-national-thailand-stories-from-the-past-week-fuel-prices-significantly-rise-nationwide-and-more/
