Friday 13 March 2026

Good morning Bangkok. It's Friday the 13th, so maybe don't walk under any ladders today. We're looking at 28-34°C (82-93°F) with scattered thunderstorms expected this afternoon as the summer storm warning remains in effect through today. Bangkok's AQI is sitting at 105 (unhealthy for sensitive groups), so if you're exercising outside, consider a mask. Let's get into it.

Thailand's Foreign Affairs Ministry summoned Iran's ambassador Nassereddin Heidari yesterday to demand an explanation and apology after the Thai-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree was struck by Iranian projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. Deputy Permanent Secretary Sirilak Niyom led the talks. Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed to state-run Tasnim news agency that the ship was "fired upon by Iranian fighters." PM Anutin called the attack "not appropriate" and said all available government resources are being mobilized to assist the three crew members still missing. The 30,000-ton bulk carrier, owned by Bangkok-listed Precious Shipping, was carrying no cargo when it was hit after departing Khalifa Port in the UAE, heading to Kandla, India. Twenty crew abandoned ship in a lifeboat and were rescued by the Omani navy. Diplomat Sihasak Phuangketkeow has been assigned to lead ongoing diplomatic coordination. Meanwhile, Sirilak also thanked Iran for facilitating the evacuation of Thai nationals from Iran on March 7 and 10, and asked for the continued safety of Thai students remaining in the country.

Bottom line: Iran has now confirmed responsibility. This isn't speculation or an "unknown projectile" anymore. Thailand's neutrality policy is being tested in real time. For expats, the downstream effects are what matter most: disrupted Gulf flights, rising fuel prices (the diesel freeze expires in days), and an energy reserve that's shrinking. The Strait of Hormuz normally carries 20% of global oil and gas. At least 14 ships have been attacked since the conflict began February 28.

The National Health Security Office announced it's integrating Thai-developed medical innovations into the universal healthcare scheme, having already spent over ฿7 billion on domestically produced medical products. The policy was outlined yesterday at a forum at the Khaosod building in Bangkok, organized with the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences, and Thailand Science Research and Innovation. NHSO Secretary-General Dr. Jadet Thammatacharee said the initiative aims to keep money circulating domestically rather than importing equipment. The NHSO manages a healthcare fund of nearly ฿200 billion annually. A new "Green Channel" fast-track system has been introduced to get research-backed Thai innovations into the universal healthcare benefits system more quickly. Thailand aims to expand health-related goods and services to ฿300 billion annually (1.7% of GDP) under the 13th National Development Plan, while reducing medical imports by ฿20 billion.

Bottom line: Thailand's 30-baht healthcare scheme is one of the most impressive public health programs in Southeast Asia. This push into domestic medical manufacturing is the kind of long-term infrastructure play that doesn't make splashy headlines but quietly reduces dependency on imports, especially relevant when global supply chains are getting hammered by the Hormuz crisis. If you're on private insurance, cheaper domestic medical devices eventually mean lower costs across the board.

Melbourne-style specialty coffee in a sleek two-story glasshouse building just off Ekkamai Road. Founded in 2015 by three friends obsessed with Australia's coffee culture, Kaizen started as a hidden local secret before photos of their drinks blew up on Instagram. They relocated in 2019 to their current standalone space with natural oak wood, dark grey brick, and enough natural light to make any laptop worker happy. The coffee is outstanding. Try the nitro cold brew on tap (smooth and foamy, feels like drinking draft beer) or their signature Kaizen Iced Coffee with vanilla Madagascar bean ice cream and double espresso. But the real surprise is the food. The eggs benedict is ฿395 and worth every baht, and one reviewer called the breakfast "one of the best I've ever had anywhere in the world." Full brunch menu with vegan and vegetarian options. 4.5 stars on Google, 4.7 on Tripadvisor. Coffee from ฿120. Open 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily.

TIP: Go for the upstairs seating for more space and natural light. The nitro cold brew is the move if you're here in the afternoon heat. They also have free parking out front, which is rare for a Thonglor/Ekkamai cafe.

Address: 888 6-7 Ekkamai Road (Sukhumvit Soi 63), Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110. BTS Ekkamai, then a short taxi or 10-minute walk up Ekkamai Road. Look for the standalone glass building outside C Ekkamai Condo.

13 March 1930 (continued): Day two of Gandhi's Salt March. He'd walked about 10 miles from Sabarmati Ashram toward the sea, with 78 followers behind him. By the time he reached Dandi 24 days later, thousands had joined. Sometimes the biggest movements start with one person deciding to keep walking. Happy Friday the 13th, Bangkok. Try not to break anything.

See you tomorrow morning.

— Devon

You're getting this because you subscribed to The BKK Insider. Share with a friend: [referral link]. Unsubscribe below.