Monday 16 March 2026

Good morning Bangkok. It's Monday and we're looking at 27-36°C (81-97°F) today with hot conditions and a 10% chance of isolated thunderstorms. PM2.5 has been hovering around 32-33 µg/m³ (just under the 37.5 standard), but central Bangkok still has poor ventilation, so air quality is moderate at best. Heat index remains at "warning" level between 11 AM and 3 PM. Fill your tank before you read the rest of this. Let's get into it.

Thailand's 15-day diesel price freeze ends today. The cap held diesel at 29.94 baht per liter across all major stations (PTT, Bangchak, PT, Caltex, Shell) since early March, but the government has not confirmed an extension. Most forecasts point to a step-by-step increase rather than a sudden jump, with diesel expected to move from 29.94 toward 31.94 baht per liter over the coming weeks. A first increase of 1 to 2 baht on March 17 is widely expected. Meanwhile, petrol and gasohol prices already rose by 50 satang per liter on Saturday. Refiners have increased gross margins from about 2 baht to 6 baht per liter, adding more pressure on retail prices. Officials met refinery leaders last week to discuss margin levels and are reviewing options including adjusting excise taxes, though earlier tax cuts have already reduced government revenue. The Oil Fuel Fund, which subsidizes prices during spikes, was previously ฿20 billion in deficit but was managed back into surplus before the current crisis.

Bottom line: If you drive a diesel vehicle, today is the last day at the capped price. Fill up. The new government takes office this week but has no clear public position yet on extending the cap. With Brent crude above $100, every day without a policy decision costs consumers real money. Egg prices are also rising 6 baht per tray starting today, and that's a signal of broader inflation creeping into daily life.

Sophon Saram, a veteran Bhumjaithai politician and seven-time MP for Buri Ram, was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives yesterday. Under the Thai constitution, the House speaker also serves as president of the National Assembly. Sophon ran against People's Party candidate Parit Wacharasindhu and won with the backing of the 292-seat coalition. The new speaker will officially take office after royal endorsement. Sophon is now expected to schedule the parliamentary session to vote on the prime minister, which Bhumjaithai deputy leader Siripong Angkasakulkiat said will likely take place on Thursday. Anutin Charnvirakul is almost certain to be confirmed as PM. Former NESDC secretary-general Danucha Pichayanan said a fully empowered administration is essential to accelerate economic policy, move the fiscal 2027 budget forward, and respond swiftly to mounting global uncertainties.

Bottom line: The political machinery is moving fast. If Anutin is confirmed Thursday, cabinet formation follows immediately and the new government should be fully operational in April. The priority list is clear: energy prices, the Hormuz crisis, the US trade investigation, and the economy. For expats, the most immediate question is whether the new government extends the diesel cap or lets prices float. That decision will likely come within days of the PM vote.

If you can’t tell already, I’m a huge pizza lover. Today’s spot of the day is the second branch of Kenny's, a neighborhood pizzeria that's become an expat favorite for its Neapolitan pizzas, comfort food, and late-night hours. The first location in Ari is also very good (a little smaller though). Open until 1 AM daily, which makes it one of the few quality dinner options in the Sukhumvit area when everywhere else has closed. The menu is bigger than the original Ari branch: bucatini carbonara (฿350), Kenny's special pizza with mystery ingredients (฿390), a 300g hanger steak with chimichurri (฿590), plus corn ribs, buffalo wings, truffle mac and cheese, and beef nachos. The pizza dough is properly Neapolitan and the prosciutto rocket pizza gets the most love from reviewers. They screen English Premier League matches on weekends, which makes Saturday and Sunday afternoons a good time to grab a beer and watch football. The vibe is cozy, the staff are friendly, and they have a solid beer selection you can sample before ordering. Lunch set is a steal at ฿420 (small pizza, two bites dishes, and a soft drink). 4.8 stars on Google. Book ahead, especially on weekends.

TIP: Go for the lunch set during the week if you want value. On weekends, arrive early for EPL screenings as tables fill up. The vongole and beef bourguignon pasta are the sleeper hits most people miss because they go straight for the pizza.

Address: 24/1 Sukhumvit Soi 31, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok. Tel: 092-599-2694. BTS Phrom Phong or Asok, then a short taxi or 10-minute walk down Soi 31. Valet parking available. Also at Ari (Phahonyothin 5).

16 March 1968: The My Lai massacre took place in Vietnam, one of the darkest chapters in the Vietnam War. It took over a year for the full story to become public. Some stories take time to surface. Others, like diesel prices, hit you at the pump on a Monday morning.

See you tomorrow morning.

— Devon

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