Thursday 18 March 2026

Good morning Bangkok. It's Thursday and we're looking at 28-36°C (82-97°F) with increasing temperatures and isolated thunderstorms possible later this week. Bangkok's current temperature at the time of writing is 30°C with clouds. The SET closed at 1,441.64 yesterday, up 7.76 points. Gold at ฿76,250-76,450 per baht weight. And today is the day parliament votes on the next PM. But first, let's talk about something that will affect you more than politics. Let's get into it.

Thailand's heat index in 2026 could climb above 52°C, reaching "extremely dangerous" levels according to the Nation Thailand. The North, Northeast, and Central regions face the highest risk. To put that in perspective: at a heat index of 52°C, heat stroke can happen within minutes of sun exposure. Last year, heat-related conditions killed 30 people in Thailand. Bangkok has already opened more than 250 temporary cooling centers across community halls, schools, and public buildings. The TMD says the hot season began in late February and will last until mid-May, with peak heat expected in April and May. Northern provinces like Mae Hong Son, Lampang, and Tak could see actual temperatures above 42°C. Bangkok's concrete sprawl makes it worse: the urban heat island effect means nighttime temperatures barely drop, and your air conditioning is working harder than ever (right when electricity prices are climbing). Dr. Thiti Sawangtham, deputy director-general of the Department of Health, warned that the most vulnerable groups are the elderly, outdoor workers, people with underlying health conditions, and heavy drinkers.

Bottom line: This isn't just a weather story. It's a health story. If you exercise outdoors, run or cycle before 7 AM or after 6 PM. If you work outside, take breaks in shade every 30 minutes. Drink water constantly, even if you don't feel thirsty. And if you see a motorbike taxi driver looking rough in the afternoon heat, buy him a bottle of water. The heat index measures what the temperature feels like when humidity is factored in. At 52°C, your body can't cool itself efficiently. This is the season when Bangkok gets genuinely dangerous if you're not careful.

Thailand's Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has been on a diplomatic blitz to secure new oil supplies, and Russia has confirmed it's ready to sell. Sihasak is also in talks with Brazil, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan to diversify away from Middle East crude. This comes as the fuel crisis continues to bite: transport operators gathered at Laem Chabang yesterday to protest high fuel prices and shortages, questioning why Thai depot pricing is benchmarked to Singapore. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) warned that heavy industry is facing energy costs of 35-50% of total expenses, and petrochemical disruptions could trigger shortages of plastic packaging. In a surprising move, the Cabinet ordered all government agencies to suspend overseas study trips to save money amid rising energy costs. And incoming legal advisor Borwornsak Uwanno cited a constitutional clause that could let the new Cabinet act on the fuel crisis before even delivering its policy statement to Parliament.

Bottom line: Russia selling oil to Thailand would have been unthinkable a few years ago. Now it's a pragmatic necessity. The real story here is how fast Thailand's energy relationships are shifting. A month ago, 50% of crude came through Hormuz. Now the government is calling Brazil, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, and Russia. The Laem Chabang protest is a warning sign: if truck operators can't afford diesel, supply chains for everything from food to construction materials break down. The new PM (likely confirmed today) inherits this crisis immediately.

Traditional Indian comfort food prepared with fire and smoke, tucked into the M Floor of Marche Thonglor. "Baba" means someone you respect, and that's reflected in the sourcing: key ingredients are imported directly from India, while seasonal Thai produce adds a local touch. Chef Maxim Baile (yes, the same name behind Sababa down the road) leads the kitchen with tandoor oven technique at its center. Everything comes out red hot, spicy, and creamy. The lamb vindaloo is slow-cooked for eight hours. The bite-size jackfruit samosas are the perfect starter. The Bombay chilli chicken (฿200), Calcutta chicken biryani (฿320), and daak bungalow butter chicken (฿290) are the core menu, with black truffle cream cheese naan for good measure. The space is upscale casual inside the Marche lifestyle complex, which means you can browse shops before or after dinner. With a 4.8 on google with over 300+ reviews, they’re open daily 11:30 AM to 10 PM. Tel: 082-854-5826.

TIP: Go for lunch on a weekday when Marche is quieter. The puri bombs were singled out by multiple reviewers as the standout starter. If you're vegetarian, they have strong options. Book through Eatigo for discounts up to 50%.

Address: Zone C, M Floor, Marche Thonglor, 150 Thong Lor, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110. BTS Thong Lo, then a short taxi to Marche.

19 March 2003: The United States launched its invasion of Iraq, beginning the "shock and awe" bombing campaign. 23 years later, a different US military operation in a different Middle Eastern country is reshaping Thailand's energy supply, petrol prices, and airline routes. History doesn't repeat, but it does rhyme. And the pump prices always go up.

See you tomorrow morning.

— Devon

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