Tuesday 17 March 2026

Good morning Bangkok. It's Tuesday and we're looking at 27-36°C (81-97°F) with hot conditions and thunderstorms lingering in about 25 provinces including Bangkok (10% chance in the city). PM2.5 has been sitting just under the 37.5 standard at around 32-33 µg/m³, but central Bangkok still has poor ventilation. Heat index remains at "warning" level between 11 AM and 3 PM. Your wallet is about to feel warmer too. Let's get into it.

The 15-day diesel price cap expired yesterday and price increases are expected to take effect today (March 17). Diesel had been frozen at 29.94 baht per liter since early March, but the Oil Fuel Fund was losing more than ฿1 billion per day to maintain the subsidy, with total losses approaching ฿10 billion by mid-March. Most forecasts point to diesel rising to around 31.94 baht per liter over the coming weeks, with a first increase of 1 to 2 baht expected today. Petrol and gasohol prices already rose 50 satang per liter on Saturday. The Commerce Ministry confirmed it will hold prices on essential goods only through today (March 17), and diesel support is under review. Meanwhile, PTT issued a clarification about a ฿500 refueling cap that confused drivers over the weekend, confirming that fuel supplies remain sufficient and there is no rationing in place. Brent crude remains above $100 per barrel as the Iran war enters its third week.

Bottom line: The ฿1 billion per day bleed was never sustainable. The question now is whether the new government (PM vote is Thursday) extends a modified cap or lets prices float. Either way, expect diesel at 31-32 baht this week and potentially higher if Brent stays above $100. This affects everything: taxi fares, food delivery, freight, and the cost of your morning som tam.

The 20 crew members rescued from the Thai cargo ship Mayuree Naree arrived back in Thailand yesterday (March 16) after being evacuated from Khasab, Oman. The Middle East Conflict Monitoring Centre said the situation in the region is expanding beyond military targets and urged all remaining Thai nationals to leave risk areas. Search operations continue for the three crew members who were working in the engine room when the ship was struck by Iranian projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11. The aviation crisis continues to worsen: widespread airspace closures, flight diversions, cancellations, and airport disruptions are creating what experts are calling the industry's most severe crisis since Covid-19. Oil prices surging means fares are climbing, especially on routes linked to Middle East hubs.

Bottom line: The crew coming home is good news. But the broader picture keeps getting worse. If you have travel plans through Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi in the coming weeks, have a backup plan. Direct flights to Europe and the US via East Asia (Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei) are holding up better but filling fast. Bangkok is increasingly becoming a bottleneck for stranded travelers, which is putting pressure on hotels but also creating an unexpected tourism boost for the short term.

A fusion Japanese izakaya that feels more like a Tokyo nightclub than a restaurant. Fatboy's two-story Ekkamai location is decked out in manga, action figures, pixel art, and classic games. Chef Arnie Marcella (ex-Bunker, ex-Carbar) runs a menu that mixes Japanese small plates with unexpected twists: the signature Fatboy Roll is wagyu beef with cream cheese and foie gras brushed in truffle oil. The Ramen Cacio e Pepe is the dish that keeps popping up in reviews. Other hits include crispy cauliflower with chili miso, garlic fried chicken wings, and wagyu gyoza. The upstairs balcony has views over Ekkamai Road. 4.6 stars on Google. Expect to spend ฿800-1,500 per person with drinks. Book ahead, it fills up after 6:30 PM.

TIP: Weekday evenings are quieter and you'll get a bar counter seat where you can watch the mixologists work. Weekday hours are 5 PM to midnight (until 1 AM Friday/Saturday). Reserve on SevenRooms. Limited parking out front, valet available.

Address: 56 2-3 Soi Sukhumvit 63 (Ekkamai), Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110. Tel: 065-664-1539. BTS Ekkamai, then a short walk. Also at Gaysorn Amarin (tel: 083-949-5646).

17 March is St. Patrick's Day. Bangkok has more Irish pubs per capita than most people expect, and tonight they'll all be packed with green beer and questionable accents. If you're looking for the real deal, The Dubliner on Sukhumvit Soi 34 and Mulligans on Khao San Road are the two most established options. Slainte.

See you tomorrow morning.

— Devon

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