Wednesday 11 March 2026

Good morning Bangkok. We're looking at 30-33°C (86-91°F) today, but don't get too comfortable. The Meteorological Department just issued a summer storm warning for March 11-13 covering the north first, then spreading to Bangkok by Thursday. PM2.5 remains in the orange zone. Meanwhile, your office AC might be getting warmer. Let's get into it.

PM Anutin announced yesterday that all government workers must work from home effective immediately, with exceptions only for public-facing roles. The energy-saving measures don't stop there: government offices must set AC to 26-27°C, overseas trips are suspended, and civil servants are being told to use stairs instead of elevators. Government spokesperson Lalida Periswiwatana confirmed the orders at a press briefing. Thailand currently has about 95 days of energy reserves, and the government is sourcing additional LNG from the US, Australia, and South Africa. But here's the part that should get your attention: if the situation gets worse, the government said it may consider mandatory measures including dimming advertising signs at shops, cinemas, and businesses, and closing gas stations at 10 PM.

Bottom line: This is the clearest signal yet that Thailand is taking the energy crisis seriously beyond fuel price freezes. If you're a remote worker, you already live this life. If you work in a government office, pack a hand fan. And if "closing gas stations at 10 PM" becomes reality, plan your fill-ups accordingly. The diesel price freeze expires in about 4 days. Watch what happens next.

The Meteorological Department issued Weather Advisory No. 1 (15/2026) warning of summer storms from March 11 to 13. The system hits the north first today, with Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Nan, and Phayao most at risk. By March 12-13, storms are expected to spread into the Central Region, Eastern Thailand, and Bangkok. Expect thunderstorms, strong gusty winds, hail in some areas, heavy rain, and lightning. The cause: a high-pressure system from China colliding with moist southerly winds while the region is still hot. After several days of 33-39°C temperatures, the temperature contrast creates unstable conditions.

Bottom line: If you've got outdoor plans this week, Wednesday is your best bet. Thursday and Friday could get rough. Avoid open areas, large trees, and unstable structures during storms. Secure anything on your balcony. And if you ride a motorbike, check the radar before heading out. These summer storms hit fast and hard.

Nashville hot chicken in Bangkok, and it's the real deal. Fowlmouth brines antibiotic-free chicken overnight in buttermilk and spices, double-fries it for maximum crunch, then hits it with a cayenne pepper glaze. You pick your heat level from Mild all the way up to "Death," which uses Carolina Reaper and ghost chili. If you survive, you've earned bragging rights. The chicken burger with slaw and curly fries is the move, or go for chicken and waffles with maple butter if you're feeling indulgent. They're inside The Commons, Thonglor's community mall with open-air seating and good vibes. Also at Mahatun Ploenchit and Saladaeng. 4.3 stars on Google. ฿250-500 per person.

TIP: Go for the tenders if it's your first time. Order one level below what you think you can handle. The "Medium" has more kick than you'd expect. Open 11 AM to 9 PM daily.

Address: Unit M6 The Commons, 335 Soi Thong Lor 17, Sukhumvit 55, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110. BTS Thong Lo, then a 15-minute walk or short taxi down Thonglor.

11 March 2011: A magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Japan, triggering the devastating tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster. 15 years later, it remains a reminder that nature doesn't check your calendar. With summer storms heading toward Bangkok this week, maybe secure that balcony furniture tonight (seems unlikely right now, but can’t hurt).

See you tomorrow morning.

— Devon

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