Thailand homebuyers turn to renting as loan hurdles rise
SUNDAY, APRIL 05, 2026
Homebuying demand in Thailand is weakening as tighter lending and high household debt push more consumers, especially younger workers, towards renting.
Trump, Israel tighten Iran pressure before Hormuz deadline
SUNDAY, APRIL 05, 2026
Tehran warned of wider regional turmoil as Israel readied possible energy strikes and Iranian and US teams searched for a missing American crew member.
Thailand braces for dangerous extreme heat before Songkran
SUNDAY, APRIL 05, 2026
Thailand is expected to face intense heat on April 8-9, with some northern and upper central areas forecast to reach 43°C, raising serious health concerns.
Transport Ministry rolls out Songkran fuel plan for public transport
SUNDAY, APRIL 05, 2026
The ministry says public transport operators must ensure adequate fuel supplies, prevent fare gouging and keep services running smoothly over the holiday.
PTT says oil prices may ease in Q3 if Middle East conflict cools
SUNDAY, APRIL 05, 2026
PTT said oil prices could gradually decline in the third quarter of 2026 if the Middle East conflict eases quickly, though any fall would not be immediate.
The International Monetary Fund recommended on Friday that the Bank of Japan continue to gradually raise its policy rate toward a neutral level to bring down underlying inflation.
A liquefied petroleum gas carrier affiliated with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. has become the second Japan-linked vessel that crossed the Strait of Hormuz under a de facto blockade, it was learned Saturday (April 4).
Tokyo elementary school sisters discover rare cicada fossil
SATURDAY, APRIL 04, 2026
Two elementary school sisters from Tokyo have discovered a rare cicada fossil dating back about 300,000 years by breaking open a rock sold as a souvenir by a museum.