Thailand News | Diesel hike hits drivers again as Thai subsidy support shrinks, Music video credit row deepens as rapper points to ChatGPT chat

Thaiger VideoPublished: April 3, 2026, 11:45 AM

257 4 minutes read

Today we’ll be talking about how Thai diesel subsidies are shrinking, costing drivers more at the pumps, in ASEAN news the Philippines has secured passage of energy deliveries through the strait of Hormuz, plus, police in Pattaya have launched a sweep of walking street to round up ladyboys who have been ‘harassing tourists,’ then there’s been a raid on a Bangkok school that had been employing at least 10 teachers working without proper permits, and a little later, if you’ve got a loud bike be careful as there have been more than 50 arrests in the past month of bikers disturbing the peace.

Diesel Hike Hits Drivers Again as Thai Subsidy Support Shrinks

Thailand’s diesel price climbed again on April 2 after the Oil Fuel Fund Committee reduced support, pushing standard diesel up by 3.50 baht per litre to 44.24 baht. Biodiesel B20 rose by the same amount to 39.24 baht, extending a sharp run of recent increases after an earlier jump on March 31. Officials said the move was needed to relieve pressure on the fuel fund and let market pricing play a bigger role. The latest change is expected to raise operating costs for transport and freight businesses and may filter through to consumer prices more broadly. Petrol prices were also adjusted upward, with several gasohol grades and E20 and E85 all moving higher.

Manila Secures Iranian Assurances on Hormuz Transit and Energy Deliveries

The Philippines said it received assurances from Iran that Philippine-flagged ships, energy cargo and Filipino seafarers will be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The message followed a call between Philippine Foreign Minister Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi focused on maritime safety and energy supply security. Manila described the discussion as productive and said it produced a positive understanding on protecting both crews and vital imports. The Philippine government noted that the country depends heavily on Middle Eastern energy, making uninterrupted passage especially important. Officials also said the assurances should help steady the delivery of oil and fertiliser supplies.

TikTok Clip Triggers Navy Probe Into Suspected Cross-Border Fuel Trade

Thailand’s navy has opened an investigation after a Cambodian TikTok video appeared to show fuel being bought from a Thai-flagged oil tanker. The footage, posted on March 31, showed workers on one vessel observing what looked like a fuel transfer from another ship flying the Thai flag. A Thai Facebook user later amplified the clip and questioned whether the sale was lawful, particularly as local fuel prices continue to rise. Navy spokesman Parach Rattanachaiyapan said the allegation is being examined and warned that anyone found involved in smuggling would face punishment. Reports tied the suspected cargo to subsidised green diesel intended for licensed fishing vessels, a product whose price has surged enough to force some operators to suspend work.

Pattaya Launches Walking Street Sweep of 31 ladyboys After Tourist Harassment Complaints

Police in Pattaya carried out an early-morning operation on April 1 after repeated complaints about tourists being harassed around Walking Street. The crackdown involved more than 30 officers under the supervision of local police and district officials. Authorities said the area had become a regular gathering point linked to several recent incidents that drew public and media attention. A total of 31 ladyboys were arrested in the operation, according to the report. Officials said they plan to keep up patrols and work more closely with local communities in an effort to prevent more trouble in the city’s nightlife zone.

Bangkok Raid Exposes Unlicensed School Employing Foreign Staff Without Permits

Authorities raided an unlicensed international school in Bangkok’s Prawet district and arrested 10 foreign teachers and staff accused of working without permits. Investigators said the school had been operating illegally for more than a year while teaching over 100 students at kindergarten and primary level. Those detained were reported to be from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nigeria. Police said the case followed information about unlawful school operations and unauthorised foreign employment. Officials also warned parents to verify a school’s Ministry of Education registration to avoid sudden disruption to their children’s studies.

Koh Phangan Moves to Cancel Visas of Three US Visitors Over Public Order Fears

District authorities on Koh Phangan have decided to seek the revocation of visas for three US nationals over behaviour they believe could disturb public order. The matter will now be passed to immigration police for review and possible legal action. Officials said the decision followed a committee meeting on the conduct of foreign nationals, attended by local administrative and law enforcement representatives. The three men were reportedly seen carrying a flag with a religious symbol, encouraging people to join a WhatsApp group and handing out leaflets promoting an activity in Koh Tao. Local businesses and residents reportedly feared the conduct could create unrest and damage confidence among visitors.

Kalasin Intensifies Anti-Racing Drive With 50 Arrests in One Month

Police in Mueang Kalasin said a month-long campaign against loud motorcycles and illegal street racing led to 50 arrests and the seizure of 50 bikes. The operation ran throughout March and included 31 checkpoints aimed at noisy exhausts and dangerous riding. Officers said the behaviour disrupts communities, increases the risk of serious crashes and places a burden on families. Riders may face up to three months in jail, fines of 5,000 to 10,000 baht, or both. Parents can also be punished under the Child Protection Act, with penalties that may include fines, probation agreements and security deposits.

Music Video Credit Row Deepens as Rapper Points to ChatGPT Chat

A dispute has broken out between French-born rapper Moon, who is based in South Korea, and Thai filmmaker Napussorn “Bouquet” Somlit over the directing credit for the music video Fresh Girls Stand Up. Bouquet objected after Moon credited herself as director, while Bouquet was listed as production manager. Moon later revised the credits to name Bouquet as co-director, but Bouquet said that still did not reflect the job she was brought in to do. Moon defended her position by saying she helped shape the concept, storyboard and locations, and shared what she said was a ChatGPT conversation to support her explanation. Bouquet has said the video had an 80,000-baht budget, that she was not hired or paid to produce it, and that she is now looking for a lawyer to pursue legal action.