Pollution, investments, cobra in bed: Thailand is in the French press

 

At the beginning of April 2026, the French-speaking press is following the kingdom on several fronts at the same time. An environmental disaster which is suffocating the north of the country, major economic announcements and some unusual news items. Press review concerning a country which, these days, never rests.

 

Chiang Mai étouffe

 

From the end of March to the beginning of April, Chiang Mai is among the most polluted cities in the world. Courrier International and Le Figaro relay levels of fine particles well above health thresholds. “It’s suffocating, we have the impression of being constantly trapped in the smoke,” testifies a resident in Le Figaro. Agricultural burns, fires and cross-border pollution add up. The terrain blocks the dispersion of smoke, and several provinces have been placed in an emergency situation. The French media point out that in the background, criticism persists over the absence of an effective legislative framework to sustainably fight against these pollution peaks.

 

EssilorLuxottica invests in Thai Afflelou

 

 

EssilorLuxottica announced the acquisition of a “significant part of the capital” of Top Charoenaccording to one relayed by Les Échos. The group specifies that “Thailand is a strategic center for production and marketing activities” and that this partnership aims to “advance vision solutions in the region”. This type of investment demonstrates Thailand’s attractiveness on the international scene.

 

Microsoft poses its données centers in Bangkok

 

 

This is another demonstration of the interest of American companies in Thailand. Microsoft plans to invest more than $1 billion in the country, according to Boursier.comwho cites Reuters. The investment includes “the development of digital skills of the Thai workforce”. A decisive meeting took place in Bangkok between the vice-president of MicrosoftBrad Smith, and the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul.

 

Excessive profits and fuel under pressure

 

 

Thai authorities accuse certain oil traders of speculative practices. Knowledge of Energies relays the information. “These actions amount to excessive profit from the rise in oil prices during the global energy crisis,” says Anutin Charnvirakul. Storage, smuggling and delayed shipments are believed to have contributed to shortages and rising prices.

 

A cobra in the bed in Krabi

 

 

In Krabi, a couple of tourists discover a cobra in its bed. According to West Francethe snake was “a few centimeters from their heads”. The animal, approximately 1.5 meters long, was captured without causing any casualties. In all likelihood, the snake would have entered the house to find coolness.

 

Adulterated honey made in Thailand seized in France

 

 

Finally, more than 15,000 doses of aphrodisiac honey shipped from Thailand were seized by French customs, reports Free Midday. The product, presented as natural, is in reality “a mixture of honey and chemical molecules similar to those used in medications against erectile dysfunction”. Without official validation, it “may present serious health risks,” according to a customs official.