13,000 Malaysian, Singaporean tourists cross Songkhla border in one day for Songkran

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11 April 2026, 12:34

SONGKHLA — More than 13,000 tourists from Malaysia and Singapore crossed into Thailand via the Sadao border checkpoint in a single day as Songkran celebrations began, officials said.

The Sadao checkpoint in Samnak Kham subdistrict saw heavy traffic from early morning on 11 April, with tour buses and private vehicles entering Thailand in large numbers. On 10 April alone, about 13,000 visitors crossed the border, and authorities expect the figure to rise to around 15,000 on 11 April.

The surge is driven by Songkran festivities in Thailand, particularly in Dan Nok, where celebrations are being held from 10–14 April. The influx caused long traffic queues stretching 4–5 kilometres into Malaysia.

Most visitors are expected to stay in Sadao district before travelling onward to Hat Yai and Muang Songkhla to visit popular tourist attractions.

Immigration police at the Sadao checkpoint said additional officers have been deployed to handle the increased volume of travellers and ensure smooth passport checks and processing without delays.

Samnak Kham mayor Satit Liewwattanachotinan said this year’s Songkran festival aims to boost local tourism and revive the economy following recent flooding that affected many areas. He added that visitors can still stop by Dan Nok to enjoy water celebrations before returning to Malaysia.

Sitthiphong Sitthiphatprapa, president of the Hat Yai-Songkhla Hotel Association, said he expects tens of thousands of tourists during the festival period. Hotel bookings have reached 70% in Hat Yai and 80% in Samnak Kham, with an additional 20% expected from walk-in guests between 10–14 April.

He estimated that the festival could generate 250–300 million baht in tourism revenue.

Fuel price surge forces Thai motorcycle taxis off roads

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10 April 2026, 20:03

CHAINAT — Motorcycle taxi operators in Chai Nat province have stopped providing services due to rising fuel prices, leaving only one driver still operating at a local municipal market.

A field report at the municipal fresh market found that more than 10 motorcycle taxis had previously operated in the area. However, most have since ceased operations as fuel costs surged, making it no longer financially viable to continue.

The remaining driver said that soaring fuel prices have become a heavy burden for those providing passenger transport services. Many operators have suspended their work as they can no longer afford the fuel costs after deducting expenses.

He said he has had to adjust by driving more slowly to conserve fuel and increasing fares by around 20–30%, depending on distance. Passengers are informed of the new rates in advance to ensure fairness.

Customers have generally accepted the higher fares. Previously, a journey of up to five kilometres cost around 20–30 baht, but fares now start at 30–40 baht depending on distance, allowing the driver to continue earning a living without placing undue pressure on passengers.

“I’m not ashamed. I have to help my dad” — 15-year-old girl collects bottles to support family

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10 April 2026, 19:42

NONTHABURI — A 15-year-old student who was seen collecting plastic bottles to help support her family has received assistance after her story went viral on social media, highlighting her efforts to care for her paralysed father while continuing her studies.

The case came to public attention after a Facebook page posted images of the girl wearing her school uniform while collecting recyclable waste from roadside bins, as well as caring for her father, who is unable to walk due to a spinal injury.

On 9 April at around 17:30, reporters accompanied the page owner to a rented house in Khlong Khoi subdistrict, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi, where the family lives.

The student, identified as Benyapha Thanakornmnaporn, 15, is a Mathayom 3 student at Triam Udom Suksa Nomklao Nonthaburi School. She lives with her parents in a small rented room.

Her mother, Kritsana Rangsiyo, 49, works as a temporary school cleaner earning 380 baht per day and is the sole income earner in the household. She said her husband has been bedridden for 16 years after a fall that left him partially paralysed and unable to walk.

She said the family struggles with daily expenses, while her daughter helps collect and sell plastic bottles, earning less than 100 baht per trip. Kritsana said she felt both pity and pride in her daughter’s determination, but financial pressure has made it difficult to cover school expenses, including a 3,580 baht fee for continuing into upper secondary school.

The mother also appealed for assistance with medical supplies for her husband, including urine collection bags and drainage equipment, which are expensive and difficult to obtain.

The father, 59, a former maintenance technician, said he is still able to repair household appliances despite his condition and helps the landlord with small repair jobs in exchange for accommodation. He said he feels deeply sorry for his daughter having to collect recyclables to support the family, and hopes she can continue her education and pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.

Benyapha said she has helped collect recyclables since childhood and hopes to continue studying science in upper secondary school. She said she wants to become a nurse and is determined to support her family despite financial hardship.

“I’m not ashamed. My father is sick, I have to help him,” she said.

Page administrator Met Jaochainoi, who first shared the story, said he decided to step in after learning of the family’s situation and school fee burden. He said the initial request was only for basic necessities such as rice and medical supplies, but the urgency of the student’s education needs prompted him to provide further assistance.

Bangkok aims to upgrade Thai street food with new Hawker Center

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10 April 2026, 19:17

BANGKOK — The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has begun operating its “Hawker Center” near Lumphini Park, aiming to reorganise street vendors into a structured food hub that prioritises public benefit over profit, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on 10 April 2026.

Following an inspection of the site, Chadchart said the project was developed from efforts to regulate street vendors around Sarasin Road and the Lumphini Park area, where informal stalls had previously caused issues related to disorder and hygiene.

669328533 1294324282875718 6293332949542320927 n 1 — Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt

Under the new model, vendors are relocated into a designated facility designed to provide stable livelihoods while improving cleanliness and public access to affordable food. Around 130 stalls have been allocated in the centre, operating in morning and evening shifts.

Rental fees are set at approximately 60 baht per stall per day, which officials said is intended to ensure accessibility for low-income vendors in a prime city-centre location. The site is equipped with standardised infrastructure, including clean water systems, drainage, grease traps, washing facilities and dining areas for customers.

Authorities said existing vendors affected by the earlier reorganisation have been prioritised for stall allocation to reduce economic disruption and maintain continuity of livelihoods. Measures are also being introduced to prevent informal subletting or profit exploitation, including restrictions on transfer of rights and plans to implement facial recognition-based identity verification.

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The BMA also plans further improvements to the facility, including additional seating areas, fans and shading structures to mitigate heat. Officials said the Hawker Center model may be expanded to other areas of Bangkok in the future to create a wider network of affordable food hubs.

Located along Ratchadamri Road next to Lumphini Park Gate 5, the Hawker Center is accessible via BTS Sala Daeng (Exit 6) and MRT Lumphini (Exit 1), with nearby parking available. The site has also received support from private sector partners, including food delivery platform LINE MAN, which is assisting with payment systems, equipment and online sales channels for vendors.

“This project is not only about organising street vendors, but about creating opportunity, ensuring food affordability, and strengthening the grassroots economy while shaping the city’s identity in the long term,” Chadchart said.

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The Hawker Center features well-known local vendors from the Lumphini area, with rotating stalls operating from 05:00–16:00 and 16:00–24:00. The design combines Bangkok’s street food identity with international standards, incorporating environmentally conscious features such as temporary relocation of large trees during construction, natural ventilation to reduce air-conditioning use, and roof colours designed to minimise glare affecting nearby hospitals.

Stall layouts have been standardised at 2×2 metres for 130 vendors, with improved zoning for pedestrian and traffic flow, aiming to enhance cleanliness, safety and the overall urban environment while promoting sustainable urban development.

Ratchaburi goes big with 2,000kg Tom yum goong

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10 April 2026, 18:41

RATCHABURI — A giant pot of tom yum goong weighing around 2,000 kilogrammes was cooked at the Bang Phae shrimp and local products festival on 9 April, drawing large crowds of Thai and foreign visitors.

The highlight of the event, held in front of the Bang Phae district office, featured an oversized pan measuring 3.5 metres in diameter and weighing more than three tonnes. This year’s recipe combined three GI (Geographical Indication) products, elevating the scale and quality beyond previous editions.

Instead of the usual 600 litres of water, organisers used juice from 2,000 aromatic coconuts. Nearly 2,000 kilogrammes of GI giant freshwater prawns from Ratchaburi were added, along with premium GI limes and traditional ingredients including galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, mushrooms, tomatoes, chillies and fish sauce. The total cost of the dish was estimated at 100,000 baht.

The cooking was led by an honorary team of chefs headed by Ratchaburi Governor Thitilak Khampa, who used a giant ladle to stir the ingredients step by step according to a pre-calculated recipe.

Tourists gathered around the cooking area, many holding bowls and waiting to taste the dish, which was offered free of charge. Despite the lengthy preparation time, visitors remained enthusiastic, with many recording the process on their mobile phones.

Once completed, the tom yum goong was served to large numbers of visitors, including foreign tourists who queued to try the iconic Thai dish. Officials also interacted with international visitors in English, adding to the lively atmosphere of the opening night.

The festival also features a range of activities, including low-cost shrimp buffets, fresh seafood from local farms, cooking competitions, and a beauty contest themed around prawns. Food stalls offer grilled fish for 100 baht and various shrimp products at affordable prices.

Decorative light installations have transformed the district office area into a popular photo spot, further enhancing the festive atmosphere and attracting visitors throughout the event.

Thai princess gives special lecture on evolution of Chud Thai in The Hague

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10 April 2026, 18:01

669018671_1385870660251028_5665803377463786299_n — HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya

THE HAGUE — Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya delivered a keynote lecture on Chud Thai at an academic forum held at Hotel Des Indes in The Hague, the Netherlands, on 9 April 2026.

Chud Thai refers to a set of formal national costumes of Thailand, standardised into distinct styles that reflect the country’s cultural heritage, royal traditions and textile craftsmanship.

The event, organised by the Department of Cultural Promotion under the Ministry of Culture, marked the first international roadshow promoting Chud Thai as part of a broader initiative to showcase Thai textiles and craftsmanship on the global stage.

During the session, the princess presented a lecture titled “The evolution of Thai dress and textiles”, alongside a fashion showcase featuring all eight styles of royal Chud Thai and three types of royal shirts for men.

The event also included demonstrations of traditional Thai craftsmanship, such as intricate Yan Lipao weaving and gold and silver embroidery, presented by the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (SACIT). An exhibition of royal Chud Thai was held in collaboration with the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles.

Organisers emphasised that Chud Thai should be viewed not only as historical attire but as a living cultural heritage that continues to evolve through contemporary design while maintaining its artistic structure.

The development of Chud Thai for international recognition is rooted in the royal vision of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, who has long championed the preservation and promotion of Thai cultural identity, particularly in traditional dress.

Through extensive research and collaboration with historians and designers, the royal Chud Thai was standardised into eight styles: Ruean Ton, Chitralada, Amarin, Boromphiman, Dusit, Chakri, Siwalai and Chakkraphat. These are complemented by three styles of royal shirts for men, reflecting both cultural significance and evolving Thai identity.

Over the decades, Queen Sirikit has worn Chud Thai on numerous state visits, using attire as a form of cultural diplomacy, notably during official visits to the United States and Europe, including the Netherlands, in 1960.

The elegance of Chud Thai gained international recognition and led to collaborations with French designer Pierre Balmain, who helped introduce Thai silk to haute couture.

In 2024, Thailand’s cabinet approved a proposal to nominate Chud Thai to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The nomination will be considered at the 21st session of the Intergovernmental Committee, scheduled to take place from 30 November to 5 December 2026 in Xiamen, China.

French drug and money laundering suspect arrested in Phuket hotel

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10 April 2026, 16:43

PHUKET — Thai immigration police in Phuket have arrested a French national wanted under multiple international warrants for drug trafficking and money laundering, after tracking him to a luxury beachfront hotel in Kata.

Immigration police Region 6, working with Phuket police and the Royal Thai Police Foreign Affairs Division, detained the suspect identified as Mr Ani, 50, on 9 April at a hotel in Karon subdistrict, Phuket.

Authorities said they acted following coordination requests to revoke his permission to stay in Thailand and facilitate deportation, after intelligence suggested he was hiding in the province.

Investigators said Mr Ani was wanted in France in connection with large-scale cocaine trafficking from Dubai to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, allegedly operating as part of an organised criminal network. French authorities also reportedly linked him to more than 30 drug and money laundering cases.

Police said he had entered Thailand on a tourist visa, which had not yet expired at the time. However, immigration authorities later approved revocation of his stay permit after confirming the warrant information.

Officers located him at a hotel in Kata and found him standing at the reception area before identifying themselves and taking him into custody. He was later taken to Phuket Immigration for formal processing and translation before being held for legal proceedings and deportation in line with immigration procedures.

Swedish crime boss arrested in Phuket condo raid

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10 April 2026, 16:11

Thai police have arrested a Swedish national accused of being a high-ranking organised crime figure and subject to an international Red Notice, following a raid on a luxury condominium in Phuket.

Immigration police from Region 6, working with Phuket police, detained the suspect identified as Mr Boran at his residence on 9 April at around 12:00. Officers moved in after tracking his whereabouts based on intelligence reports and coordination with international law enforcement agencies.

Authorities said the arrest was made in cooperation with the Nordic Police Liaison Office and the Royal Thai Police Foreign Affairs Division, after confirming that Mr Boran was wanted under an Interpol Red Notice issued on 9 March 2026.

He is accused of involvement in serious transnational criminal activity, including weapons offences linked to a murder case in Arsta, Sweden, in 2020. Swedish investigators also allege he played a leadership role in a criminal network involved in drug trafficking and violent crime.

Police said Mr Boran had been living in Thailand on a tourist visa, entering the country on 4 January 2026, via the Khuan Don immigration checkpoint in Satun province. His permitted stay was later extended in Phuket but expired on 3 April, leaving him in the country illegally for six days at the time of his arrest.

Officers said he was found inside a bedroom of the condominium and taken into custody without incident. He was informed of the charges and his legal rights before being handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.

Authorities added that after the completion of legal processes in Thailand, he is expected to be deported to Sweden in accordance with immigration procedures.

Hat Yai Songkran: 200-litre water tank with ice for 500 baht

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10 April 2026, 15:55

Hat Yai has officially kicked off its Songkran celebrations with vendors drawing attention by selling giant 200-litre water tanks for 500 baht, as the city rolls out large-scale preparations for the “Hatyai Midnight Songkran 2026” festival.

From around 17:00 on April 10, stalls began lining Niphat Uthit 3 Road and Thamnunvithi Road in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, as the municipality, together with local agencies, launched the first day of the extended Songkran event in the city centre.

Sellers were seen offering a range of water-fight essentials, including water guns, ice, and large water containers. Some vendors prominently displayed signs advertising 200-litre water tanks with ice included for 500 baht, positioning them as ready-made options for revellers.

At the same time, the Hat Yai Municipality has prepared more than 200 large 200-litre water tanks across the event area, made available for free use by attendees. Officials have also set up a security command centre and tightened safety measures throughout the venue.

Local transport worker Paramet Karavee, 32, said business conditions have started to improve following recent flooding, with more work and income opportunities returning to the area. He noted that while tourist numbers are not yet at peak levels, early arrivals from Malaysia have already been observed entering the city through border checkpoints.

Prices for water and ice in the main festival zones, including Odean Junction, remain relatively stable. A standard set of a 200-litre water tank with a sack of ice is being sold at around 500 baht, a price level commonly maintained by vendors to avoid overcharging visitors during the festival period.

King of Cambodia confirms prostate cancer treatment

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10 April 2026, 15:00

Cambodia Independence Day — King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia

King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia has announced that he is currently undergoing treatment for prostate cancer following a detailed medical examination by a team of specialist doctors at a hospital in Beijing, China.

In a royal message to the Cambodian people, the monarch said he will require continuous treatment and will not be able to return to Cambodia at this time. Doctors have recommended that he remain under medical care in Beijing for ongoing treatment and monitoring for approximately one to two months. The King also extended his well-wishes to the Cambodian people ahead of the upcoming Khmer New Year celebrations.

Norodom Sihamoni was born in 1953 and ascended to the throne in 2004 following the abdication of his father, former King Norodom Sihanouk. He is the son of King Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. Before becoming king, he was known for his work in the arts, particularly as a classical ballet dancer and choreographer, and later served as Cambodia’s ambassador to UNESCO.

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