Thailand aims to become AI hub as Microsoft pledges $1bn investment

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31 March 2026, 15:56

BANGKOK – Thailand is stepping up its bid to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence, with Microsoft announcing plans to invest $1 billion over the next two years to boost digital infrastructure and skills.

The announcement came during a meeting at the Government House on Tuesday morning between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Microsoft President and Vice Chairman Brad Smith, who is visiting Thailand with a senior delegation.

Prime Minister Anutin praised Microsoft’s role in driving innovation and supporting Thailand’s digital development. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering cooperation with the tech giant to strengthen the country’s digital competitiveness and improve the efficiency of public services.

Mr. Smith expressed Microsoft’s confidence in Thailand, its people, and the government, saying the investment will focus on cloud and AI infrastructure, partnerships with local businesses, and human capital development. The initiatives aim to enhance digital skills across the workforce, including teachers, public officials, and new talent in data centres and technology.

The discussions highlighted several key points:

Investment in digital infrastructure: Microsoft plans to expand cloud and AI operations in Thailand, with government support for data centres and regional hub initiatives. The country’s strategic location makes it a natural centre for Southeast Asia.
AI and human capital development: Both parties emphasised the importance of upskilling Thai workers, improving AI literacy, and nurturing the next generation of digital professionals. Microsoft is already running training programmes for teachers, NGOs, and government officials to increase access to AI skills.
Public-private collaboration: Prime Minister Anutin stressed that close cooperation between Microsoft, Thai businesses, and the government will be a key driver in positioning Thailand as an “AI-first nation” and a regional digital leader.

Mr. Smith noted the rapid global adoption of AI, especially in Asia, and said Microsoft is committed to supporting Thailand’s digital economy and long-term growth through these initiatives.

NACC backs Supreme Court petition over 44 MPs case

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31 March 2026, 15:32

BANGKOK — 31 March 2026, Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has formally approved a petition to the Supreme Court against 44 former Move Forward Party MPs over their push to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code — the country’s lese-majeste law, which criminalises insults to the monarchy and carries heavy prison terms.

The decision, reached at a full board meeting, marks a procedural step forward from the NACC’s 9 February ruling, when it found grounds for serious ethical violations but had yet to finalise a court submission.

With approval now granted, the NACC’s legal office is authorised to submit the case to the Supreme Court, moving the matter from investigation into the judicial phase.

The case stems from a prior ruling that all 44 MPs breached ethical standards by jointly backing proposed amendments to Section 112.

If the Supreme Court accepts the petition without issuing additional orders, 10 sitting MPs from the People’s Party — successors to the dissolved Move Forward Party and among those named — would be immediately suspended from duty.

8 party-list MPs are at risk

Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, party leader
Sirikanya Tansakul
Rangsiman Rome
Wayo Assawarungruang
Pakornwut Udompipatskul
Nattawut Buapratum
Surachet Pravinvongvuth
Natcha Boonchai-insawat

2constituency MPs representing Bangkok are also affected:

Thirachai Phanthumas
Taopiphop Limjittrakorn

Further proceedings now depend on whether the Supreme Court accepts the case and how it rules.

Marine commander abruptly removed after border face-off with Cambodian general

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31 March 2026, 14:02

TRAT – The Royal Thai Marine Corps has abruptly removed a key commander from his post following a tense border incident with Cambodian troops.

Rear Admiral Apichat Sapsprasert, commander of the Marine Corps, ordered 17 officers stationed along the border to be relieved of duty, including Navy Captain Thammanoon Wanna, commander of the Trat Marine Task Force. Captain Thammanoon has been reassigned to the Navy’s humanitarian mine clearance unit.

The move has surprised many, as Captain Thammanoon is considered a key operational commander with a track record spanning southern insurgency operations and previous border conflicts with Cambodia, including leading forces to reclaim Thai territory near Ban 3 Houses and the Thamoda casino area in Trat province.

When contacted, Captain Thammanoon confirmed the transfer, saying the order arrived overnight and he was unaware beforehand. “I am currently packing my belongings and will hand over my duties tomorrow,” he said.

The transfer comes after an incident on 26 March, when Captain Thammanoon visited a container border post at Ban Thamoda. During the visit, Major Tony, a close aide of Captain Thammanoon, confronted Cambodian Lieutenant General Kum Kosal, who had challenged Thai personnel about the border containers. The containers had recently been marked with Thai national and naval flags, and the confrontation reportedly sparked the viral phrase among troops: “Watch my face.”

No official statement has been issued regarding the exact reason for Captain Thammanoon’s reassignment, but the border encounter is widely seen as a possible factor.

Bangkok to Host First-Ever Eurovision Song Contest Asia in 2026

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31 March 2026, 13:06

Bangkok will host the first-ever Eurovision Song Contest Asia in 2026, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced on Tuesday. The event will be organised in partnership with Voxovation, S2O Productions, and Thailand’s Channel 3.

Broadcasters from 10 countries across Asia have already confirmed their participation, with more expected to join in the coming months. Each country will bring its own voice, identity and storytelling to the stage. The Grand Final is scheduled for Saturday, 14 November 2026, with participating broadcasters selecting their entries through national finals in the months leading up to the event.

The contest will feature artists from South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan. It is the first time Eurovision will expand outside Europe, aiming to showcase Asia’s diversity, creativity and cultural energy.

Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest at the EBU, said the Asian edition marks a new chapter in the contest’s 70-year history. “This is about evolving Eurovision together with Asia, building something that reflects the voices, identities and ambitions of the region, while staying true to what has always made the Contest special,” he said.

Peter Settman, CEO and co-founder of Voxovation, added that the show will connect artists and fans across borders through participation and community engagement. The contest’s social partner, ZOOP, will provide a platform where audiences can engage with artists, join fan communities, and be recognised for their participation.

Bangkok was chosen as host city for its blend of tradition and modernity, offering a natural home for a contest built on cultural exchange. Officials say hosting the event will boost international visibility, tourism and Thailand’s creative industries.

Chuwit Sirivajjakul, deputy governor for policy and planning at the Thailand Tourism Authority, welcomed the announcement. “Bangkok has always been a place where cultures come together, where music fills the air, and where celebration is part of everyday life. Eurovision Song Contest Asia embodies that spirit, and we are proud to welcome it home,” he said.

The confirmed broadcasters are Channel 3 (Thailand), ENA (South Korea), Media Prima/TV3 (Malaysia), ABS-CBN (Philippines), VTV3 (Vietnam), TV5 Cambodia, Vientiane Capital Television (Laos), NTV (Bangladesh), Bhutan Broadcasting Service (Bhutan) and Himalaya TV (Nepal). Additional countries will be announced in the coming weeks.

Miss World 2025 shines as Songkran goddess in traditional Thai dress

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31 March 2026, 11:59

658079198_1412810037555056_5764865966717152491_n — Opal Suchata Chuangsri, Miss World 2025

BANGKOK — Opal Suchata Chuangsri, Miss World 2025, appeared at CentralWorld in Bangkok wearing a costume inspired by the Songkran Goddess, as part of activities promoting Thailand’s New Year festival.

Posting on the official Miss World page, Opal said her look was inspired by Nang Songkran, describing it as “a gentle blessing arriving for the new year, carrying grace in one hand and strength in the other.”

She invited both Thais and international visitors to join Songkran celebrations from 13–15 April, calling it one of the most joyful periods of the year, marked by water-splashing, laughter and the sharing of good wishes.

Opal added that she would return to CentralWorld on 13 April to take part in the water festivities and expressed hope to celebrate with the public.

She also noted it was her first time wearing the Miss World crown with the Chud Thai Chakraphat, a royal traditional costume, saying the experience made her feel proud of Thailand’s heritage and identity.

Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, is observed annually from 13–15 April. Each year is associated with a designated “Songkran Goddess” or Nang Songkran. For 2026, the goddess is Raksasadevi, depicted standing on a boar and holding a trident and a bow.

“Songkran is more than a celebration. It is a moment when Thailand opens its heart to everyone,” Opal said, expressing hope that visitors would feel the country’s warmth through its traditions and festivities.

Man kills girlfriend, relative in Kalasin house attack

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31 March 2026, 11:29

Man kills girlfriend, relative in Kalasin house attack

KALASIN — 30 March 2026, A 25-year-old man fatally stabbed his girlfriend and a relative in a knife attack at a home in Na Mon district, police said, with both victims later dying in hospital.

Police were alerted at 20:30 to an assault involving a knife at a house in Ban Non Thiang Sirimongkol, tambon Na Mon. Officers and rescue workers arrived to find two women critically injured inside the property.

One victim, identified as Chomchala Onprom, 44, had severe wounds to the neck. The second, Fonluang Khuasit, 20, sustained a severe wound to the back. Both were given first aid at the scene and rushed to Na Mon Hospital, where they later died.

The suspect, Cholachat Moi-pu, 25, who was the boyfriend of Fonluang, was detained at the scene. Police said he appeared agitated and incoherent and was unable to provide a statement.

Initial inquiries indicate the three had been sitting and talking normally inside the house before an argument broke out. The suspect then allegedly grabbed a knife and attacked both women.

A relative told police the suspect had shown signs of depression for about three days prior to the incident but had no record of medical or psychiatric treatment.

Police are continuing to question the suspect and are investigating possible motives, including personal stress, mental health issues or the involvement of drugs. Legal proceedings are under way.

Wildfires rage across Chiang Mai mountain areas

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31 March 2026, 09:37

Wildfires rage across Chiang Mai mountain areas

CHIANG MAI — 31 March 2026, Wildfires have been reported across multiple mountain areas of Chiang Mai, with blazes likened to “volcanoes erupting” on mountain ridges, as communities across the province grapple with heavy smoke and worsening air quality.

Overnight from 30 March into the early hours of 31 March, residents in several districts reported forest fires burning across high hillside terrain, casting a red glow visible from afar. A local resident in Doi Saket district said flames were clearly visible from their home as fires spread across mountain slopes.

Another resident reported capturing images of a distant wildfire in Luang Nuea subdistrict, Doi Saket, at 01:00, showing large sections of forest ablaze.

Separate reports indicated that fires had spread extensively across Doi Luang, with no authorities yet able to reach the area to contain the blaze.

Fires have also been reported in several other mountainous areas, while Chiang Mai city and surrounding districts remain blanketed in hazardous haze, affecting public health across communities.

According to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), 303 hotspots were detected in Chiang Mai as of the morning of 31 March 2026.

Samoeng — 42 spots
Mae Taeng — 42 spots
Phrao — 41 spots
Chiang Dao — 35 spots
Mae Wang — 20 spots
Hang Dong — 19 spots
Doi Saket — 18 spots
Hot — 16 spots
Doi Tao — 14 spots
Chai Prakan — 8 spots
San Kamphaeng — 8 spots
Chom Thong — 7 spots
Mae On — 6 spots
Doi Lo — 5 spots
Mae Chaem — 5 spots
Galyani Vadhana — 3 spots
Omkoi — 3 spots
Mae Ai — 3 spots
Wiang Haeng — 3 spots
Fang — 3 spots
San Sai — 2 spots

Cumulative hotspot data from 1 January to 30 March 2026 shows a total of 4,735 hotspots recorded across the province.

3 crew members missing from cargo ship attacked in Strait of Hormuz still not found

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30 March 2026, 19:20

BANGKOK — Thai authorities continue efforts to locate three crew members of the cargo ship Mayuree Naree, who remain missing after the vessel was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz.

At a press briefing at the Government House on 30 March, Panidol Patchimsawat, acting director-general of the Department of Information and deputy spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the ministry has been tracking the missing crew members since the attack. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeaw previously contacted his counterparts in Oman on 12 March and Iran on 15 March to request assistance for all 20 Thai crew members on board, including the three still missing.

Panidol said the ship’s owner, Precious Shipping Public Company, has deployed specialized search and rescue teams to inspect the damaged vessel. The operation has been hampered by fire damage and flooded engine rooms, but teams have conducted thorough searches of all accessible areas. So far, no sign of the three crew members has been found, and families have been kept informed.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to coordinate with relevant agencies and urges all parties involved to prioritize the safety of the crew and ensure secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz,” Panidol said.

Canadian tourist dies on Tiger Cave climb — second death in three days

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30 March 2026, 18:37

KRABI — A 54-year-old Canadian man died after collapsing while climbing the 1,260-step staircase to the summit of Tiger Cave or Wat Tham Suea Vipassana in Krabi on 29 March, rescue workers said.

Rescuers from the Krabi Pitak Pracha Foundation rushed to the scene after receiving an emergency call from the 1669 command center. They found the man unconscious at step 1,100, without a pulse. Fellow tourists and rescue personnel attempted CPR, but he could not be revived.

Due to the man’s weight of over 100 kilograms, rescuers had to carefully lower his body on a stretcher using ropes to bring him down the steep hill. Initial reports indicated he had been walking up the stairs with his wife when he suddenly collapsed.

The Tiger Cave temple climb is known for its steep ascent, requiring visitors to climb 1,260 steps to reach the top. The Canadian tourist’s death is the second reported at the site within three days. On March 26, a 68-year-old Thai man also collapsed near the base of the Buddha statue and later died.

Authorities have urged visitors to take precautions, especially in hot weather or if they have underlying health conditions, due to the temple’s strenuous climb.

Mysterious wild elephant swims across Mekong to Laos every year

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30 March 2026, 18:10

BUNG KAN — A wild elephant has once again crossed the Mekong River from Thailand into Laos, continuing a puzzling annual migration, officials said on 30 March.

Vissanu Kumpa, head of the Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, told reporters that volunteer rangers at Ban Tha Dok Kham spotted the elephant entering the river near Pak Huai Na Khok in Bueng Khong Long district, heading toward the Laotian side. The crossing occurred around 6:00, about 1.2 kilometres from the sanctuary’s boundary.

Phu Wua rangers are closely monitoring the situation along the riverbank and have coordinated with local Laotian authorities at Ban Khon Khueng, urging them not to harm the elephant and to alert Thai officials immediately if it is spotted.

Officials said the elephant has exhibited this behaviour for several years, typically between March and April. “It floats across the river because the water is quite deep, then walks on small islands in the middle,” Vissanu said. “We still do not know exactly what it does on the other side. Some think it’s looking for a mate, but it’s more likely in search of food — our side has been harvested, but Laos still has sugarcane and fruits it likes.”

The sanctuary continues to focus on the elephant’s safety, coordinating with Laotian counterparts while observing its annual journey.

8 party-list MPs are at risk

2constituency MPs representing Bangkok are also affected:

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