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.

Thai woman arrested after crashing BMW while drink driving in South Korea

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30 March 2026, 16:41

A Thai woman is facing an arrest warrant in South Korea after allegedly driving under the influence without a licence and causing a traffic accident in Gimpo, according to local Korean media.

Police in Gimpo said on 30 March that the suspect, identified as a woman in her 30s, is accused of violating road traffic, vehicle management and immigration laws.

The incident occurred at about 07:20 on 29 March, when she allegedly drove a BMW sedan and crashed into a stationary van at a traffic light. She fled the scene but was later apprehended after the victim reported the incident.

A breathalyser test showed her blood alcohol level exceeded 0.08%, a level that warrants licence revocation under South Korean law, police said.

Authorities also confirmed she did not hold a valid driving licence and had overstayed her visa after entering the country as a tourist. Two other Thai nationals in their 30s who were in the car were handed over to immigration officials.

Investigators said the vehicle had been acquired from a foreign national who had already left the country and had been deregistered.

Police are continuing to investigate how the suspect came into possession of the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding the incident, local media reported.

Gas blast destroys home, damages eight in Pathum Thani

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30 March 2026, 16:10

Gas blast destroys home, damages eight in Pathum Thani

PATHUM THANI — 30 March 2026, A suspected gas explosion destroyed a townhouse and damaged eight neighbouring homes in Pathum Thani province early on Monday, officials said, though no injuries were reported.

Pol. Lt. Col. Chonthan Promraksa, an investigator at Suan Prik Thai Police Station, was alerted to the blast inside the Chao Phraya Villa housing estate in Ban Klang, Mueang district. He and emergency responders rushed to the scene.

The explosion struck a two-storey corner townhouse, causing severe structural damage and leaving the property almost entirely destroyed.

A family of four, parents and their children, were inside at the time but escaped unharmed. The blast also damaged eight neighbouring houses, as well as one motorcycle and one car.

The homeowner, 46-year-old Pawannaphat Pranatphong, said she had been asleep upstairs with her children when a loud explosion shook the house, causing the ceiling to collapse. She attempted to flee via the stairs but found them destroyed, forcing the family to climb out through the damaged structure.

She said the blast sent shockwaves through adjacent homes, causing widespread damage. Authorities were notified shortly afterwards.

Initial investigations suggest the explosion was caused by a gas leak, possibly due to a valve not being fully closed. The homeowner said the gas had last been used for cooking at around 10:00 the previous day, and the family later went out for dinner before returning home at about 20:00, with no smell of gas detected before going to bed.

Pathum Thani governor Ekkawit Mipian visited the site and ordered disaster prevention and public works officials to inspect the structural integrity of affected buildings and cordon off hazardous areas over fears of collapse.

Temporary shelter has been set up at the estate’s administrative building for affected residents, with local authorities providing basic necessities. Engineers will conduct detailed inspections of all damaged homes to prevent further structural failures.

Cambodian court upholds 14-year jail terms for journalists over border photo showing unmarked landmines

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30 March 2026, 15:13

A Cambodian appeals court on 26 March upheld 14-year prison sentences for two journalists convicted of treason over a photo taken in a military-restricted area near the Thai border, local media and rights groups reported.

Pheap Phara and Phorn Sopheap were arrested in July after posting an image on Facebook showing them with Cambodian soldiers at Ta Krabei Temple, a historic site near the disputed frontier. The photo later circulated in Thai media, which claimed it revealed unmarked landmines, though Cambodia has denied such allegations.

The pair were convicted in December for “supplying a foreign state with information prejudicial to national defence,” a charge they denied. During the appeal, they requested a reclassification of the charges, arguing their content was intended to highlight soldiers’ resilience, not to aid a foreign state.

Sixteen local and regional press organizations criticized the ruling, warning that the harsh sentences could intimidate journalists from reporting in the public interest. “The use of broadly defined national security charges raises serious concerns about freedom of expression,” their statement said.

Information Ministry spokesman Tep Asnarith defended the convictions, saying the case serves as “a lesson for journalists to carefully consider national security and uphold the national interest,” adding that “freedom of the press must go hand in hand with responsibility.”

Cambodia ranks 161st out of 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index.

TikToker calls BTS flip-flops “embarrassing,” sparking online debate

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30 March 2026, 13:29

BANGKOK — A photo of a passenger wearing flip-flops on the BTS Skytrain has stirred debate online, with some social media users criticising the choice as “embarrassing” for the capital.

The post, shared by a Thai netizen, said: “Honestly, I can’t accept people wearing shoes like this on BTS. This is the capital city — it’s embarrassing in front of foreigners. Anyone agree, comment — don’t let me be the only one. It affects the image of the country.” The user added: “Really bad. Learn to wear sneakers sometimes.”

The post quickly drew a flood of responses, many defending the passenger and arguing it is a personal choice, especially in Thailand’s hot climate. Some pointed out that wearing closed shoes all the time can be uncomfortable.

Comments included:

“I’ll just walk barefoot on BTS and through Paragon and make all Thais squirm.”
“This is too much. The feet and shoes are clean, not muddy or dirty. Focus on something more meaningful.”
“Why judge so harshly? Tourists in Thailand dress comfortably and carry backpacks — locals do the same.”
“It’s crazy! Wearing flip-flops is their choice. It’s not a formal event, no dress code.”
“In Australia, people walk barefoot or wear flip-flops on Melbourne metro all the time. The difference is people don’t interfere in each other’s business.”

The incident highlights ongoing debates on social media over personal freedom, public etiquette, and cultural expectations in Thailand’s capital.

Cabinet to approve 10 million baht compensation for families of fallen border troops

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30 March 2026, 12:27

S__42385473_0 — Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree

BANGKOK — The Royal Thai Army is expediting compensation and welfare support for personnel affected by recent clashes along the Thai–Cambodian border, with a proposal seeking cabinet approval of 10 million baht (304,690 USD) for families of those killed in the line of duty.

Speaking on 30 March at army headquarters, spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said the army recognises the sacrifices of its personnel and is committed to ensuring they and their families receive full support.

He said benefits under the army’s authority have already been delivered to affected families, including royal assistance funds, war-risk compensation and special pensions.

Additional support from the government, including the proposed 10 million baht payment for personnel killed during operations in December, is currently undergoing administrative procedures. Since January, the army has compiled documentation and submitted it to the Budget Bureau for approval from the central budget.

The proposal is now being reviewed before submission to the prime minister, and will subsequently be forwarded to the cabinet for final approval.

Winthai said the army chief has prioritised welfare and benefits for personnel, instructing commanders at all levels to closely follow up cases and provide support to families as if they were their own.

He added that assistance goes beyond paperwork, including visits to families to offer moral support and assess any hardships, ensuring no one is left behind.

The army reaffirmed it would continue coordinating with the Prime Minister’s Office to speed up the process so that families of the fallen receive their entitled support as soon as possible, in recognition of their sacrifice in defending the country’s sovereignty.

Cambodia rejects IQAir data, defends official air quality readings

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30 March 2026, 11:47

PHNOM PENH — Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment has rejected recent pollution reports based on data from IQAir, saying they do not reflect actual conditions.

In a 29 March statement, the ministry criticised international coverage, including by Radio France Internationale, for relying on external data without cross-checking official sources.

Spokesperson Khvay Atitya said Cambodia uses a nationwide monitoring network that directly measures pollutants such as PM2.5. He argued IQAir relies partly on satellite data and modelling, which may not capture local conditions accurately.

He said air quality from 07:00 on 28 March to 07:00 on 29 March was “good”, with PM2.5 averaging 25.32 µg/m³, below the 50 µg/m³ standard.

Atitya added that satellite systems may misread humidity or fog as pollution, especially in cities like Phnom Penh, and urged media to verify data with national sources.

IQAir is a Swiss-based company specialising in air quality monitoring and pollution protection technologies, and operates the AirVisual platform, which provides real-time global air quality data. Its key markets include Asia and North America.

Man rides motorcycle to govt house seeking justice

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30 March 2026, 11:46

Man rides motorcycle to govt house seeking justice

BANGKOK — 30 March 2026, A man rode a motorcycle up to Government House on Monday, sounding his horn and shouting for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul while demanding compensation, before being intercepted and persuaded to leave by security officers.

The incident occurred shortly after Anutin had departed Government House at 10:20 to attend an external engagement.

At about 10:35, the man, later identified as Phongphichan Thanathiraphong, entered through the Chamai Maruchet Bridge gate and rode towards the Thai Khu Fah building, the prime minister’s office. He repeatedly sounded his horn and called out for the premier, demanding compensation and protesting a 500-baht fine imposed by Phahonyothin police.

Security officers on motorcycles pursued and stopped him at the steps of the Thai Khu Fah building.

Phongphichan claimed he was disabled and had been denied justice for 18 days. He also said he was a lifelong member of the Bhumjaithai Party and from the same home province as prominent political figures, including Newin Chidchob, chairman of Buriram United Football Club, and House Speaker Sophon Saram. He urged authorities to show sympathy, saying he had supported the party.

Four police officers stationed at Government House negotiated with the man before escorting him away on a motorcycle to the Government House complaints centre, operated by the Office of the Civil Service Commission, for further processing.

Local media reported that Phongphichan had staged similar incidents in the past, including driving a taxi to park outside the Thai Khu Fah building during the administration of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, as well as at the former parliament complex on U Thong Nai Road. He has also made similar appeals at the Ministry of Culture and at offices of several political parties, including Bhumjaithai, Pheu Thai and the Democrat Party.

BEDO hosts “biodiversity credit roadmap of Thailand” workshop to advance nature-positive economy

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Mc Marketing

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30 March 2026, 11:27

Bangkok – The Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office (Public Organization), or BEDO, organized a workshop titled “Biodiversity Credit Roadmap of Thailand” from 26 to 28 March 2026 at The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, Bangkok. The event aims to advance biodiversity finance mechanisms in Thailand in alignment with international frameworks.

The workshop supports the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework under the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, which sets the “Nature Positive” target to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and restore ecosystems over the long term. Biodiversity Credit is being developed as a market-based financial mechanism to mobilize funding from all sectors for conservation and ecosystem restoration.

Raweewan Bhuridej, Ph.D., Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, delivered the opening remarks and highlighted the implementation of policies under Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. She stated that Thailand has established a clear direction to integrate conservation with development through the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2023 to 2027. The plan outlines three key strategies and 12 major targets, including expanding protected areas to at least 30 percent of land and marine areas, maintaining the status of threatened species, and encouraging businesses to integrate biodiversity considerations into their operations.

She added that BEDO serves as a key agency in driving Thailand’s bioeconomy and has been studying international approaches to Biodiversity Credit, covering definitions, principles, assessment systems, and market mechanisms. These efforts are accompanied by an analysis of their applicability to Thailand, which has rich ecosystem diversity and therefore requires strong academic knowledge and collaboration from all sectors.

Tanit Changthavorn, Ph.D., Director General, Biodiversity-Based Economy Development Office (Public Organization), said in his keynote that the world is facing three major crises: climate change, PM2.5 pollution, and biodiversity loss. These challenges directly affect the global economy, with more than 50 percent of global GDP depending on nature. This highlights the need for innovative financial tools such as Biodiversity Credit to mobilize funding for conservation and ecosystem restoration.

BEDO is advancing the concept of a Nature Positive Economy through collaboration with the private sector under the Biodiversity and Business Sustainability program. The initiative aims to enable businesses to operate while enhancing natural capital, while also creating opportunities for local communities to access funding and actively participate in ecosystem restoration through mechanisms such as Community Biobanks and family forests.

The workshop also brought together experts from Thailand and abroad, including representatives from UNDP, the Asian Development Bank, Conservation International, and WWF, as well as leading academics and private sector stakeholders. Discussions focused on market trends, international frameworks, and global case studies related to Biodiversity Credit.

In addition, participants were introduced to the Business and Biodiversity Check tool, which helps assess business impacts and dependencies on biodiversity. The program also included practical training on developing Biodiversity Credit projects and evaluating credits in accordance with international standards such as VERRA.

BEDO expects that the workshop will enhance understanding of Biodiversity Credit in Thailand, strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, and support the development of policy approaches to drive the sustainable conservation and utilization of biodiversity in the long term.

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