Phnom Penh bans water splashing, water guns for Khmer New Year

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25 March 2026, 16:53

Cambodia Khmer New Year — (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Phnom Penh authorities have banned water splashing during the upcoming Khmer New Year, as part of strict measures aimed at maintaining public order and safety during the festival.

The Phnom Penh Capital Administration announced a set of guidelines covering celebrations from 14–16 April, prohibiting activities such as throwing water, using water guns, and splashing coloured or dirty water. Officials said such behaviour could lead to traffic accidents, injuries, and damage to property.

The directive also bans fireworks, firecrackers, and other explosives, including their sale and distribution. Authorities warned that violators would face legal action under existing laws.

Officials urged the public to comply with traffic regulations and avoid drink-driving, while calling on businesses, religious sites and households to remain vigilant against fire hazards during the holiday period.

Police and local authorities have been instructed to tighten security, manage traffic, and prepare emergency response teams, including firefighting units, to respond to incidents. District offices will also step up efforts to curb crime, illegal gambling and youth gang activity.

The measures are intended to ensure a safe and orderly celebration for residents and tourists during one of Cambodia’s most important festivals.

HRW says Iran attacks on civilian ships may be war crimes

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25 March 2026, 16:25

Iranian forces appear to have deliberately targeted at least two civilian commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz on 11 March 2026, actions that could amount to war crimes, Human Rights Watch said in a report released on 23 March.

The rights group said the attacks on the Safesea Vishnu and the Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree were supported by statements from Iranian authorities, as well as visual evidence and maritime data. It said both vessels were civilian ships with civilian crews and there was no indication they were legitimate military targets.

“Deliberately targeting civilian ships and their crew members is a war crime,” said Niku Jafarnia, a Middle East researcher at Human Rights Watch, urging Iran, the United States and Israel to end unlawful attacks on civilians and civilian objects.

The report comes amid escalating tensions in the region. Between 1 and 17 March, the United Nations confirmed 17 incidents of damage to commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. At least seven seafarers and one shipyard worker were killed, while others were injured or missing, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Human Rights Watch said the attacks and ongoing threats to shipping have already disrupted global energy markets, contributing to rising oil prices and increasing costs in key sectors such as food and transport. The group warned that such economic impacts could harm the rights of vulnerable populations worldwide.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, carrying about a quarter of global seaborne oil trade. Analysts say continued instability in the area risks further supply disruptions and broader economic fallout.

Human Rights Watch also noted that Iranian officials had publicly warned of restricting traffic through the strait and, in some cases, claimed responsibility for attacks on vessels that allegedly ignored Iranian instructions. However, the group said such claims do not justify targeting civilian ships under international humanitarian law.

It called on Iranian forces to immediately halt attacks on civilian vessels, ensure the safety of crews, and comply with international law, while urging all parties to the conflict to avoid further escalation that could endanger civilians and global trade.

Thailand reaffirms heritage protection at Preah Vihear conservation meeting in Siem Reap

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25 March 2026, 15:53

Thailand has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural heritage protection and regional cooperation at an international meeting on the conservation of the Temple of Preah Vihear in Cambodia.

On 19 March 2026, a Thai delegation took part in the 11th Meeting of the International Coordinating Committee for the Conservation and Enhancement of the Temple of Preah Vihear (ICC-PV) in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Narut Soontarodom, Consul-General in Siem Reap, told the meeting that Thailand remains committed to protecting cultural heritage and fulfilling its obligations under international frameworks, particularly the 1972 World Heritage Convention.

He stressed that peace and stability are essential for safeguarding heritage sites and promoting cooperation and mutual understanding among all parties. Thailand, he said, is ready to work constructively through dialogue, mutual respect, and good neighbourly relations.

Narut also expressed confidence in UNESCO and the World Heritage Committee to facilitate open and balanced discussions, and to consider all relevant information in a fair, impartial, and evidence-based manner.

The ICC-PV, established by UNESCO’s Executive Board, meets annually to discuss conservation efforts at the Temple of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Koh Ker. This year’s meeting was co-chaired by China and India.

“Friends have a special place”: Iran says Hormuz is open after Thai vessel passage

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25 March 2026, 15:26

Emirates Iran War — Cargo ships sail in the Arabian Gulf towards Strait of Hormuz in United Arab Emirates, Thursday, March 19, 2026. (AP Photo)

“When we say the Strait of Hormuz is not closed, we mean it. And for the record, friends have a special place.”

That was the message shared by Iran’s embassy in South Africa on X, resharing a statement from its Bangkok mission about the safe passage of a Thai vessel through the strategic waterway.

The Bangkok embassy had said the Thai ship passed safely thanks to close coordination between Iran, Thailand, and the Sultanate of Oman. The statement highlighted Iran’s friendship with Thailand, adding that it “will not forget its friends.”

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow confirmed Thailand had informed Iran it is not a party to any regional conflict and requested safe passage for Thai vessels. Iran agreed and asked for a list of ships, which Thailand submitted. Two vessels were included: one operated by Bangchak and another by SCG Chemicals. The Bangchak vessel has already returned to Thailand, while the second is expected to follow safely.

The post comes amid heightened concerns over shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supplies. Analysts say Iran’s message aims to reassure international trade partners that the corridor remains open, with friendly countries like Thailand prioritised for safe transit.

Monks battle wildfire as hotspots surge across Thailand

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25 March 2026, 14:31

CHIANG MAI — 25 March 2026, Monks and novices were forced to battle a forest fire on a mountain near Wat Pang Makong in Chiang Dao district, as flames threatened to spread into temple grounds amid a wider surge in wildfire activity across Thailand.

Abbot Phra Khru Kasem Jariyanukul said he led monks and novices in fighting the blaze using leaf blowers and improvised tools, while cutting firebreaks to protect the temple and nearby mango orchards belonging to villagers.

The fire, which burned through a community forest on the mountainside, spread rapidly and took about one hour to bring under control. Damage is estimated at no less than 10 rai (1.6 hectares).

The abbot said wildfires occur around the temple every year, particularly during the dry season when fallen leaves create abundant fuel, forcing monks to remain on constant alert with firefighting equipment.

The incident comes as wildfire activity intensifies across Chiang Mai, where authorities reported 207 hotspots across 20 districts on Wednesday morning, with Chiang Dao recording the highest number at 39. Cumulative hotspots from 1 January to 24 March totalled 1,202.

Nationwide, Thailand recorded 2,145 hotspots in a single day, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency. Satellite data showed most fires were concentrated in forested areas, including 1,005 hotspots in protected forests and 884 in national reserved forests.

Across the region, neighbouring countries reported even higher figures, led by Myanmar with 6,495 hotspots, followed by Laos (3,047), Vietnam (683), Cambodia (631), and Malaysia (178).

Air quality has also deteriorated, with multiple monitoring stations in Chiang Mai reporting PM2.5 levels exceeding the safe standard of 37.5 micrograms per cubic metre, reaching as high as 79 in some areas and posing health risks to residents.

MFA, Interior ministry to host ASEAN disaster management exercise

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25 March 2026, 14:23

The Department of ASEAN Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, in partnership with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) of the Ministry of Interior, will co-organise a Special Programme entitled “Thailand’s Efforts to Strengthen ASEAN’s Coordination in Disaster Management and Tabletop Exercise” on Thursday 26 March 2026 at the Vithes Samosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and on Friday 27 March 2026 in Chainat Province.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has invited over 60 representatives from relevant Thai agencies, state enterprises, civil society organisations, embassies of ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners, as well as international organisations to participate in the programme.The Opening Ceremony of the Programme will be presided over by H.E. Mr. Chettaphan Maksamphan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The key objectives of the Programme are aimed at enhancing understanding of the existing ASEAN disaster management mechanisms, and strengthening coordination among relevant Thai agencies in accordance with the ASEAN Standard Operating Procedure for Regional Standby Arrangements and Coordination of Joint Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Operations (SASOP) and also Thailand’s role in disaster management cooperation within the ASEAN framework.

The Programme comprises activities as follows:

Day 1 (26 March 2026): (1) the opening ceremony, (2) a panel discussion on “Overview of ASEAN Cooperation in Disaster Management, Operational Experiences, and Regional-International Cooperation,” featuring speakers from the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Public Health, the AHA Centre, and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, (3) a Tabletop Exercise (TTX), and (4) a special exhibition on ASEAN’s disaster management cooperation and Thailand’s contribution;

Day 2 (27 March 2026): a study visit to the ASEAN Satellite Warehouse under the Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA) project in Chainat Province.

Members of the press are invited to join to cover the events. For registration, please scan QR Code below.

Drought drives hungry monkeys to temple in Trang

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25 March 2026, 13:47

Drought drives hungry monkeys to temple in Trang

TRANG — 25 March 2026, More than 300 long-tailed macaques have descended on a temple in southern Thailand in search of food and water, as a severe drought dries up natural resources in the area.

At Wat Khao Pina in Huai Yot district, abbot Phra Athikan Boonlert Techapanyo has been feeding the monkeys with bananas after they began leaving nearby hills in groups of 40 to 120 to approach the temple.

The monkeys, divided into four troops, have been taking turns coming down from Khao Pina mountain to the temple grounds, where they sit outside the abbot’s quarters or along the verandas waiting for food. The drought this year has been more severe than in previous years, leaving vegetation parched and water sources depleted.

Despite their growing numbers, the monkeys have not shown aggressive behaviour. Monks say they do not damage property or attack people, instead waiting calmly for food. Once fed, they typically return to the hills, but on days when food or water is scarce, they remain at the temple throughout the day, particularly in the morning and evening.

Some monkeys have also been seen foraging through rubbish bins or shaking trees to attract attention from monks.

The abbot said the temple has been sharing leftover food and fruit, but supplies are insufficient due to the large population, which continues to grow as most of the animals have not been sterilised. Some monkeys have migrated to a nearby hill about 500 metres away, where food is also limited.

In response, the abbot has appealed on the temple’s Facebook page for donations of fruit such as bananas, sugarcane and other food to help feed the animals during the dry season. Local residents have contributed, but demand still exceeds supply.

He warned that some monkeys have ventured outside the temple in search of food, where they risk being hit by vehicles, attacked by dogs or harmed by people.

“This year the drought is more severe and the heat is more intense than last year. Food has run out quickly,” the abbot said. “When there is no food, the monkeys come down to the temple. If there is food, they will not come.”

He added that the monkeys’ behaviour reflects hunger rather than aggression, insisting they remain docile and do not harm visitors.

Those wishing to donate food can contact the temple via its Facebook page or by phone, at 093-6150090, the abbot said.

Foreign biker sparks alarm with wheelie stunt in Phuket

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25 March 2026, 13:09

Foreign biker sparks alarm with wheelie stunt in Phuket

PHUKET — 25 March 2026, A foreign tourist has drawn widespread concern after being filmed performing a wheelie on a motorcycle in the middle of busy traffic in Phuket.

A 31-second clip shared on a local Facebook page shows the man accelerating and lifting the front wheel of his motorcycle while riding along Chao Fa West Road in Chalong, Muang district. The road was crowded with cars, motorcycles and trucks at the time.

The footage captures the rider maintaining the stunt for a distance before cutting in front of a green sewage suction truck and lifting the front wheel again, startling nearby motorists. The behaviour was widely criticised as dangerous and posing a constant risk of an accident.

The page captioned the video: “Don’t know what to say anymore, riding like this is dangerous for others on the road,” and “Does he think this is a racetrack?”

The clip prompted a wave of online reactions, with some users claiming the rider frequently performed such stunts. Others called on authorities to track him down, seize the motorcycle and take legal action to ensure public safety.

Lao man caught at Nong Khai border after killing and dismembering ex-girlfriend

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25 March 2026, 11:51

NONG KHAI — 25 March 2026, Immigration police in Nong Khai have detained a 26-year-old Lao man accused of murdering and dismembering his girlfriend, following his attempted flight across the Thai–Lao border.

The suspect, identified as Tom, was taken from the Nong Khai Immigration Detention Centre to an investigation room along with clothing worn on the day of the incident and personal belongings, including cash and a mobile phone. He had fled to Nong Khai after allegedly killing his 20-year-old Lao girlfriend, Ram.

Officers said the suspect is wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court on charges of premeditated murder and concealing, moving, or destroying a body to hide the cause of death. He admitted he was the individual named in the warrant.

During questioning, the suspect initially refused to speak but showed no visible signs of stress or remorse. He later told investigators he had been in a relationship with the victim for six to seven years and that they had married and moved to Thailand for work. He worked in a hospital kitchen in Bangkok, while the victim had sold meatballs before later taking a job at an entertainment venue in Chonburi.

He said the couple had argued frequently in recent months. The victim wanted to return to Laos due to her father’s illness, while he urged her to wait until the end of the month so both families could help mediate their dispute. According to his account, she refused and left him.

The suspect said he later tracked her to her workplace in Chonburi, where he claimed to have seen her with a male customer in an intimate manner and overheard plans to continue together at a room. He waited until the venue closed and persuaded her to return to Bangkok with him.

Authorities allege the man killed the woman at their accommodation using a knife before dismembering the body and attempting to conceal the remains.

He told police he went to work as usual the next day, leaving the remains in the room until the evening, when he disposed of them. He then fled by plane to Udon Thani and hired a motorcycle taxi to travel to the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai, believing a helmet would help conceal his identity.

Immigration officers became suspicious and arrested him before he could cross the border. Police said the suspect appeared calm and even joked about the speed of his arrest, remarking that Thai police were “very capable”.

After questioning, officers recorded his statement and said he would be transferred to investigators from Thung Song Hong Police Station in Bangkok to face legal proceedings.

Two monks caught with meth, defrocked in Kanchanaburi

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25 March 2026, 11:27

Two monks caught with meth, defrocked in Kanchanaburi

KANCHANABURI — 24 March 2026, Authorities in Bo Phloi and Sangkhla Buri districts arrested two Buddhist monks who admitted to taking methamphetamine and were later defrocked.

At about 12:30 on 24 March, Bo Phloi district chief Chawarot Makkaw and local police received a tip-off that two monks at a temple in tambon Bo Phloi were involved with drugs. Officers searched their quarters and found 2.5 methamphetamine pills in the room of a 35-year-old monk, identified as Tom, and seven pills in the room of a 31-year-old monk, identified as Phan.

Both men showed no sign of distress during the arrest and appeared relaxed, smiling at officers. They confessed the drugs were for personal use. The temple abbot was summoned to formally defrock them before they were taken to Bo Phloi police station for further questioning. Urine tests later confirmed drug use.

They were charged with illegal possession and consumption of a Category 1 narcotic. Police said the source of the drugs remains under investigation.

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