Wildfires surge to nearly 100 hotspots in Mae Hong Son

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24 March 2026, 11:49

Wildfires surge to nearly 100 hotspots in Mae Hong Son

MAE HONG SON — 24 March 2026, Authorities are battling an intensifying wave of wildfires after 96 hotspots were detected across the northern province on Tuesday morning, with hazardous air pollution continuing to affect several areas, particularly Pai district.

According to the provincial forest fire and haze prevention centre, satellite data from the Suomi NPP VIIRS system recorded the hotspots at 02:13. The fires were spread across multiple districts, including:

Mae Sariang — 44 locations
Mueang Mae Hong Son — 27 locations
Sop Moei — 8 locations
Pai — 5 locations
Mae La Noi — 5 locations
Pang Mapha — 4 locations
Khun Yuam — 3 locations

Air quality in Pai remained above safe levels, with PM2.5 measured at 51.2 micrograms per cubic metre.

Firefighting teams have been working around the clock to contain the blazes. On the night of 23 March, officials deployed water trucks and personnel to tackle a roadside forest fire along Highway 108 in Ban Doikham, Mae Sariang district. However, flames spread into forested areas beyond the reach of water cannons, forcing crews to proceed on foot to control the fire along ridgelines. The operation was completed at around 23:00.

In Sop Moei district, forestry officials responded to multiple satellite-detected hotspots in protected forest areas, managing to extinguish some fires while containing others by creating firebreaks due to steep terrain.

Authorities said some fire zones near the Thai-Myanmar border remain inaccessible, as officials fear the presence of landmines possibly left behind by Myanmar military forces. The rugged landscape, deep valleys and remote location have further complicated firefighting efforts.

Mae Sariang district chief Worasaek Phanthong said difficult terrain and safety concerns, particularly reduced visibility during night operations, have forced teams to adjust their strategies. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely around the clock to prevent further environmental damage and worsening air pollution.

Buriram teacher suspended amid sexual abuse allegations

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24 March 2026, 11:39

BURIRAM — 24 March 2026, A 54-year-old teacher at a secondary school in Lam Plai Mat district has been accused of sexually abusing female students over nearly two decades, prompting an internal response by the school and raising concerns among parents.

The teacher, identified by local officials as Sarawut (surname withheld), has been suspended from duty pending further action. Allegations reported suggest the misconduct occurred in multiple locations, sometimes in the presence of other students. It was not immediately clear whether police had filed charges as of Tuesday.

School director Panisara Senaphan said the allegations involve misconduct spanning several years and acknowledged the case has affected confidence in the school.

banner3 8 — School director Panisara Senaphan, who took up the post about two months ago, addresses the allegations and the school’s response.

“This concerns the actions of one individual, which has had a significant impact on the school’s reputation,” she said.

Panisara, who assumed her position about two months ago, said the school is holding daily meetings with staff to address the situation and consider measures to restore trust among students and parents.

Those measures include expanding channels for students and staff to report concerns, as well as reviewing supervision and safeguarding practices within the school.

Reporters visiting the campus during a recent admissions period observed a quieter-than-usual atmosphere, with relatively few families attending to apply for lower and upper secondary levels.

One parent said she remained uneasy despite the teacher’s suspension, citing concerns about student safety. She declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the case.

It remains unclear whether any formal complaints had been filed prior to the current allegations, or whether external authorities are conducting a parallel investigation.

The case has raised broader questions about oversight and reporting mechanisms in schools, particularly in situations involving alleged misconduct by teaching staff.

Officials have not released further details about the allegations, citing the need to protect students’ privacy.

U.S. praises Anutin on defense cooperation and regional peace

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24 March 2026, 11:36

President Donald Trump walks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to speak with reporters before departing on Marine One from the South Lawn of the White House, Friday, March 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

BANGKOK — The United States has congratulated Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on his re-election, highlighting the strong and long-standing partnership between the two countries.

In a message on 21 March, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s close cooperation on key priorities, including strengthening the U.S.-Thai defense alliance and supporting efforts to maintain peace and stability across Southeast Asia.

Rubio noted that Thailand has been a reliable partner in promoting regional security and addressing shared challenges, from joint military exercises to strategic dialogues. The Secretary also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to make both countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

“Together, we will continue to deepen our defense cooperation and advance peace and stability in the region,” Rubio said, underlining the United States’ commitment to working closely with Anutin and his new government.

Gunfight between rival in Phetchaburi leaves one dead

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24 March 2026, 09:57

Gunfight between rival in Phetchaburi leaves one dead

PHETCHABURI — 23 March 2026, A 21-year-old man was killed after opening fire on a rival group in a crowded market area in Ban Laem district, police said, in the latest escalation of a long-running feud between local youth gangs.

The incident occurred at around 20:00 on Nakhathiwat Road, in front of a market near Wat Ton Son in tambon Ban Laem. Police and forensic officers responding to reports of a shooting found more than a dozen spent shell casings scattered over a stretch of about 50 metres.

The victim, identified as Jaruwat “Fluke” Dangkong, was taken to Ban Laem Hospital by friends but later died from gunshot wounds to both sides of his torso.

A witness, a 62-year-old pad thai vendor at the scene, told police that three young men arrived on a motorcycle and stopped in front of her stall. Shortly after, another motorcycle carrying two men passed by and stopped in the middle of the road. The rider, later identified as Jaruwat, allegedly drew a gun and fired at the group of three.

One of the targeted men ran into the vendor’s stall for cover, while the other two returned fire. Jaruwat reportedly continued shooting while retreating before being struck by bullets and collapsing about 50 metres away. The three men then fled the scene on their motorcycle.

The vendor said stray bullets narrowly missed her, with one passing through a cooking basin beside her and striking a wall behind. She attributed her survival to a religious amulet she was wearing.

Police said the shooting is believed to be linked to an ongoing rivalry between two local youth groups, known as the “Khlong Wat” and “Ban Nai” factions, which have been involved in multiple violent incidents in recent years, including fatal shootings and stabbings.

Authorities said they have identified the suspects involved in the latest shooting and are working to apprehend them for prosecution.

GISTDA to push Thailand toward NASA’s Artemis lunar, Mars mission

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23 March 2026, 19:12

BANGKOK — Thailand is moving to stake a place in space exploration as the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) joined forces with 40 public and private organizations to push for involvement in NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send them to Mars.

The announcement came during a national conference on advanced space research at Pullman King Power Bangkok on 23 March. The event, chaired by Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, brought together government officials, academics, private-sector representatives, and the U.S. ambassador’s office in Thailand.

Dr. Nattawat Hongkanjanakul, GISTDA spokesperson, said the world is entering a “New Space Economy,” where private companies and emerging nations can contribute to rockets, satellites, and new space-based business models. “This seminar is a key step in boosting Thailand’s space capabilities. It lets us assess technological strengths, develop a strategic white paper, and prepare for formal collaboration with NASA under Artemis,” he said. Dr. Nattawat added that Thai expertise and technology could feature in future Artemis missions, possibly including Artemis III or IV.

German tourist rescued with CPR after drowning at Bang Sare beach

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23 March 2026, 18:37

CHONBURI — A 71-year-old German tourist was rescued after nearly drowning at Bang Sare beach on Monday afternoon.

Rescue teams from Sawang Rojanatham Sattahip Foundation and the emergency unit of Wat Yan Sangwararam Hospital responded around noon after receiving a report of a foreigner struggling in the water. The man, later identified as Mr. Wolfgang Kari, was found unconscious on the shore. Good Samaritans and nearby tourists performed CPR until he regained a pulse before he was rushed to the hospital for urgent treatment.

Eyewitnesses said the tourist was swimming as usual when he appeared dizzy and fell backward into the water. He eventually flipped face-down, prompting immediate assistance from bystanders. Authorities reminded visitors to exercise caution when swimming, especially the elderly or those with underlying health conditions, and to avoid swimming alone.

Myanmar man arrested for stealing Vietnamese tourist’s bag at Bangkok shopping mall

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23 March 2026, 18:22

BANGKOK — Police have arrested a Myanmar national for allegedly stealing a Vietnamese tourist’s backpack at a shopping mall in central Bangkok, solving the case within two hours.

The incident occurred at around 19:40 on 22 March, when Quach Thi Thanh Hien, a Vietnamese tourist, was shopping at a mall in the Pathumwan area. Her backpack was reportedly stolen without her noticing. She later filed a complaint with Pathumwan Police Station at 20:23.

Investigators quickly reviewed CCTV footage and identified the suspect as a slim-built man wearing a T-shirt and dark trousers, who was seen leaving the mall towards Phaya Thai Road. Police tracked him to Soi Nomjit, where they found and arrested a 31-year-old Myanmar man identified as Lane.

During questioning, the suspect, who can speak Thai fluently, confessed to the crime. Police recovered the stolen items from his room, including a black backpack and cash in multiple currencies, such as 9,500 baht, US dollars and Vietnamese dong.

The victim later confirmed the belongings were hers. The suspect has been charged with theft at night and handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.

New geckos discovered in Battambang caves

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23 March 2026, 17:54

Cambodia’s Environment Ministry has announced the discovery of several new species following a biodiversity study in mountain areas, highlighting the ecological importance of these landscapes.

The report, published on 23 March 2026, documented wildlife found in more than 60 caves across 10 sites in the Phnom Thma Kambor area of Battambang province. The study, conducted in collaboration with Fauna & Flora and taxonomy experts, identified a range of species, many of which are endemic to the area.

Researchers confirmed seven new species for science, including three geckos, two snails and two millipedes. Additional species, including other geckos and a pit viper, are currently undergoing identification.

The study also recorded the presence of several globally threatened species, such as pangolins, langurs, macaques, peafowl and serow, underlining the need for urgent conservation efforts. The landscapes, characterised by caves, sinkholes and underground water systems, are considered among the most biodiverse yet least studied habitats.

Officials warned that these ecosystems face increasing threats from mining, unsustainable tourism, forest fires, deforestation and illegal hunting. Environment Ministry spokesperson Khvay Atitya said the findings reaffirm Cambodia’s rich natural resources and the importance of balancing development with conservation.

Conservation groups said further research is needed, as many species in the region remain undiscovered, and urged stronger protection to prevent biodiversity loss.

Thai Grade 3 boy beaten 17 times for failing Arabic reading

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23 March 2026, 17:21

BANGKOK — A mother has sought help after her nine-year-old son was allegedly beaten 17 times by a teacher at an Islamic religious school in Nong Chok, leaving bruises on his arm.

The 25-year-old mother, Thinyada, brought her Grade 3 son to seek assistance from Ekkapop Lueangprasert, founder of the “Sai Mai Tong Rod” page. She said the incident occurred on 13 March after her son attended evening religious classes following his regular school day.

According to the mother, she initially thought the punishment was minor when her son told her he had been hit. However, upon returning home, she found visible bruises and marks on his arm. The boy later said he was struck 17 times for failing to read 17 Arabic words, under a rule that students would be hit once for each mistake.

The mother said she contacted the school and the teacher but was unable to speak directly with him. Instead, the teacher’s wife told her he felt remorse. No apology or visit followed, prompting her to file a complaint with Lam Hin Police Station. She said she would pursue legal action if no resolution is reached.

She added that she does not plan to withdraw her son from the school, but wants the teacher to resign, citing concerns over repeated violent behaviour. Other parents have also come forward, alleging similar incidents involving their children.

Ekkapop advised the mother to pursue legal action and take the child for a medical examination to document injuries, while his team would help coordinate with police to expedite the case.

Fuel shortage sees Kamphaeng Phet residents queue overnight

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23 March 2026, 16:47

KAMPHAENG PHET — 22 March 2026, Residents, many of them farmers, camped overnight outside a petrol station as fuel demand surged, with some saying they feared missing out more than mosquito bites.

Large crowds gathered at a PT petrol station from the evening bringing containers, mats and pillows to secure a place in line while awaiting a fuel delivery.

The station imposed emergency measures to ration supply, limiting purchases to no more than 3,000 baht per vehicle or container to ensure broader distribution. Officials said only about 4,000 litres of fuel were expected to arrive, far short of demand.

Customers who missed out despite holding membership cards were offered 100 bonus points as compensation after supplies ran out before their turn.

The shortage has hit farmers particularly hard, forcing them to wait for hours, while other residents have also had to adjust to long queues and uncertainty over access to fuel.

One resident joked: “I’m not afraid of mosquitoes, I’m afraid of not getting fuel.”

Station staff have also come under strain, managing long queues and explaining restrictions to frustrated customers as they await incoming deliveries aimed at easing the shortage.

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