Thai MP acquitted of lèse-majesté charges, from 2020 speech

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21 March 2026, 17:36

Thai MP acquitted of lese-majeste, protest speech charges — Piyarat's post on his facebook "Breaking: At 09:15 today, the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Court dismissed the lese-majeste (Section 112) case against “Toto” Piyarat Chongthep, ruling that his actions did not constitute an offence as charged." His comment says "The Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Court considered the case and found that the defendant’s actions did not constitute offences under Section 116 of the Criminal Code or the Computer Crime Act as charged, and therefore dismissed all charges."

UBON RATCHATHANI — 20 March 2026, A provincial court has acquitted MP Piyarat Chongthep, also known as “Toto”, of lèse-majesté and related charges over a speech delivered at a 2020 protest, according to court and rights group reports.

The Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Court delivered its ruling at about 09:15 dismissing all charges against Piyarat, a party-list MP from the People’s Party and former leader of the We Volunteer (WeVo) group.

He had been charged under Section 112 (lese-majeste), Section 116 (sedition) and the Computer Crime Act in connection with remarks made during the “Let the Children Speak, Let Adults Listen” rally at the city pillar shrine on 22 August 2020.

The court found that the defendant’s actions did not constitute offences as charged, ruling that the speech amounted to an expression of opinion on the origins of the constitution, institutional structures and historical conflicts, rather than assertions of fact that would meet the legal threshold for the charges.

As a result, the court dismissed all counts, including those under Sections 112 and 116, as well as the Computer Crime Act.

The verdict was also reported by Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, which said the court determined the speech fell within the scope of opinion and did not violate the law.

1.3 million meth pills seized along Mekong in Nong Khai

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21 March 2026, 16:10

1.3 million meth pills seized along Mekong in Nong Khai

NONG KHAI — 21 March 2026, Authorities in northeastern Thailand have seized 1.3 million methamphetamine pills worth an estimated 39 million baht (about 1.1 million USD) along the Mekong River, officials said.

The drugs were discovered by village security volunteers during a patrol of a high-risk border area in Sangkhom district, provincial officials announced.

According to the governor of Nong Khai, the team was patrolling the Mekong riverbank near Ban Pha Daeng village at about 08:30 on 20 March when they found three suspicious packages left by the water.

Officials later confirmed the packages contained about 1.3 million methamphetamine tablets following testing with chemical reagents.

Authorities believe the drugs were smuggled into the country by trafficking networks and left at the riverside in preparation for transport to inner provinces.

The seized narcotics have been handed over to relevant agencies for further investigation as officials work to identify those involved in the smuggling operation.

Seven novice monks allege sexual abuse by former Bangkok temple monks

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21 March 2026, 15:52

guardians-of-children-abused-by-monks — Ms. Pavena, president of The Foundation for Children and Woman, sits across from guardians who spoke out about abuse of their children by senior monks at a Bangkok temple.

PATHUM THANI — 21 March 2026, Seven novice monks have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against two former senior monks from a prominent Bangkok temple, with their parents seeking assistance from the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women.

The group requested support in filing complaints with the Anti-Human Trafficking Division (AHTD) on behalf of four additional novices, forming a second group of complainants. Three minors had previously filed complaints.

The case follows an earlier development from 26 February 2026, when Ms. Pavena, president of the foundation, accompanied three minors and their parents to provide information to senior officers at the Central Investigation Bureau, before filing complaints with AHTD. The allegations involve two senior monks acting as mentors who are accused of sexual assault.

On 21 March, parents brought four more novices to the foundation, stating they were victims of the same two suspects, who were arrested by AHTD officers the previous day. They also alleged that other monks, both within the same temple and from other temples, had committed similar offences. The families are seeking legal action to the fullest extent.

A parent of a 15-year-old former novice said the boy entered the monkhood during the 2023 summer term and stayed in the same kuti (living quarters) as a 47-year-old mentor monk. The parent alleged that the abuse began within the first week. Five novices shared the kuti, and all were subjected to inappropriate physical contact. Some were afraid to resist due to fears of harm or reprisal.

The parent said the alleged abuse escalated and continued over a prolonged period, lasting approximately two years and eight months. In November 2025, the boy informed his mother and subsequently left the monkhood. The family initially did not pursue legal action but later came forward after learning of similar cases being assisted by the foundation.

Ms. Pavena expressed appreciation to officers of the Anti-Human Trafficking Division for their work in gathering evidence, securing arrest warrants, and obtaining confessions from the suspects. She described the case as a significant example of law enforcement action against abuse.

Authorities are preparing further interviews with the four additional novices, who were identified during the operation.

Ms. Pavena added that three former novices who have already received assistance visited the foundation to discuss their education. The foundation will coordinate with the Ministry of Education to place them in appropriate schools.

For the remaining four novices — some of whom have already left the monkhood — parents have requested assistance in filing complaints as a second group, with appointments already scheduled with AHTD.

She added that the foundation will coordinate with relevant agencies to support those affected, including educational placement, psychological support through the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and compensation through the Ministry of Justice. The case will be pursued with investigators until the legal process is complete.

Soaring oil prices drive EV demand surge in Korat

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21 March 2026, 14:31

a picture of a man holding an EV charger in an EV

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 20 March 2026, A major electric vehicle (EV) dealer in Korat says tensions in the Middle East and surging global oil prices are driving a sharp rise in EV demand, with bookings increasing significantly.

Mr. Sudtirak Phansai-chuea, an executive at Ek Saha Group, said the current spike in global fuel prices and emerging shortages have directly influenced consumer behaviour, forcing many to adapt more quickly than before.

He noted a clear surge in interest, reflected in a sharp increase in showroom visits and enquiries about EVs. Compared with late last year, the number of prospective buyers has risen markedly.

While previous government incentives such as the EV 3.0 scheme helped stimulate the market, he said current demand is increasingly driven by practical necessity, as consumers begin to view petrol-powered vehicles as a financial burden rather than a convenience.

Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that the EV sector will continue to expand in line with rapid technological advancements — from hybrid systems to plug-in hybrid and extended-range EVs — gradually reducing reliance on fossil fuels and paving the way for fully electric vehicles. Conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, he added, are likely to play a diminishing role over time.

He also highlighted the economic advantages of EVs, noting that the cost per kilometre is around 20% of that of petrol vehicles — allowing users to save up to 80% on fuel expenses.

As an example, he said a motorist currently spending 6,000 baht per month on fuel could reduce that cost by around 4,800 baht by switching to an EV. The savings could then be redirected towards monthly instalments, making the transition financially viable for many consumers in the current economic climate.

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Python found coiled around Buddha statue in Nakhon Nayok

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21 March 2026, 13:30

Python found coiled around Buddha statue in Nakhon Nayok

NAKHON NAYOK — 21 March 2026, A three-metre python was safely removed after it was found coiled around the head of a Buddha statue inside a temple hall, local rescue workers said.

The incident occurred at about 10:30 at the viharn of Luang Pho Phra Phuttha Samrit Sitthichok in Mueang district, after the site’s caretaker alerted authorities.

Rescue teams responding to the call found the large python, weighing around 10 kilogrammes, wrapped around the head of the statue, which has been enshrined in the hall since 1989.

Using climbing equipment, rescuers accessed the back of the statue and carefully secured the snake by the head before gradually uncoiling it. The python was then placed in a sack and later released back into a natural habitat.

The caretaker, who discovered the snake while cleaning the temple grounds in the morning, said he was startled by the sight and immediately informed the abbot before contacting rescue services.

No injuries were reported.

16 foreign women arrested in Sukhumvit prostitution crackdown

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21 March 2026, 11:46

16 foreign women arrested in Sukhumvit prostitution crackdown

BANGKOK — 20 March 2026, Police and social development officials have arrested 16 foreign women accused of soliciting prostitution in a crackdown in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area, authorities said.

The operation took place at about 20:30 in Sukhumvit Soi 4, Khlong Toei district, following complaints from foreign tourists and reports on social media.

Officers from Lumpini Police Station, together with investigation units, Metropolitan Police Bureau teams, immigration officers and officials from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, conducted surveillance before moving in to make arrests.

Authorities said 16 suspects were detained, comprising 10 Tanzanian nationals, five Kenyan nationals and one Vietnamese national.

They were charged under Section 5 of the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act for soliciting or approaching individuals in public places for the purpose of prostitution in a manner deemed open and causing public nuisance.

Officials from the Department of Women’s Affairs and Family Development will impose administrative fines before transferring the suspects to Immigration Bureau officers. Their visas will be revoked and they will be deported under Section 12(8) of the Immigration Act.

All suspects have been sent to the Immigration Bureau headquarters in Suan Phlu for further legal proceedings.

Chinese scam gang posing as police arrested

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21 March 2026, 10:38

Chinese scam gang posing as police arrested

CHACHOENGSAO — 16 March 2026, Police have arrested members of a Chinese-led scam network accused of impersonating officers to extort millions of baht from victims, following a swift investigation by provincial detectives.

Officers from the Investigation Division of Chachoengsao Provincial Police arrested Mr. Sun, a Chinese national, at a hotel in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district. Authorities seized 5,484,200 baht in cash, three land title deeds and two vehicles for further examination.

The arrests followed a complaint filed by a victim who said he had been contacted by a caller posing as a police officer. The suspect allegedly claimed the victim was linked to a money laundering case and demanded that his funds be checked.

After a phone conversation lasting more than six hours, the victim withdrew 1,826,800 baht in cash and handed it over to a courier sent by the gang. He was later persuaded to transfer an additional 34,000 baht before realising he had been defrauded and reporting the incident to police.

Investigators traced the operation through CCTV footage and arrested a second suspect, identified as a courier responsible for collecting cash from victims and delivering it to Mr Sun.

Police said both suspects confessed to involvement in the scam, which caused losses of at least 1.8 million baht in this case.

They face charges including fraud by impersonation and entering false information into a computer system in a manner likely to cause damage to others.

Viral clip shows tourist threatened, robbed in Patong

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21 March 2026, 09:53

Viral clip shows tourist threatened, robbed in Patong

PHUKET — 21 March 2026, A CCTV clip showing a foreign tourist being threatened and assaulted before having his cash stolen in Patong has been widely shared on social media, raising fresh safety concerns in one of Thailand’s busiest nightlife areas.

The footage, posted by the Facebook page Phuket Times reportedly shows an incident that took place at 05:12 on 19 March near Soi Bangla’s seafood market in Patong, Kathu district.

In the video, a male tourist is seen withdrawing money from an ATM while a Thai man stands behind him. Two more men then approach, forming a group of three. The suspects allegedly intimidate and physically assault the tourist after the withdrawal, before taking the cash and fleeing the scene.

The page claimed the attackers may be linked to a group that targets tourists, possibly luring them with offers before coercing them into withdrawing money. The claim has not been officially confirmed.

The clip has triggered strong reactions online, with many users calling for swift arrests and tougher action, warning that such incidents damage Thailand’s reputation as a tourist destination.

As of now, there has been no official update from authorities regarding the identification or arrest of the suspects. Police are expected to investigate and take legal action.

US transfers 17 Stryker vehicles to Thai army during Hanuman Guardian 2026

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20 March 2026, 19:18

LOPBURI — The United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) has ceremonially transferred 17 Stryker armoured vehicles to the Royal Thai Army during the closing ceremony of Exercise Hanuman Guardian 2026, marking a new step in bilateral defence cooperation.

The handover took place at the Royal Thai Army Aviation Center in Lopburi and was attended by senior officials from both countries, including USARPAC Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Joel Vowell, Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Pana Claewplodtook, and US Ambassador to Thailand Sean K. O’Neill.

The transfer was conducted under the US Excess Defense Articles (EDA) programme. The vehicles, previously used by US Army units, are expected to enhance Thailand’s military capabilities and support ongoing modernisation efforts.

According to USARPAC, the Stryker vehicles will form the foundation of the Royal Thai Army’s 111th Stryker Regiment Combat Team, supporting both training and operational missions.

USARPAC Commanding General Gen. Ronald Clark said the transfer reflects the long-standing alliance between the two countries and its role in maintaining regional security.

“The US-Thai alliance is a cornerstone of regional stability and security,” he said, adding that the initiative aims to strengthen military capabilities, build trust and address emerging challenges.

Ambassador O’Neill said the transfer could also lead to future infrastructure development to support the Stryker fleet, potentially creating jobs and expanding defence and commercial cooperation between the two countries.

He added that such investment could position Thailand as a regional hub for defence sustainment and innovation, while opening opportunities for collaboration between US and Thai companies.

Exercise Hanuman Guardian 2026 is a joint military exercise between Thailand and the United States and remains a key platform for defence cooperation. This year’s activities included live-fire drills and cultural exchanges aimed at strengthening coordination and mutual understanding between the two armed forces.

Wild elephant raids kitchen, devours rice in Chachoengsao

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20 March 2026, 17:32

Wild elephant raids kitchen, devours rice in Chachoengsao

CHACHOENGSAO — 19 March 2026, A wild elephant broke into a rural home in eastern Thailand overnight, rummaging through a kitchen and eating stored rice, officials said on Friday.

The incident occurred late in Tha Takiab district, where local officials and rangers inspected damage at a house in Ban Khlong Mahat village.

CCTV footage showed a large elephant quietly approaching the rear of the house before forcing its way through a wooden kitchen door. Once inside, it searched for food, opening cupboards and using its trunk to scoop rice from a storage jar.

Homeowner Boonruen Sathuchat said she was startled when her dogs began barking at around 21:00. On checking, she saw the elephant attempting to break into the kitchen and quickly called local authorities for help.

Wildlife volunteers and a rapid response team were deployed to the scene. By the time they arrived, the elephant had already entered the kitchen, scattering rice across the floor while feeding. It later retreated back into nearby forest after officials intervened. A second elephant seen approaching the house also turned back.

No injuries were reported, though the incident left residents shaken.

Local officials said monitoring teams have been deployed to the area and further measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents.

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