Kan Jompalang proposes jet ski rescue plan for missing Thai sailors near Hormuz

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13 March 2026, 11:40

BANGKOK — Kanthat Pongpaiboonvej, widely known as Kan Jompalang, has proposed sending a jet ski team to help search for three missing Thai crew members after a Thai cargo vessel was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz.

The vessel Mayuree Naree was reportedly attacked near the strait, leaving three Thai crew members still missing.

Kan Jompalang is a well-known Thai activist who has taken part in several rescue and relief efforts during disasters and emergencies.

Kan Jompalang met the family of one of the missing sailors on Thursday to update them on the situation and discuss possible ways to assist the search efforts.

He said that if the missing crew members are not found soon, the families could provide additional information to the Royal Thai Navy to help authorities assess the situation and support rescue operations.

Kan Jompalang said he regularly works with the navy and has shared information with the force, although other agencies have not contacted him so far.

“We want to help Thai people overseas. Right now three Thais are still missing and we do not know whether they are safe. We must help bring them back,” he said.

He added that he had suggested a possible rescue plan to the navy using inflatable boats or jet skis, arguing that smaller craft might be less likely to become targets than large vessels.

Kan Jompalang said his team includes several world champion jet ski riders who could assist in the operation if requested by the navy.

“If the navy wants support, our team is ready to deploy and work together with them,” he said.

However, the proposal has drawn widespread criticism online, with some people saying the situation involves conflict in a foreign region and should be handled by the navy. Others questioned whether jet skis could operate safely in the Arabian Sea.

Responding to critics in a social media post, Kan Jompalang said the idea was only a proposal and noted that unconventional rescue methods had worked in past operations.

He said his team had previously used jet skis to evacuate injured people from dangerous areas during disasters and emergencies.

Kan Jompalang estimated the distance to the vessel at about 30 kilometres from shore, which he said jet skis could reach within their fuel range.

He stressed that the idea was only one option and that his team would act only if authorities considered it useful.

“If the operation team sees it as helpful, we are ready to cover all expenses ourselves,” he said, adding that coordination with the host country and local authorities would be needed.

Ayutthaya marks Thai Elephant Day with feast for 70 elephants

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13 March 2026, 11:39

Ayutthaya marks Thai Elephant Day with feast for 70 elephants

AYUTTHAYA — 13 March 2026, Elephant handlers in Thailand’s historic city of Ayutthaya held religious rites and prepared a large fruit banquet for 70 elephants on Friday to mark Thai Elephant Day and honour elephants that have died.

The ceremony took place at the Royal Elephant Kraal Village in Suan Phrik subdistrict of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province.

Laitongrian Meephan, owner of Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Kraal and chairman of the Phra Kochaban Foundation, led mahouts in a ritual offering at the Pa Kam elephant shrine, which is revered by elephant handlers.

Buddhist monks, led by Phra Yantrilok, deputy chief monk of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province and abbot of Boromwong Isarawararam Ratchaworawihan temple, chanted prayers while mahouts and elephants offered alms to dedicate merit to elephants that had died.

A well-known monk in the province, Phra Khru Kasem Chanthawimon, also known as Ajarn Daeng of Wat Pom Ramanya, sprinkled holy water over the elephants and their handlers for good fortune.

Handlers then arranged a Chinese-style banquet table filled with fruit for the elephants. The feast included corn, watermelon, cucumbers and bananas.

Seventy elephants took part in the event and were seen eagerly eating the food prepared for them.

Laitongrian said the Phra Kochaban Foundation and the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Kraal have organised fruit banquets and activities for elephants for more than 20 years in cooperation with government agencies and private organisations.

He added that elephant owners have also formed a group called “Kachasarn Khu Phaendin” to work with the government to address issues faced by people who raise elephants.

Thai Elephant Day is marked annually on 13 March, after a national committee declared the white elephant a national symbol of Thailand.

Authorities in Ayutthaya organise annual celebrations on the day to encourage Thais to value and protect elephants, which have long been regarded as a symbol of the nation and historically fought alongside Thai kings in ancient battles.

Thai king and queen to pay state visit to Laos

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13 March 2026, 11:07

BANGKOK — Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand will pay a state visit to Laos from 16–18 March 2026 at the invitation of Thongloun Sisoulith, president of Laos, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday.

The visit aims to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and close relations between Thailand and Laos.

It will mark the first visit by a Thai monarch to Laos in 32 years since Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother visited the country on 7–8 April 1994.

According to the ministry, Their Majesties the King and Queen will attend an official welcoming ceremony and meet Thongloun Sisoulith, president of Laos, and his spouse at the Presidential Palace on 17 March.

They will also grant audiences to Sonexay Siphandone, prime minister of Laos, and his spouse, as well as Xaysomphone Phomvihane, president of the National Assembly of Laos, and his spouse.

In the evening, Their Majesties will attend a blessing ceremony and a state banquet hosted by the Lao president at the Presidential Palace.

During the visit, Their Majesties will visit the Huayxone–Huayxua Agricultural Development Service Center, the first royal project in Laos initiated by King Bhumibol Adulyadej. They will also pay homage at Pha That Luang and view an exhibition of Lao silk and traditional textiles at the Traditional Lao Silk Residence.

The visit follows the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Laos in 2025 and is expected to further strengthen ties and people-to-people relations between the two neighbouring countries, the ministry said.

Pattaya hotel owner says 6.5 million baht in crypto suspiciously sold in trading app

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13 March 2026, 10:57

The victim shows reporters the Google Authenticator app on his phone while explaining the suspected unauthorised crypto trades that drained millions of baht from his account

CHONBURI — 12 March 2026, A Pattaya hotel owner has appealed to the media after digital assets worth about 6.5 million baht in a Thai cryptocurrency trading app were mysteriously sold, before the funds were used to buy a token whose price briefly spiked abnormally. The incident left the account with less than 50,000 baht remaining.

At 21:06 on Thursday, Tewin Wongsawisutthikul, 42, the owner of a hotel in Pattaya, approached reporters to report the incident. He said digital assets held in his cryptocurrency account on a Thailand-based trading application were sold without his knowledge, reducing the value of his holdings from more than 6.5 million baht to under 50,000 baht.

Tewin said he had accumulated cryptocurrency in the electronic wallet linked to the app and had already enabled two-factor authentication (2FA) for security. However, late the previous night he received a security alert via email, which raised his suspicions. He said he immediately stopped using the account and contacted the platform to temporarily suspend deposits and withdrawals.

Despite this, when he checked the system again later that afternoon, he found that the digital assets in his account had been gradually sold off multiple times starting at about 06:00 until the balance was depleted.

banenr3 — Tewin Wongsawisutthikul shows reporters his phone, which indicate his cryptocurrency holdings were rapidly liquidated in the morning

According to Tewin, the proceeds were then used to purchase 10,538 units of the cryptocurrency TAIKO at a price of more than 600 baht per coin, totalling roughly 6.5 million baht.

He said the token typically trades at around 3 baht per coin. However, during a roughly four-minute window, the price surged abnormally by more than 600 times, before dropping back to around 3 baht. As a result, the value of the assets in his account fell to less than 50,000 baht.

banner2 12 — A photograph of Tewin’s phone shows the price of TAIKO briefly spiking to about 600 baht before quickly dropping back to around 3 baht on bitkub

After the incident, the victim said he contacted the company that operates the trading application but was told only that the case would be investigated and that the results would be reported later.

Tewin said he remains deeply concerned and urged the company to quickly investigate what happened. He added that he hopes to recover his digital assets.

He has also filed a police complaint with investigators at Pattaya City Police Station.

Frenchman on Interpol red notice arrested in Phuket

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13 March 2026, 09:49

Frenchman on Interpol red notice arrested in Phuket

PHUKET — 12 March 2026, Thai immigration police have arrested a French national in Phuket who was wanted on an Interpol red notice for attempted murder in France, authorities said.

The arrest followed a crackdown ordered by senior immigration officials aimed at targeting foreign nationals hiding in Thailand while fleeing criminal cases abroad, as well as groups entering the country to commit transnational crimes.

Police said the French Embassy in Thailand coordinated with the Royal Thai Police’s Foreign Affairs Division to request assistance in locating, arresting and deporting the suspect, believed to have been hiding in Phuket province.

Immigration officers from Phuket located and detained the suspect, identified as Faisal, a 46-year-old French national, at a house in Rawai subdistrict in Muang district of Phuket.

According to authorities, the French Embassy requested cooperation after the man was identified as the subject of a French arrest warrant and an Interpol red notice on a charge of attempted murder with a weapon.

Police said the case stems from an incident in France in which a dispute escalated into gunfire, leaving another person injured. Faisal is suspected of being the gunman.

Investigators later determined that he had fled France and travelled to Thailand.

Immigration officials subsequently sought approval to revoke his permission to stay in the kingdom under the Immigration Act, citing the foreign arrest warrant issued against him.

After the revocation was approved, officers tracked him to a residence in Rawai and moved in to make the arrest.

Authorities said the suspect admitted his identity and confirmed that he was the person named in the warrant.

Records show he last entered Thailand on 23 January 2026 under a visa-exemption scheme, with permission to stay until 23 March 2026.

He was taken to Phuket Immigration for formal notification of the visa revocation through an interpreter and is being held for further legal proceedings and deportation.

Thailand advances to first round of bid to host WorldPride 2030

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12 March 2026, 19:24

Thailand Pride Parade — The 2024 Pride Parade in Bangkok, Thailand (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

BANGKOK — Thailand has advanced to the first round in its bid to host the global LGBTQ+ event WorldPride 2030, with Bangkok competing alongside London and Barcelona, officials said.

The development was discussed at a preparatory meeting on 11 March chaired by Natthriya Thaweevong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, as authorities and partners coordinated efforts to strengthen Thailand’s proposal.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau and private-sector partner Narumit Pride Co., Ltd. at the Government Complex in Bangkok.

Natthriya said bidding to host WorldPride 2030 presents an important opportunity for Thailand to showcase its tourism potential, capacity to organise international events and commitment to social openness.

Participants discussed cooperation between government agencies, the private sector and civil society to prepare infrastructure, tourist facilitation, public relations campaigns and activities that meet international standards.

If Thailand secures the hosting rights, the event would help boost high-quality tourism, generate economic activity and enhance the country’s image as a diverse and welcoming destination, she said.

Thailand is promoting its recent progress on marriage equality and the strength of its LGBTQ+ community as key advantages in the bid, with hopes of becoming the first country in Asia to host the global pride festival.

WorldPride is a series of international LGBTQ+ pride events coordinated by InterPride, with host cities selected through bids voted on at the organisation’s annual general meeting.

Thailand demands apology from Iran over Thai ship attack near Hormuz

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12 March 2026, 18:15

651292224_1380590327443384_4418790372867799421_n — Sirilak Niyom, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, meets Nassereddin Heidari, Ambassador of Iran to Thailand, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand in Bangkok on 12 March 2026.

BANGKOK — Thailand has lodged a formal protest with Iran following an incident in which a Thai-flagged cargo ship was hit and damaged while sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting 23 Thai crew members on board.

On 12 March 2026, Sirilak Niyom, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, held talks with Nassereddin Heidari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Thailand, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

During the meeting, Sirilak raised concerns over the incident involving the Thai-flagged cargo ship Mayuree Naree, which was struck and damaged while sailing through the strategic waterway after departing from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates.

She conveyed Thailand’s strongest protest over the incident and requested that Iranian authorities issue a statement of apology and clarify the facts surrounding the event. The Thai side also expressed hope that such an incident would not occur again.

650094700 1380590317443385 8539179874827975993 n — Nassereddin Heidari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Thailand

The Iranian ambassador expressed condolences over the incident and said he would promptly convey Thailand’s protest to authorities in Tehran.

Sirilak also voiced concern over rising tensions in the region and called on all parties to exercise restraint, return to diplomatic dialogue and ensure the safety of civilians.

She also thanked the Iranian government for facilitating the evacuation of Thai nationals from Iran on 7 and 10 March 2026 and asked authorities to continue ensuring the safety of Thai students who remain in the country.

US launches probe into ‘unfair trade’ by 16 partners, including Thailand

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12 March 2026, 17:45

WASHINGTON — The administration of Donald Trump has launched new trade investigations into what it considers unfair trade practices, seeking to rebuild tariff pressure after the US Supreme Court struck down much of Trump’s global tariff programme last month.

On 11 March in Washington, D.C., the US government announced an investigation into excess industrial capacity among 16 major trading partners, including Thailand.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the probe under Section 301 of US trade law could lead to new tariffs on China, the European Union, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico by this summer.

Other economies included in the investigation are Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Switzerland and Norway. Canada, the second-largest US trading partner, was not named as a target.

Greer said the investigation will focus on economies showing signs of structural excess capacity in manufacturing, such as large trade surpluses or underutilised production capacity.

He also said the US will open another Section 301 investigation on 12 March targeting imports made with forced labour, covering more than 60 countries worldwide.

The move comes as US officials led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent prepare to meet senior Chinese representatives in Paris this week, ahead of a possible meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing later this month.

Thai PM says Iran attack on Thai ship ‘not appropriate’

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12 March 2026, 17:00

S__11542601 — Anutin Charnvirakul at the headquarters of the Bhumjaithai Party

BANGKOK — Anutin Charnvirakul, prime minister of Thailand, said the Thai government is mobilising all available resources to assist three Thai crew members aboard the cargo vessel Mayuree Naree who remain near the Strait of Hormuz in Iran, expressing hope that the sailors will remain safe.

Speaking on 12 March at the headquarters of the Bhumjaithai Party, Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, said relevant government agencies have been instructed to take all possible steps to help the crew. He added that Thai diplomatic missions have been directed to reach the sailors and provide assistance, although travelling to the area may take time. Thai authorities have also coordinated with the country overseeing the crew’s situation.

Responding to questions about why the Thai-flagged cargo ship travelled through the strait despite warnings of possible attacks, Anutin said some reports suggested alerts had been issued but the exact circumstances of maritime operations remain unclear. He noted that the vessel may have been navigating in international waters or in a channel leading into a gulf, and authorities must wait for clearer information.

649815294 1308208338167865 8250861385260524861 n 2 1 — Thai cargo ship

“Some reports say there were warnings, but we still do not know how maritime routes are managed or whose guidance the vessel followed,” he said, adding that most Thai nationals in the area remain safe.

Asked whether Thailand would send a letter to Iran to clarify the situation, Anutin said the matter should proceed based on established facts. He added that Sihasak Phuangketkeow has been assigned to handle diplomatic coordination, including inviting the Iranian ambassador to Thailand for discussions.

Anutin said the circumstances must first be examined before assessing any impact on relations between Thailand and Iran, adding that attacking a Thai vessel would not be appropriate.

Regarding the private company that owns the cargo ship, he said it is likely communicating with relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, which are responsible for handling the matter.

NHSO promotes Thai-made medical innovations in universal healthcare scheme

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12 March 2026, 16:21

BANGKOK — The National Health Security Office (NHSO) is pushing to integrate Thai-developed medical innovations into Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme, with more than 7 billion baht already spent on domestically produced medical products to strengthen the healthcare system while boosting the national economy.

The policy direction was outlined at a forum titled “Thai-made, Thai-used, Thai benefits: Medical innovation in the universal healthcare system” held on 12 March at the Khaosod building in Bangkok. The event was organised by the NHSO in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, the Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences (TCELS), and Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI).

Participants included NHSO deputy secretary-general Dr. Atthaporn Limpanyalert, TCELS director Dr. Jitporn Thammajinda, Medical Device Control Division director Piya Chinmanee-wong, acting director of Mae Wong Hospital Dr. Preeda Prathumma, and Udon Thani Hospital physician Dr. Somsit Nitithananon. The forum also featured patients who have benefited from Thai-developed innovations, including dental implant recipient Pradit Buengklang and personalised titanium skull implant recipient Manisa Unanont.

messageImage 1773307799139 — Dr. Jadet Thammatacharee, secretary-general of the NHSO

Dr. Jadet Thammatacharee, secretary-general of the NHSO, said the initiative stems from the management of Thailand’s large national health fund, which has an annual budget of nearly 200 billion baht and continues to grow each year. While rising healthcare spending is often seen as a cost burden, he said it could instead be used strategically to support domestic innovation and industry.

“Every year policymakers ask why healthcare spending continues to increase,” Dr. Jadet said. “But if we allocate part of this budget to products and innovations made in Thailand, the money will circulate within the country and benefit the economy through job creation and the development of the health industry.”

He said past crises, particularly shortages of imported medical equipment, highlighted the risks of relying heavily on foreign supplies. Strengthening domestic medical manufacturing and innovation is therefore crucial for the resilience of Thailand’s healthcare system.

Thailand is also entering an ageing society, which requires the economy to shift toward higher-value industries such as medical technology and health services. Under targets set in the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan by the National Economic and Social Development Council, Thailand aims to expand the value of health-related goods and services to around 300 billion baht annually, or about 1.7% of gross domestic product, while reducing imports of medical products by roughly 20 billion baht.

Dr. Jadet said circulating such funds domestically could generate significant economic value. To support the policy, the NHSO has introduced mechanisms allowing Thai-developed medical innovations to enter the universal healthcare benefits system more easily through a special pathway known as the “Green Channel,” enabling research-backed products to be adopted more quickly.

The office can also support bulk procurement contracts lasting three to five years or longer, providing market certainty for manufacturers and researchers while allowing them to reinvest revenue into further innovation.

According to Dr. Jadet, the policy has already produced concrete results. In the past year alone, the NHSO purchased more than 7 billion baht worth of medical products and innovations manufactured in Thailand. However, this remains a small portion of the nearly 200-billion-baht annual health fund, and authorities aim to increase the share of locally produced medical technologies in the future.

Examples of Thai-developed innovations already entering the healthcare system include artificial intelligence-powered X-ray imaging systems, artificial skull implants, dynamic prosthetic feet that allow more natural movement, and diagnostic test kits developed by Thai researchers.

Other locally produced products include ostomy bags made from Thai natural rubber and dental implants manufactured domestically, which help reduce treatment costs and improve access to healthcare services. Thailand also has the capacity to produce important medicines, including antiviral drugs manufactured by the Government Pharmaceutical Organization, which can lower treatment costs and potentially be exported abroad.

Looking ahead, the NHSO is monitoring progress in advanced medical research such as targeted cancer therapy and personalised medicine being developed by Thai scientists. If successfully produced in Thailand, these innovations could be incorporated into the universal healthcare system, allowing patients to access advanced treatments at more affordable prices.

Dr. Jadet said the policy aims not only to strengthen Thailand’s healthcare system but also to stimulate the economy by promoting innovation, creating jobs and enhancing the country’s long-term competitiveness.

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