Cambodia’s Angkor welcomes over 14,000 Chinese tourists in first 2 months of 2026

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11 March 2026, 14:57

face-bayon-castle-angkor-thom-cambodia (1) — Bayon, Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, March 5 (Xinhua) — Cambodia’s renowned Angkor Archaeological Park attracted a total of 14,334 Chinese tourists in January and February, down 39 percent from 23,536 over the same period last year, according to a report released on Thursday.

China was the fourth biggest source of international tourist arrivals to the UNESCO-listed world heritage site after the United States, France and Britain, said a report of the state-owned Angkor Enterprise.

Located in northwest Siem Reap province, the 401-square-km Angkor Archaeological Park, the kingdom’s most popular tourist destination, is home to 91 ancient temples built from the ninth to the 13th centuries.

Thong Mengdavid, deputy director at the China-ASEAN Studies Center of the Cambodia University of Technology and Science, said the drop was likely linked to online scam issues and border tensions with Thailand.

“Supported by strong air connectivity and effective promotion, I believe that Cambodia’s pilot visa-free policy for Chinese nationals, set to run from June 15 to Oct. 15, 2026, will help attract more Chinese tourists to Cambodia, especially to the Angkor complex, this year,” he told Xinhua.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet assured on Wednesday that the Southeast Asian country will eradicate online scam centers by April 2026.

Bangkok past PM2.5 crisis stage, pollution agency says

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11 March 2026, 14:41

banner1-nice-skies — Skies across Bangkok are noticeably clearer than in previous months, though moderate pollution persists

BANGKOK — 11 March 2026, Thailand’s Pollution Control Department says Bangkok has passed the worst of its PM2.5 pollution crisis, with air quality improving overall compared with last year, though occasional spikes above safety standards are still possible during the seasonal transition.

Pollution Control Department director-general Surin Warakitthamrong said on Wednesday that air quality in the capital has begun to ease after a severe pollution period earlier in the season.

He said the situation has improved compared with the previous year, following intensified measures by government agencies under policies set by Deputy Prime Minister and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin, who also chairs the national air pollution management committee.

banner2 9 — Pollution Control Department director-general Surin Warakitthamrong

Authorities have instructed all agencies to step up coordinated efforts under the 2026 wildfire, haze and dust response plan.

Data from PCD monitoring stations show that PM2.5 levels in Bangkok improved overall when comparing two periods:

1 November 2024 – 8 March 2025
1 November 2025 – 8 March 2026

Average PM2.5 concentrations in the capital fell from 33 micrograms per cubic metre to 28, a 15% decrease.

The number of days exceeding Thailand’s air quality standard dropped from 65 days to 29 days, a 55% reduction.

Across Bangkok and surrounding provinces, average PM2.5 levels also declined — from 35 to 31 micrograms per cubic metre, an 11% decrease. However, the number of days exceeding the standard rose slightly from 97 to 99 days.

Mr. Surin said multiple sectors — including government agencies, private networks and civil society groups — have stepped up efforts to tackle the problem.

The Measures

tightening the vehicle smoke opacity limit to no more than 20%,
stricter enforcement against black-smoke emissions,
incentives encouraging motorists to maintain vehicles through the Green List Plus anti-pollution programme,
requiring high-risk factories in Bangkok to install continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS),
promoting the use of agricultural waste instead of open burning,
weather modification operations,
work-from-home measures, and
public alerts through cell broadcast and Line warning systems.

However, he warned that air pollution may still occasionally exceed standards.

“This period marks a seasonal transition, with waves of cold air still moving into the region,” Mr. Surin said. “As a result, PM2.5 levels may still reach the orange level — which begins to affect health — on some days.”

Residents can monitor real-time air quality updates through the Air4Thai and AirBKK applications, as well as the Air Pollution Communication Centre’s Facebook page, he added.

Cambodia urges travellers to keep visiting the kingdom

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11 March 2026, 14:10

Angkor Wat main temple reflected in the water in a beautiful summer sunrise. Cambodia — Angkor Wat, Cambodia

PHNOM PENH — The Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia has called on international travellers to continue visiting Cambodia with confidence, saying the country remains a safe and welcoming destination.

In a press release, the ministry said Cambodia continues to maintain political stability, public order and a warm atmosphere for visitors from around the world.

The ministry said the country has remained secure despite global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, climate change, emerging infectious diseases and online scams.

It added that travel by air, land and sea in Cambodia remains safe and reliable for both domestic and international tourists.

The ministry also highlighted efforts by the government under Prime Minister Hun Manet to strengthen security and combat crime, particularly online scam operations, in cooperation with government agencies, international partners and the private sector.

The ministry urged travellers and tourism stakeholders to continue supporting and promoting Cambodia globally as a destination known for its cultural heritage, natural landscapes and welcoming people.

“Travellers who love Cambodia are encouraged to continue visiting the Kingdom with full confidence, a sense of safety and a warm welcome,” the ministry said.

PM’s Office urges WFH and power-saving measures amid energy crisis

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11 March 2026, 14:06

Photo: Sodacan / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

BANGKOK — 11 March 2026, Government agencies under the Office of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat have been instructed to adopt energy-saving measures, including work-from-home arrangements, following cabinet approval of policies aimed at easing pressure from the Middle East energy crisis.

A Government House source said on Wednesday that the Secretariat of the Prime Minister (OPM) circulated a notice to executives of agencies under its supervision — including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Government Spokesperson’s Bureau, the Ceremonial Division and the Public Sector Development unit — urging them to adjust working arrangements to reduce energy consumption without disrupting official duties.

Under the guidance, departments may allow staff to work from home (WFH) where appropriate, enabling personnel to perform duties outside government offices. However, employees can be called back to the workplace immediately if urgent tasks arise.

At the Government Spokesperson’s Bureau, officials set a target for about 50% of staff to work remotely, depending on each unit’s responsibilities.

Additional measures include switching off lights between 12:00 and 13:00, turning off air conditioning at 15:30, and shutting down computers when not in use or enabling Energy Saver mode.

Civil servants and staff have reportedly shown strong cooperation with the government’s energy-saving measures.

Other agencies within Government House are expected to consider similar adjustments, with each organisation determining appropriate working arrangements and encouraging personnel to comply with the policies.

Phuket shop owner says Israeli tourist demanded removal of Palestinian flag

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11 March 2026, 13:24

PHUKET — A shop owner in southern Phuket has spoken out after a viral video showing an argument with an Israeli tourist sparked heated debate on Thai social media.

The clip, widely shared online, shows the shop owner telling the tourist to leave the premises and declaring that he would not sell to him, prompting thousands of comments and discussions among netizens.

In a statement addressing the controversy, the shop owner said he wanted the issue to end quickly and did not want the situation to escalate into a wider conflict.

According to the owner, the tourist seen in the video approached the front of the shop and allegedly tried to pressure him to remove a Palestinian flag displayed inside the premises. The owner said the tourist’s behaviour appeared threatening and disruptive.

He added that similar incidents had occurred several times before, claiming the same individual had caused disturbances on about five previous occasions.

The shop owner said the confrontation happened while he was observing the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

“As a shop owner and a Muslim, I felt angry because I saw it as disrespecting my rights and my faith within my own space,” he said, explaining that he then asked the tourist to leave the shop, as seen in the video.

However, he stressed that because it is Ramadan — an important period for Muslims — he has chosen to end the dispute and focus on doing good according to his religious beliefs.

The owner also thanked members of the public who understood his personal rights and stance, while emphasising that he does not want the incident to be further amplified or cause division in society.

BREAKING: Air India Express plane makes hard landing at Phuket Airport

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11 March 2026, 12:52

PHUKET — An aircraft operated by Air India Express made a hard landing at Phuket International Airport on Wednesday, damaging its nose landing gear and prompting a temporary runway closure.

Police from Sakhu Police Station and officers from the Tourist Police Bureau stationed at the airport were alerted to the incident involving Flight IX938, which was travelling from Hyderabad, India, to Phuket.

Authorities said the aircraft experienced a problem while landing, with the nose landing gear breaking and the plane sliding along the runway.

The flight was carrying 133 passengers. Emergency response teams and airport authorities rushed to the scene to secure the area and ensure the safety of those on board.

At about 11:55, airport officials confirmed the aircraft had made a hard landing, resulting in damage to the front landing gear. All passengers were safely evacuated from the plane and taken to a passenger waiting area.

No injuries were reported.

Airport authorities temporarily closed the runway to clear the aircraft and conduct safety inspections, which may affect some flight operations.

Passengers or members of the public seeking further information can contact the airport information centre operated by Airports of Thailand at 0-7635-1111, officials said.

Fertiliser prices top 1,000 baht as Middle East conflict hits supply

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11 March 2026, 12:19

KHON KAEN — 11 March 2026, Fertiliser supplies in Khon Kaen are beginning to run low as prices surge past 1,000 baht per sack, with retailers citing the impact of conflict in the Middle East. Farmers are responding by switching to lower-grade fertiliser formulas to reduce costs.

At 10:00 on Tuesday, rep orters surveyed fertiliser shops across Khon Kaen province after early signs that the fighting in the Middle East was affecting supply chains. Prices were found to be rising, and some shops had already run out of certain products.

At Sue Trong Agriculture Ltd. Partnership, located at 86 Khon Kaen–Khok Tha Road in Sila subdistrict, Mueang district, stocks of urea fertiliser formula 46-0-0 had fallen to fewer than 10 sacks, with no new shipment expected soon after the manufacturer reportedly halted deliveries.

Store manager Nichapat Wongsuk said the fertiliser, widely used by farmers, had seen sharp price increases.

“Previously, urea 46-0-0 sold for around 800–900 baht per sack. Now it is about 1,000 baht per sack, and more importantly, we can barely find any to sell. At the shop we have fewer than 10 sacks left,” she said.

banner2 8 — Nichapat Wongsuk, manager of Sue Trong Agriculture Ltd. Partnership in Khon Kaen, says fertiliser prices have surged past 1,000 baht per sack as supplies tighten

Farmers had expected prices to rise but not to this extent, she added. Many have begun changing their purchasing behaviour by switching from 46-0-0 to lower formulas such as 30-0-0 or 25-0-0, which are cheaper.

“These formulas cost about 200–300 baht less per sack. Farmers may add extra nutrients to keep rice plants green for longer, but the effect is usually slower compared with the 46-0-0 formula they normally use,” she said.

Nichapat said suppliers had already notified the shop of further price increases. Urea fertiliser is expected to rise by 100–200 baht per sack, while other fertilisers may increase by 20–30 baht, and urea substitutes by 50–100 baht, due to the Middle East conflict.

Some farmers have complained about the higher costs and are buying only what they need or switching to cheaper formulas to reduce expenses.

“In all the years we have sold fertiliser, this is the most expensive it has ever been,” she said. “I feel sorry for farmers because fertiliser prices are rising while rice prices remain low. Many worry that selling their rice will not cover the investment they have put in.”

Iranian embassy in Thailand opens account for donations to rebuild Iran after deadly airstrikes

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11 March 2026, 12:09

S__17596551 — Nassereddin Heidari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Kingdom of Thailand

BANGKOK — The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Thailand says it has opened a bank account to receive donations for reconstruction efforts after receiving enquiries from Iranians and supporters worldwide about how they could help rebuild the country following deadly airstrikes.

In a message posted online, the embassy expressed condolences for what it described as the “glorious martyrdom” of Khamenei as well as commanders and soldiers “defending the homeland.”

The appeal follows a major escalation in the conflict after Israel and the United States launched coordinated airstrikes on multiple sites and cities across Iran starting on 28 February 2026. Iranian officials say the attacks killed Khamenei and other senior officials.

The embassy said it had received numerous enquiries from Iranians and supporters worldwide asking how they could help rebuild the country and express solidarity.

“In response to numerous enquiries from patriotic Iranians, zealous Muslims, peace-loving and justice-seeking individuals and groups around the world to help rebuild our country… we hereby declare the bank account listed below,” the statement said.

According to the embassy, donations can be transferred to an account at Bangkok Bank under the name of the Iranian embassy. Donors are asked to include the note “Assistance for rebuilding Iran” with their deposit.

The funds will be used to rebuild educational, medical, relief and sports facilities, as well as other infrastructure damaged during the conflict, the embassy said.

Russian woman arrested for illegal cosmetic procedures in Pattaya

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11 March 2026, 10:54

CHONBURI — 10 March 2026, A Russian woman was arrested in Pattaya on Monday evening for allegedly operating an illegal beauty clinic from a condominium room and advertising cosmetic procedures through social media.

At about 17:00, immigration investigators from the Chonburi Immigration Office’s Pattaya unit inspected a room at New Nordic Trend 4 condominium in Soi Phra Tamnak 5, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, following complaints that a foreign national was illegally providing beauty treatments.

The operation was conducted under the direction of Pol. Maj. Gen. Cherngron Rimphadee, deputy commissioner of the Immigration Bureau and bureau spokesman. Officers led by Pol. Col. Napatsapong Kosit Suriyamanee, chief of Chon Buri Immigration, along with Pol. Lt. Col. Kawinwat Aryasuriwong, deputy chief, and Pol. Maj. Kittipat Hongchuwech, an inspector, coordinated with officials from the Chon Buri Provincial Public Health Office to carry out the inspection.

Investigators said the suspect had posted photos and videos on Instagram advertising cosmetic services and arranged appointments with customers through the platform. Officers conducted surveillance and observed clients entering the room before identifying themselves and moving in to make the arrest.

banner ig2 — A screenshot of one of the suspect’s advertisements for cosmetic services posted on Instagram

Authorities detained Ms. Anastasiia Tyltseva, 34, a Russian national, inside the room.

Seized items included syringes, dermal fillers, medical equipment, a sterilisation oven and various medications.

Police said the suspect allegedly provided cosmetic treatments without authorisation and is not a licensed doctor. She faces multiple charges, including working as a foreign national without a work permit, operating a medical clinic without a licence, falsely presenting herself as a medical practitioner, selling medicines and medical devices without authorisation, and distributing unregistered cosmetics.

The suspect and the seized items were handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.

banner2 7 — Some of the cosmetic products and equipment police said were found in the condo room during the raid

Cambodian wildfire near Trat border triggers landmine explosions

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11 March 2026, 09:18

TRAT — 10 March 2026, A large forest fire broke out along the Thai–Cambodian border on Tuesday evening, sending thick smoke and bright orange flames into the sky along the Banthat mountain range and prompting concern among nearby villagers.

The blaze was reported between 19:00 and 21:00, with flames clearly visible from several communities in Trat province. The fire was burning on the Cambodian side of the border, approximately 1–2 km from nearby villages and about 1 km from the Ban Chamrak operational area, though it had not spread into Thai territory.

Witnesses said the fire appeared to originate in Cambodia, where forest burning spread rapidly across a wide area. The glow from the blaze could be seen from a considerable distance, including from Ban Laem Sok in Ao Yai subdistrict, more than 20 km away.

Residents in Tha Kum, Chamrak, Takang, and Laem Klat subdistricts also reported seeing the flames lighting up the mountainside.

Mr. Peerapat Kakkeaw, 40, a resident of Village 5 in Chamrak, told reporters he was worried about the situation. Villagers had believed there would be no more fires this year following two recent confrontations between Thai and Cambodian forces along the border.

However, the large blaze erupted again, and he believes it was deliberately set on the Cambodian side.

“The main concern now is the smoke and ash that could drift into the village,” he said, noting that the community lies at a lower elevation than the fire area and could be directly affected by falling soot and air pollution.

Meanwhile, troops and border patrol police stationed along the frontier reported hearing repeated explosions during the fire. Officials believe the blasts were caused by buried landmines detonating after being triggered by the intense heat from the wildfire.

There have been no reports of injuries or fatalities, and the fire had not spread to Thai security positions as of late Tuesday.

Security authorities from both countries are continuing to monitor the situation and remain in coordination along the border, with surveillance maintained around the clock.

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