ฺBoy, 12, left alone in crumbling home after grandfather’s death

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8 March 2026, 12:11

ฺBoy, 12, left alone in crumbling home after grandfather’s death

NAKHON SAWAN — 8 March 2026, A 12-year-old boy with special needs has been living alone in a dilapidated house in central Thailand following the death of the grandfather who had raised him, prompting concern and offers of help after his story spread online.

Reporters who visited the house in Ban Khao Tham Phra village, Moo 8, Noen Sala subdistrict of Krok Phra district, found the boy, identified as Akkaraphol Chamnankasikon, known as “Nice”, living by himself in the ageing wooden home.

Nice, a fifth-grade student at Khao Tham Phra School, had been raised by his grandfather, who served as the family’s sole caregiver. The grandfather fell ill and died in early January, leaving the boy alone.

According to relatives, Nice’s father had previously died, while his mother separated from the family and started a new household when he was just one year old. As a result, he grew up solely under the care of his grandfather.

The house where he now lives alone is in severely deteriorated condition. One of the rear support pillars is visibly leaning forward, while the corrugated metal roof has multiple leaks. Local residents fear the structure could collapse during strong winds or storms.

Nice said he wakes up at 06:00 each day to wash clothes, clean dishes and do household chores before cycling to school in time for the morning flag ceremony.

After classes, he sometimes visits friends or eats at a relative’s home before returning to the house at dusk, where he spends the night alone. He said the area around the house becomes very dark and quiet at night, leaving him feeling uneasy. Recently, an uncle concerned about his safety has occasionally come to stay with him.

The boy said his biggest worry is the condition of the house, which is old and unstable. During heavy rain, water leaks through the roof in several places, sometimes making it difficult for him to sleep.

Despite feeling hurt by the situation, Nice said he hopes his mother will eventually return so they can live together again as a family in the house.

To support himself, the boy said he earns a small income at weekends when an uncle takes him to dig up plants, earning about 150 baht a day. If the money is not enough, relatives sometimes stop by to help, though the support is limited.

Wacharin Chamruai, 34, a cousin of Nice, said the boy had not seen his mother for more than a decade after she left when he was a toddler. They briefly reunited when the grandfather died, but she did not stay to care for him.

She said the situation gained attention after a local provincial councillor shared the boy’s story online, prompting members of the public to offer assistance.

A member of parliament has since visited Nice and coordinated with the local subdistrict administrative organisation to prepare plans for building him a new home.

People wishing to provide assistance can contact relatives at 091-726-4526.

10,000 monks receive alms as Korat marks 558 years of city anniversary

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Khaosod English

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8 March 2026, 10:34

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 8 March 2026, Thousands of Buddhists gathered early Sunday in Nakhon Ratchasima to receive alms from devotees on Sunday morning for the 10,000-monk almsgiving ceremony marking the city’s 558th anniversary.

The almsgiving ceremony began at 06:00 along the roads surrounding the Thao Suranaree Monument, commonly known as Ya Mo Plaza, in Mueang district.

The ceremony was led by Phra Phrommasit, a member of the Supreme Sangha Council and abbot of Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan in Bangkok, as the senior monastic presiding over the event. The civilian ceremony was chaired by Wichit Kijwirat, deputy governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, representing the provincial governor.

Senior government officials, military officers, police, and tens of thousands of Buddhists took part in the ceremony. Participants dedicated their respects to the kings who founded Nakhon Ratchasima, as well as to King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother, and Thao Suranaree (Ya Mo).

Monks from six northeastern provinces later chanted Buddhist prayers for good luck before lining up along the roads surrounding the monument to receive alms from the public.

The large-scale almsgiving event was first organised in 2008 through cooperation between Buddhist organisations and civil society groups in Nakhon Ratchasima. In 2024, it was elevated to an official annual city merit-making tradition.

banner5 drone3 — Thousands in Korat line the streets to give alms to long lines of monks

The event is held each March to commemorate the historic victory of Thao Suranaree, the revered heroine of Korat.

The programme is part of the Bor-Wor-Ror initiative (Home-Temple-School/Government) led by the Nakhon Ratchasima Sangha and the provincial administration.

This year’s event was organised with support from more than 60 agencies, including the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Office of Buddhism, the Provincial Administrative Organisation, Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality, the Second Army Region, and the provincial police.

Phra Thep Simaphon, the ecclesiastical governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, said Korat residents are fortunate to unite in large-scale almsgiving each year.

“Opportunities to organise such a large almsgiving ceremony are rare elsewhere, but Korat can do it every year,” he said. “It is truly commendable.”

He added that the almsgiving ceremony not only strengthens Buddhism but also fosters unity in the community.

Food and supplies donated during the event will be distributed to 323 temples, as well as to teachers and soldiers serving in security-risk areas in Thailand’s four southern border provinces. Some donations will also be used to assist disaster victims in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Meth-fuelled man burns buffalo pen, threatens father

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Khaosod English

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8 March 2026, 10:01

Meth-fuelled man burns buffalo pen, threatens father

UDON THANI — 7 March 2026, A man allegedly under the influence of methamphetamine set fire to a pile of straw near his father’s buffalo pen and threatened to burn his father alive during a drug-fuelled outburst in northeastern Thailand, police said.

Local defence volunteers and officers from Kumphawapi police station were called to a house in Village 12 of Pakho subdistrict, Kumphawapi district, after reports of a man setting fire to straw beside a buffalo enclosure belonging to his father.

The suspect was identified as 34-year-old, also known as “Aat”. After starting the fire, he climbed onto the roof of the buffalo pen while reportedly hallucinating from drug use. He claimed his father was trying to kill him and threatened to burn him.

His father, 59-year-old Nat, managed to escape unharmed. Firefighters from Pakho municipality rushed to the scene and extinguished the blaze, which had spread rapidly through the straw.

When authorities arrived, the suspect was standing on the roof of the pen, apparently unfazed by the nearby flames. He was holding two long knives and initially refused to surrender despite prolonged attempts by officers to negotiate.

Eventually, a defence volunteer who knew the suspect personally persuaded him to drop the weapons and climb down. However, he attempted to flee once on the ground before officers chased and apprehended him.

The suspect’s 32-year-old sister said the family had suffered for years due to his heavy drug use. She said he had been addicted to methamphetamine for seven to eight years and had previously been arrested and sent for rehabilitation several times but repeatedly returned to drug use.

“We don’t know what to do anymore. What we fear most is when he hallucinates and might hurt someone in the family,” she said.

On the day of the incident, she said her brother had taken about 10 methamphetamine pills. He began hallucinating in the morning and became more violent in the afternoon, eventually setting fire to the straw pile near the buffalo pen.

She said he frequently became aggressive when using drugs but behaved normally when sober. In the past he had smashed the windows of the family home with rocks, leaving their parents and relatives living in constant fear.

This time, she said, his hallucinations were particularly severe and he attempted to set fire to property while threatening their father, apparently believing voices telling him his father intended to kill him.

The family now plans to pursue legal action against him on arson charges in the hope that the punishment will serve as a lesson and lead to effective treatment.

She also urged the government to intensify its crackdown on illegal drugs.

“There are drugs everywhere now. Many young people are heavily addicted to methamphetamine,” she said.

Why it matters for Thais and Thailand to say no to the US-led rule of the jungle

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Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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6 March 2026, 18:53

It has been 6 days since the deadly joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, followed by Iran’s retaliatory strikes against mostly American targets in half a dozen Gulf states and against Israel, as people around the world grapple with the economic and geopolitical repercussions.

The civilian death toll has surpassed one thousand, according to both US-based and Iranian sources, including 168 schoolgirls reportedly killed in a still-disputed strike on an elementary school in Minab, southern Iran. Eleven people in Israel have been killed so far. The Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed.

In Thailand, the immediate impacts include rising petrol prices, which led the caretaker government of Anutin Charnvirakul to order a 15-day price freeze. Tourism is beginning to be affected as flights from the Middle East, and European travellers flying via the region, face disruption. Thai stocks also tumbled sharply on Wednesday, triggering an automatic circuit breaker and a 30-minute trading halt after the SET Index plunged 8%.

On Wednesday morning, Al Arabiya English reported: “Iran will target the Israeli nuclear site of Dimona if Israel and the US seek regime change,” citing Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency, which in turn cited an Iranian military official.

Yesterday, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Donald Trump had survived an assassination attempt.

Trump has insisted he must have a role in choosing Iran’s next leader.

For the past several days, Thai social media and some local outlets have begun discussing which countries might be safe if a third world war were to break out, followed by a nuclear winter.

While the Thai government is taking a prudent stance by not taking sides and calling for respect for the rules-based international order, Thai citizens are also faced with the question of where they stand.

Dear readers, do you feel powerless, believing that whatever your stance may be, it will be inconsequential in the face of this complex and widening war in the Middle East?

Or are you engrossed, choosing sides and cheering for one camp or another as if watching a distant geopolitical drama unfold?

Why our voices and views still matter

If we, and the Thai government, remain passive, it would be tantamount to abandoning our role as citizens of the world and as responsible, active members of the international community.

Carefully deliberating your stance on the war against Iran is not an exercise in intellectual futility or mere self-gratification. As more people are being killed even as I write these words, the future of the world is in a precarious state. We should not be passive; we should act.

To me — and we can always agree to disagree — there are several issues to consider.

First, are the attacks by the United States and Israel a violation of the rules-based international order and international law?

If your answer is yes — and mine is — and if we value international law over the rule of the jungle, then we must denounce and oppose what the US and Israeli governments are doing.

We should not, and cannot, support a world in which the rule of the jungle becomes the norm.

Second, be careful not to conflate the US and Israeli governments with their citizens. No nation is monolithic. Take the United States, for example: many Americans oppose and denounce what Donald Trump is doing. Even many Trump voters thought they had voted for a president who would not engage in a “military adventure” abroad.

Let us not turn our opposition to what we see as a war of aggression against Iran into blind hatred of all Americans or Israeli citizens. Many in the US are now asking what America’s endgame in Iran is, with more and more people questioning what comes next. The same applies to Israel.

On a side note, a prominent supporter of the People’s Party taunted those who oppose the US attacks on Iran, suggesting they should stop using Facebook and Instagram if they disagree with Trump’s war. These platforms may be American, but they are not owned by Trump or the US government.

Third, the situation is not black and white.
Iran itself is an authoritarian state that has killed thousands of protesters who demanded freedom, not to mention the government’s support for Hamas.

At the same time, the United States and Israel are taking advantage of the situation to launch attacks that serve their own geopolitical interests.

We are facing a situation that goes beyond a simple binary of good versus evil. Yet we must ask ourselves what values we hold most dear and where we stand on an issue that is already affecting people around the globe — not only economically, but in ways that could potentially drag the world into the abyss of mutual destruction.

Let us not deliberate based on predispositions, nor on emotional affinity for the United States or Iran, nor on religious belief. Instead, we should ask whether this is the kind of world we want to leave to our posterity — and if not, what needs to be done, both as citizens of Thailand and as members of the international community. Your voice may matter more than you think.

In Europe, countries are grappling differently with the issue as well. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez responded to a threat from Trump — who warned he could end trade cooperation with Spain after it refused to allow its military bases to be used for an attack on Iran — by reiterating his opposition to the war, describing it as a “collapse of international law”.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz appears uncertain in his government’s position. According to German public broadcaster DW, reporting before dawn today (Bangkok time), “Germany has shied away from commenting on the legality of the US-Israel war with Iran — even as allies and scholars say it violates international law”.

DW also asks: “Is Germany shifting away from the rules-based order?”

Given the gravity of the issue, Thailand and the Thai people cannot shy away from consulting our conscience and asking ourselves what values we hold dear.

For my part, I believe we must denounce the US-led rule of the jungle. This is not just about US-Israel vs Iran, or even just about the Middle East, but about the world. It is affecting the world now, and the future as well.

Factory fire with explosions erupts at thinner plant in Chachoengsao

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Khaosod English

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6 March 2026, 18:50

CHACHOENGSAO — A major fire broke out at a thinner and flammable chemical factory in Ban Pho district on 6 March 2026, sending thick black smoke into the sky and triggering repeated explosions, authorities said.

The blaze began around 16:00 at Cargo Chemical Co., Ltd., located at 79/1 Moo 4, Thep Ratcha subdistrict, Ban Pho district. Officials said the fire quickly intensified to a severe level, with flames and dense smoke visible from a distance.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple loud blasts from inside the facility, complicating firefighting efforts. Authorities said some workers were believed to be trapped inside Building 2, but rescue teams had not yet been able to reach them due to intense heat and rapidly spreading flames.

A local resident, Yupin Sapmool, 48, said she heard a loud explosion at around 16:00 while staying with relatives and her nephew nearby.

“I heard a huge bang and saw flames spreading quickly, so we rushed out of the house in panic,” she said.

Firefighters and water trucks from nearby districts have been deployed to contain the blaze. Crews are focusing on cooling surrounding structures to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings.

Authorities have urged residents to avoid roads near the site to allow emergency vehicles to operate.

The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage will be investigated after the blaze is brought under control. Officials said updates would be provided as the situation develops.

Thai PM bans fuel exports amid Middle East tensions, except to Laos and Myanmar

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Khaosod English

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6 March 2026, 18:03

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered a temporary ban on the export of several types of fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to prevent potential shortages in Thailand, citing escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The order, published in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on 6 March 2026, takes effect immediately under Prime Ministerial Order No. 2/2026.

The measure suspends exports of refined fuels including gasoline, gasohol, high-speed diesel and Jet A1 aviation fuel, as well as LPG, until further notice.

The government said the move follows intensifying conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has led to airstrikes on strategic sites in the Middle East and tighter restrictions on shipping routes in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz — key corridors for global oil transport.

Authorities warned the situation could disrupt Thailand’s fuel supply and remains unpredictable.

Under the order, the export ban does not apply to fuel shipments to Laos and Myanmar. It also exempts fuel imported for re-export and stored in bonded warehouses or free zones, as well as fuel that does not meet Thai quality standards and therefore cannot be sold domestically.

The directive was issued under powers granted by the Fuel Shortage Prevention Act of 1973, aimed at preventing or addressing fuel shortages in the country.

Thai immigration slams Cambodian media over tourist mistreatment claims

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Khaosod English

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6 March 2026, 17:34

BANGKOK — Thai immigration authorities on Thursday rejected reports by Cambodian media claiming Cambodian and Indian tourists were being unfairly denied entry at Thai airports and forced to pay additional fees.

Pol. Col. Phongthorn Phongratchatanan, deputy commander of Immigration Division 2 and its spokesperson, said the reports were “completely inaccurate” and presented only one side of the story, which could mislead the public and harm Thailand’s tourism image.

The Cambodian report alleged that some foreign travellers were denied entry, forced to immediately book return tickets and charged a 1,000-baht fee.

Phongthorn said no such practice exists. Foreigners denied entry are not forced to book tickets immediately and immigration officers do not collect any 1,000-baht fee, he said.

He added that Maj. Gen. Khatathorn Khamthiang, commander of Immigration Division 2, has instructed airport immigration officers to conduct passenger screening strictly in accordance with the law and international standards used by immigration authorities worldwide.

Officials focus on screening travellers who may pose risks to public order or security, including those who lack sufficient funds for their stay, have no clear accommodation or travel plans, appear to be entering Thailand to work illegally, or display behaviour considered a threat to society.

If a traveller is refused entry, the individual is handed over to the airline that transported them to Thailand. The airline is responsible for placing the passenger in its detention room and arranging their return on the next available flight, a process unrelated to immigration authorities.

Phongthorn noted that the number of foreign tourists visiting Thailand continues to rise. Immigration officers have increased staffing and improved management to facilitate travellers while maintaining security measures under the policy of Immigration Bureau chief Lt. Gen. Phanumart Boonyalak.

He urged media outlets to help clarify the facts to prevent the spread of misinformation that could damage Thailand’s reputation and tourist confidence.

Thailand-China investment forum draws over 800 investors

By

Khaosod English

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6 March 2026, 16:35

Thailand-China investment forum draws over 800 investors

BANGKOK — 5 March 2026, Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI), in cooperation with the Chinese Embassy in Thailand and public and private sector partners, hosted the “Thailand-China Investment Forum: Keys to Success & Sustainable Growth for Chinese Enterprises” at the Siam Kempinski Hotel in Bangkok.

The forum aimed to present investment opportunities in Thailand’s targeted industries and provide key information on business regulations and best practices for Chinese investors operating in the country.

More than 20 partner agencies set up consultation booths, while over 800 Chinese investors based in Thailand attended the event. Most representivies were from electronics, automotive, metal products, machinery, chemical, and digital sectors.

BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi said that amid rapidly changing global conditions, including geopolitical tensions, technological transition and sustainability pressures, leading companies worldwide are adjusting their business strategies and seeking stable investment destinations with strong fundamentals and geopolitical neutrality.

He said these factors have helped position Thailand as a key destination for the new wave of global investment.

“Chinese investors will be one of the most important groups driving Thailand’s economy over the next decade,” Narit said. Over the past five years, from 2021 to 2025, Thailand received more than 2,400 investment promotion applications from Chinese companies, worth over 600 billion baht, he added.

Many leading Chinese firms listed in the Fortune China 500 have already established operations in Thailand, covering sectors such as electric vehicles, smart appliances, digital technology and energy storage systems.

Companies operating in Thailand include EV manufacturers such as BYD, SAIC (MG), Great Wall Motor and Changan; smart appliance producers including Midea, Haier and Hisense; digital firms such as Alibaba Cloud, Huawei, Tencent and TikTok; and battery and energy storage companies including Sunwoda, Gotion and CALB.

Narit said most Chinese investment projects promoted by the BOI are in high-technology industries aligned with Thailand’s development strategy. These investments help create skilled jobs for Thai workers and support local businesses in integrating into global supply chains.

Key sectors benefiting from these investments include smart appliances, electronic printed circuit boards (PCB), electric vehicles, digital technology and artificial intelligence, automation systems and humanoid robotics.

The BOI organised the forum to ensure Chinese investors receive accurate information, understand Thai regulations and operate their businesses transparently, which officials say will help build sustainable growth between Chinese investment and Thailand’s economic development.

Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jianwei delivered a keynote speech outlining three expectations for Chinese companies investing in Thailand.

First, companies should strictly comply with Thai laws and regulations while maintaining transparent and responsible business practices.

Second, they should strengthen cooperation with Thai businesses within supply chains by increasing local procurement of raw materials and components, thereby improving the competitiveness of Thai-Chinese industries.

Third, they should promote the concept of “In Thailand, For Thailand” by expanding local investment, developing Thai talent, supporting technology and research collaboration, and contributing to society and local communities.

The event also featured presentations by Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, who explained rules of origin to strengthen Thailand’s manufacturing base for sustainable exports.

Somate Tangprasert, governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, provided guidance on selecting factory locations and regulatory practices for establishing operations within industrial estates.

Representatives from the BOI, the Immigration Bureau and the Department of Employment also briefed investors on visa and work permit privileges for foreign executives and specialists, as well as labour regulations in Thailand.

Officials said the seminar served as an important platform for building understanding of Thailand’s investment policies and regulations while allowing Chinese investors across industries to exchange views with government agencies, supporting sustainable growth of Chinese investment alongside Thailand’s economy and domestic supply chains.

Sabay Cinema takes over Cambodia cinemas after Major Cineplex exit

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Khaosod English

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6 March 2026, 16:15

PHNOM PENH — Cambodia’s entertainment industry entered a new phase on 5 March as Sabay Digital Group officially launched Sabay Cinema, taking over cinema operations previously run by Major Cineplex Group.

The move follows Major Cineplex’s decision to sell its entire stake in Major Platinum Cineplex (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., marking the Thai company’s exit from Cambodia after more than a decade in the market.

Sabay Digital Group acquired the full shareholding and has taken control of the cinema and bowling businesses, bringing the operations under Cambodian ownership.

As part of the rebranding, the Blue-O Bowling brand has been relaunched as Sabay Rhythm & Bowl, reflecting the company’s plan to develop a broader entertainment ecosystem beyond movie screenings.

Operations across all six cinema locations will continue without interruption, with Sabay promising a refreshed brand identity, improved service standards and new investments in Cambodia’s cinema sector.

The company will assume responsibility for all employees, cinema and bowling facilities, equipment and technology. Sabay also plans to manage and invest in its own systems, including newly installed IMAX Laser and ScreenX technologies, along with new ticketing and online booking platforms.

Major Cineplex first entered Cambodia in 2014, investing in cinema and bowling businesses in the country.

AIS wins People & Culture Prime Award at The People Awards 2026

By

Mc Marketing

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6 March 2026, 14:43

AIS proudly takes the national stage once again, winning Corporate of the Year 2026 in the “People & Culture Prime Award” category at The People Awards 2026. The achievement underscores the strength of an organization that grows not only through technology, but through the power of its people—grounded in the belief that human potential is the starting point of transformation across organizations, society, and the nation. As Thailand’s leader in intelligent telecommunications, AIS is moving beyond the role of a service provider to become an intelligent digital infrastructure—serving as the driving force behind the development of Thai digital talents, expanding equal opportunities, and advancing the country’s sustainable digital future together.

Kantima Lerlertyuttitham, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Corporate Officer of AIS, said:
“This award is a great honor and pride for all of us at AIS, as it reflects that the ‘value of people’ is truly at the core of our organization. At AIS, people are not merely resources — they are the driving force behind every transformation. We believe real progress, both within organizations and across the country, comes when people are given opportunity, continuous development, and a genuine sense of value.

AIS’s mission is therefore clear: to continuously elevate the potential of our citizens — both within AIS and across Thailand — by supporting lifelong learning, particularly in digital and AI skills, fostering an inclusive environment where diversity can thrive, and tangibly reducing social inequality so everyone can move forward in an increasingly digital world. We are committed to advancing our role as an Intelligent Infrastructure — not only connecting technology, but connecting opportunities for people to grow and shape their own futures. When people are strong, society is strong. This is why AIS will continue to drive growth that begins with people and go far beyond organizational success.

We would like to thank the organizing committee of The People Awards 2026 and all AIS employees for their dedication and collaboration. This recognition is an important motivation for us to keep advancing both our organization and Thai society sustainably. We will build on this pride to expand opportunity for Thai people to learn, grow, and thrive in the digital era — driving Thailand toward a stable and sustainable future.”

The People Awards is an annual awards platform organized by the online media outlet The People, dedicated to honoring outstanding individuals and organizations across industries who dare to think and act boldly, creating positive waves of change in the world.

The Corporate of the Year award recognizes organizations that stand alongside people, create meaningful value, and generate a positive impact on society. This recognition reflects AIS’s success in fostering an inclusive organizational culture that embraces diversity and empowers people — both internally and externally — through equal opportunities and a supportive environment that enables sustainable growth together.

Why our voices and views still matter

Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Zhang Jianwei delivered a keynote speech outlining three expectations for Chinese companies investing in Thailand.

The event also featured presentations by Arada Fuangtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, who explained rules of origin to strengthen Thailand’s manufacturing base for sustainable exports.

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