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China still tops Thai condo market, Myanmar jumps to No.2

BANGKOK Foreign buyers remain a key force in Thailand’s condominium market, with Chinese nationals retaining the top spot in 2025 despite a decline, while Myanmar buyers posted the strongest growth to rank second.

Narongpol Prabhanirin, acting director of the Real Estate Information Center (REIC), said foreign condominium transfers in the fourth quarter of 2025 totaled 3,888 units, up 1.1% quarter on quarter and 9.3% year on year.

Although transfer value rose only slightly from a year earlier, the higher growth in unit numbers reflects a drop in average unit prices, particularly in the mid price segment.

For the full year 2025, foreign buyers transferred 14,899 condominium units, up 2.2% from 2024. However, total transfer value fell 10.7% to 60.92 billion baht.

Foreign ownership accounted for 14.7% of all condominium units transferred nationwide and 25% of total transfer value.

Under Thai law, foreigners may own up to 49% of the saleable area of a condominium project.

Top provinces

The 10 provinces with the highest number of foreign transfers were led by Bangkok with 7,029 units worth 35.39 billion baht, followed by Chonburi with 4,164 units worth 11.59 billion baht, and Phuket with 1,190 units worth 6.09 billion baht.

Other provinces included Chiang Mai, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Samut Prakan, Surat Thani, Rayong, Phetchaburi and Nonthaburi.

China remains No.1

By nationality, Chinese buyers remained the largest group despite declines. In 2025, Chinese nationals transferred 4,940 units, down 12.9% year on year, with total value falling 30% to 18.59 billion baht.

They still accounted for 33% of total foreign unit transfers and 31% of total value, mainly in Bangkok, Chonburi and Chiang Mai.

Myanmar jumps to second

Myanmar nationals ranked second with 1,968 units, surging 41.8% from a year earlier. However, transfer value slipped 12.5% to 6.16 billion baht. Purchases were concentrated in Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Chiang Mai.

Russian buyers followed with 1,172 units, up 8.6%, while transfer value jumped 30.3% to 4.77 billion baht, mainly in Phuket, Chonburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Other key markets included Taiwan, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, India and Singapore.

Narongpol said the drop in Chinese transfers was likely due to stricter capital outflow controls in China and Thailand’s tighter measures against illicit “grey capital,” leaving primarily genuine demand buyers seeking residences, rental investments or long term stays for business.

He said the shift has made Thailand’s condominium market more resilient heading into 2026.

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Bride leads procession, proposes to groom with 400,000 baht dowry in Saraburi

SARABURI — 4 March 2026, In a reversal of traditional roles, a bride led the engagement procession and brought a 400,000 baht dowry to formally propose to her groom after more than eight years together.

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The wedding of Duanghathaimat Chaiwong, known as Ice, and Jirayuth Khamphu, known as Toy, was held at a club inside Adisorn Camp in Saraburi province. Family members and friends from both sides attended the ceremony in a joyful atmosphere.

The highlight of the event was the khan mak procession, which is traditionally organized by the groom’s family to seek the bride’s hand in marriage. Instead, Ice arranged the procession herself, arriving in a convertible Ford to formally ask for her groom’s hand.

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She brought 400,000 baht in cash as dowry, along with a gold necklace and a six-baht weight gold engagement ring.

Ice said the decision was intentional and supported by her family. As their only daughter, her family wanted to organize the procession. She added that as part of a younger generation, she believes couples can adapt traditions with new ideas to suit modern times.

The couple have been together for more than eight years. Ice said she felt very happy, while Toy praised his bride’s beauty and said he was deeply touched that she came to formally propose to him.

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Iranian ambassador says US, Israel using ‘Rule of the Jungle’

Iranian Ambassador to Thailand Nassereddin Heidari

BANGKOK Iran’s Ambassador to Thailand, Nassereddin Heidari, on Wednesday denounced what he described as “unprovoked and unjustified acts of aggression” by the United States and Israel against Iran, calling the situation a dangerous escalation.

Speaking at a press conference in Bangkok, Heidari said the alleged attacks constituted “a direct assault on the very core principles of international law,” including the prohibition on the use of force and respect for sovereign equality.

“This cowardly act of terror constitutes a direct assault on the very core principles of international law,” he said. “It represents a dangerous and unprecedented escalation of war that strikes at the most fundamental norms of statehood and civilized conduct among nations.”

The ambassador spent nearly an hour answering questions from more than a dozen Thai reporters.

Iranian tourists stranded in Thailand

Heidari said around 160 Iranian tourists remain stranded in Thailand. The embassy may request assistance from the Thai government to arrange a chartered flight to Turkey, from where stranded Thais currently in Iran could be repatriated.

Regarding Thai nationals in Iran, he said no Thai had been injured and that assisting Bangkok with repatriation efforts was a priority.

No message to US, Israeli envoys

Asked about any message to the US and Israeli ambassadors in Thailand, Heidari replied: “We have no relation with either of them. So we have no message to either of them.”

On speculation about possible retaliatory attacks against Israeli diplomatic premises or individuals in Thailand, he declined to give assurances.

“It’s not we who guarantee. This speculation is not relevant,” he said.

Criticism of Western media

Responding to a question about some Thais who support US and Israeli actions due to Iran’s recent deadly crackdown on protesters, Heidari rejected the characterization.

“I do not accept your comments on aggression [and] repression,” he said, alleging that “agent provocateurs” organized from outside Iran had waged “terror in our territory.”

He also urged Thais not to rely on Western media for information, suggesting they consult Iranian and other news sources.

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‘We have no way but to defend ourselves’

Asked about Iran’s objectives, Heidari said the “end game is not for us to choose,” accusing Washington and Tel Aviv of creating a “rule of the jungle.”

“These two [nations] have breached everything… We have no way but to defend ourselves,” he said.

On Israel, he claimed its “ultimate goal is to disintegrate Iran” and likened the situation to Syria. He added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has for decades portrayed Iran as an imminent threat.

Regarding the United States, Heidari said Washington does not genuinely support the Iranian people, despite its claims. He added that Iran does not seek harm to American soldiers.

“We do not want any bloodshed from the American soldiers either,” he said.

PM–US envoy meeting

Asked about Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s meeting earlier Wednesday with the US ambassador, Heidari said: “I hope PM Anutin has told him the US should stop.”

On speculation over whether a new supreme leader has been chosen in Iran, the ambassador said he had seen no confirmation.

He added that he spoke with his family in Tehran the previous night. “My family was in the shelter,” he said.

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The history of Khanom Krok, beloved coconut rice cake across the region

Khanom krok in Thailand

Few Thai street snacks are as iconic as khanom krok, small round coconut rice cakes with a crisp shell and creamy centre. Made from rice flour, sugar and coconut milk, the dessert is traditionally cooked in a cast iron pan with small indentations over charcoal heat. Vendors pour two batters into each well, typically one lightly salted coconut base and one sweet topping, before pressing two half moons together into a single bite sized disc.

Burmese snack street vendor in Yangon
Mont lin ma yar in Myanmar

Variations of this coconut based treat appear across Asia. Similar dishes are found in Myanmar, where it is known as mont lin ma yar, as well as in Laos and Cambodia. In South Asia, southern India has paniyaram, also called paddu, while Indonesia has serabi. Though ingredients and textures vary, the shared technique of cooking batter in a moulded pan points to a long culinary exchange across the region.

Aesthetic Paniyaram of Salem
Paniyaram in India

Several countries claim origins of the dish. In Thailand, historical evidence shows khanom krok was already popular during the Ayutthaya period. Early versions were likely simpler than today’s varieties, following traditional Thai dessert methods using freshly milled rice mixed with coconut and sugar. Records from the Ayutthaya Testimonies mention Ban Mo, a pottery making community west of Sa Bua Canal, producing cooking vessels including pans for khanom krok, indicating its widespread consumption at the time.

The dessert continues to evolve, with modern toppings ranging from sweet corn and taro to spring onions and salted coconut cream. This year, food guide TasteAtlas ranked khanom krok as Thailand’s No.1 dessert, reaffirming its enduring popularity.

From the ancient capital of Ayutthaya to street side stalls today, Thai people continue to enjoy khanom krok. How is it enjoyed in your country?

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Man held for public indecency in Udon Thani

Man held for public indecency in Udon Thani

UDON THANI — 4 March 2026, A 43-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday after allegedly exposing himself in a public area in central Udon Thani, telling police he had lowered his trousers because of the heat.

At 13:00, the Rompho Thong radio centre at Muang Udon Thani Police Station received a report of a man believed to be mentally unstable walking with his trousers down in front of the Udon Thani City Museum on Pho Si Road.

Police were dispatched to the scene along with 191 patrol officers. Witnesses photographed the man, and some CCTV cameras from shops along Pho Si Road captured parts of the incident.

Officials from the Thepharak district assistance unit located the man behind Udon Thani Vocational College. He was described as wearing a black T-shirt, blue patterned shorts, a cap, sandals and carrying a black backpack.

Police said the man cooperated when approached and consented to a search. He reportedly insisted he had harmed no one and had done nothing wrong, before again lowering his trousers and exposing himself, claiming he needed to “air” himself because of the hot and humid weather.

No illegal items were found in his possession. The 43 years old man is a resident of Nong Bua subdistrict in Nong Bua Lamphu province.

He told officers he had been walking from a machine shop and was heading to a branch of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives. He said he could not be detained because he had not assaulted anyone, adding that he had lowered his trousers due to the heat. When asked by bystanders why he was exposing himself, he said he showed them because they asked.

Police and reporters attempted to dissuade him from repeating the behaviour. He apologised and promised not to do it again.

Police said he faces a charge of committing an indecent act in public.

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Lime prices hit 80 baht per kg amid drought

Lime prices hit 80 baht per kg amid drought

YALA — 4 March 2026, Prolonged hot weather lasting more than one month in Yala has begun to directly affect agricultural prices, with limes seeing a significant surge as drought conditions reduce supply to markets.

A survey at Muang Mai Market in Yala found that lime prices have risen sharply. Sareepah Samae, a lime vendor from Yupo subdistrict, said prices had increased from 20 to 30 baht per kilogram to 80 baht per kilogram for large limes. Smaller limes are now selling for 50 to 60 baht per kilogram.

She said the problem occurs every year during the dry season. The shop purchases produce directly from local farmers in sacks weighing 20 kilogrammes each. Current costs stand at about 350 baht per 10 kilogrammes, prompting vendors to repackage the fruit into smaller bags priced at 20 baht and 40 to 50 baht to suit customers’ spending power.

If the area continues to experience no rainfall and extreme heat persists, prices are expected to rise further next month. However, consumers are still visiting the market to buy limes as usual despite the higher prices.

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Oil Reserves: How long can Asia last?

People line up to fill fuel in their motorcycles at a gas station in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

BANGKOK — Escalating conflict in the Middle East has sparked global concern over oil supply security, particularly over the safety of the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime chokepoint for energy shipments.

In 2025, about 13.4 million barrels of crude oil per day passed through the Strait of Hormuz, accounting for roughly 30% of global seaborne oil trade. More than 80% of that volume was destined for Asian countries, underscoring the region’s heavy reliance on the route.

Data compiled by Khaosod English show significant differences in oil reserve coverage across Asia. Japan holds reserves equivalent to 254 days of consumption, followed by South Korea with 208 days and China with 200 days. India has 74 days of reserves, while Thailand holds 61 days and the Philippines 60 days. Indonesia has 20 days and Vietnam has 15 days of reserves, while no official data were available for Cambodia.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand has sufficient oil supplies and does not rely solely on imports from the Middle East, seeking to reassure the public amid volatility in global energy markets.

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Europe airfares jump 100%, Bangkok–London economy ticket tops 70,000 baht

BANGKOK — Airfares from Thailand to Europe have surged by up to 100% following Middle East airspace closures linked to the Israel–Iran conflict, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) said on 4 March.

Eight Middle Eastern airlines operating in Thailand have suspended flights, significantly reducing seat capacity on key international routes, particularly to Europe. As a result, ticket prices on airlines still operating have climbed sharply. One-way economy fares on the Bangkok–London route with Thai Airways International have risen to more than 70,000 baht, up from an average of about 30,000 baht. Fares on Singapore Airlines have increased to around 58,000 baht. Many flights are fully booked through next week.

CAAT said the spike reflects strong travel demand combined with reduced supply after the suspension of services by major Gulf carriers, which previously handled more than 10,000 passengers per day from Thailand. With fewer flights available, fares have adjusted to market levels, reaching near maximum pricing thresholds.

The regulator said it does not have authority to cap international ticket prices, as fares are determined by competition, seasonal demand and bilateral aviation agreements. CAAT’s oversight focuses on slot allocation, passenger rights and safety standards.

Officials also warned that rising global oil prices could further increase aviation costs. Airlines affected by the disruption may seek approval to raise fuel surcharges for cargo operations, which are incorporated into ticket prices, potentially pushing fares even higher. As of now, no airline has formally requested a surcharge adjustment.

On 4 March, CAAT invited Emirates and Qatar Airways for talks to monitor how stranded passengers are being assisted, including accommodation arrangements, refunds and rebooking options following the airspace closures.

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SET trading halted after index plunges 8%, triggers circuit breaker

BANGKOK — The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) suspended trading on Wednesday after the benchmark SET Index plunged 117.52 points, or 8.01%, at 12:18, triggering an automatic Level 1 circuit breaker.

Trading on both the SET and MAI markets was halted for 30 minutes to allow investors to assess the sharp volatility. The exchange said trading would resume in the afternoon session under normal hours. Products with underlying assets other than SET-listed common shares continued trading as usual.

The bourse also ordered a temporary suspension of program trading from the moment trading resumes until market close on 4 March. Under circuit breaker rules, a fall of 8% triggers a 30-minute halt, 15% prompts another 30-minute pause, and a 20% drop results in a one-hour suspension, after which trading resumes without further halts.

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Surin border villagers fear fighting, worry for family in Dubai

SURIN — 3 March 2026, Residents along the Thai-Cambodian border in Phanom Dong Rak district are facing renewed stress as tensions persist, while also worrying about family members working overseas in conflict-hit areas.

Reporters visiting Ban Non Yang Kut, Moo 10, Bak Dai subdistrict, found villagers accelerating their farm work in anticipation of a possible third round of fighting. The village lies about 4–5 km from Chong Krang, an area affected during the first and second rounds of clashes. Several BM-21 rockets fired from the Cambodian side previously landed in the area, causing widespread damage to crops.

After completing rubber tapping and harvesting sugarcane, many farmers are now rushing to replant sugarcane in case further hostilities erupt.

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Residents tend to the fields, hoping that further damage from the war doesn’t cause damage and evacuations

Concern has also grown for local residents working abroad. Some villagers from Phanom Dong Rak district are employed in Israel and Dubai, both of which have been affected by missile attacks linked to the Iran conflict.

Leu Somyathawi, 69, a resident of Ban Non Yang Kut, said her daughter and grandson are working in Dubai. She recently spoke with her daughter, who is based in the capital.

“She told me it’s as difficult in Dubai as it is along the border here. They also have to run from explosions after Iran launched heavy missile attacks. But there is nothing they can do because they chose to go there to work, so they have to endure it,” Ms. Leu said.

She expressed particular concern for her grandson, who lives near a United States military base in Dubai and has had to take shelter repeatedly as missiles were reportedly fired toward the area.

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Leu Somyathawi, 69, a resident of Ban Non Yang Kut, has a daughter and grandson working in Dubai and has expressed concern for their safety

“I miss them very much. I just want them to be safe,” she said.

Ms. Leu lit nine incense sticks and prayed to local guardian spirits, asking for protection for her daughter and grandson.

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