US lists a single Bangkok shopping mall for fake goods in notorious markets report

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5 March 2026, 13:46

BANGKOK — The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has listed one shopping centre in central Bangkok among markets with high levels of intellectual property (IP) infringement in its 2025 Notorious Markets Report, Thai officials said.

Armon Thapthawitham, director-general of the Department of Intellectual Property, said the report, released on 3 March, identified 37 online markets and 32 physical markets across 19 countries.

For Thailand, only one physical market — a shopping mall in central Bangkok — was named.

Armon said stakeholders had expressed appreciation for the intensified enforcement efforts by the department, the Economic Crime Suppression Division and the Royal Thai Police in tackling trademark and copyright violations.

She said authorities had stepped up raids and public awareness campaigns, while mall operators had cooperated by terminating leases of tenants arrested for IP offences and closing numerous shops selling counterfeit goods.

However, she acknowledged continued attempts to sell infringing products through temporary stalls and other tactics aimed at evading inspection. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and plan to intensify action, including targeting major offenders.

Armon said the situation in online markets showed clear improvement, with no Thai e-commerce platforms appearing on this year’s list. She attributed the positive trend to cooperation under a memorandum of understanding signed by major online platforms in Thailand to strengthen IP protection, including notice-and-takedown measures and proactive monitoring.

The department will continue working with enforcement agencies including the Customs Department and the Department of Special Investigation to crack down on violations in Bangkok, tourist destinations, border trade areas and online channels, with a focus on expanding investigations to warehouses and large-scale suppliers.

Thailand remains committed to strengthening IP protection to support trade, investment and investor confidence, Armon said, adding that the department would engage US counterparts to exchange information and reflect progress in future assessments.

She urged businesses and consumers not to buy or support counterfeit goods, warning of potential risks to consumers and damage to the country’s economic image.

Nan’s soft power parade: 15 districts and a century of living heritage

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MC Marketing

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5 March 2026, 13:30

[Nan, Thailand] – If pride could be measured in distance and time, the “Kua Tan” parade during the Hok Peng Festival 2026 would be the ultimate yardstick. More than just a religious procession, this 4-hour spectacle is a vivid display of “Cultural Capital” from all 15 districts of Nan, showcasing a century of heritage that continues to breathe and evolve.

A 4-Hour Runway of Living History

Recognized as an international-grade festival by the Ministry of Culture, this parade has become the longest “handicraft runway” in Northern Thailand. Every step taken toward the sacred Phra That Chae Haeng temple tells a story:

Intricate Basketry: Masterpieces of geometry and nature.
Hand-woven Textiles: Patterns that reflect the soul and way of life of various ethnic groups.
Ancient Folk Arts: Century-old traditions passed down through generations.

This is the true definition of Soft Power. It’s not just found in books, but in the hands of locals who pour their heart into every detail, proving that Nan’s creativity is second to none.

“Together We Rise”: A Lesson for the World

The success of Hok Peng goes beyond its visual grandeur. It has been honored as one of the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories under the theme “Together We Rise.” This global accolade celebrates Nan as a model city that uses its festivals to revitalize both the economy and the community’s spirit.

What truly impresses the world is the seamless collaboration between generations:

The Masters: Keeping the secret techniques of ancient crafts alive.
The Young Gen: Bringing fresh perspectives and modern design to ensure traditions remain relevant and sustainable for modern tourism.

The Heart of Nan Creative City

As a proud member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Nan proves that growth doesn’t mean leaving the past behind. Instead, Nan “hugs its roots” tight enough to allow them to bloom into global wings.

The 4-hour parade is a celebration of the fact that a century-old heritage is still the compass leading Nan toward a sustainable and vibrant future.

About the Hok Peng Festival: A traditional Nan celebration held on the full moon of the 6th Northern lunar month. It is now an international-grade festival and a global benchmark for sustainable tourism management (Green Destinations Top 100).

Nan and DASTA invite travelers to the “Nan Craft Festival for All District” this March 13–15

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MC Marketing

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5 March 2026, 12:32

NAN, THAILAND – The Nan Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports, in collaboration with the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) and the Nan Creative City Network, is proud to announce the “Nan Craft Festival for All District: Craft Dee Withi Nan.” This landmark event will showcase the unique identity of Nan’s craftsmanship from March 13 to 15, 2026, at the Nan Riverfront Public Park.

The festival aims to enhance competitive capabilities and elevate Nan’s status as a high-quality, sustainable tourism destination. By moving beyond viewing handicrafts as mere souvenirs, the event focuses on “Storytelling”—sharing the wisdom, pride, and heritage of the Nan people through six core pillars of local craftsmanship Silverware, Traditional Textiles, Basketry, Woodcarving, Pottery and Nan-style Mural Art

Visitors can shop for premium craft products curated from every district in the province and participate in cultural learning activities. The event offers a relaxed riverside atmosphere accompanied by three days of live music featuring artists such as Ying Thitikarn, RibbindaSky, PATI x Nipon, Cha Harmo & Friends, and local bands.

Event Details:

Dates: March 13 – 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Venue: Nan Riverfront Public Park, Mueang District, Nan Province

Discover the stories behind the hands that create and fall in love with the charm of Nan like never before.

Hun Sen’s son calls for peace with Thailand

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Khaosod English

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5 March 2026, 12:23

645775673_1329507695886982_5075008808261073012_n — Hun Many

PHNOM PENH — Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Civil Service Minister Hun Many called for renewed efforts to resolve tensions with Thailand, saying the two neighbours must eventually find a way forward despite recurring border clashes.

Addressing National Culture Day on 3 March, he said Cambodia is determined to defend its territory but acknowledged its military holds no advantage over Thailand. He stressed that armed confrontation is not the answer, pointing instead to past disputes in 1954 and 2008 that were settled through diplomatic, political and legal channels.

Recalling remarks by former prime minister Hun Sen, Many said:

“Between 2008 and 2011, former Prime Minister Hun Sen said that our two countries are no different from the tongue and teeth. We cannot live without each other,” Many said.

“But sometimes the teeth bite the tongue, making it scream. And sometimes the bite is not on the tongue but on the teeth, breaking the teeth.”

He voiced hope that peaceful engagement would restore ties for the benefit of both nations, noting that geography binds them together.

US begins joint military operations in Ecuador targeting drug cartels

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Khaosod English

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5 March 2026, 10:49

Footage from U.S. SOUTHCOM uploaded to X and Instagram showing a helicopter taking off

QUITO — 5 March 2026, The United States has begun joint military operations with Ecuador aimed at dismantling organised crime groups and drug trafficking networks, marking a new phase in security cooperation between the two countries.

The operation, announced by the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), targets what the US military described as “designated terrorist organisations” operating inside Ecuador. Ecuadorian armed forces are conducting raids with support from US personnel.

Details about the location and scale of the operations have not been disclosed, and Ecuador’s defence ministry said aspects of the mission remain classified.

SOUTHCOM Commander Francis L. Donovan praised Ecuador’s forces for their cooperation in the campaign.

“Together, we are taking decisive action to confront narco-terrorists who have long inflicted terror, violence and corruption on citizens throughout the hemisphere,” Donovan said in a statement.

The operations were launched on 3 March and involve Ecuadorian special operations units conducting ground raids while US forces provide intelligence, planning and logistical support, according to reports.

banner1 1 — Aerial footage from U.S. SOUTHCOM shows soldiers and helicopters during a military exercise in an open area

The move comes as Ecuador faces a sharp rise in violence linked to drug trafficking groups that use the country’s ports and borders as key transit points for cocaine shipments moving to North America and Europe.

President Daniel Noboa said the joint operations represent a “new phase” in Ecuador’s fight against organised crime, as his government seeks stronger international partnerships to restore security.

Ecuador has struggled with escalating cartel-related violence in recent years, prompting the government to deploy the military domestically and pursue cooperation agreements with allied countries to assist its police and armed forces.

The US operation is also part of a broader regional campaign against drug trafficking launched by Washington, which has increasingly used military assets across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific to intercept suspected smuggling networks.

Neither government has said how long the operation in Ecuador will continue.

Suvarnabhumi security officers save Russian man before he jumps

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Khaosod English

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5 March 2026, 10:09

SUVARNABHUMI — 2 March 2026, CCTV footage has emerged of a Russian man who threatened to jump from an elevated roadway inside Suvarnabhumi Airport, before security officers safely subdued him.

The incident occurred on the evening of 1 March 2026 at around 20:00 at the passenger terminal’s second floor, drawing the attention of numerous travellers in the busy airport.

According to airport authorities, CCTV operators monitoring the arrivals area at Gate 2 observed a foreign man walking out of the terminal before crossing towards an outer metal barrier. The man was then seen climbing over the fence and standing on the outer ledge.

The airport’s security centre alerted a patrol team to investigate. Officers reported that the man appeared highly stressed and threatened to jump to the ground below. Security personnel coordinated with relevant agencies to negotiate with him, providing drinking water in an effort to ease tensions while attempting to persuade him to step back to safety.

At an opportune moment, the duty head of security decided to intervene, rushing forward to restrain the man and pull him back inside safely. He was later taken to Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station to calm down.

Police said the man was unable to provide identification documents and had not yet given his name. He identified himself only as a Russian national. Investigators have contacted the Embassy of Russia in Thailand to assist in verifying his identity.

The man remains in police care while officers await further information once he is able to provide a statement.

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

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Khaosod English

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4 March 2026, 18:10

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.

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

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Khaosod English

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4 March 2026, 17:35

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.

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.

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.

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

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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4 March 2026, 16:42

013 — 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.

‘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.

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

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Khaosod English

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4 March 2026, 16:09

Kanom Krok ,Thai dessert from coconut milk — 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?

A 4-Hour Runway of Living History

“Together We Rise”: A Lesson for the World

The Heart of Nan Creative City

Top provinces

China remains No.1

Myanmar jumps to second

Iranian tourists stranded in Thailand

No message to US, Israeli envoys

Criticism of Western media

‘We have no way but to defend ourselves’

PM–US envoy meeting

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