Village headwoman weds female teacher in Kamphaeng Phet, dowry tops 1.6 million baht

By

-

2 March 2026, 18:02

KAMPHAENG PHET — A village headwoman in Kamphaeng Phet married her long-time partner, a local schoolteacher, in a traditional ceremony on 1 March, with dowry and gold worth more than 1.4 million baht drawing attention from the community.

The wedding took place at 09:30 at a house in Ban Nong Phak Nam, Khlong Sombun subdistrict, Khlong Khlung district, which was prepared as the couple’s new home.

The ceremony united Rungnapa Butsamran, 46, known as “Kru Rung”, a teacher at Ban Roi Rai School in Khlong Khlung, and Charinrat Numduea, 46, known locally as “Phuyaai Tuk”, the village headwoman of Moo 3, Ban Nong Phak Nam.

The same-sex marriage ceremony attracted widespread interest among residents, not only because it was a woman-to-woman union but also due to the substantial dowry presented by Charinrat to her bride.

During the engagement and wedding rites, the families counted 200,000 baht in cash along with gold jewellery and gold bars weighing a combined 18 baht weight, valued at more than 1.4 million baht.

The morning began with Buddhist merit-making rituals and alms-giving, similar to traditional Thai weddings. More than 200 Chinese banquet tables were prepared to host guests from both the local community and other provinces.

Later, a traditional khan mak procession was held, with Charinrat dressed in Thai attire leading the procession to formally ask for Rungnapa’s hand in marriage. The atmosphere was lively, with villagers — many of them residents under the headwoman’s jurisdiction — taking part in games and customary “silver and gold gate” ceremonies, with 10 gates set up in line with Thai wedding traditions.

The ceremony concluded with wrist-tying and water-pouring blessings, attended by local residents and guests from outside the province, who offered their congratulations and well wishes to the couple.

The newlyweds expressed their intention to care for one another and build a life together into old age.

Thai couple removed from Taipei–Bangkok flight over disruptive behaviour

By

Khaosod English

-

2 March 2026, 17:35

A Thai couple were removed from a Taiwan-Bangkok flight after allegedly causing a disturbance before takeoff, in an incident that has drawn widespread attention online.

The episode surfaced after TikTok user @eatshit30678, a foreign passenger, posted a clip showing crew escorting two passengers off the aircraft.

@wilaiwanchantabng #เหตุการณ์บนเครื่องเมื่อวาน ชื่นชมพนักงานค่ะพยามแก้สถานการณ์ดีมาก แต่คนแบบนี้ไม่น่าให้ขึ้นมาแต่แรก นิสัยเสียทำคนอื่นเสียเวลามาก🇹🇭🇹🇼 #คนไทยในใต้หวัน🇹🇭🇹🇼 ♬ Light Rubdown – Meditation Music Collective & Coffee Shop Jazz Piano Chilling & Massage Therapy

According to the poster, the incident occurred on a flight from Taiwan to Thailand. The man seen in the clip reportedly began shouting as soon as he boarded, walking up and down the aisle and attempting to film other passengers with his mobile phone.

When crew members asked him to disembark, he allegedly continued causing trouble even on the jet bridge, prompting the captain to intervene.

Another social media user who claimed to be on the same flight commented that the couple had appeared to argue even before boarding. The pair were believed to have been working in Taiwan and were returning home. While waiting to board, the husband was described as agitated, repeatedly asking his wife whether money had been transferred or refunded.

The original poster replied that the account appeared consistent with what happened, adding that the flight eventually arrived safely in Thailand. However, the aircraft was delayed for around 40 minutes after the couple were removed before receiving clearance to depart.

Separately, TikTok user @wilaiwanchantabng shared another clip from the same incident, showing the man attempting to re-enter the plane and raising his phone to film crew members at close range.

The user praised the airline staff for handling the situation professionally, writing that such passengers should not have been allowed to board in the first place. She added that the couple had initially agreed to return home, but when the time came, the husband reportedly changed his mind, phoned family members to say he would not return, and argued loudly. When warned by staff, he allegedly protested that he had paid for his ticket and walked around the cabin filming several times.

Online commenters criticised the couple’s behaviour, particularly the man’s actions, saying it disrupted other passengers, caused delays and damaged the image of Thai travellers abroad.

AIS Retains No.1 Network Spot, Winning 12 Ookla Speedtest Awards in the Second Half of 2025

By

Mc Marketing

-

2 March 2026, 17:21

AIS continues to set new standards for Thailand’s digital infrastructure, demonstrating comprehensive network excellence by winning top awards for both mobile and fixed broadband services from Ookla®, the global leader in network intelligence and performance analytics. The achievement reflects AIS’s true market leadership, with network quality spanning speed, consistency, and reliability.

Based on network performance results during the second half of the year, AIS was ranked as the “Best Mobile Network” and the “Best 5G Network,” excelling in both Speed and Consistency. At the same time, in the fixed broadband category, AIS also won the “Best Fixed Network” award, reinforcing the strength and robustness of its network infrastructure across all dimensions.

Mr. Kitti Ngarmchatetanarom Chief Technology Officer of AIS, stated: “Today, network infrastructure is no longer merely a communications system; it is a vital foundation of the National Digital Infrastructure that must deliver extensive coverage, high stability, and the highest level of security. Currently, AIS 5G coverage, reaching 95% of the nationwide population and has expanded its broadband network to reach over 20 million households across Thailand, alongside continued investments in Data Centers and Cloud services to support the growth of Thailand’s digital economy.

At the same time, we have been systematically enhancing our network development through spectrum efficiency optimization, advancing toward Autonomous Network capabilities, and integrating AI as the core of network management. This enables the network to automatically analyze, optimize, and self-manage, continuously improving customer experience. Our goal is to elevate the network into a national digital infrastructure that is fully capable of supporting all sectors at maximum potential.”

Recognition from Ookla®, a globally trusted provider of internet speed testing services, serves as further proof that AIS is the fastest 5G mobile network provider in Thailand, strengthening customer confidence that AIS is truly the best network in the country.

Suvarnabhumi reports 47 flight cancellations

By

Khaosod English

-

2 March 2026, 16:30

Suvarnabhumi reports 47 flight cancellations

SUVARNABHUMI — 2 March 2026, Suvarnabhumi Airport said on 2 March 2026 that ongoing unrest in the Middle East has led eight airlines to cancel a total of 47 flights.

The cancelled services comprise 24 outbound and 23 inbound flights. The affected carriers are EL AL Israel Airlines, Air Arabia, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways and World2Fly.

Between 28 February and 2 March 2026, a total of 108 flights were cancelled, including 58 outbound and 50 inbound services, according to the airport.

Airport coordinating closely with airlines

Suvarnabhumi Airport said it is closely monitoring the situation and continuing to coordinate with affected airlines to ensure passengers are properly assisted.

At present, no departing passengers have been left stranded at the airport, as airlines have informed travellers in advance and managed the situation effectively. The airport has deployed staff to facilitate passengers and set up drinking water service points for those waiting to contact airlines until the situation eases.

The airport advised passengers planning to travel to countries in the Middle East or nearby areas to check flight statuses closely with their airlines via websites, mobile applications, airline counters at the airport or other direct contact channels.

Passengers can obtain further information on airport services from the AOT Contact Center by calling 1722, available 24 hours a day.

The Ministry of Culture expands network with its strategic partners to elevate Thai contemporary art onto the global stage

By

MC Marketing

-

2 March 2026, 16:00

The Ministry of Culture, through the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture and the Contemporary Art Promotion Fund, expands its contemporary art network by partnering with the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music and the Cheongju Craft Biennale. The collaboration has been formalized through an MOU to strengthen strategic cooperation, bringing together six key partners to elevate Thai contemporary art to the international stage. Between 2018 and 2026, the Fund allocated more than THB 116 million in grants to support 367 projects.

February 26, 2026, Bangkok — Mr. Prasop Riangngen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, representing the Minister of Culture, presided over the press conference announcing the projects supported by the Contemporary Art Promotion Fund for Fiscal Year 2026, as well as the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the promotion and development of contemporary arts and culture between the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC) and the Contemporary Art Promotion Fund, together with contemporary art network partners. The event, held at Gallery 2, G Floor, National Art Gallery Building, Ministry of Culture, Huai Khwang, Bangkok, was also attended by Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Contemporary Art Promotion Fund, who joined the press conference. Also present were Mrs. Kesorn Kumnerdpech, Director-General, Office of Contemporary Art and Culture; Ministry of Culture executives; members of the fund’s executive committee; grant recipients; representatives from contemporary art networks; distinguished guests; government officials; and OCAC staff.

Mr. Prasop Riangngen, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, representing the Minister of Culture, said: “The Ministry of Culture is mandated to promote initiatives related to arts, religion, and culture, as well as to further develop artistic works to ensure their contemporary relevance. The Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC) serves as the key organization responsible for promoting, supporting, publicizing creative activities, and advancing contemporary art. The implementation of this initiative has integrated proactive collaboration among the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC), the Contemporary Art Promotion Fund, contemporary art networks, and various stakeholders to ensure ultimate impact in supporting artists and creative entrepreneurs. The objective is to transform cultural capital into tangible economic value, while preserving, creating, and advancing Thai culture sustainably into the future under the “Thai-ness (Tai Thai)” concept. Moreover, the strategy focuses on leveraging the roots of wisdom, culture, art, and local identity through creativity to create career opportunities and generate additional income for artists, people, and communities, thereby positioning Thai culture as a foundation for strong national economic growth while enhancing the quality of life of the Thai people.”

Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Contemporary Art Promotion Fund, stated: “The Contemporary Art Promotion Fund was established in 2008 under the Contemporary Art Promotion Act B.E. 2551 (2008). Over the past 18 years, the Fund has supported the work of artists and cultural organizations across all artistic fields. From 2018 to 2026, the Fund promoted a total of 367 projects, allocating more than THB 116 million in grants. In 2026, 44 projects have been supported, covering nine fields: visual arts, literature, music, performing arts, film, architecture, decorative arts, graphic arts, and fashion design. Each supported project demonstrates its own distinctiveness and creative identity. The Ministry of Culture, through the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture and the Contemporary Art Promotion Fund, together with artist networks, contemporary art networks, and stakeholders across sectors, takes great pride in contributing to the advancement of artists and the contemporary art network—enhancing knowledge development, expanding creative potential, and promoting Thai contemporary art at both national and international levels.”

Khunying Patama further added that the Contemporary Art Promotion Fund is committed to continuously driving the mission to promote and publicize knowledge across all nine contemporary art disciplines, with strong and valued collaboration from key leading partners, including ICONSIAM; UOB Thailand; Chat Lab; and the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage. At the same time, the collaboration has been expanded to academic and international levels through partnerships between the Office of Contemporary Art and Culture (OCAC), the Contemporary Art Promotion Fund, and contemporary art networks, including the Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music and the Cheongju Craft Biennale, represented by the Cheongju Craft Biennale Organizing Committee. The signing of this MOU further strengthens integrated cooperation in promoting creativity, development, and the publication of contemporary art, enabling Thailand’s contemporary art sector to advance more robustly onto the international stage.

CK Cheong says he never gives wedding envelopes, calls it ‘culture shock’

By

Khaosod English

-

2 March 2026, 12:40

BANGKOK — The long-debated question of how much to put in a wedding envelope resurfaced this week after CK Cheong, CEO of Fastwork and a well-known online personality, said he has never given one.

In a post on 27 February 2026 via his Facebook page, CK Cheong, CPA, Cheong was asked how much he puts in an envelope when attending weddings. His reply was blunt: “I’ve never given one.”

He explained that at first he did not give envelopes because he was unaware of the custom, having grown up in the United States where the practice is uncommon. Even after learning about the tradition in Thailand, he said he still did not “get it”.

“If you’re not ready to treat me to fish maw soup, then I just won’t go. I’d rather spend my time working,” he wrote.

Cheong added that if anyone expects to invite him because they assume he is wealthy and would give a large envelope, they need not extend the invitation. “You can note it down — my envelope is 0 baht,” he said, insisting that it was not about being stingy but a matter of cultural difference.

“You invited me. I didn’t ask to come. Why do I have to pay?” he wrote.

He also clarified that his comments reflected his personal view and were not intended to encourage others to follow suit. “Whether you give or not give is not wrong. I’m not the social police. I’m just sharing my opinion. No drama,” he added.

The remarks sparked heated debate online. Some commenters said giving envelopes is a long-standing cultural practice in many countries and seen as a gesture of goodwill or support for the couple, rather than an obligation.

Others countered that if not giving an envelope in Thailand is considered “culture shock”, then tipping in the United States — where 20% or more is often expected — could be equally shocking for Thais.

At the same time, a number of users voiced support for Cheong, saying they also struggle to relate to the envelope tradition and agreed with his perspective

Dorm Blaze Blamed on Phone Left Charging

By

Khaosod English

-

2 March 2026, 12:30

Dorm Blaze Blamed on Phone Left Charging

LAMPANG — 2 March 2026, A fire broke out at a dormitory in the Nam Thong area in the early hours of Sunday after a tenant left a mobile phone charging on a headboard, causing an explosion that heavily damaged the room. No injuries were reported.

At 05:00, the 191 radio centre in Lampang received a report of a fire at a dormitory near the entrance to Triam Udom Suksa Phatthanakan Khelang Nakhon School in Nam Thong, Bo Haeo subdistrict, Mueang Lampang district.

Firefighters from the Lampang City Municipality, the Bo Haeo Subdistrict Municipality and the Sawang Nakhon Lampang rescue unit were dispatched to the scene to contain the blaze.

Flames were found raging from a second-floor room of the building. Officers used water to bring the fire under control, taking about 40 minutes to extinguish it. The blaze caused extensive damage to the interior of the room, destroying furniture and personal belongings. However, no injuries or fatalities were reported.

The dormitory owner said the tenant had left a mobile phone charging on the headboard. The phone allegedly exploded, sending sparks that ignited the room. The occupant was able to escape safely.

Forensic police will be called in to determine the exact cause of the fire. Authorities urged the public to exercise caution when charging electrical devices, particularly by keeping them away from flammable materials, to prevent similar incidents.

The dormitory owner thanked all responding agencies for their swift efforts in bringing the situation under control.

Uzbek woman hurt as skirt snags bike chain

By

Khaosod English

-

2 March 2026, 11:32

Uzbek woman hurt as skirt snags bike chain

PATTAYA — 2 March 2026, A 52-year-old Uzbek woman was injured shortly after midnight when her long skirt got caught in a motorcycle chain, pulling her from the vehicle in the Thai resort city of Pattaya, rescue officials said.

The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre in Pattaya said it received a report of an accident at 00:10 at the entrance to Soi 13/4 off Pattaya Second Road in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province. Rescue workers were dispatched to the scene.

The injured woman was identified as Miss Subkhana Dauletalievna, a 52-year-old Uzbek national. She suffered abrasions to her body and was given first aid at the scene before being taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The motorcycle taxi driver, 26-year-old Pakorn Wongsaen, told officials he had picked up the tourist from Soi 16 on Pattaya Second Road. Noticing she was wearing a long skirt, he warned her to lift it to avoid any risk.

He said that as they approached the scene, the hem of the skirt entangled in the motorcycle’s chain and sprocket, causing her to be pulled off the back of the vehicle. The motorcycle was damaged, but the driver said he managed to keep it upright. The woman fell to the road.

After regaining his composure, the driver contacted authorities to request assistance.

Sisaket man shoots girlfriend dead, attempts suicide

By

Khaosod English

-

2 March 2026, 10:37

Police investigate the scene where Atcharanee Wannathong, 28, was fatally shot by her boyfriend. He apparently turned the gun on himself but survived a gunshot wound to the head

SISAKET — 1 March 2026, A 33-year-old dump truck owner allegedly shot his girlfriend dead inside their home in Phrai Bueng district before turning the gun on himself, leaving their two-year-old son without his mother.

At 20:00, Pol. Lt. Col. Narong Piyaphan, deputy investigation chief at Phrai Bueng Police Station, was notified of a fatal shooting at a single-storey house in Moo 5, Phrai Bueng subdistrict. Rescue workers and investigators were dispatched to the scene.

The shooting occurred in a kitchen extension at the rear of the concrete house. Officers found one woman dead and one man seriously injured, both lying in pools of blood on the floor.

The injured man was 33, a dump truck owner from Khun Han district. He had sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was barely breathing when found. Nearby, police recovered a modified blank gun and one 9mm shell casing.

weapon — The modified blank gun found at the scene of the incident

The deceased was identified as Atcharanee Wannathong, 28, his girlfriend. She had suffered one gunshot wound to her right calf and another to the head. Two shell casings were found close to her body.

Suraphong Wannathong, the woman’s father, tearfully told reporters that the couple had been together for about three years and had a two-year-old son. He said the suspect had shown a pattern of extreme jealousy and frequently argued with his daughter, particularly over her social activities. He also alleged that the man had previously threatened to kill the entire family if they separated and had fired a gun outside the house to intimidate them.

father1 — Atcharanee’s father alleges that the boyfriend had previously threatened to kill the family if she left him.

In recent months, Atcharanee had tried to distance herself from him because she could no longer tolerate his behaviour, her father said. On the day of the incident, she had planned to attend a close friend’s wedding, but he reportedly objected, leading to another argument.

A close friend of the victim said Atcharanee had told her earlier that day that her boyfriend was repeatedly calling and threatening to follow her to the wedding. The friend dropped her off at her parents’ garden house in the late afternoon. Shortly afterward, the suspect arrived at the residence where the shooting later took place.

The friend added that the couple had previously broken up several years ago after the man allegedly fired a gun at Atcharanee but missed. A police complaint was filed at the time. They later reconciled and had a child together.

friend1 — A friend alleges the boyfriend previously fired a gun at Atcharanee but missed

Police are working on the assumption that a heated argument escalated, leading the man to shoot his girlfriend before attempting to take his own life. Forensic examinations, including gunshot residue, fingerprints and bullet trajectory analysis, are underway to determine the exact sequence of events.

The incident has shocked residents in the normally quiet community, particularly because the couple’s two-year-old son has now lost his mother in a single night. Police said they will continue gathering evidence and reviewing the suspect’s firearm possession as part of the ongoing investigation.

Atcharanee Wannathong1 — Atcharanee Wannathong, 28

Two Ugandan arrested in Koh Phangan vice raid

By

Khaosod English

-

2 March 2026, 10:01

Two Ugandan arrested in Koh Phangan vice raid

KOH PHANGAN — 1 March 2026, Thai tourist police have arrested two Ugandan women on the resort island of Koh Phangan on suspicion of running a prostitution operation via WhatsApp, earning about 500,000 baht a month and sending the money home, authorities said.

Investigators led by Lt. Col. Winij Boonchit searched a rented house in Moo 2, Koh Phangan subdistrict, Surat Thani province, after receiving a tip-off from an Israeli tourist. The informant alleged that a group of foreign women were offering sexual services and suspected thefts from clients.

Officers arranged a sting operation through WhatsApp, agreeing to pay 5,000 baht for two encounters. After an undercover officer signalled, police entered the house and arrested two suspects identified as Janat Nakalema, 32, and Mariam Namatovu, 29, both Ugandan nationals. They were detained while allegedly providing services to a foreign male tourist inside the property.

During questioning, both women confessed, police said, that they had been operating on Koh Phangan for about two months, focusing mainly on foreign clients and seeing an average of three to four customers a day. Over that period, they said, they had served more than 180 clients, generating about 500,000 baht per month. The money was sent to their families in Uganda.

The women were charged with assembling in a place of prostitution for the purpose of prostitution and publicly advertising or soliciting for prostitution. They were handed over to investigators at Koh Phangan police station for legal proceedings and possible deportation.

SUVARNABHUMI — 2 March 2026, Suvarnabhumi Airport said on 2 March 2026 that ongoing unrest in the Middle East has led eight airlines to cancel a total of 47 flights.

Airport coordinating closely with airlines

Hot News

LATEST NEWS