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

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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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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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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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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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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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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’

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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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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?

Man held for public indecency in Udon Thani

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4 March 2026, 15:56

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.

Lime prices hit 80 baht per kg amid drought

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4 March 2026, 15:06

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.

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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