Surin border villagers fear fighting, worry for family in Dubai

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4 March 2026, 13:11

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.

banner2 farm — 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.

banner4 mother — 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.

Myanmar junta imposes odd-even vehicle rule over fuel concerns

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4 March 2026, 12:40

Yangon skyline with Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar

Myanmar’s military government said it will impose alternating driving days for private vehicles starting Saturday, as it moves to conserve fuel supplies strained by turmoil in the Middle East.

Under the order, cars with licence plates ending in even numbers may operate only on even-numbered dates, while odd-numbered plates will be restricted to odd dates. The junta cited disruptions to maritime oil transport routes amid escalating conflict in the region, warning that the measure is necessary to ensure fuel security. Myanmar relies on imports for about 90 per cent of its fuel needs.

Electric vehicles, public buses, taxis, cargo trucks and emergency services will be exempt. Authorities cautioned that violators face legal action and warned fuel sellers and consumers against hoarding or price gouging. It remains unclear how long the restrictions will last or how strictly they will be enforced, particularly in areas outside military control.

Mojtaba Khamenei Reportedly Elected Supreme Leader of Iran

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4 March 2026, 11:37

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s Assembly of Experts has reportedly elected Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s next Supreme Leader, according to reports from opposition media and regional outlets, marking a historic and controversial shift toward hereditary rule in the Islamic Republic.

The selection of the 56-year-old cleric follows the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on 28 February 2026, during a joint U.S.-Israeli air operation targeting leadership sites in Tehran. If confirmed by state media, the appointment would end days of intense speculation and power-brokering within the regime’s secretive clerical and security elite.

A Break with Revolutionary Tradition

The elevation of the younger Khamenei represents a significant departure from the founding principles of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Islamic Republic was built largely as a rejection of the Pahlavi monarchy’s hereditary system, which the elder Khamenei once described as a “wrong and unreasonable tradition.”

“The selection of Mojtaba Khamenei is a gamble for the regime’s legitimacy,” said a Tehran-based analyst speaking to The New York Times. “While it provides a sense of continuity for the security apparatus, it risks alienating the clerical establishment in Qom, where father-to-son succession is viewed with deep skepticism.”

The Power Behind the Throne

Mojtaba Khamenei has long been considered one of Iran’s most powerful figures, despite holding no formal government office. He is widely believed to have managed the Office of the Supreme Leader in practice for over a decade.

Key factors behind his rise include:

Military Support: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly applied “heavy pressure” on the Assembly of Experts to back Mojtaba, according to Iran International. The IRGC views him as a reliable commander-in-chief who will maintain the “Axis of Resistance” strategy.
Intelligence Ties: He has maintained close coordination with Iran’s intelligence services and the Basij paramilitary force, particularly during the suppression of domestic protests.
Administrative Control: For years, analysts have noted that Mojtaba served as the gatekeeper to his father, effectively vetting appointments and setting policy agendas.

Challenges to Legitimacy

Despite the reported vote, Mojtaba faces two primary hurdles to consolidating power:

Religious Rank: The Iranian Constitution requires the Supreme Leader to be a “Grand Ayatollah” or a jurist of high standing. Mojtaba is currently regarded as a mid-ranking cleric (Hojjat ol-Islam). Although some state-affiliated outlets have recently referred to him as an “Ayatollah,” many senior clerics in Qom have not yet recognized this elevation.
Hereditary Stigma: The transition mirrors the very dynastic systems the 1979 Revolution sought to destroy. Critics argue this could trigger further civil unrest among a population already reeling from economic crisis and the current conflict.

The Transition Council

In the interim, Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution dictates that a three-person council handle leadership duties until a successor is officially inaugurated. This council currently consists of:

Masoud Pezeshkian: President of Iran
Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei: Judiciary Chief
Alireza Arafi: A senior jurist and member of the Guardian Council

The Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body of clerics, reportedly met via secured video conferences to conduct the vote, as several of its meeting sites had been targeted in recent strikes.

International Reaction

The White House and the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office have not commented on the reports of Mojtaba’s selection, but both have previously signaled that they view any continuation of the Khamenei line as a continuation of Iran’s regional “proxy wars.”

As of Wednesday morning, Iranian state media had not yet broadcast a formal coronation ceremony, though local reports suggest the regime is waiting for a “security window” to announce the transition publicly.

Woman Loses 8,000 baht in Pattaya Rental Scam

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4 March 2026, 10:48

Woman Loses 8,000 baht in Pattaya Rental Scam

PATTAYA — 3 March 2026, A 20-year-old woman has filed a police complaint after being allegedly duped out of more than 8,000 baht in a rental scam in South Pattaya.

At 23:30, Amornrat Hathaisong reported the incident to investigators at Pattaya City Police Station in Chonburi province.

Amornrat told police she had been searching for accommodation in the South Pattaya area when she saw a Facebook advertisement offering a room for 3,500 baht per month. She contacted a person using the Line ID “Hia Tee Pattaya” to enquire about the property.

According to her statement, the individual provided details of the monthly rent and utility costs and said more than 8,000 baht was required upfront to move in. Believing the offer to be genuine, she transferred a total of 8,380 baht as requested before travelling to inspect the room.

However, upon arrival, she was unable to contact the alleged landlord and could not gain access to the property. Local residents told her that at least 10 other people had fallen victim to a similar scam.

Amornrat subsequently lodged a formal complaint, urging others seeking rental accommodation to verify properties directly with building owners before transferring any money.

Police said they had recorded her statement and documented the complaint as evidence. Officers are investigating the bank account that received the transfer and will summon the account holder for questioning to establish the facts of the case.

PTT extends price freeze to gasohol following PM’s diesel cap

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4 March 2026, 10:07

BANGKOK — 4 March 2026, PTT Public Company Limited and PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR) have agreed to freeze diesel and gasohol prices for 15 days starting 4 March at all PTT Station outlets nationwide, while requesting motorists to temporarily refrain from filling fuel into gallon containers or other portable vessels.

While the Prime Minister’s directive focused on capping diesel at 29.94 baht per litre, PTT’s announcement extended the 15-day freeze to include gasohol, broadening the scope of price stabilisation measures.

The measure is intended to help ease household energy costs in line with the government’s policy direction, while ensuring fuel supplies remain sufficient and evenly distributed amid global supply constraints.

Fuel services for cars, trucks and commercial vehicles will continue as normal, and all promotions and customer benefits remain available.

PTT said the price freeze is a short-term measure undertaken in cooperation with OR, reflecting support for government efforts to ease living costs. The company added that its business fundamentals remain strong and that it continues to balance commercial returns with social responsibility as part of its long-term sustainability strategy.

Government warns of up to 7 years in jail for unjustified price hikes

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4 March 2026, 09:32

BANGKOK — 3 March 2026, The government on Tuesday warned businesses against taking advantage of tensions in the Middle East by raising prices, saying violators face up to seven years in prison and fines of up to 140,000 baht.

Ayrin Phanphruet, deputy government spokeswoman, said authorities are closely monitoring unrest in the Middle East and have instructed all relevant agencies to prepare response measures, particularly to ensure adequate supplies of essential consumer goods.

She said retailers and business operators must not exploit the situation by increasing prices without justification and are required by law to clearly display prices for goods and services.

The government urged strict compliance with the Price of Goods and Services Act B.E. 2542 (1999), which prohibits unjustified price increases, hoarding, and any actions deemed unfair to consumers. Offenders face a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, a fine of up to 140,000 baht, or both.

Ayrin called on the public not to panic. Inspections by the Internal Trade Department under the Commerce Ministry found that consumer goods remain sufficiently stocked and there are currently no factors warranting price increases, she said.

The government will continue to monitor the situation closely and take decisive legal action against those found exploiting consumers, she added.

Consumers who encounter unjustified price hikes, failure to display prices or suspected hoarding can file complaints with the Internal Trade Department hotline at 1569 or at provincial commerce offices nationwide.

Man arrested for snatching British tourist’s bag says he needed money for two wives

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3 March 2026, 20:34

Bangkok police have arrested a 33 year old man accused of snatching a handbag from a young British tourist in December, allegedly telling officers he committed the crime to support his two wives.

Officers from Bang Rak Police Station apprehended Thanit “Nui” Meesaeng, a native of Ayutthaya province, on 2 March at around 19:20 in front of a 7 Eleven convenience store in Prachasongkhro 23 alley, Din Daeng district. He was wanted under a Criminal Court warrant issued on 27 February on charges of robbery.

The arrest followed a complaint filed by a 21 year old British woman who reported that at about 12:50 on 13 December 2025, she was walking along Surawong Road opposite the Grand Centre Point Surawong hotel when a suspect on a motorcycle rode up from behind and snatched her bag before fleeing.

Inside were a silver iPhone 17 Pro Max, two Pandora bracelets worth about 60,000 baht in total, and 3,000 baht in cash.

Investigators said they gathered evidence before seeking a warrant for Thanit’s arrest. During questioning, he allegedly confessed, claiming that income from working as a motorcycle taxi rider via an app was insufficient and that he needed money to support his two wives.

Police said a background check showed he had previously committed a similar offense in the Nang Loeng area. He has been handed over to investigators at Bang Rak Police Station for legal proceedings.

German tourist heartbroken after Middle East airspace closure cancels Thailand trip

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3 March 2026, 16:55

A 68-year-old German tourist said he was heartbroken after his flight to Thailand was canceled due to Middle East airspace closures linked to the conflict between Iran and Israel.

Rolf Kollrep, who visits Thailand twice a year, had planned to spend the entire month of March holidaying in the country. He was scheduled to depart Germany on 2 March on a Qatar Airways flight transiting through Doha before continuing to Bangkok. Accommodation in Pattaya and Hua Hin had been booked since last year.

However, several countries in the Middle East began closing their airspace on 28 February as tensions escalated, disrupting international routes that pass through hubs such as Doha and Dubai. On the morning of 1 March, Kollrep received an email from the airline informing him that his flight had been canceled, with rebooking available in approximately two weeks.

“I feel very sad, like a heartbreak. No one expected something like this to happen. But when it does, you have to accept it,” he said.

Despite the setback, Kollrep said he would return to Thailand once the situation stabilizes. “Of course,” he replied when asked if he would reschedule his trip, reaffirming his affection for the country.

The airspace closures have affected large numbers of international and Thai travelers, particularly those flying on routes that transit the Middle East. Many passengers have been stranded at airports since 28 February and 1 March, with some flights canceled and others forced to reroute to avoid conflict zones.

Thailand to continue fuel exports to Laos amid Middle East tensions

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3 March 2026, 16:23

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand will continue exporting fuel to Laos despite heightened tensions in the Middle East, stressing the importance of energy cooperation with its neighbor as concerns grow over a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking on 3 March after chairing a meeting at the Foreign Ministry to assess the regional situation, Anutin said Thailand has the legal authority to suspend fuel exports if national security requires it. However, he noted that exports remain in place for Laos, citing close bilateral ties and mutual energy dependence. Thailand imports part of its electricity supply from Laos, while exporting surplus refined fuel in return.

Thailand refines about 170 million liters of fuel per day and consumes around 130 million liters domestically. Approximately 7 million liters per day are exported to Laos, with additional volumes shipped to other countries. Anutin said if the situation escalates, the government may need to reassess exports totaling more than 30 million liters per day that currently generate revenue.

He emphasized that Thailand’s fuel reserves remain sufficient and the situation has not reached a crisis point. While global market volatility may affect prices, he said the government will meet with the Energy and Commerce ministries on 4 March to discuss measures to stabilize costs and ease the burden on the public. “Thailand First,” he said, means minimizing any impact on the country while maintaining essential partnerships, including with Laos.

Anutin declares ‘Thailand First,’ readies Iran evacuation

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3 March 2026, 15:59

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on 3 March declared a “Thailand First” policy as tensions escalate in the Middle East, pledging to prioritize the safety of Thai nationals and minimize any impact on the country. Speaking after chairing a meeting at the Foreign Ministry to assess the situation with ambassadors and consular officials across the region, he said the government is preparing all possible measures to evacuate around 300 Thais from Iran, considered the highest-risk area.

Anutin said the overall morale of Thais in the region remains good, with fewer than 25% expressing a desire to return home. In Israel, about 20 out of more than 60,000 Thai nationals have requested repatriation, while some 1,000 in the United Arab Emirates have indicated interest in returning, though commercial travel routes remain available. He added that authorities are ready to coordinate alternative transit points if airspace closures occur.

The prime minister stressed that safety remains the top concern and instructed embassies to fully assist any Thai citizen wishing to return. He acknowledged logistical challenges, including exit visa requirements and disruptions to government services in affected countries, but said the government would pursue every available channel to bring citizens home swiftly.

Addressing concerns over energy security, Anutin said Thailand’s oil reserves remain sufficient and the situation has not reached a crisis level. He is scheduled to meet with the Energy and Commerce ministries on 4 March to discuss measures to stabilize prices should the conflict persist. While global market volatility may affect fuel costs, he said the government would seek to cushion the impact on living expenses and prevent price gouging, reaffirming that “Thailand First” means safeguarding both the nation’s security and economic stability.

A Break with Revolutionary Tradition

The Power Behind the Throne

Challenges to Legitimacy

The Transition Council

International Reaction

Hot News

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