Army: Cambodian 40mm round hits Thai soil, troops return fire with M79

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24 February 2026, 15:56

jjjj — Army spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree

BANGKOK — The Royal Thai Army said Cambodian forces fired a 40mm mortar round into Thai territory during a routine patrol in Si Sa Ket province on Monday morning, prompting a response in accordance with rules of engagement. No injuries were reported.

Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree said on 24 Febuary that the 2nd Army Area reported the incident occurred at 8:50 near Phlan Hin Paet Kon in Si Sa Ket, under the responsibility of the Suranaree Task Force.

Thai troops were conducting a normal patrol when Cambodian forces fired one 40mm mortar round that landed near the Thai patrol point. The explosion caused no casualties among Thai personnel.

Following the incident, Thai forces returned fire with an M79 grenade launcher toward the origin of the shot, in line with established rules of engagement. The army described the action as a warning and an act of self-defense to protect personnel and secure the assigned area.

Winthai said the Cambodian action violated the ceasefire agreement outlined in a Joint Statement signed by both sides on 27 December 2025.

A preliminary assessment suggested the incident may have stemmed from a troop rotation on the Cambodian side, involving newly deployed personnel who may lack familiarity with operational procedures and command oversight in the area.

The army said units on the ground have tightened security measures, increased monitoring of the situation and exercised heightened caution in ongoing operations, stressing that the safety of troops and civilians remains the top priority.

Suvarnabhumi apologises over X-ray staff conduct

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24 February 2026, 14:19

BANGKOK — 24 February 2026, Suvarnabhumi Airport has apologised to passengers and pledged to improve screening services following complaints about inappropriate behaviour by security staff at its X-ray checkpoint.

In a statement released on 24 February, the airport said it was responding to social media criticism posted on 23 February 2026 questioning the manners and emotional control of staff at the baggage X-ray screening point.

The online post asked: “Why are the X-ray baggage check staff at Suvarnabhumi so fierce? Why aren’t they better trained in communication and emotional control?” The comments triggered widespread complaints on social media over the alleged use of inappropriate language and gestures by officers at the baggage X-ray checkpoint.

641687061 1396419942530644 6107110853314082505 n — Press release of the Suvarnabhumi Airport apology statement.

The airport said it apologised to all passengers for the incident and acknowledged the concerns raised. It said all feedback would be used to improve staff performance, with an emphasis on polite conduct, courtesy and clear communication.

Suvarnabhumi Airport has instructed the company responsible for security operations at the baggage X-ray checkpoint to enhance service efficiency. The company has been ordered to hold daily briefings with all staff before each shift, stressing the need for operational readiness, courteous service and the provision of accurate and appropriate information to passengers.

The airport has also directed the firm to organise additional customer service training to further develop personnel and improve service standards. It said that if further incidents occur, it will take action in accordance with relevant procedures and review its supervisory measures.

The airport reiterated its apology and said it would continue gathering feedback to improve and further develop its services.

Thai FM hits back at Cambodia’s ‘occupation’ claim in France 24 interview

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24 February 2026, 14:14

messageImage_1771917187679 — Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow speaks during an interview with France 24 in Paris on 23 February 2026.

PARIS — 23 Febuary 2026, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow rejected claims by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet that Thailand continues to occupy Cambodian territory, saying both sides had agreed under a ceasefire that troops would remain in their current positions while working towards a boundary settlement.

In an interview with France 24 on Monday during his visit to Paris, Sihasak said the ceasefire remained “fragile” and urged de-escalation and confidence-building measures.

“First of all, we have reached a ceasefire agreement but the fact is that the ceasefire is still fragile,” he said. “At this moment in time, we have to work to de-escalate the situation, build trust and confidence so that we can move forward in our relationship.”

Responding to Hun Manet’s allegation in the United States that Thai forces occupy areas deep inside Cambodia, Sihasak said the two countries had agreed their troops would stay where they were as part of the ceasefire arrangement.

He argued that prior to the recent conflict there had been clear encroachment by the Cambodian side into Thai territory. “We have to look at the facts,” he said, adding that both sides should avoid escalation, provocation and misinformation.

On allegations that Thai troops had placed shipping containers and barbed wire in areas previously recognised as Cambodian territory, Sihasak said the measures were taken within Thai territory, in areas where Cambodian encroachment had occurred over time.

He said some of the disputes dated back to the period following the Cambodian conflict, when Thailand hosted about 400,000 Cambodian refugees. After peace was restored, some villagers did not return, contributing to overlapping claims in certain areas.

Asked about remarks by Prime Minister Anutin vowing a strong stance, including possible construction of a border wall, Sihasak said Thailand would take necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, including preventive steps where needed.

However, he said the future trajectory depended largely on Cambodia’s approach. “It’s the Cambodian side that keeps internationalising the conflict,” he said, accusing Phnom Penh of making untrue claims even after the ceasefire.

Sihasak said he remains in direct contact with his Cambodian counterpart via WhatsApp to prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of renewed clashes. With Thailand in the process of forming a new government following a recent election, he said some issues would need to await the new administration.

“We have to keep things calm. Further conflict means more losses. I don’t think that’s in the interest of our two countries,” he said.

On a recent maritime incident in which Cambodia accused the Thai navy of intercepting three Cambodians in its territorial waters, while Thailand said they were in Thai waters, Sihasak said Thailand had a duty to act if there was intrusion into its territory.

He accused Cambodia of attempting to portray Thailand as the aggressor, saying Thailand had a long tradition of diplomacy and valued peaceful coexistence with its neighbours. He suggested that nationalist rhetoric in Cambodia could be driven partly by domestic political considerations.

Turning to Myanmar, Sihasak said Thailand was not endorsing recent elections there but viewed them as a possible transition point. He said Thailand and ASEAN were urging continued dialogue, reconciliation and a viable peace process as conditions for re-engagement.

“It’s not a one-way street,” he said. “If Myanmar wants to re-engage, they also have to show that they are committed to dialogue and peace.”

Thailand, as a neighbouring country, has a strong interest in sustainable peace and stability in Myanmar, he added.

Highway police arrest Myanmar driver over migrants

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24 February 2026, 13:46

Highway police arrest Myanmar driver over migrants

PATHUM THANI — 24 February 2026, Highway police arrested a Myanmar national driving a pickup truck carrying seven undocumented migrant workers on Phahonyothin Road in Pathum Thani province, officers said.

The arrest was made under the direction of Pol. Col. Thatcha Pho Suwan, superintendent of Highway Police Division 1, after officers intercepted a suspected vehicle between kilometres 38 and 39 on the inbound side of Phahonyothin Road in Khlong Nueng subdistrict, Khlong Luang district.

Police detained Nay Min Latt, 36, a Myanmar national, along with seven undocumented migrants of the same nationality, three men and four women. Officers also seized a grey Toyota Revo pickup truck with Bangkok registration plates and heavily tinted windows.

Pol. Lt .Col. Kittipob Thongphet, an inspector with Highway Police Subdivision 1, said the operation followed a policy to crack down on illegal immigration and scam networks. Investigators had learned that a group of migrant workers would be smuggled towards Bangkok and set up surveillance before stopping the vehicle for inspection.

During questioning, Nay Min Latt confessed that he had been hired to collect the seven migrants from Nakhon Sawan province and transport them to Bangkok, charging each 1,000 baht. He admitted knowing that none of the passengers had legal documents and said he had carried out similar trips twice before.

The migrants, speaking through an interpreter, told police they had crossed the border by boat from Myanmar via Mae Sot district in Tak province. They said they paid an undisclosed amount to a broker to find work in Thailand.

All suspects were handed over to investigators at Khlong Luang Police Station for legal proceedings.

US to deliver 17 Stryker armoured vehicles to Thai army

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24 February 2026, 11:33

000111111 — Thai army chief. Gen. Pana Klaewplodtook shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane during talks at Royal Thai Army Headquarters on 23 February 2026.

BANGKOK — 23 February 2026, Army chief Gen. Pana Klaewplodtook welcomed Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, deputy commanding general of US Army I Corps, at Royal Thai Army Headquarters to discuss military cooperation, including expanded joint exercises and development of Stryker armoured units.

The talks covered enhanced participation in the annual Cobra Gold exercise and the bilateral Hanuman Guardian drill, as well as closer collaboration on the Royal Thai Army’s Stryker wheeled armoured vehicle programme. The army expressed appreciation for continued US engagement, saying it reflected strong security ties and a shared commitment to developing personnel capabilities. Both sides emphasised integrating advanced military technologies into multi-domain operations, particularly in cyber and space warfare.

Regarding Stryker vehicles, the army thanked the United States for supporting the transfer of 17 vehicles under the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) programme. The handover ceremony is scheduled during the closing of Hanuman Guardian 2026. A US Stryker Brigade Combat Team will continue providing technical training on operations, maintenance and network-centric warfare, in line with the Thai army’s modernisation plans.

Gen. Pana also outlined Thailand’s position on the Thai–Cambodian border situation, reaffirming that the army adheres to international principles of self-defence in safeguarding sovereignty and remains committed to peaceful approaches.

The US side commended the Royal Thai Army for strictly observing rules of engagement and expressed pride in its long-standing alliance with Thailand, underscoring close military ties and mutual trust between the two countries.

UNESCO expected to inscribe Thai dress on heritage list this year

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24 February 2026, 10:58

531900489_1188140930024003_5211993450254275813_n — Photo: Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles

PARIS — Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said there is a high possibility that “Thai dress” will be inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO this year.

Speaking in Paris on 23 February 2026, Sihasak said he had discussed Thailand’s 2026 nomination with UNESCO Director-General Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz. Thailand has proposed “Thai dress” for inscription as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage.

He said Thai dress is a genuine national identity with a clearly documented historical background, strengthening its candidacy. He added that Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya has placed strong emphasis on promoting Thai dress, expressing confidence that the nomination will be considered at this year’s UNESCO meeting, to be hosted by China.

Ko Lipe water crisis prompts Ombudsman-led review

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24 February 2026, 10:33

SATUN — 23 February 2026, Ko Lipe is marketed worldwide as a tropical paradise of emerald waters and powdery white sand. But behind the façade of luxury resorts, the island’s indigenous Urak Lawoi community continues to grapple with chronic infrastructure shortages that have persisted for decades.

Once a quiet island, Ko Lipe has seen rapid commercial growth. Basic utilities, however, have lagged behind. Mounting garbage, high electricity costs and recurring water shortages have steadily eroded residents’ quality of life.

Water shortages

Sornnat Hantalay, 22, a representative of the Urak Lawoi community, said water scarcity remains the most pressing problem.

“During the rainy season, floodwater seeps into village wells, leaving the water undrinkable. In the dry season, the island’s three community wells run dry because they cannot support the growing population,” he said. “We have to take boats through rough seas to bring water from Ko Adang. If authorities can ensure a sufficient water supply, it would ease our hardship.”

Residents also face electricity rates several times higher than on the mainland, along with a waste management system that has yet to find a sustainable solution.

Project delays

Following complaints raised to central authorities, Songsak Saicheua, president of the Office of the Ombudsman, led a multi-agency delegation to the island on 23 February to review progress on long-delayed public utility projects. The delegation included officials from the Office of the National Water Resources, Satun provincial authorities and Tarutao National Park, as well as representatives from water and electricity agencies.

An inspection of proposed sites for submarine power cables and a raw water pipeline linking Ko Lipe to Ko Adang found that previous delays stemmed largely from overlapping land-use restrictions and technical requirements to minimise environmental impact.

Ko Lipe covers about 3 square kilometres (1,875 rai) and has 1,387 registered residents in 702 households. The island, however, receives between 150,000 and 200,000 visitors annually.

Solid waste averages 10–11 tonnes per day from households, businesses and marine debris. In 2025, accumulated waste exceeded 3,000 tonnes. The Koh Sarai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation spends about 7 million baht annually to hire private contractors to transport and dispose of waste on the mainland, amid the absence of a permanent public transport route.

Three-pronged plan

Songsak said the current plan is clearer than previous proposals and will proceed on three fronts:

Electricity and water systems: A memorandum of understanding will be signed between the Department of National Parks, the Provincial Electricity Authority and the Provincial Waterworks Authority to allow the laying of submarine cables and a raw water pipeline from Ko Adang. The package is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet, with tangible progress projected in fiscal years 2028–2029.

One-stop service centre: More than 3 rai (about 4,800 square metres) within the national park will be reorganised to consolidate immigration and tourist service offices in one location to improve order and ease marine traffic congestion.

Waste management and healthcare: Authorities are seeking a permanent public route for transporting waste to the mainland and upgrading the Ko Lipe health promotion hospital to better serve residents and tourists.

Songsak said the visit marked not just a routine inspection but a step toward resolving long-standing shortages.

For residents, the success of the proposed projects will be measured not in policy documents but in running taps, stable electricity and cleaner shorelines. Whether Ko Lipe can sustain its booming tourism industry may depend on how quickly those promises are delivered.

Helicopter douses Phetchabun blaze, but fire still reignites

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24 February 2026, 10:03

Helicopter douses Phetchabun blaze, but fire still reignites

PETCHABUN — 24 February 2026, A wildfire in Phetchabun province was largely brought under control after water-bombing operations by helicopter, but flared up again later, officials said.

On 23 February, Seksan Tiangphlab, head of Khao Kho National Park, joined operations with the Central Regional Operations Centre of the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment to urgently tackle wildfires and haze affecting residents in Khao Kho district.

Authorities coordinated with several local agencies, including the Phetchabun Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office, Forest Protection Unit Por Chor 8 (Nam Duea) under the Royal Forest Department, the Phetchabun Internal Security Operations Command and the Phetchabun Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office. A planning meeting was held at the 1st Infantry Division’s Phokhun Pha Muang Camp.

An aerial survey identified fire hotspots in Huai Yai forest and Tabok forest in Nam Ron subdistrict, Phetchabun province.

At 14:30, a helicopter began continuous water drops on the blaze, making 38 sorties and releasing about 19,000 litres of water to support 20 ground officers from Forest Protection Unit Por Chor 8 (Nam Duea) who were working to contain the fire.

Officials said more than 95% of the fire had been extinguished and the area brought under control. Ground teams were handling the remaining hotspots and would continue to monitor the area to prevent further flare-ups.

However, later in the evening the fire reignited on a mountain behind Ban Thung Hin Poon village in Nam Ron subdistrict, Mueang Phetchabun district.

As of 07:30 on 24 February, smoke was still visible inside the mountain area, officials said.

E-bike charging blast nearly engulfs house

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23 February 2026, 16:01

E-bike charging blast nearly engulfs house

CHONBURI — 23 February 2026, An electric bicycle left charging exploded and sparked a fire that nearly engulfed an entire house in Chonburi province on Sunday, police said.

At 10:30, Pol. Lt. Col. Chanda Dethphan, a deputy investigator at Bang Lamung police station, was notified of a house fire at 75/8 Moo 11 in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district. Disaster prevention officers from Pattaya City, three fire engines and volunteers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation were dispatched to the scene.

Two houses stood within the same compound, with a central area used as a car park. Flames were found burning in the parking area. Firefighters took about 10 minutes to bring the blaze under control.

An electric bicycle was completely destroyed. A white Nissan March car, registration Kor Thor 8681 Chonburi, sustained damage to the right rear section, while a storage shelf nearby was also damaged.

Yodchai Khampangsi, 43, the homeowner’s younger brother, said he had been upstairs when he noticed a large amount of smoke. He ran down to find flames engulfing the electric bicycle, which had been plugged in to charge, and alerted authorities.

Police inspected the scene and began questioning witnesses. Initial investigations indicated the fire was likely caused by the electric bicycle being left charging unattended.

TikToker says most Thai locals are rude for not speaking English or using translation apps

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23 February 2026, 15:15

BANGKOK — Social media influencer Farah Shams, who has more than 2.4 million followers on TikTok, has sparked controversy after posting a video criticising what she described as rude behaviour by the majority of Thai locals during her visit.

In the clip, which has drawn nearly 400,000 views, Shams said she “genuinely” loves Thailand and called it a “lovely place”, but questioned why “the majority” of locals were, in her view, disrespectful towards foreigners and tourists.

She said that when she spoke English to local people, many did not understand her and appeared to ignore her rather than attempt to communicate.

@fdontcareSo bad I love it here but be ready for rudeness and people ignoring you

♬ original sound – Farah Shams

“The language barrier is very natural for humans, especially when you go to the other side of the world,” she said. “But just pull out Google Translate if you don’t understand what I’m saying. Don’t ignore me. Just say ‘no English’.”

Shams compared her experience unfavourably with trips to Turkey and Egypt, saying those destinations could be “pretty bad”, but adding that Thailand “tops them all”. While noting that some locals were “lovely”, she said the majority were “the most disrespectful people I’ve ever met in my life”.

Despite the criticism, she said she would still return to Thailand because she loves the country.

The video prompted strong reactions online. Some users told her to “stop coming”, while others defended Thailand. One commenter said translation apps work both ways, while another wrote that they had lived in the country for two years without experiencing rudeness.

Several Thai users argued that travellers should adapt when visiting another country, noting that not everyone speaks English and that tourists should also make efforts to use translation tools.

When questioned whether her own behaviour may have contributed to the situation, Shams replied: “I am genuinely very kind until people disrespect me first!”

In the days following the backlash, some users called on her to apologise. However, in an Instagram story, she said she stood by her comments and would not retract them, saying she was simply sharing her personal experience.

The incident has reignited debate on social media over cultural expectations, language barriers and the responsibilities of both tourists and host communities.

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