Russian ambassador visits Matichon, highlights media cooperation and bilateral ties

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18 February 2026, 17:03

S__254795798_0 — H.E. Evgeny Tomikhin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Thailand

BANGKOK — On 18 February, Evgeny Tomikhin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Thailand, visited Matichon Public Company Limited to meet executives of the Matichon Group at the company’s headquarters in Bangkok.

S 254795780 0 — MR. Prap Boonpan, Managing Director of Matichon Group, welcomes Russian Ambassador H.E. Evgeny Tomikhin at the company’s headquarters in Bangkok on 18 February.

The Matichon delegation, led by Prap Boonpan, Managing Director of Matichon Group, welcomed the ambassador and his delegation.

During the meeting, Ambassador Tomikhin emphasised the importance of longstanding relations between Thailand and Russia. He noted that people-to-people exchanges have continued to grow, with an increasing number of Russian tourists travelling to Thailand each year, while many Thais visit Russia during the winter season.

S 254795785 0 1 — Russian Ambassador H.E. Evgeny Tomikhin is pictured with MR. Vladislav Tornikov, Attaché and MR. Denis Tetiushin, Second Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Bangkok.

Economic and trade cooperation remain key pillars of bilateral ties, he said.

The ambassador also highlighted the role of the media in the current global environment, stating that Russia seeks to strengthen cooperation with Thailand, particularly in information exchange.

He referred to the global challenge of fake news, citing false reports circulated during tensions along the Thai–Cambodian border alleging that Russian mercenaries had assisted Cambodia. He described the claims as untrue.

Tomikhin was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Kingdom of Thailand, and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, on 2 November 2018.

Upcoming Sisaket Premium Beef Festival 2026 aims to push Thai beef to global market

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Khaosod English

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18 February 2026, 15:38

Upcoming Sisaket Premium Beef Festival 2026 aims to push Thai beef to global market

SISAKET — 17 February 2026, Sisaket province has launched the “Sisaket Premium Beef Festival 2026,” aiming to push its high-quality cattle into global markets and promote a new livestock strategy focused on value over volume.

Speaking at 18:00 on Monday at Lan Aod Lod Public Park in Muang district, Sisaket Governor Anurat Thamprathamjit, provincial livestock chief Dr. Nattaweroj Buchapat, and Sisaket Chamber of Commerce president Rattawit Angkasakulkiat announced the “Sisaket Premium Beef Festival 2026” or Music and Meat Festival, to be held from 5–8 March 2026 at the same venue.

Anurat said the province is undergoing a major shift in its livestock development strategy, from high-volume, low-value production to a “Less for More” model emphasising quality, standards and innovation to serve high-value domestic and international markets.

The governor said the province aims to elevate “Sisaket Premium Beef” into a trusted consumer brand.

The “Less for More” approach is not just a slogan, he said, but a comprehensive supply chain overhaul from upstream to downstream — cutting production costs, reducing environmental impact, improving farming efficiency and adding value through experiential marketing. The strategy aligns with the government’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model.

Dr. Nattaweroj said Sisaket currently has more than 503,429 head of beef cattle, making it one of the key production bases in the Northeast. The province’s strengths lie in high-demand breeds such as Charolais, Wagyu and Angus, known for quality meat, marbling and tenderness that can be developed to premium grade.

He added that strict standards are enforced, including biosecurity and traceability systems allowing full supply chain verification. Farms must meet Good Farming Management (GFM) standards, remain free from disease and banned growth enhancers, and supply certified processing facilities capable of serving high-end markets.

“Sisaket is not just selling beef. We are selling quality, safety and the care of our farmers,” he said.

Rattawit said this year’s event has been redesigned under the concept “Music & Meat: Harmony of Taste” to meet modern consumers’ demand for experiences rather than just products. The integration of premium cuisine, live music and a relaxed atmosphere is expected to create a new image for the province and stimulate tourism.

More than 50 vendors will participate, including premium beef outlets, well-known restaurants and local entrepreneurs offering special menus made from Sisaket beef — from premium-grade steaks and signature grilled dishes to creative fusion cuisine.

A highlight of the festival will be an exclusive Chef’s Table by Chef Citron Walasura Na Lampang, who will present fine dining dishes crafted from Sisaket beef. The event will also feature business matching activities and an MOU signing ceremony to expand trade networks both domestically and internationally.

Entertainment will include concerts by leading Thai artists such as Mai Thai Hua Jai Silp, the Sisaket Pride Queen LGBTQ+ pageant and a cover dance competition aimed at younger audiences. Activities will run until 23:00 each day.

A representative from Amri Farm said local farmers are ready to transition to “smart farmers,” using market data to guide production, raising high-quality cattle tailored to consumer demand while maintaining strict safety standards to strengthen the “Sisaket Premium Beef: Edible Art” brand.

Organisers expect the festival to generate significant economic circulation from tourists, entrepreneurs and business participants. Officials described the event as another key step in leveraging local strengths to drive the provincial economy.

The Sisaket Premium Beef Music and Meat Festival is not merely a food and music event, they said, but a showcase of Thai beef’s potential on the global stage — bringing together government agencies, the private sector and farmers to raise production standards, add value and promote sustainable grassroots economic growth.

Sisaket will open its doors from 5–8 March, inviting beef lovers nationwide to experience what organisers describe as more than a meal, but “edible art” crafted with care by Thai farmers to international standards.

Nan Creators’ Space: Breathing Life into Nan’s Creativity and Making It Fun for Everyone

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MC Marketing

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18 February 2026, 12:36

When we talk about the ‘Red Cross Fair’—the grandest annual event involving every agency in Nan—it is undoubtedly the heart of the city. We usually associate it with colorful lights, local treats, and the thrill of the lucky draw. But in 2026, a dedicated corner is achieving something monumental by proving that our ‘Cultural Capital’ isn’t just for museum exhibits; it is a living part of our reality. This is the sentiment behind Nan Creators’ Space, shared through exhibitions and workshops that have become a signature highlight for this year’s fair.

Officially opened by the Governor of Nan, the sight of city leaders working alongside young designers and local masters is more than just a ceremony. It is a bold declaration: Nan, a proud member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), is forging a clear and sustainable future.

“Nan is not just a city that preserves its roots; we are a city that shapes the future.” This sentiment is evident in every feature of the zone.

The Power of Ancient Wisdom — “Playful” and “Practical”

Nan Creators’ Space’s style is defined by “Living Craft”—the evolution of heritage into daily use.

Tua Mueang (ancient Lanna script) travels from old scrolls to fashionable, contemporary bags by Nan Choti.

We watch old magazines become beautiful jewelry by Phoduct, a community project from Maha Pho that turns waste into high-value design.

This is the essence of Experimental Engagement—inviting visitors to “create” instead of merely “spectate”. Workshops like clay molding with Baan Sinlapa Him Nan, or crafting lucky bead charms with Nan Mutelu, empower everyone to become an artist.

In a fast-moving world, this project builds a new ecosystem for local talent. Success isn’t measured by foot traffic alone; it’s about the pride of Nan people as their ancestors’ legacy thrives alongside digital life in 2026.

Your Next Experience: If you follow the lights at the Nan Red Cross Fair, step into Nan Creators’ Space. Talk to the artists, try out the crafts, and discover how the “breath of Nan” is present in every creative detail.

Get Involved: Check out the Nan Creators’ Space zone at the Nan Red Cross Fair.

DATES: February 13 – 22, 2026

TIME: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Delivery rider hurt in Pattaya road rage incident

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Khaosod English

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18 February 2026, 11:37

Delivery rider hurt in Pattaya road rage incident

PATTAYA — 18 February 2026, A food delivery rider filed a police complaint at 01:20 after he was allegedly attacked with an iron bar by a teenager in a road rage incident in eastern Thailand.

The 32-year-old man told officers at Pattaya City Police Station that he was injured during the confrontation in Soi Phothisan 7 in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri.

The rider said he had accepted a delivery order through a mobile application and was travelling to drop off food in the alley when he encountered a motorcycle carrying three youths riding against traffic. In shock, he shouted an expletive at them, prompting the youths to follow him while brandishing an iron bar.

An argument ensued before the situation escalated into a physical assault, he said.

After the incident, the rider reported the attack to police in Pattaya, which is in Bang Lamung district. Authorities recorded the complaint as evidence and advised the victim to seek medical treatment and obtain a medical certificate.

Police said they would track down the suspect to ensure fairness for all parties involved.

Storm-toppled pole strands student for 3 hours

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Khaosod English

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18 February 2026, 10:11

Storm-toppled pole strands student for 3 hours

NONTHABURI — 17 February 2026, Rescuers used a crane to lift a university student across a canal after he was stranded for about three hours when a power pole toppled onto a motorcycle shelter during a storm in Nonthaburi.

Heavy rain and strong winds battered parts of the province from the evening of 17 February, felling trees and power poles, blowing down billboards and damaging a shopping mall wall, particularly in Mueang Nonthaburi and Pak Kret districts.

At about 19:30, rescue workers were alerted to a power pole that had collapsed onto a motorcycle parking shelter inside the compound of the Ministry of Public Health, near the entrance to Srithanya Hospital on Tiwanon Road. Initial reports said a man was trapped inside. Officials from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority’s Nonthaburi branch were called in to cut the power supply.

The single-storey shelter stands to the right of the hospital’s entrance gate, with a drainage canal running in front. A large power pole had fallen across the roof and over the canal, with electrical cables hanging into the water, prompting concerns about possible electrocution.

The stranded man, identified only as Lee, a 20-year-old second-year university student, was found waiting anxiously beside the shelter after calling for help.

Rescuers said live wires blocking the shelter made it too dangerous for him to walk out. Wading through the canal was also ruled out over fears of electrical leakage in the water.

Authorities instead deployed a small crane, sending a rescuer across the canal on a sling to retrieve the student and bring him back safely, to the relief of those at the scene.

Lee said he had been stuck near the motorcycle shelter for about three hours since around 19:00. He had taken the MRT to collect his motorcycle after the storm intensified. As he waited out the downpour inside the shelter, he saw the power pole crash onto the roof in front of him.

He was unhurt but did not dare leave the area, unsure whether there was live electricity. He then called rescue services, who eventually brought him to safety.

YouTube restored after brief global outage

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Khaosod English

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18 February 2026, 10:05

UPDATE
YouTube said the disruption was caused by an issue with its recommendations system. The company said the homepage had been restored and it was working on a full fix.

Update: An issue with our recommendations system prevented videos from appearing across surfaces on YouTube (including the homepage, the YouTube app, YouTube Music and YouTube Kids). The homepage is back, but we’re still working on a full fix – more coming soon!

— TeamYouTube (@TeamYouTube) February 18, 2026

BANGKOK — 18 February 2026, YouTube experienced a widespread outage early Tuesday, disrupting access for users across multiple countries before service was restored later in the morning.

User reports of problems began surfacing shortly before 08:00, with many saying they were unable to load the homepage, stream videos or access certain features on both desktop and mobile apps.

Data from outage tracking site Downdetector showed a sharp spike in reports during the same period, indicating a surge in disruptions affecting users in several regions, including Asia, Europe and North America.

Some users reported seeing error messages such as “Something went wrong,” while others encountered blank screens or loading failures. Reports also suggested intermittent issues with related services.

Shortly after 09:00, and many users said access had returned to normal.

Parent company Google had not publicly detailed the cause of the disruption as of publication.

Major outages affecting globally used platforms are uncommon but can quickly impact millions of viewers, content creators and advertisers worldwide.

Buriram Ready for 2026 MotoGP Season Opener

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Khaosod English

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17 February 2026, 17:04

Buriram Ready for 2026 MotoGP Season Opener

BURIRAM — 17 February 2026, Authorities in Buriram say preparations are complete for the 2026 MotoGP season opener, with safety, traffic and tourism plans in place ahead of upcoming pre-season testing.

The first shipment of racing equipment has arrived at the Chang International Circuit, where infrastructure installation is under way. Marshals and medical teams have completed intensive training on updated race regulations, safety procedures and emergency response protocols.

Provincial officials, circuit executives and representatives from the Sports Authority of Thailand met to coordinate operations for the “PT Grand Prix of Thailand 2026”, focusing on traffic management, security, transport and visitor services.

Public health authorities have inspected hotels and restaurants, while police have finalised traffic and security plans covering the circuit, main routes and key tourist sites. Officials warned businesses against price gouging, with a 24-hour complaints hotline in operation.

Tourism volunteers and shuttle services will assist visitors, as the province promotes local culture and cuisine to boost the economy and reinforce Buriram’s image as a leading sports destination.

Separately, MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports announced it will rebrand as MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group (MotoGP SEG).

Official pre-season testing will be held on 21-22 February, followed by the season-opening race from 27 February to 1 March 2026.

Thai EC May Order Recounts at 20 Polling Units

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Khaosod English

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17 February 2026, 15:04

Thai EC May Order Recounts at 20 Polling Units

BANGKOK — 17 February 2026, Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) is expected to order vote recounts at more than 20 polling units after discrepancies were found between the number of ballots cast and the number of voters recorded.

The move follows a proposal by the EC Office after officials detected so-called “excess ballots”, where the number of ballot papers did not match the number of voters who turned out.

The discrepancies were initially identified through figures posted on the EC Report 69 website, the commission’s unofficial election results platform. The data show a gap of more than 66,000 voters between turnout recorded for constituency MPs and party-list MPs.

The inconsistency has so far prevented the EC from releasing the official election results.

If the commission resolves to proceed with additional recounts, they are expected to take place in late February, officials said.

Thai Election Body Debates Ballot Reprint for 3 Units

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Khaosod English

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17 February 2026, 14:55

Thai Election Body Debates Ballot Reprint for 3 Units

BANGKOK — 17 February 2026, Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) held tense discussions on 17 February over the format of ballot papers to be reprinted for fresh voting at three polling units scheduled for 22 February 2026.

The meeting continued deliberations from the previous day on the printing of new ballot papers, following an earlier EC resolution ordering fresh voting at three units:

Polling Unit 9 in Constituency 15, Khan Na Yao district, Bangkok
Polling Unit 3 in Constituency 1, Chaiyasathan subdistrict, Mueang Nan district, Nan
Polling Unit 4 in Constituency 6, Phon Sung subdistrict, Chai Wan district, Udon Thani.

Commissioners have yet to reach a conclusion on whether the reprinted ballots will retain the same format used in the 8 February general election, including serial numbers, ballot numbers and barcodes.

Without the barcode and numbering system, concerns were raised about possible legal disputes over differences between ballot papers used in the general election and those used in the fresh vote. Such discrepancies, officials fear, could complicate the EC’s defence in an ongoing legal challenge alleging that printing barcodes on ballot papers violates the constitution and could render the election void.

The commission also agreed that holding a press conference, as it did during the election period, may not be in its best interest. Officials said previous briefings had been subject to interpretation and expansion in ways that harmed the agency. The EC will instead focus on issuing written statements.

Meanwhile, after a petition was submitted to the Personal Data Protection Committee accusing the EC of enabling voter identification through ballot barcodes, the EC Office has formally responded with a written clarification on legal grounds. It reaffirmed that the election was conducted by direct and secret ballot inside polling booths.

An inquiry from the ombudsman’s office requesting clarification within seven days is also being processed, as the letter was only recently received, officials said.

Drivers warned as wild elephants cross highway in Nam Nao

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Khaosod English

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17 February 2026, 13:37

Drivers warned as wild elephants cross highway in Nam Nao

PHETCHABUN — 17 February 2026, The head of Nam Nao National Park has warned motorists to take extra care after wild elephants were seen regularly crossing a highway through the park.

Somkiat Katib, chief of the park in Phetchabun province, said on 17 February that elephants have been foraging and crossing the Lom Sak–Chum Phae road at kilometre marker 409, near a helicopter landing area within the park.

He said herds are most often encountered in the afternoon and evening, in line with their feeding patterns. At night, lone animals, including elephants as well as barking deer and sambar deer, are more commonly seen crossing the road.

Park authorities urged drivers using the route to slow down and exercise particular caution. If a herd is crossing, motorists should stop at least 30 metres away and switch on hazard lights to warn vehicles behind. Engines should be kept running to allow vehicles to move at any time if necessary.

Drivers were strictly advised not to use high-beam headlights or sound their horns at the elephants. Motorists should wait until the animals have returned to the forest and it is safe to proceed. Revving engines or accelerating noisily should also be avoided, as loud sounds could startle the animals.

Authorities warned that careless driving could endanger both animals and motorists.

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