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

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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’

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Two Indians arrested in Pattaya for forcing women into prostitution

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2 March 2026, 09:29

PATTAYA — 28 February 2026, Two Indian men have been arrested in Pattaya after three Indian women accused them of luring them to Thailand with false job offers and forcing them into prostitution, police said.

Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, chief of Pattaya City Police Station, and Pol. Lt. Col. Arut Saphanon, deputy investigation chief, announced the arrest of two Indian men, a 25-year-old and a 32-year-old.

The three women told police they were contacted by the suspects via Instagram and offered jobs at a restaurant in Pattaya with high salaries and all travel expenses covered. They arrived in Thailand on 9 February 2026 and were taken to a hotel in Moo 10, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district.

According to the complaint, the suspects then demanded money, confiscated the women’s passports and cut off their contact with outsiders before detaining them in a hotel room.

The women alleged they were subsequently forced to engage in prostitution along Pattaya South Beach every day. If they refused, they were threatened, deprived of food and photographed in compromising situations. The suspects allegedly threatened to send the images to their families and to harm relatives if they attempted to flee.

banner2 11 — The victims sit across from investigators as they answer questions at the police station

Police said the women were forced into prostitution from 9 February to 18 February 2026. They later devised an escape plan by asking for their passports under the pretext of booking a room with a client, then sought help from a local Indian restaurant before filing a police complaint.

On 27 February 2026, investigators learned the suspects were staying at an apartment on Pattaya Second Road Soi 18 and moved in to arrest them. The two men were taken into custody and handed over to investigators at the Pattaya City Police Station.

Both suspects have denied the allegations. Police have charged them with multiple offences, including joint human trafficking, unlawful detention, coercion, procuring for prostitution and violations of the Computer Crime Act. Legal proceedings are continuing.

banner1 11 — Two of the alleged traffickers arrested by police

Security has been tightened in Pai for Israeli tourists and the Chabad House

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1 March 2026, 14:39

MAE HONG SON — Security authorities have stepped up protection for Israeli tourists and the Chabad House in Pai district following escalating fighting between Israel, backed by the United States, and Iran.

On 1 March, Col. Phumirat Dusadee, director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Mae Hong Son, said the conflict intensified after Israel and the U.S. launched missile strikes on Iran on the morning of 28 February (local time), raising concerns the violence could spread across the Middle East.

He said northern Thailand hosts sites considered symbolic interests of Israel and the United States, as well as a large number of foreign tourists. Authorities are therefore closely monitoring sensitive locations including the Chabad House in Pai, the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai, and U.S.-affiliated hotels in the region to prevent any untoward incidents.

Residents in Pai have been asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to ISOC Mae Hong Son to help prevent unexpected incidents.

The Israeli National Security Council on 28 February issued a notice urging Israeli citizens abroad to exercise heightened caution due to the escalating conflict with Iran. The advisory warned of the possibility of increased attempts to target Israeli and Jewish interests overseas, including potential threats from terrorist groups or lone attackers.

In Pai, the Chabad House located behind Pai Police Station is now under close watch, with security units deployed to maintain order. Mae Hong Son Immigration officials said there are currently no more than 3,000 to 4,000 Israeli tourists staying in Pai.

Gold rush hits Loei as Mekong villagers pan for treasure amid record prices

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1 March 2026, 13:50

LOEI — A gold rush has swept along the Mekong River in Pak Chom district after gold prices surged to a record 78,400 baht per baht-weight, prompting villagers to flock to newly exposed sandbanks in search of the precious metal.

Over the weekend, more than 150 panning spots were set up along a 10- to 20-metre stretch of riverbank in tambon Pak Chom, including Ban Sri Phuthorn and Ban Hat Bia. With the Mekong’s water level dropping significantly, wide sandbars have emerged, allowing residents to access sediment long buried beneath the river.

Samruay Daengphasom, a villager from Ban Sri Phuthorn, said gold panning is a traditional occupation passed down from grandparents but had faded over time. The current boom, she said, is driven by two main factors: record-high gold prices and unusually low water levels.

“At 78,400 baht per baht-weight, even tiny flakes are valuable,” she said. “And when the river drops, it’s easier to reach the mineral deposits.”

Panning requires both skill and luck. During this low-water period, most villagers can earn between 1,000 and 1,500 baht per day on average. Those who strike richer deposits may make several thousand baht a day — a significant income compared with general wage labor in the area.

Once collected, the raw gold can be quickly converted into cash. Mobile buyers and local gold shops visit the area weekly to purchase the finds, with prices calculated by gram and referenced against the current market rate.

For many in Pak Chom, the drying Mekong has turned hardship into opportunity, reviving a riverside tradition in the wake of soaring global gold prices.

Thai woman marries two Austrian men in one ceremony

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1 March 2026, 13:18

BURIRAM — A 37-year-old Thai woman has sparked widespread attention after marrying two Austrian men in a single ceremony in Prakhon Chai district.

Dujduan Ketsaro, also known as Gig, a former independent singer-songwriter, wed Roman, a retired Austrian police officer, and Macky, who is currently serving in the Austrian police force. The two grooms are close friends who both fell in love with the same woman and agreed to build a life together as a trio.

The wedding, held on 28 February, was arranged in a simple local-style ceremony attended by relatives, neighbors and close friends. Despite its modest scale, the event was filled with warmth and celebration. After completing traditional rituals, including a bai sri su kwan blessing and wrist-tying ceremony, the two grooms embraced and jumped into a pond together, symbolizing their friendship and shared joy.

Dujduan said her real life differs from drama storylines. She was previously married to a Thai man and has three children, but the marriage was not smooth. Her music career also did not succeed as hoped, prompting her to work in Pattaya to support her parents, three daughters and two grandchildren.

She met Roman while he was visiting Pattaya, and they have lived together as husband and wife for five years. Later, Macky, a close friend of Roman, traveled to Thailand and developed feelings for her. Duangduan said all three discussed the relationship openly and reached a mutual understanding. She has been in a relationship with Macky for about a year before they decided to marry.

She consulted her parents and children, who accepted the arrangement. Both men have cared well for her and the family, she said. While some people may not agree with a three-person marriage, she believes happiness and mutual consent within the family are what matter most. Each groom will transfer 1 million baht as dowry, she added.

Her 61-year-old mother said she has seen her daughter struggle for years and is satisfied as long as her daughter is happy and well cared for. She said the family is not concerned about the dowry and only hopes the couple will live together with love and understanding.

Saengthon Mayor Thian-iew Lueangdechanurak said he has attended many weddings but has never seen a Thai woman marry two grooms at the same time, adding it may be the first such case in the province. He congratulated the trio and wished them lasting happiness.

The bride joked with him during the event, saying, “Marry one and the world won’t remember — marry two at once and they will.”

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