People’s Party leader Natthaphong breaks down in tears on live TV after election setback

By

-

10 February 2026, 12:14

messageImage_1770699650843 — Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut breaks down during a live interview with Sorayuth Suthassanachinda.

BANGKOK — Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party and its prime ministerial candidate, said he accepted the outcome of the election but stressed that public trust depended on a transparent and fair process by the Election Commission (EC).

Speaking during a live interview on the television programme Kammakorn Khao Khuai Nok Jor, hosted by Sorayuth Suthassanachinda on Tuesday, Natthaphong said acceptance of the result must go hand in hand with credibility.

“We accept the election result, but for there to be no problem, the public must also accept it. What can be done is for the EC to carry out all its duties transparently and fairly,” he said.

Asked whether he was unable to generate the same level of political momentum as Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit and Pita Limjaroenrat, Natthaphong said he accepted such views and did not deny that some people might feel that way.

During the interview, he became visibly emotional, struggling to hold back tears as he spoke about his party colleagues.

“My teammates told me that we work as a team. What happened was not because of me alone,” he said in a trembling voice.

He said he had messaged former constituency MPs who failed to retain their seats, expressing his regret and sadness that he would no longer see them in parliament.

“As party leader, I asked myself whether I was part of the reason. But every one of them told me it was not related,” he said.

Natthaphong apologised to anyone who felt disappointed but ruled out stepping down at this stage.

“This is not the time for a party leader to announce a resignation or create uncertainty within the party. My duty now is to ensure the party moves forward steadily. If, in the future, someone is more ready or more capable than me, I have no objection,” he said.

When asked whether he felt personally guilty over constituency MPs losing their seats, Natthaphong said he was deeply saddened by the outcome but remained determined to continue his work.

“I’m sorry the result turned out this way. Even though I’ve shed tears, I’m resolute and will keep moving forward,” he said.

Pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in prison

By

Khaosod English

-

10 February 2026, 11:48

Hong Kong Jimmy Lai — Retired Chinese cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-Kiun, left, and Jimmy Lai's wife Teresa Lai arrive at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts ahead of the sentencing for former Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai n Hong Kong, Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)

HONG KONG — 10 February 2026, Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison under the city’s national security law, in the longest sentence imposed so far on a political figure since the legislation was enacted in 2020.

Lai, 78, the founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, was convicted in December on charges of colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious material. Prosecutors cited his meetings with United States officials during the administration of former President Donald Trump and editorials critical of Beijing as evidence.

The trial was held without a jury, and Lai was denied his preferred legal counsel, according to court documents. Several other senior media executives linked to Apple Daily received prison sentences ranging from six to 10 years in the same case.

Lai, who suffers from diabetes and hypertension, has been in detention since 2020. Rights groups have warned that the lengthy sentence could amount to life imprisonment given his age and health.

The conviction has renewed international scrutiny of Hong Kong’s national security law, which was imposed by Beijing without local legislative approval following months of mass protests in 2019. Authorities say the law is necessary to restore stability, while critics argue it has been used to dismantle press freedom and political opposition.

Former US President Trump has said publicly that he raised Lai’s case directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping and has indicated he may do so again during a planned visit to China in April. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also raised the issue during a recent visit to Beijing, though no progress was reported. Lai holds British citizenship.

Observers say the case has broader implications for democratic movements across Asia, including Thailand, where debates over freedom of expression, judicial independence and the limits of national security laws remain politically sensitive.

Lai’s supporters say his rise from a penniless child labourer to one of Hong Kong’s most prominent entrepreneurs symbolised the freedoms that once defined the city. His sentencing, they argue, reflects a broader transformation of Hong Kong’s political landscape since the end of its limited autonomy.

AP26041125997392 — A Hong Kong activist wears a portrait of Jimmy Lai with slogans reading ”Strong condemnation: Political trial of Jimmy Lai and others.” and ”Immediately release the prisoners of conscience” during a protest in support of activist publisher Jimmy Lai in Taipei, Taiwan, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

Thailand intercepts rhino horn smuggling route to Laos

By

Khaosod English

-

10 February 2026, 10:58

Thailand intercepts rhino horn smuggling route to Laos

BANGKOK — 10 February 2026, Thai wildlife authorities have arrested a Vietnamese man at Suvarnabhumi Airport and seized 11.75 kilograms of rhino horn, disrupting a transnational wildlife trafficking operation that used Thailand as a transit point en route to Laos.

Sadudee Phanphakdee, director of the Office of Wildlife and Plant Protection under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said the arrest followed joint operations with C.I.Q. agencies and the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division police to curb cross-border wildlife trafficking.

The suspect, a 36-year-old Vietnamese national, was detained while attempting to move the contraband through Thailand to a neighbouring country, officials said.

Komkrit Pinsai, head of the Suvarnabhumi Airport Wildlife Checkpoint, said the arrest took place at about 20:00 on 9 February after officers detected irregularities in X-ray images of a foam box checked into an aircraft hold.

A joint team from the wildlife checkpoint, customs, immigration (Division 2) and environmental crime police inspected the luggage and identified it as belonging to the suspect, who had travelled from Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, transiting Ethiopia and Thailand, and was bound for Vientiane, Laos, on Thai Airways flight TG574.

A search uncovered six pieces of rhino horn, bundled into three packages and weighing a total of 11.75 kilograms. Officers also found three pieces of animal hide weighing 12 kilograms used to conceal the horn, and an iPhone 14 Pro Max allegedly used in the offence.

Authorities said the suspect failed to produce any permits for the export, import or transit of wildlife products. He was charged under three laws: the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019) for unauthorised transit; the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017) for importing restricted goods; and the Animal Epidemics Act B.E. 2558 (2015).

The suspect and the seized items were handed over to investigators at Suvarnabhumi Airport police station for legal proceedings. All of the items were sent to the Wildlife Forensic Science Centre for species verification to support the case.

Vote tally sheets found in rubbish bin in Chonburi

By

Khaosod English

-

10 February 2026, 10:22

Vote tally sheets found in rubbish bin in Chonburi

CHONBURI — 10 February 2026, Residents and party representatives on Monday raised concerns over the results of the parliamentary election in Chonburi’s Constituency 1 after ballot tally sheets were found discarded in a rubbish bin.

People in Chonburi province, together with representatives of political parties acting on behalf of the public, met officials at the Chonburi office of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) to seek clarification over suspected irregularities in the constituency’s vote count. The concerns dated back to the evening of 9 February.

At 02:13, Pol. Capt. Chanin Noilek, deputy secretary-general of the ECT, arrived at the scene and urged the public to gather evidence and await a meeting of the seven-member Election Commission scheduled for 10 February at 10:00. The commission will determine whether a recount should be ordered for Chonburi Constituency 1.

Chanin said he had no authority to make a ruling himself and was present only to maintain order. He added that he did not have the contact details of ECT Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee. Some members of the public questioned why an immediate decision could not be made, citing what they described as a clear offence.

At 03:15, residents discovered vote tally sheets from Polling Station 15 at Wat Klang Don Kindergarten School discarded in a rubbish bin.

The sheets showed that Suchart Chomklin, candidate No. 1, received 266 votes, while Worath Sirirak, candidate No. 7, received 278 votes.

The latest situation showed demonstrators satisfied with the authorities’ response. All ballot boxes have now been securely placed behind barricades inside the gymnasium, with volunteer protesters closely monitoring the area.

All sides are awaiting a decision from the central Election Commission of Thailand (ECT), which is scheduled to meet at 10:00 on 10 February 2026. The ruling will determine whether a recount will be held or what further action will be taken in the constituency.

In the morning, protesters continued to maintain their presence, keeping watch over the ballot boxes. Pol Capt Chanin Noilek, deputy secretary-general of the ECT, also remained inside the gymnasium after protesters refused to allow him to leave. Chanin told reporters he was not under stress and was acting in accordance with legal procedures.

At 09:00, Chonburi Governor Narit Niramaiwong arrived to inspect the situation. He spoke with Chanin and later gave interviews to the media, urging the crowd to remain calm and wait for the ECT’s decision at 10:00.

The governor also instructed officials to ensure tight security at ballot storage locations for the province’s remaining nine constituencies to prevent any unrest. He asked protesters to allow Chanin to briefly leave the gymnasium to bathe and eat before returning to await the central ECT’s ruling on how to proceed with ballot boxes from more than 100 polling stations.

Chrysanthemums bloom in Wang Nam Khiao ahead of Valentine’s Day

By

Khaosod English

-

10 February 2026, 09:52

Chrysanthemum flowers are now more than 50% in bloom in Wang Nam Khiao, Nakhon Ratchasima, as the area prepares to welcome visitors for Valentine’s Day on 14 February.

Tourism officials say the atmosphere has become increasingly lively, with more tourists arriving daily to take photos and accommodation bookings rising — especially around Valentine’s Day, which marks the opening of the 24th “Chrysanthemum Blooming in the Mist” festival.

This year’s highlight is “The heart of natural love”, featuring 60 chrysanthemum structures across 120 flower plots. The festival runs from 14 February to 1 March at the Thai Samakkhi Subdistrict Administrative Organisation.

Activities include marriage registration ceremonies on Valentine’s Day amid heart-shaped displays and blooming flowers, alms-giving on the morning of Sunday, 15 February, community product stalls, Muay Thai bouts, student performances, and special marriage registration invitations for couples at Wang Nam Khiao district.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is also inviting visitors to take part in cold-weather alms-giving, while social media has launched a fun campaign challenging tourists to wear traditional sabai with jeans and join the morning merit-making photo moment.

Russian tourist dies after minibus collision in Phuket

By

Khaosod English

-

10 February 2026, 09:26

Russian tourist dies after minibus collision in Phuket

Russian tourist killed by minibus while crossing road in Phuket

PHUKET — A Russian tourist was killed after being struck by a minibus while crossing a coastal road in Phuket, police said.

The incident occurred at about 15:45 on 9 February 2026 outside the Almerol Hotel on the Beach Road in Karon subdistrict, Muang district.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Aeksak Khwanwan, an investigating officer at Karon Police Station, said officers were alerted to a vehicle-pedestrian collision in which the victim was critically injured.

At the scene, police found a minibus parked at the roadside. The driver, identified as Santichai Chatree, 38, was present. Emergency responders from the Karon municipality provided first aid to the injured pedestrian, later identified as Aleksandr Bondarenko, 39, a Russian national.

Bondarenko was taken to Chalong Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

According to a preliminary investigation, the minibus was travelling along the road when the victim, who had been standing by the roadside with friends, suddenly attempted to cross. The driver was unable to stop in time and struck him, police said.

Santichai was taken to Karon Police Station for questioning and underwent a breathalyser test, which showed no alcohol in his system. Police are reviewing CCTV footage from the vehicle and nearby cameras.

Authorities have notified the Russian embassy and said legal proceedings will continue in accordance with Thai law. The victim’s body will be released to relatives for religious rites.

Thung Song warehouse fire causes at least 60m baht in damage

By

Khaosod English

-

10 February 2026, 09:25

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — 10 February 2026, A Thung Song warehouse fire tore through a Yong Charoen department store storage facility late on 9 February, destroying the building, damaging at least three vehicles and causing losses estimated at no less than 60 million baht.

Pol. Capt. Somporn Nitipak, superintendent of Thung Song Police Station, said officers were alerted shortly before midnight to a blaze at the Yong Charoen warehouse in the Chamai municipal area. Fire engines from Thung Song municipality and nearby local authorities were dispatched to the scene.

On arrival, firefighters found the warehouse fully engulfed in flames. Crews rushed to contain the fire as it spread rapidly through the storage facility, which held large quantities of consumer goods. At least three vehicles, including delivery trucks, were damaged by the blaze, with some vehicles hastily removed from the area to prevent further losses. Rescue workers assisted firefighters amid chaotic conditions as the fire intensified.

The Yong Charoen warehouse serves as a major distribution hub for wholesale consumer products, supplying multiple areas d aily. Officials said operations had closed for the evening and electrical systems were shut down before the incident. However, witnesses later reported seeing smoke rising from the building, prompting workers to alert emergency services. The fire quickly escalated beyond initial control efforts.

Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control.

The cause of the fire has yet to be confirmed. Preliminary assessments suggest a possible electrical short circuit, but investigators will interview the warehouse owner and forensic officers will conduct a detailed examination to determine the exact cause.

Damage from the incident is estimated at a minimum of 60 million baht.

Thailand airports brace for 4.1 million passengers over Chinese New Year holiday

By

Khaosod English

-

9 February 2026, 18:28

987777 — Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s main international gateway.

BANGKOK — Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) expects more than 4.11 million passengers to travel through its six airports during the Chinese New Year holiday period from 13-22 Febuary 2026, driven by a strong recovery in the Chinese market.

AOT president Pavina Jariyathitipong said passenger traffic at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai, Phuket and Hat Yai airports is projected to reach about 4.11 million, including around 2.6 million international passengers and 1.51 million domestic travellers.

The total number of flights during the period is estimated at 24,847, comprising 14,295 international flights and 10,552 domestic flights.

Pavina said data assessed as of 4 Febuary showed a significant increase in flights and passengers from China. The number of Chinese passengers is expected to reach 679,259, up 8.1% year on year.

Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s main international gateway, is forecast to handle 444,255 passengers on China routes, representing a sharp increase of 24.2% from the same period last year.

The figures reflect renewed confidence in Thailand’s tourism sector and a continued recovery in international travel, particularly from China, Pavina said.

AOT will organise Chinese New Year celebrations inside passenger terminals, including lion dance performances and cultural demonstrations, to welcome travellers during the festive period.

With heavy traffic expected, AOT has advised passengers to arrive at airports at least two to three hours before departure to avoid missing flights during peak hours.

Psychiatric crisis monk alarms Phayao bus terminal

By

Khaosod English

-

9 February 2026, 17:41

Psychiatric crisis monk alarms Phayao bus terminal

PHAYAO — 9 February 2026, A Buddhist monk suffering a psychiatric relapse caused alarm at the Phayao provincial bus terminal after jumping from a coach and shouting at people while awaiting a journey to Si Sa Ket province, authorities said.

Witnesses said the monk behaved erratically in the passenger waiting area, glaring and yelling, prompting panic among travellers.

Officials said the monk had a history of psychiatric illness and had run out of medication. He was identified as Phra Khatawat Chutintho, a monk from a temple in Samut Songkhram province who had been travelling on a walking pilgrimage and staying in the Dok Khamtai district before the incident.

Despite attempts by laypeople to offer him water, the monk knocked it away and appeared unable to communicate coherently, officials said. Transport staff alerted police and rescue workers, who spent more than 20 minutes calmly persuading him to cooperate before taking him into care.

Pilgrimage equipment believed to belong to the monk was found abandoned on a grassy area beside the terminal car park, police said.

He was taken to Phayao Hospital for close medical supervision, and authorities said relatives would be contacted to arrange further treatment.

Foreign couple caught on CCTV stealing bag in Phuket

By

Khaosod English

-

9 February 2026, 17:02

CCTV footage reveals the moment a foreign tourist couple allegedly stole a bag outside a Phuket home.

PHUKET — CCTV footage shared online has captured a foreign tourist couple stealing a backpack from outside a home in Thalang district, Phuket, prompting widespread public anger.

The clip, posted on the Facebook page Hod Jung Phuket on 9 Febuary, shows a foreign man and woman, believed to be a couple, riding a blue motorcycle into Somtam Rim Bueng alley in Mai Khao subdistrict at around 14:27 on 8 Febuary.

The man was seen wearing only trousers, while the woman appeared to be dressed in a swimsuit. The pair rode around the alley before returning against the flow of traffic. The man then got off the motorcycle, grabbed a backpack hanging in front of a house and handed it to the woman before fleeing the scene.

The page warned tourists against such behaviour, quoting the homeowner as saying they were not seeking the bag’s return but felt deeply disappointed by the incident.

After the video went viral, many social media users condemned the act and called on authorities to track down the suspects and take legal action.

Hot News

LATEST NEWS