PATTAYA — 24 February 2026, Thai police are investigating a series of incidents involving a transgender suspect accused of theft and assault against foreign tourists in Chonburi province.
Video clips shared online show a confrontation between a South Korean tourist and a transgender woman at a pool villa in Huai Yai subdistrict, Bang Lamung district. The incident occurred at about 00:00 on 24 February.
Police believe the same suspect was involved in a separate robbery and assault on a German tourist on Pattaya beach in Bang Lamung district, on 24 February 2026.
The suspect that police believe was the same one that involved in a separate robbery and assault on a German tourist on Pattaya beach.
Police have arrested four suspects in connection with the beach attack. Two others remain at large, including a suspect known as “Fuangfa”, who is described as having a distinctive appearance due to heavy body lotion giving a notably pale complexion.
Investigators say Fuangfa appeared in both the beach assault footage and the pool villa incident.
In the villa case, which occurred at 03:53 on 24 February, Kim, 46, and two fellow South Korean nationals invited three transgender women from Pattaya South beach, including Fuangfa, to drink at a pool villa in Moo 1, Huai Yai.
Kim later reported that 20,000 baht in cash had gone missing and asked the group if they had seen it.
The suspect fleeing the pool villa.
During the search for the money, Fuangfa allegedly became agitated, shouting loudly, brandishing a wooden table leg and threatening anyone who approached. At one point, the suspect lay on the ground screaming, filmed video on a mobile phone and ran outside, climbing onto a wall and continuing to shout, witnesses said. The behaviour left the tourists and others at the villa shocked.
Fuangfa then fled the scene. Kim subsequently filed a complaint with investigators at Huai Yai police station, submitting video clips as evidence.
Police in Pattaya City and Huai Yai are coordinating efforts to locate and question the remaining suspect.
A woman place flowers at the memorial to the fallen Ukrainian soldiers on Independence Square to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion in Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)
It has been exactly four years since Russia launched its large-scale invasion of Ukraine, attacking the country from multiple directions. On Feb. 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special operation,” a campaign that many expected to be brief and to end with Kyiv’s capitulation.
Instead, European officials are traveling to the Ukrainian capital on Tuesday to show their support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people, who are fighting on.
While Putin did not get the quick and overwhelming victory he had hoped for, the cost has been high on both sides. And as Europe’s biggest conflict enters its fifth year, there is no sign of any peace deal despite U.S. diplomatic efforts over the past year.
Here’s the latest:
Independent media count the Russian war dead
At least 200,000 Russian troops have died during Russia’s four-year invasion of Ukraine, independent media outlets reported Tuesday.
Russian news outlet Mediazona, together with the BBC and a team of volunteers, has collected the names of 200,186 troops killed in the war by scouring news reports, social media and government websites.
Neither Moscow nor Kyiv gives timely data on military losses, and each is at pains to amplify the other side’s casualties. Russia has publicly acknowledged the deaths of just over 6,000 soldiers.
Europe’s parliament hails Zelenskyy
European lawmakers cheered Zelenskyy who met with them on a videoconference during an extraordinary session of the European Parliament commemorating the anniversary of the war’s start.
Lawmakers from Portugal to Finland praised Ukraine and blasted Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orbán, whose last minute objection sank new efforts to help Ukraine and raise the costs on Russia for prosecuting the war.
“He has become Putin’s cheap servant, Viktor Orbán, in the last years and also today has not only betrayed Ukraine, he has betrayed all of us. He has betrayed Europe,” said German member of parliament Terry Reintke.
While a few criticized Ukraine, an overwhelming majority of lawmakers lauded Ukrainian resolve, wore blue and yellow flower pins, blasted Putin and pledged continued support for the war-ravaged nation many see as a future EU member.
British says Russia is suffering terrible costs and is not winning
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the resilience of Ukrainians as he told his Cabinet that Kyiv’s allies “must defeat the falsehood that Russia is winning.”
“When this conflict broke out four years ago, it was assumed it would be a matter of weeks before Putin took the whole of Ukraine. That’s what everybody believed,” Starmer said.
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, center,delivers remarks at the top of the Cabinet meeting to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine at Downing Street in London, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool)
“Four years later, the Ukrainians are holding out against that aggression, holding out on the front line where the circumstances are extremely challenging, but also holding out in civilian life where every day Ukrainians get up and go to work as a sign of resilience and defiance.
Starmer said that over the last year alone, “Russia took 0.8% of land in Ukraine at a terrible cost to themselves, half a million losses.”
Kremlin says Russia will keep fighting
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia has not achieved all of its goals in its war on Ukraine, but that Russia’s operation would continue and that Russian interests would be secured.
When asked how Russia had changed over the last four years, Peskov said that Russian society had rallied around Putin. He also said that Russian society had matured in “understanding our roots” and “understanding what is good and what is bad in international affairs around the world.”
He said the past four years have been very important in Russia’s history and that the country will move forward.
European officials visit Kyiv in a show of solidarity
More than a dozen senior European officials arrived in Kyiv on Tuesday in a show of support. But they also come without two new deals they had hoped to present to Kyiv — a new package of sanctions on Russia and a 90 billion euro loan to fund Ukraine’s defense for the next two years.
Hungary, seen as most pro-Russian country in the European Union, blocked them both. It’s a sign of how difficult it has been sometimes to maintain solidarity as the war drags on.
‘We have defended our independence’
Zelenskyy said his country has withstood the onslaught by Russia’s bigger and better equipped army, which over the past year of fighting captured just 0.79% of Ukraine’s territory, according to the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank.
“Looking back at the beginning of the invasion and reflecting on today, we have every right to say: we have defended our independence, we have not lost our statehood; Putin has not achieved his goals,” Zelenskyy said on social media.
“He has not broken Ukrainians; he has not won this war,” Zelenskyy said.
France’s Macron says the war exposes the ‘fragility’ of imperialism
French President Emmanuel Macron said in a post on the social platform X that “this war is a triple failure for Russia: military, economic, and strategic.”
“It has strengthened NATO — the very expansion Russia sought to prevent — galvanized Europeans it hoped to weaken, and laid bare the fragility of an imperialism from another age,” Macron said.
Macron also urged the EU to issue the 90 billion euro ($106 billion) loan to Ukraine, a plan that requires the unanimity of the 27 member states.
“There is no justification for calling this into question. We must now deliver on it,” he wrote.
Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer were to join a meeting of Western leaders supporting Ukraine, the so-called Coalition of the Willing, via videoconference on Tuesday.
A ‘revolution’ in warfare
Britain’s Armed Forces Minister Al Carns says the war has been “the most defining conflict” in decades due to the way it has revolutionized warfare and upended Europe’s security.
“I would never have guessed in my lifetime I would see North Korean troops fighting on the border of Europe,” Carns told reporters on Monday. “Which I think is a significant warning signal to all of us.”
Carns said the conflict had brought a “revolution in military affairs,” especially through the rapid development of drone technology. Drones now account for the vast majority of battlefield casualties in the war.
Western officials say that in the last three months, Russia has lost more casualties than the number of troops it recruits, a potential tipping point.
“The cost on Russia has been almost unimaginable,” Carns said, calling a Western estimate of 1.25 million Russian personnel killed and wounded since 2022 likely an underestimate.
Ukraine’s European allies see Ukraine’s defense as a larger fight for freedom
European leaders visiting Kyiv hailed the Ukrainian struggle.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the Ukrainians are “standing up for the freedom of us all. Their courage and strength shine in the fight against Putin’s darkness. And they give hope to those of us who want a Europe at peace.”
Floodlights shine over the graves of the fallen soldiers as people lit candles on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion in Lviv, Ukraine, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Mykola Tys)
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, said: “We don’t yet know when the war will end, but how it ends will affect Sweden’s security for at least a generation to come. And that’s why our continued support is so crucial.”
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski vowed from Kyiv that his country would remain “steadfast in its support for the Ukrainian people and in its pursuit of a just and lasting peace.”
“A victory parade was supposed to take place here after a few days,” Sikorski said in an address from Kyiv referring to Russia’s initial plans of a quick takeover of Ukraine. “Instead, four years later, Kyiv is still defending itself.”
NATO vows its support to ensure a lasting peace
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Ukraine’s allies will continue to militarily support the war-ravaged nation to end the war and ensure a lasting peace.
“Ukraine needs ammunition today and every day, until the bloodshed stops. Ukraine continues to blunt Russia’s aggression, and despite Putin’s posturing, Russia has failed to meet their ambitions on the battlefield,” he said during a ceremony at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
“There cannot be true peace in Europe without real peace in Ukraine. When the fighting eventually stops, the peace has to hold with strong Ukrainian forces ready to deter and defend and effective security guarantees from Ukraine’s partners: Europe, Canada, and the United States.”
China says it hopes for peace in Ukraine
A Chinese government spokesperson noted that the door to dialogue had recently opened in what she called the Ukraine crisis, avoiding describing the conflict as a war.
“We hope all parties will seize the opportunity to reach a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said when asked about the fourth anniversary of the outbreak of the war.
China has been accused of not doing enough to pressure Russia to end the fighting. It has maintained ties and trade with Russia, relieving some of the pressure of economic sanctions. China says its position is impartial and objective.
“China never fans the flames or seeks to profit from the situation, and of course we do not accept any attempts to shift blame onto China,” Mao said.
UN estimates the cost of Ukraine’s recovery
Matthias Schmale, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine, noted that the costs for the country’s recovery from the war are now estimated at $590 billion over a decade — three times Ukraine’s GDP last year.
Schmale said by video link to a U.N. briefing in Geneva on Tuesday that over 10.8 million people, roughly a quarter of Ukraine’s population, remain in need of humanitarian assistance – including up to 1 million in Russian-occupied territory.
He also noted that that Ukraine is one of the world’s most-mined countries, with almost a quarter of its territory “potentially contaminated.”
Bangkok, February 23, 2026 – Mr. Thanawat Trivisvavet, Managing Director of CKPower Public Company Limited (SET: CKP), one of the region’s largest producers of electricity from renewables with one of the lowest carbon footprints, announced that the Company’s 2025 operating performance showed exceptional growth, with Core Net Profit of Baht 2,323 million, representing an increase of Baht 1,036 million, or 81% year-over-year.
The growth was primarily driven by the recognition of its Share of Core Net Profit from Xayaburi Power Company Limited (XPCL) amounting to Baht 1,814 million, an increase of Baht 1,214 million or 202% year-over-year. This was supported by a 7% higher average water inflows at the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant in 2025, along with efficient plant operations, which led to a significant increase in electricity sales volume. In addition, XPCL benefited from lower financial costs in line with the global interest rates downward trend. Meanwhile, Nam Ngum 2 Power Company Limited (NN2PC) delivered its record high performance since the commencement of commercial operations. NN2PC reported electricity sales revenue of Baht 4,365 million, an increase of Baht 291 million or 7% year-over-year. This was attributable to higher reservoir water level at the beginning of the year and increased water inflows into the reservoir in 2025, particularly in July, which recorded the highest water inflow since commercial operations began. As a result, CKPower’s overall operating performance continued to demonstrate solid growth.
Mr. Thanawat stated that reservoir water level at NN2PC at the beginning of 2026 remained higher than the previous year, with YoY higher water inflows in January. These factors should have a positive impact to the power generation during the first quarter of 2026, a period that typically experiences lower rainfall. Meanwhile, XPCL also recorded higher average water flows through the power plant in January 2026 compared to the previous year, benefiting electricity generation from January through February. As for the Luang Prabang Hydroelectric Power Project, construction progress reached 65% as of the end of December 2025 as planned.
CKPower also maintains a solid financial position. As of December 31, 2025, Total Assets increased by 6% from the end of 2024. The increase was mainly attributable to additional investments in Luang Prabang Power Company Limited (LPCL), the strong operating performance of XPCL, as well as proceeds from the issuance of the Company’s first Green Bonds and cash generated from operating activities. The Company’s Liquidity Ratio stood at 2.26 times, an increase of 0.40 times, while the Net Interest-bearing Debt to Equity Ratio remained at a low level of 0.50 times. This reflects effective liquidity management and strong debt servicing capability. Looking ahead, any further reductions in US and Thailand policy interest rates are expected to lower financial costs and further support CKPower’s operating performance in 2026. The Company will continue to closely monitor interest rate movements and manage its long-term debt prudently on an ongoing basis.
Mr. Thanawat further stated that the past year remained challenging, given geopolitical uncertainties, global economic conditions, climate-related risks, and the rapidly evolving energy landscape. Nevertheless, the Company was able to adapt and manage these challenges effectively and received recognition from leading domestic and international institutions in accordance with sustainability standards, including the ASEAN CG Scorecard and recognition from The Asset, a leading financial magazine in Asia. These recognitions reflect the Company’s strong corporate governance practices at the regional level in Asia.
In addition, CKPower received a “AAA” ranking under the SET ESG Ratings, the highest level awarded by the Stock Exchange of Thailand, and was continuously selected as one of the ESG100 sustainable and investable companies by the Thaipat Institute. These recognitions reaffirm the Company’s strong commitment to conducting its business in line with sustainable development principles. CKPower remains committed to driving growth through renewable energy development across the entire value chain, while strengthening Thailand’s energy security and enhancing organizational readiness in terms of human capital, technology, risk management, and ongoing innovation. These efforts support CKPower’s progress toward achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
PATTAYA — A German tourist was injured in a late-night altercation involving a group of Thai transgender women along Pattaya Beach Road, police said on 24 Febuary.
The incident occurred opposite Soi Pattaya Beach 13 in Pattaya, causing alarm among bystanders. Parts of the incident were captured on video by witnesses and later handed to police as evidence.
The footage shows about five transgender women grappling with and assaulting the foreign tourist, with both sides falling onto the road during the scuffle. The tourist sustained injuries. In the clip, voices can be heard shouting for someone to grab the foreigner’s wallet. At one point, the tourist managed to break free. One of the group was heard warning others not to record the incident before they dispersed.
Authorities also found a mobile phone that had fallen into a storm drain at the scene. Firefighters were called to retrieve the device.
A good Samaritan told reporters he saw the tourist being attacked and heard shouts urging others to take the man’s bag. When the tourist’s bag fell to the ground, the witness picked it up and returned it to him, angering the group. The motive behind the altercation remains unclear, the witness said.
The injured tourist was later identified as Mr. Markus Santl, 55, a German national. He told police that earlier that night he had brought a transgender woman back to his hotel room, believing the person was a biological woman. After escorting the individual out, he later discovered that 35,000 baht in cash and 1,200 euros were missing from his in-room safe.
Suspecting those involved, he went out to search along Pattaya Beach and recognized one of the individuals. He said he attempted to detain the person, but five to six others joined in and assaulted him. He was able to escape after bystanders intervened and later filed a complaint with investigators at Pattaya City Police Station.
Incidents involving assaults and alleged theft targeting tourists have been reported repeatedly in Pattaya, particularly along the beachfront, raising concerns over the city’s image as a tourist destination. Although authorities regularly conduct patrols and crackdowns, suspects often disperse when officers are present and regroup after patrols leave the area.
Police said they are collecting evidence and reviewing video footage to identify and apprehend those responsible for legal action.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
