E-bike charging blast nearly engulfs house

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23 February 2026, 16:01

E-bike charging blast nearly engulfs house

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Khaosod English

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23 February 2026, 15:15

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

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

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

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

♬ original sound – Farah Shams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mexico cartel leader “El Mencho” killed in military operation, unrest spreads across multiple states

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Khaosod English

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23 February 2026, 14:24

JALISCO, MEXICO — Mexico’s most wanted drug lord, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, has died at the age of 59 following a military operation in western Mexico, authorities said. The United States provided intelligence support for the operation.

His death triggered violent unrest in multiple states, with armed groups blocking highways, torching vehicles and clashing with security forces in areas long associated with his criminal network.

El Mencho was shot in Tapalpa, in the western state of Jalisco, considered a stronghold of his organisation. Officials said he died while being transported to hospital.

Mexico’s security cabinet later said that road closures imposed during the unrest had begun to ease, though security operations remain ongoing in several regions.

Widespread disruptions

Violence following his death disrupted daily life across parts of western and central Mexico. Local media showed buses and commercial vehicles set ablaze, while some highways were temporarily closed due to security concerns.

Air travel was also affected. Several airlines cancelled or diverted flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, two major cities in Jalisco state. Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most popular beach destinations for North American tourists.

Airlines including Air Canada and United Airlines temporarily halted services to Puerto Vallarta amid security concerns. Other carriers reported disruptions as authorities sought to stabilise affected areas.

The United States Department of State issued a travel advisory urging Americans to exercise caution, while Canada updated its own guidance for travellers in parts of Jalisco.

A powerful cartel figure

El Mencho was widely regarded as one of the most powerful drug traffickers in Mexico. The United States had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture.

A former police officer, he built a sprawling criminal organisation that trafficked cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States. U.S. authorities have accused his network of playing a major role in the flow of synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, which has contributed to tens of thousands of overdose deaths annually in North America.

Earlier in his career, Oseguera Cervantes was arrested in California on drug-related charges and served time in prison before being released and returning to Mexico in his 30s. After older cartel leaders were killed or captured, he rose rapidly to prominence, consolidating power in Jalisco and expanding operations across other regions.

Mexican authorities have accused him of orchestrating assassinations of rival traffickers and ordering attacks against security forces. His organisation became known for its heavy weaponry and ability to challenge state forces directly.

Uncertain aftermath

Security analysts say the death of a major cartel leader can lead to short-term spikes in violence as factions compete for control. It remains unclear who will assume leadership of his organisation or whether internal rivalries could intensify instability in affected states.

Mexican officials have not yet provided detailed information about the broader operation that led to his death, though they described it as a targeted military action supported by U.S. intelligence.

For now, authorities say the immediate wave of road blockades has subsided, but security patrols remain heightened in Jalisco and neighbouring states.

The killing marks one of the most significant blows to organised crime in Mexico in recent years, but experts caution that dismantling a cartel’s leadership does not automatically dismantle its operational structure.

Jesada warns Election Commission over jail risk

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Khaosod English

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23 February 2026, 14:05

Jesada warns Election Commission over jail risk

BANGKOK — 23 February 2026, Jesada Tonawanik, a prime ministerial candidate of the Rak Chart Party, warned the Election Commission (EC) it could face imprisonment if it continues to perform its duties unlawfully amid mounting controversy over changes to ballot papers.

In an interview, Jesada said the EC’s management of the election had been riddled with ambiguities and sudden alterations, particularly regarding ballot papers, without clear explanations to the public. If the commission persisted in what he described as wrongful conduct, “a prison cell awaits”, he said.

He criticised the EC for being “especially diligent” in adjusting details such as ballot designs, yet failing to properly inform the public. From the outset, he said, the commission should have clarified how many types of ballot papers there were, whether green or pink, what they looked like and what each was for, including the purpose of yellow referendum ballots. Instead, he said, new ballots had been introduced without adequate explanation, including the use of QR codes and barcodes.

Jesada warned that if the EC could not dispel doubts over alleged violations of citizens’ rights and freedoms, it could face legal risks, potentially leading to court action to nullify the election. Such an outcome would cause enormous damage, he said, as it would not merely involve by-elections in certain constituencies but could require dismantling the entire electoral process already undertaken.

He urged the EC to provide clear answers “at a level even a child can understand” to help steer the country out of what he called its political quagmire and towards an internationally recognised election.

“The simplest question is: why are the ballots not the same?” he said. “If this cannot be explained, it will not only affect any new poll. By-elections would be invalidated and the entire original election would also be void.”

He added that previous explanations had seemingly disappeared, while complaints alleging rights violations had already been filed. Recounts in some polling stations were still facing problems, he said.

“If a new election is ordered and it is handled in this way, everything previously done will have to be torn up because the explanations are inconsistent,” Jesada said. “No one wants to pursue criminal action, but if this amounts to dereliction of duty or malfeasance in office, a prison cell will be waiting.”

Pink trumpet trees draw thousands to Kasetsart’s Kamphaeng Saen campus

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Khaosod English

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23 February 2026, 13:30

NAKHON PATHOM — 22 February 2026, thousands of visitors flocked to Kasetsart University’s Kamphaeng Saen campus over the weekend to admire the annual bloom of pink trumpet trees, one of the province’s most popular seasonal attractions.

Crowds gathered along Watthana Sthirasawat Road in front of the Kasetsart University Laboratory School, where the trees have begun flowering since mid-February. The 2026 Pink Trumpet Tree Festival officially opened on 14 February.

With Saturday marking a holiday, families and large tour groups packed the approximately 2 kilometre stretch of road, creating a festive atmosphere despite narrowing pedestrian space. Many visitors stopped to take photographs beneath the arching canopy of pink blossoms, while others enjoyed family activities along the scenic route.

The event remains lively even as Thailand enters the hot season, as recently declared by the Meteorological Department. Visitors continued streaming in throughout the day to view what has become known as the campus’ “pink flower tunnel.”

The university’s pink trumpet trees were registered as a “heritage tree of the nation” by the Department of Cultural Promotion in 2019.

The planting initiative at the Kamphaeng Saen campus began in 1977 under the direction of Emeritus Prof. Dr. Watthana Sthirasawat, the campus’ first vice rector. The trees were originally intended to serve as windbreaks and provide long-term shade. Seeds were supplied by Prof. Rapee Sagarik, then rector of Kasetsart University, who brought them from Singapore.

Today, the campus is home to 1,258 pink trumpet trees planted across key areas, including hundreds lining Watthana Sthirasawat Road and others spread throughout its gardens and ponds

The 2026 festival runs from 11 February to 2 March. More information is available at 034-351540 (Monday–Friday, 08:30–16:30) or via the official Facebook page of Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen campus.

Defence minister calls Tea Seiha over undisciplined Cambodian troops

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23 February 2026, 13:13

S__14426138_0 — Defence Minister Gen. Natthaphon Narkphanit

BANGKOK — Defence Minister Gen. Natthaphon Narkphanit said he has raised concerns with his Cambodian counterpart over forest fires along the Thai-Cambodian border, warning that undisciplined actions by Cambodian troops could escalate tensions.

Speaking on 23 February 2026 at the Royal Thai Air Force headquarters, Natthaphon said he had directly contacted Cambodian Defence Minister Gen. Tea Seiha to complain about what he described as Cambodian soldiers burning forest areas along the border.

He said Thailand had previously expressed concern about landmines and was now troubled by the burning of forest near the frontier, which could spread into Thai territory and lead to clashes. If Cambodia genuinely wanted to resolve issues peacefully, this should not be the method, he said, adding that he had reiterated the warning after the fires continued.

Natthaphon also accused Cambodian soldiers of spreading false information, including a recent claim that Thai troops had shot and wounded a Cambodian soldier. He said available evidence did not support that allegation and that Thailand had already lodged a protest.

On border security, he said Thailand must maintain troop deployments in areas it currently controls, citing concerns that some Cambodian troops lack discipline and could encroach on Thai territory. However, he acknowledged that sustaining such deployments indefinitely would be costly.

He proposed constructing permanent fencing along parts of the 798-kilometre border, particularly in high-traffic areas such as Ban Khlong Luek in Sa Kaeo and Thmor Da in Trat. The plan could include electronic fencing and CCTV systems in selected areas.

Other sections of the border, including Phu Makuea in Si Sa Ket and Chong An Ma and Chong Bok in Ubon Ratchathani, could be developed into tourist sites or memorial areas to ensure regular civilian presence and monitoring, he said.

He also suggested allocating land for veterans to establish self-defence border villages, with support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. If all measures are implemented, troop levels could eventually be reduced.

Thai man breaks legs fleeing hospital cable theft

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Khaosod English

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23 February 2026, 12:14

Thai man breaks legs fleeing hospital cable theft

TRANG — 22 February 2026, A 43-year-old man suspected of cutting and stealing electrical cables from Trang Hospital was seriously injured after crashing his motorcycle into a shrine sign while fleeing security guards.

Police at Mueang Trang Police Station said they were alerted at about 23:00 that a theft suspect had crashed into a concrete base and metal pole at the entrance sign to the Phra Phikanet shrine in the Thai Samut housing estate on Huai Yot Road in Thap Thiang subdistrict, Mueang Trang district.

Authorities found an orange Honda Click Play motorcycle with Trang registration plates damaged after striking the shrine’s concrete base. Bolt cutters were discovered inside the vehicle.

The rider, identified as 43-year-old Weerapong Singkaew, a resident of tambon Na Ta Luang in Mueang Trang district, was found nearby. He had suffered fractures to both legs as well as head and body injuries. Rescue workers provided first aid before taking him to Trang Hospital for treatment.

Hospital security guards said they had been conducting a routine patrol when they discovered a power outage near a shallow well used as part of the hospital’s utilities system. After contacting an electrician to investigate, they found electrical cables had been cut and some lengths coiled in a pile, suggesting deliberate removal.

Guards lay in wait and later saw the suspect park his motorcycle and collect the bundled cables, wrapping them in a large quilt before loading them onto the vehicle. When security officers identified themselves and attempted to detain him, he sped off with the cables.

Security staff pursued him while coordinating with police. During the chase, the suspect allegedly drove against traffic and circled through several roads. Guards said he appeared to taunt them and at one point threw the bundled cables onto the roadside.

The pursuit ended when the man attempted to turn into a side street but lost control and crashed into the base of the shrine sign, suffering injuries.

Officials later recovered the discarded cables, along with a headlamp found among the pile.

Trang Hospital authorities said they are compiling evidence and coordinating with investigators to file a formal complaint. The suspect faces charges of theft of state property and related offences under Thai law.

Kim reelected to top post of North Korea’s ruling party as it hails his nuclear buildup

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Associated Press

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23 February 2026, 11:53

North Korea Party Congress — This photo provided Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, by the North Korean government, its leader Kim Jong Un, center, claps hands as he was re-elected to the top post of the ruling Workers’ Party, during the party's Congress in Pyongyang, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: "KCNA" which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was reelected to the top post of the ruling Workers’ Party, with delegates crediting him for bolstering the country’s nuclear arsenal and strengthening its regional standing, state media reported Monday.

The report from the party congress, a major propaganda spectacle where Kim is expected to outline his political and military goals for the next five years, suggests he will double down on accelerating a nuclear arsenal already equipped with missiles capable of threatening Asian U.S. allies and the American mainland.

The party also released a new roster for its powerful Central Committee that confirmed a generational shift in Kim’s leadership circle, with aging military chiefs and the 76-year-old head of Pyongyang’s rubber-stamp parliament among dozens replaced in the 138-member body.

The congress, which began last Thursday, comes as Kim grows increasingly assertive in regional politics, following an aggressive expansion of his nuclear arsenal and closer ties with Russia forged through joint war efforts in Ukraine, which have deepened his standoffs with Washington and Seoul. Kim has also pursued stronger ties with China, traveling to Beijing last September and having his first summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in six years.

Analysts say Kim will likely use the meeting to unveil new military goals, including strengthening conventional forces and integrating them with nuclear capabilities, while reemphasizing a campaign for economic “self-reliance” through mass mobilization, following gradual post-pandemic gains fueled by rebounding trade with China and arms exports to Russia.

Party credits Kim’s leadership as a boost to national pride

North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said Kim was reelected as the party’s general secretary with the “unshakable will and unanimous desire” of thousands of delegates on the fourth day of meetings Sunday.

Under party rules, the congress, which Kim has held every five years since 2016, elects the general secretary to serve as the party’s top representative and leader. Kim, 42, has held the party’s top post throughout his rule, though the title changed from first secretary to chairman at the congress in 2016 and then to general secretary at the congress in 2021.

The party said in a statement that by building up nuclear forces, Kim has created a military capable of handling “any threat of aggression” and “any form of war,” and credited his leadership with “reliably guaranteeing” the country’s future and “boosting the pride and self-esteem” of North Koreans.

It also praised Kim’s recent foreign policy, which it said raised national prestige.

Party’s leadership reshuffle reflects generational shift

KCNA said the congress adopted revisions to party rules during Sunday’s meeting but did not immediately provide details. Experts had anticipated that Kim would use the congress to entrench his hard-line stance toward South Korea and possibly rewrite party rules to codify his characterization of inter-Korean relations as between two “hostile” states.

State media so far haven’t mentioned any comments by Kim or other senior leaders at the congress directly addressing relations with Washington and Seoul.

Yoon Min Ho, a spokesperson at South Korea’s Unification Ministry, described Kim’s reelection as a predictable move to further burnish his leadership and that Seoul will closely watch further messages from the congress.

The most notable change to the new Central Committee list was the exclusion of Choe Ryong Hae, chairman of the standing committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly, who earlier part ofin Kim’s rule was seen as the second most powerful individual in Pyongyang. Also left out were military marshals Pak Jong Chon and Ri Pyong Chol, who had rose in the leadership ranks while Kim sped up his nuclear development over the past decade.

Yoon also noted the removal of key officials who handled inter-Korean affairs, including Kim Yong Chol and Ri Son Gwon, who served key roles in carrying out Kim Jong Un’s diplomacy with then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in and President Donald Trump in 2018 and 2019.

North Korea has suspended all meaningful diplomacy with the United States and South Korea since the collapse of a 2019 summit between Kim Jong Un and Trump over disagreements about exchange sanctions relief for steps to wind down Kim’s nuclear and missile program.

Kim’s government has rejected dialogue offers from Trump since the American president began his second term, urging Washington to drop its demand for North Korea’s denuclearization as a precondition for talks. Inter-Korean relations further deteriorated in 2024 when Kim abandoned the North’s long-standing goal of peaceful reunification and declared the war-divided South a permanent enemy.

Blue Button jellyfish shut Similan beach zone

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Khaosod English

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23 February 2026, 11:16

Blue Button jellyfish shut Similan beach zone

PHANG NGA — 23 February 2026, Mu Ko Similan National Park has warned visitors after Blue Button jellyfish were found along parts of the shoreline in designated swimming areas, particularly on the eastern side (Hat Na) of Island No. 4.

The marine creatures are bright blue, with a distinctive round, button-like disc at the centre and numerous tentacles surrounding the body. They typically drift with currents and are blown ashore.

Although their venom is less severe than that of box jellyfish, contact can cause an immediate burning or stinging sensation, red rashes, swelling, itching or small fluid-filled blisters. Even when stranded on the beach, they can still irritate the skin and should not be touched directly.

For first aid, officials advise rinsing the affected area with seawater. Fresh water should not be used immediately, and the wound should not be rubbed. Any remaining tentacles should be carefully removed. Those experiencing severe pain, spreading rashes or unusual symptoms should alert park officials at once.

The park has temporarily closed the eastern swimming zone (Hat Na) on Island No. 4 until conditions are deemed safe.

Visitors who encounter the jellyfish elsewhere are urged to inform officials immediately and to follow all safety instructions strictly.

Thailand ranks third in Reddit complaints on taxi scams, UK insurer finds

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Khaosod English

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23 February 2026, 11:12

BANGKOK — AllClear, a UK insurance company, has revealed research showing that taxi scams can occur anywhere and at any time, particularly when visitors appear unfamiliar with local fares.

Since December 2025, the travel insurer has analysed more than 450 Reddit posts and over 30,000 comments discussing taxi scams to identify the countries attracting the most complaints. The study found that travellers are most likely to report problems in Turkey, which generated 4,224 comments — nearly double the figure for India in second place with 2,301 comments.

Thailand ranked third with 2,169 comments, followed by Vietnam (1,741), Egypt (1,715), Australia (1,598), Mexico (1,367), Morocco (1,329), the United States of America (1,283) and Canada (995).

The top 15 also included France (957), Colombia (924), the Philippines (840), Italy (832) and Norway (799).

AllClear advised travellers to check local taxi rates before getting into a vehicle and to report any suspected scam to the appropriate authorities.

Widespread disruptions

A powerful cartel figure

Uncertain aftermath

Party credits Kim’s leadership as a boost to national pride

Party’s leadership reshuffle reflects generational shift

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