Thai cockfighting spurs spark animal cruelty fears

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23 February 2026, 09:21

Thai cockfighting spurs spark animal cruelty fears

CHUMPHON — 23 February 2026, Animal welfare advocates have urged authorities to tighten oversight of cockfighting arenas in Chumphon over the use of sharp metal spurs, saying the practice violates cultural tradition and may amount to animal cruelty.

Campaigners said the attachment of elongated metal spurs, or knife-like gaffs, to fighting cocks contravenes both legal and ethical standards in Thailand. They argue that forcing animals to fight with such weapons, often until death, constitutes one of the most severe forms of abuse.

Under Thailand’s Animal Cruelty Prevention and Welfare Act of 2014, traditional cockfighting is exempted from being classified as animal cruelty under Section 21 (11). However, the exemption applies only if the activity complies with regulations set by law.

The 2009 Interior Ministry regulation on cockfighting and fish fighting prohibits reinforcing or sharpening natural spurs in ways deemed cruel. If metal spurs or blades are attached to a bird’s legs with the intent to cause severe wounds or rapid death, the act is considered contrary to “good cultural traditions” and may be subject to prosecution.

Photographs circulating online appear to show unusually long, sharpened metal spurs, weapons not found naturally on roosters, designed to pierce vital organs such as the lungs or eyes. Such implements frequently result in serious injury or swift death.

In regulated or conservation-style cockfighting, organisers typically wrap natural spurs with plaster or tape to reduce the risk of grave injury. The use of sharp metal spurs, critics say, shifts the focus from tactical competition to victory through lethal force and extreme suffering.

International animal welfare organisations, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, classify cockfighting with metal spurs or knives as among the most brutal forms of animal cruelty because it compels animals to fight to the death in distressing conditions.

Local animal lovers say concern over the practice has long existed, but few have spoken out publicly for fear of influential figures linked to the sport. A review found that at several properly licensed arenas, most handlers continue to use metal spurs.

Advocates are calling on relevant officials to impose strict measures to halt the practice, in order to prevent cruelty and ensure animal welfare protections are enforced.

Thailand named among Architectural Digest’s best countries to live in for 2026

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22 February 2026, 19:45

Wat Arun temple at twilight in Bangkok, Thailand.

Thailand has been included in Architectural Digest magazine’s list of “The Best Countries to Live in: Our Top Picks for 2026,” earning recognition as one of the world’s top destinations for design lovers.

In its latest feature published on its website, Architectural Digest said the best countries to live in combine awe-inspiring architecture, innovative urban planning and a culture rich in artistic expression. While design excellence may not directly correlate with economic power or military strength, the magazine noted that a strong focus on design can significantly enhance quality of life.

The ranking drew from multiple global indices, using U.S. News & World Report’s most recent Best Countries in the World list as a starting point. Editors then identified the top 20 design-forward nations, factoring in the 2026 Best Countries for Quality of Life ranking by Astons, the latest 10 Best Countries to Live In list by Global Citizen Solutions, and the Best Countries to Live In 2026 report by World Population Review.

The 20 countries named in the list are Switzerland, Japan, the United States, Australia, Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Singapore, Italy, South Korea, Finland, Iceland, Luxembourg, Thailand, Brazil and Mexico.

For Thailand, the magazine highlighted its relatively low cost of living compared with many Western European nations, noting that the country has become an increasingly popular hub for digital nomads.

Design enthusiasts, the publication wrote, can explore ornate Buddhist temples alongside contemporary creative spaces such as the Thailand Creative & Design Center in Bangkok. The capital, designated a UNESCO City of Design, also hosts major international events including ASA Architect Expo, STYLE Bangkok and Bangkok Design Week, which draw global audiences with exhibitions, workshops, experimental installations and culinary showcases.

‘Normal or Not?’ Viral Isan sausage post divides netizens

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22 February 2026, 18:49

BANGKOK — One of Thailand’s most popular northeastern dishes, Isan sausage, has become the focus of an online debate after photos of a roadside vendor’s drying process circulated widely on social media.

On 22 February 2026, a Facebook user shared images in a group showing sausages being hung out to dry in the sun at a relatively low height above the ground. The post questioned hygiene standards, noting that the stall was located at an event where other vendors were unloading goods, raising concerns about dust, ground-level contamination and air pollution.

The post drew mixed reactions. Some commenters argued that such practices would not be tolerated in more developed countries, where food safety inspections are strict and violations can result in fines or closure. Others said they preferred buying factory-packaged products from freezers to ensure cleanliness. One user described the situation as “something that shouldn’t be normal.”

However, several netizens defended the vendor, saying sun-drying is a traditional method and that street food environments vary. Some suggested that critics who were uncomfortable with such conditions should opt to dine in malls or restaurants instead.

The shop owner’s daughter later responded in the comments, identifying the stall as her mother’s business. She asked whether the method appeared unhygienic or unappetising and requested constructive advice, saying they were unaware of any mistakes.

Commenters recommended improving sanitation by covering the sausages with a protective net to prevent dust contamination or hanging them significantly higher above ground level during the drying process.

Navy Region 1 seizes Cambodian fishing boat in Thai waters

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22 February 2026, 16:19

S__40173795_0 — The Cambodian fishing boat seized by the Royal Thai Navy in Thai waters off Trat, with three crew members detained for alleged illegal entry and fishing.

TRAT — Royal Thai Navy Region 1 on 22 February 2026 intercepted a Cambodian fishing vessel in Thai territorial waters off Khlong Yai district, authorities said.

The arrest was reported at 10:00 by the commander of patrol boat Tor 996. The vessel was located at latitude 11°31.51’ North and longitude 102°53.40’ East.

Three Cambodian crew members were found on board. Officials said they could not communicate in Thai and had no identification or legal documentation for entering Thai waters. Two crates of fresh squid were discovered on the boat. The crew reportedly admitted to fishing in Thai waters for two days.

The vessel and crew were taken to Khlong Yai Multipurpose Port for legal proceedings. Authorities are coordinating with the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre in Trat for further investigation. The case remains under inquiry in accordance with Thai law.

Anutin opens Phra Nakhon Khiri festival in Phetchaburi

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22 February 2026, 16:00

20260221210536_6226 — PM Anutin and his wife in traditional Thai attire, join a celebratory dance at the 39th Phra Nakhon Khiri festival in Phetchaburi

PHETCHABURI — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by his wife Thananon Niramit, on 21 February 2026 presided over the opening of the 39th “Phra Nakhon Khiri – Mueang Phet” festival at Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park in Phetchaburi.

The annual event, held from 20 February to 1 March at Phra Nakhon Khiri, also known as Khao Wang, aims to promote tourism and celebrate the province’s cultural heritage under the theme “Heavenly Palace of Phra Nakhon Khiri, Gem of Siam.”

The prime minister and his wife wore traditional Thai attire in line with a campaign inviting visitors to dress in period costume to enhance the cultural tourism atmosphere.

Activities include exhibitions on royal development projects, nightly fireworks displays of more than 5,000 shots, parades from all eight districts, cultural performances, traditional craft demonstrations, local cuisine showcases, light-and-sound presentations and Khon performances by over 120 artists from the Fine Arts Department.

The festival also features a motor show, OTOP product booths and food fairs highlighting Phetchaburi’s status as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, with organisers aiming to boost tourism revenue and promote the province’s soft power in food, arts and history.

Phra Nakhon Khiri is a historic hilltop complex overlooking the city. Built as a summer palace by King Mongkut and completed in 1860, the site comprises three building groups across the three peaks of a 95-metre hill.

‘Thank you Thailand’ trend goes viral among foreign tourists

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22 February 2026, 13:34

BANGKOK — A new social media trend has gone viral as foreign tourists wrap up their trips to Thailand by posting “Thank you Thailand” videos, bowing in gratitude and sharing detailed reviews of their experiences.

In the clips, visitors recount how many days they spent in the country, how many steps they walked and how much money they used. Many list the number of tuk-tuk and Grab rides they took, visits to 7-Eleven, Thai massages, plates of pad Thai and mango sticky rice they enjoyed — even the number of mosquito bites or bouts of food poisoning — before concluding with the memories they are taking home.

Most of the reviews express admiration for Thai food, traditional massage, scenic attractions and the warmth of local people.

Thai netizens have responded with appreciation, saying the videos highlight aspects of the country that locals may overlook. Some commented that European tourists in particular appear to be returning in large numbers this year, adding that being good hosts and avoiding taking advantage of visitors would help sustain positive word of mouth that benefits the country’s tourism sector.

2 Cambodian journalists appeal treason convictions over a photo from Thai border clash

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Associated Press

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22 February 2026, 12:07

Cambodia Thailand — FILE - In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), a high-level diplomatic mission lead by Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn, holds a press conference, in O'Bei Choan Commune, Banteay Meanchey province near the Cambodia-Thailand border, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. (AKP via AP)

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Two Cambodian journalists have appealed their convictions on treason charges and 14-year prison sentences for posting photographs on Facebook related to border clashes with Thailand last year, the spouse of one and a court official said Friday.

Phorn Sopheap of Battambang Post TV Online and Pheap Pheara of TSP 68 TV Online were arrested in separate locations on July 31 while returning from reporting trips. Authorities say they took photographs in a restricted military zone, and one showed land mines, which appeared to discredit official Cambodian denials of using such weapons.

They were convicted and sentenced by the Siem Reap Provincial Court in December on charges of “supplying a foreign state with information prejudicial to national defense.” Treason convictions carry prison sentences of seven to 15 years.

Cambodia ranked 161st out of 180 countries and territories on the 2025 Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, “placing it among the states where the press freedom situation is considered ’very serious,’” according to the Paris-based organization.

“Cambodian authorities must not challenge Pheap Phara and Phorn Sopheap’s appeal against these outrageous convictions and should stop using vague national security laws to criminalize legitimate reporting,” Shawn Crispin, the senior Southeast Asia representative for New-York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, said in a statement Friday.

The Cambodia rights group Licadho said that according to information released by the Siem Reap court in September, the charges were related to Facebook posts the men made while they were covering clashes between Cambodia and Thailand.

The two were arrested on suspicion of gathering information and taking photographs in a prohibited military zone near a battlefield, with the court claiming their actions could undermine national defense, according to the Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association.

The image was widely republished by Thai media outlets, which alleged that it showed several unplanted land mines in the background.

Cambodia had officially denied using land mines in the conflict, saying it adhered to international agreements banning their use. Thailand accused it of placing fresh mines along the border that wounded patrolling Thai soldiers, while Cambodian authorities said the mines might have been left over from decades of conflict that ended in the late 1990s.

Om Sarath, the wife of Pheap Pheara, told The Associated Press that her husband had no intention of doing anything to endanger national security.

“It’s unfair to my husband, as he just took gifts to distribute to the front-line soldiers and took a photo with them as a souvenir without knowing that there was a land mine in the background,” she said in a phone call from her home in the northwestern province of Banteay Meanchey. “If he had known that the photo he took with the front-line soldiers was in a restricted area, then he might not have published it.”

She said she had filed an appeal though a lawyer on Monday and hopes a higher court would find justice for her husband and acquit him and Phorn Sopheap.

Yin Srang, a spokesperson of the Siem Reap Provincial Court, confirmed the 14-year prison terms given the two men and said the families of both had filed appeals.

The border fighting in July and December displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Thailand and Cambodia and killed about 100 soldiers and civilians. There has been no new fighting since a December ceasefire though tensions remain high.

Viral Clip Shows Woman Confronting Abbot Over Alleged Relationships

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Khaosod English

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20 February 2026, 15:56

Viral Clip Shows Woman Confronting Abbot Over Alleged Relationships

NONTHABURI — 20 February 2026, Viral clips circulating on social media show a woman confronting a temple abbot and naming a man identified as “Ajarn A” after allegedly discovering the abbot’s involvement with three other women. Another clip shows two women arguing, accusing each other of trying to win the abbot’s affection.

Reporters visited the temple, located in Bang Kruai district of Nonthaburi province, but did not find the abbot seen in the clips. Monks at the temple said he had left for a religious retreat on 15 February.

Phra Waro, a monk at the temple, said that before the abbot departed for the retreat, a senior monk had come to inquire about the incident, but no action had yet been taken. He said he did not believe the allegations were true and suggested the situation may have stemmed from a woman who owns a Buddha statue foundry and had been hired to cast statues for the temple.

“They may have become close while discussing work. Whether it is as shown in the clips cannot be confirmed,” he said, adding that the abbot’s manner of speaking in the video was typical and could have related to work matters.

Phra Chayaphol Silasutho, the assistant abbot, said he had not been aware of the issue until he saw senior monks holding a meeting before the abbot left for the retreat.

“If he admits it is his voice, then the matter must proceed accordingly. If he does not, it must be verified,” he said. “I cannot judge whether it is his voice. He must confirm it himself. We cannot do so on his behalf, as that would amount to an accusation. We must accept the facts and follow the monastic disciplinary code.”

He added that the release of the clips appeared intended to damage the abbot’s reputation, as the parties involved had refused to back down.

Phra Chayaphol said he did not personally know a woman named Pong, who had visited the temple in connection with statue casting. Two other women, identified as Fah and On, sold goods and assisted with temple activities. Another woman, a Myanmar national known as Sae, had worked at the temple but had since been asked to leave to prevent further problems.

A fried banana vendor, identified only as Mae, said she did not believe the abbot was involved.

“I have never seen anything myself. People who come here may want money. They may quarrel and become dissatisfied, or try to discredit one another,” she said. “When the temple holds events, they all help out. I have never seen them argue. I really do not know what happened.”

The Anti-Fake News Center debunks Mae Nak Cambodia claim

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Khaosod English

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20 February 2026, 13:55

The Anti-Fake News Center debunks Mae Nak Cambodia claim

BANGKOK — 20 February 2026, The Anti-Fake News Center Thailand said that online claims describing Mae Nak as a Cambodian folk legend under the original name “Mae Nak Battambang” are false, citing confirmation from the Fine Arts Department under the Ministry of Culture.

After reviewing academic sources and credible cultural media, authorities found no evidence supporting assertions that “Mae Nak” is a Cambodian folk tale or that it was originally known as “Mae Nak Battambang”, as claimed on social media.

The legend of Mae Nak Phra Khanong has long been recorded and recognised as part of Thai folklore, linked to the Phra Khanong area of Bangkok. The tale has appeared prominently in Thai literature, films and folklore studies.

By contrast, international academic sources and Cambodian cultural documentation do not refer to the legend under the claimed name or in the context cited online.

The Anti-Fake News Center Thailand said there is no concrete historical or folkloric evidence to support claims that the Mae Nak story originated in Cambodia and was later rebranded as “Mae Nak Battambang”. They added that the posts lack verifiable academic references and could cause misunderstandings over cultural issues.

Cambodian man dies in ICE custody as US probes seventh detainee death this year

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20 February 2026, 13:04

WASHINGTON — 19 February 2026, The United States has opened an investigation into the seventh death this year of an immigrant held in custody by U.S. immigration authorities.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a federal law-enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security, said on Wednesday that officers are investigating the death of a 59-year-old Cambodian man who was found unresponsive in his cell at a detention facility in Indiana on Monday.

ICE said the man, identified as Loth Sim, was taken into custody in Boston in December as part of immigration enforcement. He first arrived in the United States as a refugee in 1983 and became a lawful permanent resident in 1986. A U.S. immigration judge ordered his removal to Cambodia in 2006. Prior to his latest detention, he had faced arrests on charges including public indecency and theft.

ICE said staff found Sim unresponsive in his cell early Monday and that facility personnel and emergency medical services attempted lifesaving measures, but he was later pronounced dead at about 07:10 local time. The agency said the cause of his death remains under investigation and that required notifications have been made to oversight offices and the Cambodian consulate.

The death marks the seventh detainee fatality in ICE custody this year, according to agency figures. ICE data show that immigration detentions have risen to their highest level in two decades under President Donald Trump’s administration. At the start of February, roughly 68 000 people were being held in ICE-controlled facilities, up from about 40 000 at the beginning of Trump’s term.

Democrats and civil-rights groups have criticised conditions in U.S. immigration detention facilities, describing them as inhumane. The debate has intensified following several high-profile deaths, including that of Jeraldo Lunas Campos, a Cuban migrant who died in a Texas detention centre in early January. Local medical examiners ruled his death a homicide caused by asphyxia from neck and body compression, and witnesses alleged security staff applied force during his arrest.

ICE has maintained that detainees receive appropriate medical care, and federal authorities have denied allegations of mistreatment.

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