Thailand intercepts rhino horn smuggling route to Laos

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

People’s Party’s Natthaphong vows to work harder after setback

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9 February 2026, 16:17

99999888520 — Natthaphong speaks at a press conference following the election results.

Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, on Monday called on the Election Commission to investigate irregularities in vote counting at several polling stations, citing an unusually high number of invalid and mismarked ballots, while reaffirming his party’s acceptance of the election outcome.

Speaking at a press conference on 9 February 2026 at the Future Forward Building, Natthaphong provided an update on the party’s election results and said the call for scrutiny was based on ongoing monitoring of updated vote counts, complaints received by the party, and reports from party teams coordinating with candidates in constituencies nationwide.

Based on current information, he said the People’s Party is expected to secure around 88 constituency seats and more than 30 party-list seats, though he stressed that a clearer picture would emerge once the official results are finalised.

Natthaphong said that while the party has noted several irregularities during the election process, it respects the overall result.

“The People’s Party accepts the election outcome. However, every vote matters, and we are ready to fully carry out our duty to protect every vote cast by the people,” he said.

He also sought to reassure supporters who may feel disappointed by the results, urging them not to lose faith in the political process.

“This election may have left some people feeling disheartened, but as long as we continue to believe in the power of the people’s voice, we must also believe that this country still has a way forward,” Natthaphong said. “The People’s Party and I remain ready to represent the people and push forward other policy agendas. I do not want people to feel discouraged. I want everyone to remain hopeful and continue to participate fully in politics.”

Asked about the party’s stance on government formation, Natthaphong reiterated that the People’s Party’s position remains unchanged. He said the Bhumjaithai Party, as the largest party, should first take the lead in forming the next government.

“As long as Bhumjaithai remains the core party in forming the government, the People’s Party cannot join the coalition,” he said.

Natthaphong acknowledged that there were multiple factors behind the party’s election performance, including internal party management and the preparedness of candidates. He said the party would conduct a thorough review of its campaign and strategy.

“What we will certainly do is work harder, better understand the political strategies of our opponents, and prepare ourselves more effectively to win the next election,” he said.

Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital engages Mayo clinic global consulting to enhance cancer care services

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MC Marketing

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9 February 2026, 16:06

Bangkok, Thailand — Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital, the first private cancer hospital in Thailand, has recently announced that it has engaged Mayo Clinic Global Consulting to provide strategic advice on organizational objectives and clinical practices.

Under an 8-month consulting contract, Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital will work closely with Mayo Clinic experts on several projects, such as early detection and staging of breast cancer. Mayo Clinic Global Consulting is also providing guidance and sharing expert insights on precision diagnostics and novel breast treatment.

Mayo Clinic is a global leader in complex healthcare. With this engagement, Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital strives to unlock the next level of healthcare excellence through service line growth and become an advanced cancer hub in the Asia-Pacific region, placing an emphasis upon treatment outcomes, operational effectiveness and patient-centered approach.

“Bangkok Cancer Hospital – 360° Total Cancer Care Solution in Thailand”

With nearly 20 years of expertise, Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital is a fully dedicated cancer care institution in Thailand that aims to provide quality cancer care service with regards to early detection, accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and full recovery under the concept of “360° Total Cancer Care Solution”. Multidisciplinary team consists of expert specialists covering all subspecialties supported by cutting-edge technology, e.g. EDGE Radiosurgery and in-house genomic laboratory using next-generation sequencing technique. Considered a Center of Excellence, our 5-year survival rates for early-stage breast cancer and lung cancer are more than 95%.

Mayo Clinic Global Consulting is designed to leverage Mayo Clinic’s unique, comprehensive capabilities and knowledge. The program was developed to help clients improve administrative efficiencies and effectiveness to enhance medical practice and patient care through the application of Mayo Clinic’s integrated clinical care and practice models.

“Bangkok Cancer Hospital – Our Care Goes Beyond Curing”

Beyond the cure, our care never ends – Wattanosoth Cancer Hospital is dedicated to providing 360° Total Cancer Care that goes beyond treatment by caring for the body, mind, society and wellbeing supported by the power of hope. “Care Beyond Cure Program” has been deployed as a holistic approach focused on supporting the entire life journey of patients with breast cancer and their families. In addition, the hospital has adopted the standards of ICHOM (International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement), an organization aiming at standardizing and driving the global adoption of patient-centered outcome measurement as the benchmark of health and quality.

Through Mayo Clinic Global Consulting, Mayo Clinic provides a tailored approach by designing engagements that help clients get the right answers from the right experts to help them achieve their goals.

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