UNESCO to send team to survey Chiang Mai for world heritage status

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3 February 2026, 17:23

Royal Pavilion (Ho Kum Luang) Lanna style pavilion in Royal Flora Rajapruek Park botanical garden, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

CHIANG MAI — UNESCO is preparing to send an inspection team to Chiang Mai in June as Thailand steps up efforts to have the northern city listed as a World Heritage site.

Pichai Lertpongadisorn, president of the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), said on 3 February that UNESCO has agreed to conduct an on-site assessment after Thailand submitted its completed nomination dossier earlier this year. The bid has been in progress since 2015.

The inspection will cover eight key cultural landscape sites, with the aim of recognising Chiang Mai, once the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, as a “living heritage” city. The concept refers to heritage areas that remain actively inhabited and where traditions continue to be practised, rather than closed archaeological sites.

The eight locations include seven major temples

Wat Chiang Man
Wat Phra Singh
Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Suan Dok
Wat Chet Yot
Wat Umong

as well as the historic city layout, including the five city gates, four corner bastions and the old moat.

Mr Pichai said the initiative has received broad support, including a 5-million-baht budget from the Chiang Mai PAO and contributions from local communities, academics and civil society groups who have jointly carried out research and fundraising.

If the June inspection proceeds as planned, an official decision is expected later this year. Local authorities say World Heritage status would strengthen conservation efforts while supporting sustainable economic and tourism development in Chiang Mai.

AIS Reinforces Leadership in Sustainable Business with High ESG Ratings from MSCI and SET

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MC Marketing

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3 February 2026, 15:18

AIS Reinforces Leadership in Sustainable Business with High ESG Ratings from MSCI and SET, Reflecting Strong Confidence from Domestic and Global Capital Markets

Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS) has received an MSCI ESG Rating of AA, a high-level rating that places the Company in the “ESG Leader” category. AIS is the only Thai telecommunications company to achieve this rating from MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital International), a global leader in investment indices, research, and data. The rating reflects AIS’s strong capability in managing financially material environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities, supporting long-term value creation and sustainable competitiveness when benchmarked against global industry peers.

In addition, AIS has been awarded an ESG Rating of AAA, the highest level, by the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), reinforcing the Company’s robust and systematic approach to responsible and transparent business practices across the entire value chain, in alignment with good corporate governance standards.

AIS is committed to sustainable business under the vision “To lead a sustainable Thai digital society through ecosystems and partnerships.” By integrating digital innovation across its operations, AIS balances business growth with environmental and social responsibility, delivering tangible outcomes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote digital citizenship, and enhance quality of life for Thais.

Recognition from both MSCI at the international level and the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) at the national level underscores AIS’s effective integration of ESG considerations into its corporate strategy, governance framework, and enterprise risk management processes. This integration serves as a key mechanism in supporting long-term strategic growth and creating sustainable value across economic, social, and environmental dimensions in the digital economy, while meeting the expectations of key stakeholders, particularly investors, analysts, and financial institutions both in Thailand and internationally.

Jomtien Sea turns black after wastewater discharge

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Khaosod English

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3 February 2026, 14:16

Dark wastewater seen flowing into the sea at Jomtien Beach.

CHONBURI — A clip showing wastewater being discharged into the sea at Jomtien Beach in Bang Lamung district has gone viral on social media, prompting concern after seawater in the area turned black.

The footage, shared widely on Facebook, shows dark wastewater flowing into the sea along the Jomtien beachfront, raising alarm among residents and tourists.

Reporters who visited the site found the affected area was part of an ongoing Jomtien Beach landscape improvement project. Contractors were carrying out drainage works, including the installation of drainage pipes and the flushing of pipes connected to rainwater retention ponds designed to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall.

The Pattaya Mayor’s Office said a complaint had been filed with Pattaya City Police against the contractor responsible for releasing wastewater into the sea. Authorities have also ordered immediate corrective action.

According to the city, the discharge occurred at about 10.00am on 2 February. The Pattaya mayor instructed relevant officials to lodge a formal complaint and pursue legal action without delay. A team of city scientists has also collected water samples from the area for quality testing to ensure public and tourist safety.

Officials said further action would be taken in line with the law once the investigation and water quality tests are completed.

Thailand appointed chair of UN space science subcommittee

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Khaosod English

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3 February 2026, 13:45

VIENNA — Thailand has been appointed chair of the United Nations’ Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (STSC) for 2026, marking a major step in the country’s role in shaping global space governance.

The appointment was confirmed on 2 February at the UN headquarters in Vienna, under the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS), the UN’s highest forum for setting direction and governance on space activities.

Dr. Pakorn Apaphant, executive director of the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, was named chair of the STSC. He will preside over meetings and guide discussions amid growing geopolitical challenges in multilateral space cooperation.

Dr. Pakorn said the appointment was an honour for Thailand, noting that UN COPUOS is the UN’s main mechanism for overseeing global space activities. The committee operates through two key subcommittees — the Legal Subcommittee and the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee — with the STSC serving as the core technical forum.

Key issues under the STSC include space debris, space weather, the long-term sustainability of outer space activities and space traffic management, which form the basis for future international guidelines and cooperative frameworks.

Dr. Pakorn said building consensus remained a major challenge due to differences in national capabilities, expertise and interests among member states. As chair, he said the role required not only technical knowledge but also diplomacy, negotiation and compromise to ensure balanced and constructive progress.

Thailand’s selection reflects confidence from the international community, he said. Of the 110 UN COPUOS member states, only 14 countries have previously chaired the STSC, making Thailand the 15th to hold the position.

He said the role would help raise Thailand’s profile in global space affairs, showcase the country’s technological capabilities and open opportunities for future cooperation and growth in the space economy. It also sets an example for other countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, to play a greater role on the global stage.

Dr. Pakorn added that the appointment could inspire Thai youth by highlighting opportunities in STEM and space sciences, helping to build skilled human resources for long-term national development.

GISTDA will work closely with Thailand’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Vienna and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate with member states, maintain diplomatic neutrality and act as a bridge to promote sustainable global cooperation in space.

China criticizes decision to award a Grammy to the Dalai Lama

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Associated Press

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3 February 2026, 12:45

68th Annual Grammy Awards - Show — Rufus Wainwright, center, accepts the award for best audio book, narration, and storytelling recording for "Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness The Dalai Lama" on behalf of Dalai Lama during the 68th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

BEIJING (AP) — Beijing on Monday criticized the Dalai Lama ’s first Grammy win, describing the music industry award for an audiobook, narration and storytelling as “a tool for anti-China political manipulation.”

The Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, who lives in exile in India, took the award on Sunday for his book, “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”

He said in a statement on his website that he saw the award “as a recognition of our shared universal responsibility.”

“I receive this recognition with gratitude and humility,” he added.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said: “It is well known that the 14th Dalai Lama is not merely a religious figure but a political exile engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the guise of religion.”

“We firmly oppose the relevant party using the award as a tool for anti-China political manipulation,” he added.

The Dalai Lama, who is seen by many as the face of Tibet’s struggle for autonomy, has lived in exile since 1959, when Chinese troops crushed an uprising in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa.

China, which governs Tibet as an autonomous region, has been accused of trying to stamp out the Tibetan language, culture and identity.

Beijing and the Dalai Lama also spar over the spiritual leader’s eventual successor. Tibetan Buddhists believe the Dalai Lamas are reincarnations of a spiritual leader first born in 1391.

Beijing maintains the next Dalai Lama will be born in Tibet and recognized by the ruling Communist Party, whereas the Dalai Lama has said his successor will be from a free country and that China has no role in the process.

Tourist sprays ‘SAVE GAZA’ across 40 locations on Koh Phangan, sparking outrage

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Khaosod English

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3 February 2026, 12:32

SURAT THANI — A foreign tourist has sparked outrage on Koh Phangan after images circulated online showing him spray-painting English messages across public spaces and official signs on the island.

The incident, which surfaced on social media on 2 February, drew strong backlash from local residents and business operators, who dubbed the man “Mr. Spray”. Photos shared by a Facebook user show the tourist allegedly using red spray paint to mark more than 40 locations around the island.

The graffiti included slogans such as “SAVE GAZA” sprayed on roadside public information signs and “LIBRE” — meaning “free” in Spanish or French — on electricity poles. Other markings appeared on roads, rubbish bins, traffic signs and kilometre markers, many of which are state property. Locals said the vandalism damaged the island’s appearance and spoiled its natural scenery.

Additional images shared online showed the suspect’s face and his off-road motorcycle, described as white and red. The man, estimated to be aged between 55 and 65, was reported to be staying in the Haad Yao area. Residents urged the public to remain vigilant and provide information to police.

Villagers and tourism operators said the behaviour showed a lack of respect for Thai law and the local community, warning it could harm Koh Phangan’s tourism image. They called on Koh Phangan police to track down the suspect and take legal action to prevent copycat behaviour by other visitors.

Police said the acts could violate several laws, including the Public Cleanliness and Orderliness Act of 1992, which carries a maximum fine of 5,000 baht, and Section 360 of the Criminal Code for damaging public property, punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.

Tourism Shock: Pattaya bar guards beat tourist after bill dispute in viral clip

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Khaosod English

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3 February 2026, 11:06

messageImage_1770090573594 — CCTV footage shows bar guards surrounding a tourist during a dispute in Pattaya.

PATTAYA — Police are investigating a violent incident involving bar security guards and a tourist in Pattaya after a video of the assault circulated widely on social media, raising concerns about the city’s tourism image.

The incident occurred at around 19:00 on 2 February in Soi 6, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. The clip shows a group of entertainment venue guards attacking a tourist, allegedly over a dispute about an unpaid bill.

When reporters visited the area at about 23:30 the same night, Soi 6, lined with beer bars, remained busy, with both Thai and foreign tourists continuing to visit as usual.

One guard who claimed to have witnessed the incident said the tourist had an argument with guards wearing blue uniforms. After talks failed, the tourist reportedly ran away, prompting the guards to chase and restrain him. The tourist allegedly fought back while trying to escape, leading to a scuffle captured on video.

The guard said they later advised the venue to contact police and insisted their team was not responsible for security at the bar where the dispute began.

Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, chief of Pattaya City Police Station, said investigators had been ordered to examine the facts and summon all guards seen in the video for questioning. Police are also attempting to locate the injured tourist to obtain further information, as no formal complaint has yet been filed.

Police said they would conduct a fair investigation and take legal action against any party found to have broken the law.

Gold rebounds 3% rising above US$4800

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Khaosod English

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3 February 2026, 10:07

Global gold prices jumped more than 3% on Monday, rebounding from a near one-month low, as market participants braced for a week with limited key economic data due to the partial shutdown of the US government.

Spot gold rose 3.7% to US$4,837.16 per ounce, recovering after falling to its lowest level in nearly a month in the previous session. The metal had surged to a record high of US$5,594.82 per ounce on 29 January.

US gold futures for April delivery climbed 4.5% to US$4,859.30 per ounce.

Other precious metals also advanced. Spot silver jumped 5.9% to US$84.09 per ounce, after hitting a record high of US$121.64 last Thursday. Spot platinum rose 3% to US$2,183.64 per ounce, following a record peak of US$2,918.80 on 26 January, while palladium gained 2.7% to US$1,765.75 per ounce.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Monday that the closely watched January employment report will not be released this Friday due to the partial shutdown of the federal government.

The US government has been partially shut down since 31 January after Congress failed to approve a funding agreement in time, affecting several agencies, including the Department of Labor, despite the Senate having passed a budget bill on 30 January.

The House of Representatives is scheduled to take up the legislation on 2 February, with a final vote expected on 3 February. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he was confident the shutdown would end within a few days.

Meanwhile, the US dollar remained slightly stronger on Tuesday, supported by better-than-expected economic data and expectations of a shift in Federal Reserve monetary policy following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new Fed chair. These factors outweighed concerns over the partial government shutdown.

A stronger dollar makes dollar-denominated gold more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Investors expect the Fed to cut interest rates at least twice in 2026. Gold, which yields no interest, typically performs better in a low-interest-rate environment.

Thai officers bring FBI to expose scammer hubs on Cambodia border

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Khaosod English

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2 February 2026, 19:41

messageImage_1770035669480 — A scammer hub in the Or Smach border area, where Thai officers and FBI agents inspected extensive evidence of cross-border fraud.

SURIN — Thailand’s military intelligence chief on 2 February led foreign military attachés from 20 countries and US FBI officers to inspect suspected scammer bases along the Thai–Cambodian border, citing extensive evidence of cross-border fraud targeting victims worldwide.

Lt. Gen. Theeranan Nanta-khwang, director-general of the Army’s Intelligence Department, said the visit was part of an “open house” mission aimed at briefing the international community on transnational crime in the Chong Chom–Or Smach border area of Surin province. The delegation included representatives from the United States, Malaysia and Vietnam, alongside senior Thai police overseeing cybercrime suppression.

The team inspected sites opposite the Chong Chom permanent border crossing, including Or Smach Resort and the Royal Hill complex in the Or Smach area, which authorities say operated as large-scale scam centres. Investigators found mock police stations and banks, victim lists from multiple countries, police-style uniforms and abandoned personal belongings, indicating organised and systematic operations.

Lt. Gen. Theeranan said the findings showed the area had functioned as a structured scammer hub affecting victims across many countries. Thai police have secured all evidence, while the military continues to control and facilitate access to the area.

He added that intelligence estimates suggest 8,000–10,000 people were involved before many were moved out following border clashes in December 2025. Investigations into links and responsibility remain ongoing.

Why 5G Is Key to Thailand’s Rail Future

By

Mc Marketing

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2 February 2026, 17:15

Thailand is rightly proud of its achievements. As one of Asia’s most dynamic economies, it recognizes that effective transport is more than steel on sleepers; it is a force for prosperity, growth, and connectivity. Today, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) manages more than 4,400 kilometers of track spreading north to Chiang Mai, east to Cambodia, south to Malaysia and northeast to Nong Khai, Ubon Ratchahani and Lao People’s Democratic Republic, all vital arteries for people and goods alike.

Today’s passengers and freight customers expect more – shorter waits, higher capacity, real-time information and punctual services that match modern life. For SRT, this is not just about keeping trains running; it is about executing a long-term strategy to become a regional logistics hub.

The Case for a Communication Revolution

Around the world, railways are moving to Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) — a new global standard built on 5G technology that replaces legacy systems. FRMCS is the successor to the existing GSM-Railway (GSM-R) system – a second-generation (2G) technology originally designed for voice calls and basic data between drivers and control centers. But that system is nearing the end of its useful life and simply cannot scale to meet the communication, data, and automation needs of the 21st century.

By contrast, 5G-enabled FRMCS provides the speed and capacity to support everything from advanced signaling and automation to real-time passenger updates and predictive maintenance.

How modern communications transform operations

Today’s rail communications are not designed for a digital world. GSM-R delivered decades of dependable service, but it was never designed to handle rich data streams, machine-to-machine communication or the high-bandwidth demands of modern rail networks. With 5G at its core, FRMCS introduces several transformative capabilities:

Reduced latency and higher capacity for control and safety-critical data.
Seamless coexistence with legacy systems, enabling a smooth phased migration rather than disruption.
Support for broadband mission-critical services, including push-to-talk (MC-PTT), data (MC-Data), and video (MC-Video), enabling real-time monitoring, automatic train operations, and high-definition video surveillance.

These capabilities enable safer operations, better asset management and potentially, more enriching passenger experiences over time. For example, high‑speed trains running from Bangkok onward to the China–Laos Railway will depend on consistent, interoperable communications to manage speed, signaling and safety as they move between national networks.

Call to action for Thailand’s rail leaders

Thailand stands at a pivotal moment. With ongoing investments in high-speed links linked to international networks and plans to expand capacity nationwide and plans to expand capacity nationwide, the time to think digitally is now. Today’s decision isn’t just about technology; it’s about how Thailand’s railways will serve people’s lives, livelihoods and the nation’s future.

Replacing legacy communication systems with 5G-enabled FRMCS will unlock safer operations, higher efficiency and new passenger-centric services. Coupled with AI-driven insights, this transformation can make the SRT more competitive regionally and deliver experiences that travelers increasingly expect.

(ends)

The Case for a Communication Revolution

How modern communications transform operations

Call to action for Thailand’s rail leaders

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