Thai forces arrest 16 Myanmar migrants bound for Cambodia

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12 January 2026, 10:37

Thai forces arrest 16 Myanmar migrants bound for Cambodia

SA KAEW — 13 January 2026, Thai security forces have arrested 16 Myanmar nationals who were attempting to cross the border into Cambodia illegally, police said.

The arrests were made during a joint patrol by the Burapha Task Force, an army ranger unit and Khlong Nam Sai police in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province. Officers spotted a group of people walking along a farm track in Nong Prue village and moved in to inspect them.

All 16 were found to be men from Myanmar’s Mandalay region and were unable to produce passports or travel documents, authorities said.

During questioning, the migrants told officers they had been persuaded by friends to apply for work advertised on Facebook as cleaning staff, with a promised salary of US$500 a month. They said they had contacted a Facebook administrator, after which a Thai man and a Myanmar man drove them to the area in a black pickup truck to arrange their onward crossing see into Cambodia.

Each migrant paid 12,000 baht for the journey, police said. No escorts or smugglers were found at the scene at the time of the arrest.

The group was handed over to Khlong Nam Sai police for legal proceedings.

Man posing as homebuyer robs Chinese real estate agent with scissors

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Khaosod English

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12 January 2026, 09:44

Man posing as homebuyer robs Chinese real estate agent with scissors

BANG LAMUNG — 13 January 2026, A Chinese man is being sought by police after allegedly posing as a home buyer before robbing and restraining a Chinese estate agent in Chonburi province, police said.

The victim, identified as Miss Wang, 35, reported the incident to Nong Prue police shortly after midnight. She told investigators she was robbed of a Huawei mobile phone worth about 20,000 baht and 6,996 yuan in cash, with total losses exceeding 50,000 baht.

According to police, the attack occurred on Phatthanakan 4 Road in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district.

Speaking through an interpreter, Wang said she had met the suspect, identified as Gong, 30, a Chinese national, earlier in the evening after he contacted her about purchasing a house. The two had previously discussed the property, and she agreed to drive him to view it.

After the viewing, while Wang was driving her own car back, the suspect allegedly threatened her with scissors pressed against her waist. He then used adhesive tape to bind her body and forced her to drive to the rear of a housing estate.

Police said the suspect ordered her to stop the car, seized her phone and forced her to transfer 6,996 yuan via the WeChat payment system.

After taking the valuables, the suspect attempted to flee in the victim’s car. However, a bystander approached and warned that the vehicle could not be parked in that area, startling the suspect. Wang then struggled for control of the steering wheel, causing the car to veer off the road and crash into a wall, sustaining heavy damage.

Taking advantage of the chaos, Wang escaped the vehicle despite being bound with tape and ran to seek help from the bystander. Seeing that the car was no longer operable, the suspect abandoned it and fled on foot.

Nong Prue police said they broadcast an alert with the suspect’s description but were initially unable to locate him. Investigators have obtained the suspect’s name and the pickup location from the victim and are continuing efforts to track him down for prosecution.

Police said further updates will be released as the investigation continues.

Thailand To Host Asia’s First Tomorrowland Music Festival in December 2026

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10 January 2026, 18:31

Tomorrowland2016mainstage — Tomorrowland's Main stage in 2016

BANGKOK — Tomorrowland, one of the world’s best-known electronic music festivals, will stage its first edition in Asia in Thailand in December 2026, organizers said Tuesday.

Tomorrowland Thailand will be held from 11 to 13 December 2026, at Wisdom Valley in Pattaya, Chonburi province. The festival is being organized in cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to attract international visitors and music fans from around the world.

Organizers said the Thailand edition will feature the same large-scale production and multiple stages seen at Tomorrowland events overseas, including the main stage, the CORE stage and the FREEDOM stage, along with immersive themed environments.

Thailand was selected for its “growing influence on the global stage of music, innovation and experience-driven tourism,” Tomorrowland said in a statement.

Thailand’s Cabinet last August approved the country’s hosting of Tomorrowland for five consecutive years, from 2026 to 2030, a move officials say is aimed at positioning Thailand as a regional hub for major music festivals and a magnet for international tourism.

Pre-registration for tickets begins on 8 January. A three-day “Full Madness Pass” will cost 12,500 baht, while single-day passes will be priced at 5,100 baht, organizers said. The lineup of artists will be announced later.

Tomorrowland was first held in 2005 in Boom, near Antwerp, Belgium, and has since grown into one of the world’s most prominent electronic dance music festivals, winning multiple international awards, including being voted “best musical event of the year” five times in a row at the International Dance Music Awards.

Drunk Driver Kills French Tourist, Damages Nine Vehicles in Phuket Crash

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10 January 2026, 17:51

news102047_ivIIbbJtVI1768035936 — A damaged Volvo sedan sits at the crash site in Phuket, Thailand, after a drunk driver hit multiple vehicles and pedestrians, killing a French tourist, police said.

PHUKET — A drunk driver plowed into multiple vehicles and pedestrians in Phuket on Saturday, killing a French tourist and damaging at least nine vehicles before crashing into a light pole, police said.

The crash occurred around noon on Saturday in Muang district, when a Volvo sedan driven by a 51-year-old Thai man sideswiped several cars and motorcycles before speeding away and striking two more motorcycles and two pedestrians walking along the roadside, police said.

One of the pedestrians, identified as French tourist Loic Vincent Fontaine, later died at Vachira Phuket Hospital from severe injuries, police said.

Police identified the driver as Jattapol Koetphon, 51. Officers said he was driving under the influence of alcohol and initially fled the scene before his car crashed into a streetlight, preventing him from continuing.

Emergency responders and traffic police rushed to the scene to assist the injured and clear the area.

Police said the suspect has been charged with drunk driving causing death, damaging property and fleeing the scene of an accident without taking responsibility.

The investigation is ongoing.

Tourist Shocked by 400-Baht Omelet at Thai Floating Market

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10 January 2026, 15:39

news101854_stA5E2Naeo1767962387 — Officials inspect a restaurant after complaints of overpriced food at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

RATCHABURI — Thai authorities on Friday inspected a restaurant at the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market after a tourist’s social media post complaining about exorbitant food prices went viral, including a plain omelet priced at 400 baht and a large fried rice dish costing 1,400 baht.

The post, shared widely on Facebook, described a family trip to the popular tourist destination in Ratchaburi province where the customer said they were shocked by the prices and dissatisfied with the quality of the food. The writer said the dishes contained only eggs and vegetables and no meat, and claimed the portion sizes did not justify the cost.

The tourist also said they were particularly disappointed because a boat operator had recommended the restaurant as the best place to eat.

Following the public backlash, provincial commerce officials, police and local administrators visited the restaurant on Thursday to verify the complaint.

The restaurant, located along the Damnoen Saduak canal and accessible only by boat, displayed prices on its menu, according to officials. The owner acknowledged that the prices were high, citing elevated operating costs including rent, staff wages, ingredient prices and payments to boat drivers who transport customers to the restaurant, which the owner said cost about 900 baht per trip.

The owner said the family who visited on 3 January had paid without complaint at the time and expressed surprise that the issue had resurfaced online days later. However, the owner agreed to lower prices starting Saturday after receiving criticism from customers and a request from the provincial commerce office.

Ratchaburi Commerce Office chief Tharanin Bunyongworaphinit said officials found the food prices to be unreasonably high.

“The operator admitted the prices exceeded appropriate levels,” Tharanin said. “We will summon the operator for questioning, gather evidence and determine whether there has been a violation of pricing regulations.”

If authorities conclude that the restaurant charged excessively high prices, the operator could face criminal penalties of up to seven years in prison, a fine of up to 140,000 baht, or both, under Thai law.

Officials said they will also review whether the restaurant’s prices fairly reflect actual costs and whether menu prices are displayed clearly and accurately.

During the New Year holiday period, the Ratchaburi Commerce Office inspected vendors at the floating market and took legal action against at least 14 businesses for failing to display prices. Repeat offenders were fined at double the normal rate, officials said.

The same restaurant had previously drawn complaints late last year over a 900-baht pad thai dish, which was later reduced to 500 baht after negotiation and a warning from authorities.

Officials said they are urging all vendors at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market to display prices clearly and charge fair rates in order to protect consumers and preserve the reputation of one of Thailand’s most well-known tourist attractions.

King Grants Posthumous Promotions to 27 Fallen Soldiers

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10 January 2026, 14:20

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Royal Gazette on Saturday published an announcement from the Office of the Prime Minister stating that His Majesty the King had granted special posthumous military promotions to 27 army personnel who were killed while performing their duties during emergency operations along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Among those promoted, eight sergeants were elevated to the rank of major general, two to lieutenant colonel, four to major, one to first lieutenant and 12 privates to second lieutenant, according to the announcement.

In addition, the King also granted special royal decorations to the fallen soldiers, it said.

The full list of names was published in the Royal Gazette.

Thai Dress Goes Global as Exchange Students Discover Ang Thong

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10 January 2026, 12:23

news101949_VAJtrl63vi1768020682 — Foreign exchange students in traditional Thai dress visit Wat Muang in Ang Thong province during a cultural and language-learning program.

ANG THONG — A group of foreign exchange students took part in a cultural tourism and language-learning activity in Ang Thong province on Saturday, dressing in traditional Thai attire while learning about local history and producing English-language content to promote the province’s tourist sites.

The activity was organized by Wiset Chai Chan Witthayakhom School in cooperation with the AFS Thailand Foundation under a project titled “Angthong Tourist Guide for Ancestors,” aimed at strengthening students’ English communication skills and creative expression through real-world practice.

The students visited Wat Muang and Wat Khun Inthapramun, two major cultural landmarks in the province known for their historical and artistic significance and their popularity among both Thai and foreign visitors.

During the visit, the exchange students wore appropriate traditional Thai costumes and recorded short video segments in English introducing the history, importance and distinctive features of Wat Muang, with support from teachers and local students throughout the activity.

Organizers said the project was designed to integrate English-language learning with cultural tourism, while also promoting Ang Thong’s heritage from an international perspective and encouraging students to develop confidence, communication skills and appreciation for local culture.

They said the program also aims to foster awareness and pride among young people in preserving local cultural heritage in a sustainable way.

US to provide $45 million to help implement Cambodian-Thai accords

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Reuters

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9 January 2026, 18:14

Jan 9 (Reuters) – The United States will provide $45 million in assistance to Cambodia and Thailand, the senior U.S. diplomat for East Asia said on Friday during a visit to the region, to help solidify President Donald Trump‘s peace-making efforts between the two.

“The United States will continue to support the Cambodian and Thai governments as they implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords and pave the way for a return to peace, prosperity, and stability for their people and the region,” Michael DeSombre, the U.S. assistant secretary for East Asia, said in a statement.

A senior State Department official said DeSombre would meet senior Thai and Cambodian officials in Bangkok and Phnom Penh on Friday and Saturday to discuss implementation of the peace accords “and broader efforts to promote our shared interests in a safer, stronger and more prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

DeSombre said the United States, which has slashed its global foreign assistance programs under Trump, would provide $15 million for border stabilization to help communities recover and to support people displaced by the recent conflict, and $10 million for demining and clearing of unexploded ordnance.

The U.S. would also provide $20 million for initiatives that will help Cambodia and Thailand combat scam operations and drug trafficking, and other programs, DeSombre said.

The Trump administration has made combating the so-called scam centers based in Southeast Asia a priority, as U.S. citizens have been targeted by their financial fraud operations.

Border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand flared up again last month after the collapse of a previous ceasefire deal brokered in July by Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to end a previous round of conflict.

The Southeast Asian neighbors agreed on another ceasefire at the end of last year, halting 20 days of fighting that killed at least 101 people and displaced more than half a million on both sides. The more recent clashes included fighter-jet sorties, exchanges of rocket fire and artillery barrages.

Thailand is a long-time U.S. ally, while the United States has sought to improve relations with Cambodia to try to woo it away from strategic rival China.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Tom Hogue)

Thailand not satisfied with Cambodia’s sincerity, but responsibility marks a first step

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9 January 2026, 17:46

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said Friday it remains dissatisfied with Cambodia’s response to a recent border incident, but acknowledged that Phnom Penh’s acceptance of responsibility for firing weapons into Thai territory could open the door to renewed cooperation.

The comments came after Cambodian authorities sent an explanation over a 6 January incident in which weapons fire crossed into the Chong Bok area of Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province.

Air Chief Marshal Praphas Sonjaidee, who heads Thailand’s joint information coordination center on Thai-Cambodian relations, said Thai authorities understand public anger over Cambodia’s actions but must assess the situation based on evidence, facts and stated intentions.

He said communication between the two sides remains uneven despite commitments under a 16-point joint statement, adding that while Cambodia has issued an explanation, it has not yet been convincing.

“The communication is not as smooth as it should be,” he said, noting that Thai officials are still monitoring whether Cambodia is acting in line with what was agreed.

Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokeswoman Maratee Nalita Andamo said the ministry also remains unsatisfied with Cambodia’s display of sincerity following the ceasefire, citing incidents that occurred after the agreement.

However, she said Cambodia’s acceptance of responsibility for the weapons fire was an important first step.

“That acknowledgement makes it possible to move forward together,” she said, adding that Thailand is watching closely to see whether both sides comply fully with all 16 points of the joint statement.

She also said Thailand would continue to raise concerns about anti-personnel landmines under the Ottawa Convention, stressing that preventing future violations is essential to rebuilding trust and advancing cooperation through mechanisms such as the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission.

U-Tapao Airport Prepares F-16 Air Show for Children’s Day

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9 January 2026, 17:39

U-Tapao Airport Prepares F-16 Air Show for Children’s Day

RAYONG — 10 January 2026, U-Tapao Airport, under the Royal Thai Navy, has completed preparations to host Thailand’s National Children’s Day, with the Royal Thai Air Force set to deploy F-16 fighter jets for aerial displays.

The event will take place at the Naval Aviation Museum of the Fleet Operations Command in Phala subdistrict, Ban Chang district, Rayong province. Navy officials expect large crowds of families attending the annual celebration on Saturday.

This year’s Children’s Day is held under the slogan set by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul: “Love the Thai nation, care for the world.” The theme aims to encourage Thai children and young people to grow into responsible citizens who are proud of their country while remaining conscious of their responsibilities to the environment, society and the global community.

Military hardware, including armoured vehicles, artillery and anti-aircraft guns, has been moved into the venue for public display. A range of naval aircraft that previously served missions will also be showcased, including A-7E Corsair II jets, Harrier AV-8S aircraft, S-3E aircraft, a C-47 Dakota produced toward the end of World War II, Bell 212 helicopters and P-3T Orion patrol aircraft. All aircraft remain in near-pristine external condition, offering children an opportunity to learn about naval history and aviation development.

The event will also feature numerous free activities and prizes, such as balloon darts, ring toss games, air-powered target shooting, inflatable playgrounds, miniature train rides, rocking horses and doll painting. A series of performances is scheduled, including paramotor flights, naval aircraft demonstrations, light aircraft displays and fancy drill performances combining weapon handling with music.

A key highlight will be flight demonstrations by Royal Thai Air Force F-16 fighter jets, scheduled twice daily, in the morning and afternoon.

Security measures have been put in place, with organisers requesting that attendees carry national identification cards or government-issued identification to present to officials when entering the airport area.

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