Coral in Ao Nang show 20% paling, bleaching feared

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27 April 2026, 15:24

Coral in Ao Nang show 20% paling, bleaching feared

KRABI — 27 April 2026, Coral reefs in Ao Nang have shown signs of paling, with about 20% of live coral affected, raising concerns of possible bleaching as sea temperatures rise.

Saengsuree Songthong, chief of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, said officials conducted an underwater survey on 26 April led by Nattawat Limsunthon, assistant park chief, around the western side of Koh Samet, Ao Nang subdistrict, Mueang Krabi district, covering an area of 4,068 square metres.

Sea temperatures were recorded at 32°C, dropping to 31°C in shaded areas created by natural underwater structures at depths of 2.9–9.7 metres.

The survey found 20% of live coral in normal condition, while another 20% showed signs of paling. Affected species included massive corals, large star corals, staghorn corals, brain corals, Pavona cactus coral, galaxy coral, honeycomb coral, small-grooved brain corals, smaller star corals and angular star corals.

One colony of Pavona cactus coral was found fully bleached, while about 30% of coral in the area was already dead. Other bleaching-sensitive marine life, including giant clams, soft corals and sea anemones, showed about 3% paling.

Officials installed a 100-metre boundary buoy line near Ao Pu Ya on Koh Poda, collected about 25 kilogrammes of marine debris from the reef area and removed one fishing trap, which contained no marine life.

Authorities said they will closely monitor the situation, warning that sustained sea temperatures of up to 32°C could worsen coral bleaching in the coming period.

Thailand to allocate 20 million baht to restore Ta Kwai Temple within two years

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27 April 2026, 15:18

BANGKOK — The Fine Arts Department will allocate up to 20 million baht to restore Ta Kwai Temple in Surin province, with completion expected within two years, officials said.

Fine Arts Department Director-General Phanombootra Chandrajoti said on 27 April 2026 that the restoration plan follows a major ritual ceremony held at Prasat Ta Kwai in tambon Bang Dai, Phanom Dong Rak district.

He said the project has been assigned under coordination between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Defence, with the restoration scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2027 and continue through 2028.

The plan includes detailed archaeological surveys of the surrounding area, excavation work to uncover additional historical evidence, and reinforcement of the temple’s foundation. Fallen bricks and stones will be carefully documented and reassembled, with each stone marked to ensure accurate restoration.

Officials estimate that around 40–50% of the original bricks remain usable, while the rest will be supplemented with new materials. The department said the restoration will clearly distinguish between original and newly added materials.

Phanombootra said experts from the Fine Arts Office 10 in Nakhon Ratchasima, including specialists in architecture, engineering and archaeology, will lead the restoration work.

He added that the Ministry of Defence has confirmed military personnel will assist in site security throughout the project, citing concerns over potential unexploded ordnance or hazards left from past military use of the area.

Modern technology and innovation will also be used to reduce risks for workers during the restoration process, he said.

The department also plans to register around 30 ancient sites in Thailand’s lower northeastern border region as officially recognised archaeological sites.

Phanombootra said the restoration will return the temple to its original beauty.

“Everything will be restored to its original splendour. We are confident the Fine Arts Department can complete this work,” he said, adding that the site holds strong historical and emotional significance as a symbol of national heritage and sacrifice.

Bangkok becomes first city in Asia-Pacific to receive UNDP Gold gender equality certification

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27 April 2026, 14:29

APTOPIX Thailand Pride Parade — Participants hold a rainbow flag during the annual Pride Parade to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s Pride Month in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, June 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

BANGKOK — Bangkok has become the first city and first public-sector entity in the Asia-Pacific region to receive the “Gold” level certification for gender equality from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), marking a major milestone in its push for inclusive urban development.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt received the Gender Equality Seal for public institutions at the Rattanakosin Room of City Hall on 24 April 2026, alongside UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo, who attended the ceremony with senior officials and partners.

The UNDP Gender Equality Seal is an international certification framework that assesses public institutions on their commitment to advancing gender equality and reducing structural gaps that hinder development. The programme currently works with more than 100 institutions across over 30 countries.

Chadchart said the award reflects not only Bangkok’s achievement but also Thailand’s broader progress, noting that the city represents people from across the country.

“This is not just Bangkok’s award, but Thailand’s achievement,” he said, adding that it is the first city in the Asia-Pacific region to reach the Gold standard.

He said Bangkok began the certification process more than two years ago, initially scoring just 8.8%. Through cooperation between public agencies, private sector partners and civil society, the city improved its score to 94.8%, meeting 38 of 40 indicators, including all 14 Gold-standard benchmarks.

Chadchart said sustainability will depend on embedding gender equality into organisational culture, ensuring it continues regardless of leadership changes.

Bangkok Deputy Governor Taweeda Kamolvej said collaboration with UNDP helped identify remaining gaps and improve policy implementation, adding that the achievement was only possible through cooperation with citizens, private sector partners and diverse communities.

UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo congratulated Bangkok and its residents, calling the achievement a collective success and highlighting the city’s leadership role in the region.

He also pointed to Thailand’s recent progress on equality policies, including the passage of marriage equality legislation, as well as Bangkok’s bid to host World Pride.

According to the UNDP, Bangkok improved its score from 8% at the start of the programme in 2023 to 94.8% in the final assessment, integrating gender perspectives into more than 200 municipal projects aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.

Initiatives include free sanitary pad distribution, installation of more than 30,000 LED streetlights under the “Bangkok Must Be Bright” campaign, and efforts to close the gender pay gap from 3.1% to 0.9%.

The city has also expanded inclusive healthcare services through 31 “BKK Pride Clinics”, providing care for more than 8,400 people, particularly from LGBTQI+ communities.

Bangkok has also implemented progressive workplace policies, including 120-day maternity leave, childcare support, and allowing staff to dress according to gender identity. Women currently make up 43% of the workforce and 50% of senior management positions.

UNDP said it will continue working with Bangkok to further advance gender equality and promote the city as a model for inclusive urban development globally.

Thai Airways to raise Japan fuel surcharge from May

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27 April 2026, 14:08

Thai Airways to raise Japan fuel surcharge from May

BANGKOK — 27 April 2026, Thai Airways International will increase fuel surcharges on flights between Thailand and Japan from 1 May, citing rising and volatile global jet fuel prices.

The airline said it had issued a notice to adjust fuel surcharge rates for international tickets to reflect higher-than-expected aviation fuel costs. The revised rates are pending approval from aviation regulators and will apply to tickets issued from 1 May 2026.

For routes between Suvarnabhumi Airport and major Japanese cities — Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka and Sapporo — the new surcharges per flight segment will be as follows:

First class (Royal First) will rise by 90 US dollars (3,213 baht) to 170 dollars (6,200 baht).

Business class (Royal Silk) will also increase by 90 dollars (3,213 baht) to 170 dollars (6,200 baht).

Economy class will increase by 85 dollars (3,035 baht) to 140 dollars (5,100 baht).

Tickets issued on or before 30 April 2026 will remain subject to the current rates. The surcharge is levied in US dollars, with the amount paid in baht depending on the exchange rate at the time of ticket issuance.

Want to go abroad? Thailand considers exit fee for Thai travellers

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27 April 2026, 13:52

BANGKOK — Thailand is considering introducing a fee on Thai nationals travelling abroad, or an “exit fee”, as part of a plan to generate funding to support domestic tourism promotion, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said.

Surasak said the proposal is a joint policy initiative with the Ministry of Finance and is aimed at strengthening Thailand’s “Thai travel within Thailand” campaign by creating a dedicated funding mechanism for domestic tourism programmes.

He said, for example, a fee of 1,000 baht per outbound traveller could generate around 10 billion baht annually, based on an estimated 10 million outbound trips by Thai nationals each year.

The revenue could then be used to subsidise domestic travel, such as providing 1,000-baht support per trip for Thai travellers within the country, or other incentive schemes depending on suitability.

“This type of programme will help strengthen the long-term sustainability of Thailand’s tourism sector without relying on annual government budgets,” Surasak said, adding that it would also allow for clearer long-term planning.

He said the ministry is currently preparing short-term domestic stimulus measures to offset a slowdown in international tourism caused by geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East.

The ministry is reviewing previously successful domestic tourism schemes for possible revival, such as the “We Travel Together” co-payment programme and other travel subsidy initiatives, including bus travel promotions, tax incentives and measures to boost secondary-city tourism.

Thailand to revert visa-free list to 57 countries, scrap 60-day scheme for 93 nations

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27 April 2026, 13:00

BANGKOK — Thailand plans to roll back its visa-free policy to a list of 57 eligible countries and territories, replacing the expanded 60-day exemption for 93 countries introduced in 2024, as part of efforts to tighten visitor screening and shift toward quality tourism.

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the ministry is proposing to cancel the 60-day visa-free scheme introduced during the previous government in July 2024 and return to the earlier framework.

Under the proposal, Thailand would reinstate the original list of 57 countries and territories eligible for visa exemption. Any future additions would be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on suitability and travel behaviour.

Surasak said the policy shift is aimed at improving immigration screening and addressing concerns over long-stay visitors using tourism privileges for non-tourism purposes.

He said the revised approach is part of a broader restructuring of Thailand’s tourism sector, focusing on high-value, sustainable tourism rather than visitor volume, with an emphasis on safety, confidence and long-term sustainability.

The minister said the proposal has been coordinated with the Foreign Ministry and is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval soon.

He added that the policy review follows concerns over rising issues linked to foreign visitors after the 60-day visa-free scheme took effect, citing tourism police data.

Authorities also argue that most foreign tourists already stay in Thailand for less than 30 days, while those needing longer stays can apply under existing visa categories such as business, education or long-term residence schemes.

The ministry said the shift is also intended to ensure visa policy better reflects actual travel behaviour while reducing administrative and security risks associated with extended stays.

Navy boosts eastern border with Thai-made AWAV 8×8 vehicles

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27 April 2026, 11:51

BANGKOK — The Royal Thai Navy will procure additional Armoured Wheel Amphibious Vehicle 8×8 (AWAV 8×8) units to strengthen its operational capability along the eastern border and support domestic defence industry development, a navy spokesperson said on 27 April 2026.

Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyaphan said the procurement from Chaiseri Metal and Rubber Co., Ltd. is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the navy’s readiness in line with current security conditions, including safeguarding maritime sovereignty, responding to emerging threats and supporting disaster relief operations.

The AWAV 8×8 was designed by Thai engineers and manufactured domestically using local labour and machinery, reflecting the country’s growing defence industrial capability. At least 40% of its production value comes from locally sourced materials, helping strengthen domestic supply chains, reduce reliance on imports and support long-term industrial security.

The eight-wheeled vehicle offers high mobility across all terrains and can operate effectively alongside the navy’s landing platform dock (LPD) vessels.

In terms of protection and firepower, the AWAV meets STANAG standards for ballistic and blast resistance and is equipped with machine guns, control systems and integrated communications that connect with the navy’s network. It also complies with MIL-STD environmental standards, ensuring durability in both land and maritime operations.

The navy has already deployed seven AWAV units, which have demonstrated high operational readiness and effectiveness. Additional procurement is considered necessary to meet force requirements and support future operational plans.

Rear Admiral Parach said the move not only enhances the navy’s capability but also advances Thailand’s defence industry policy, strengthening long-term self-reliance and contributing to national security in both military and economic dimensions.

Teens spark fire near bamboo, raising wildfire fears

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27 April 2026, 10:52

Teens spark fire near bamboo, raising wildfire fears

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 27 April 2026, Social media users have shared a video showing two teenagers lighting a fire near a bamboo grove, prompting concerns it could spread uncontrollably in dry conditions.

A local Facebook page posted the clip with a caption stating that two youths were seen starting a fire near Saphan 1 Market in Sikhio subdistrict, Sikhio district. The area is close to dry bamboo, which can act as highly flammable fuel, raising the risk of a wider blaze. The purpose of the fire remains unclear, and authorities have been urged to investigate and monitor the situation. Residents were also asked to report similar incidents immediately.

The footage was recorded in the early evening of 26 April 2026. It shows two teenagers, one wearing a blue shirt and white shorts, the other a patterned shirt with black trousers, crouching as they build a fire beside a large bamboo cluster. Smoke can be seen spreading into the surrounding area.

Although the location resembles a wooded community area without nearby homes, passers-by expressed concern that the fire could spread quickly due to the dry season. The ground is covered with fallen bamboo leaves, twigs and other dry debris, which could fuel a fast-moving fire that may be difficult to control.

Online users also questioned the teenagers’ intentions, with some speculating they may have been using smoke to drive out bees, catch insects or grill fish.

However, provincial authorities in Nakhon Ratchasima have enforced a strict no-burning policy. The Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office announced on 5 November 2025 a ban on all burning from late winter 2025 through the summer of 2026 to tackle haze and PM2.5 pollution.

The ban, covering all 32 districts, applies to forests, agricultural land, roadsides and community areas, particularly during the dry season from January to April. Officials, including local administrators, police and community leaders, have been instructed to strictly enforce the law. Any burning must be stopped immediately, and violators will face legal action. The order remains in effect until 31 May 2026.

Foreign man causes disturbance at Phuket shabu shop

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27 April 2026, 09:38

Foreign man causes disturbance at Phuket shabu shop

PHUKET — 26 April 2026, A foreign man caused a disturbance at a shabu restaurant in Patong, prompting police to intervene after a confrontation with the shop manager, according to a video that went viral on social media.

A post by Facebook user Sirinthip Phoosuwan, shows an incident inside a mala shabu restaurant in Patong subdistrict, Kathu district. A man wearing a black shirt, is seen walking in and out of the premises several times before allegedly harassing and assaulting people inside.

According to the post and witness accounts, a man in a white shirt, believed to be the restaurant manager, attempted to intervene and slapped the suspect, who then shouted loudly, alarming customers and staff. The restaurant contacted Patong police, who arrived at the scene and took the man into custody to calm him down at the police station.

The poster said the man initially approached a nearby table asking “Open?” before repeatedly entering and leaving the restaurant, raising suspicion. At one point, he allegedly attacked the man in white, believed to be the manager, leading to the escalation seen in the clip.

The poster added that they did not witness the entire incident clearly, as they were watching a film at the time and only observed parts of the incident. Some moments were captured only in audio, particularly when police questioned those present and details of the incident were recounted.

Police are investigating the incident and will proceed in accordance with the law.

Four men found dead after entering old well in palm plantation in Phang Nga

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26 April 2026, 20:17

PHANG NGA — Four men have been found dead after entering an old water well to clean it inside a palm plantation in Kuraburi district, with authorities initially suspecting suffocation due to a lack of oxygen.

Rescue workers were called to a shallow well in a palm plantation in Village 11, Ban Saeng Tham, Khura subdistrict, after reports that several people had died inside the approximately six-metre-deep structure on 26 April 2026.

According to initial reports, the victims had entered the well to carry out cleaning work before reportedly losing consciousness and drowning. Authorities believe the deaths were caused by oxygen deprivation, as the confined space inside the well had limited airflow.

Rescue teams were initially unable to retrieve the bodies due to the narrow structure and low oxygen levels inside the well. Officials from the Phang Nga Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office were later deployed with specialised equipment to assist the operation.

All four bodies were eventually recovered. The deceased were identified as men aged between 34 and 51.

Amorntep Preekham, acting chief of the Phang Nga Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, said the operation involved coordination among multiple agencies. He said initial assessments suggest the victims likely died from suffocation inside the well, adding that a detailed investigation will be carried out.

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