10 vessels attacked in Hormuz Strait: analysts
10 vessels attacked in Hormuz Strait: analystsCargo ships and tankers ply the Strait of HormuzPARIS (FRANCE) - About 10 vessels in or near the Strait of Hormuz have come under attack since Iran blocked the strategic waterway in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes, data analysis groups report. Between March 3 and 5 four more vessels were struck: the Libra Trader, Gold Oak, Safeen Prestige and the Sonangol Namibe. "The observed pattern of strikes against anchored vessels, drifting ships, and assistance vessels indicates a campaign focused on creating operational uncertainty and deterring routine commercial movement rather than a sustained attempt to sink vessels." - Iran's mixed messages -Iran exports its own oil via the Strait of Hormuz and its intentions remain unclear. But Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday it had "no intention" of closing the Strait of Hormuz.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 08, 2026 23:10 UTC
Fuel prices go up amid Mideast war
Fuel prices go up amid Mideast warA petrol station is closed in Songkhla province on Sunday. Assawin PakkawanPetrol stations in several provinces have begun rationing fuel sales as supplies tighten, while some operators have raised prices, amid the war in the Middle East. The situation has emerged in parts of the North and South as deliveries from fuel depots decline and demand rises. "I planned to suspend fuel sales temporarily because we could not compete with the prices of major stations," he said. If people do not understand, it could become a serious issue," he warned, adding that panic buying could lead to disputes at petrol stations.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 08, 2026 23:10 UTC
BJT unveils stability strategy
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, centre, Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun, left, and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow at the Bhumjaithai Party forum in Buri Ram province on Sunday. Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said they will help drive the nation's growth. The package spanning economic, trade and foreign policy includes initiatives to help low-income households, elderly citizens and small businesses reduce their debt. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said the government must maintain public confidence by showing it can manage risks stemming from the conflict. Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Thailand must adopt a more proactive foreign policy amid growing global instability.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 08, 2026 23:10 UTC
Foreign Ministry warns Thais to leave 'risky' Mideast
Thai consular affairs officials receive Thai evacuees arriving in Turkey from Iran at the Kapikoy border checkpoint on Saturday evening. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday advised Thais to leave all risk areas in the Middle East as soon as possible, because the situation in the region remains violent, tense and uncertain. The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Iran said that Iran was acting in self-defence, which would continue until attacks on Iran stopped or the United Nations Security Council did its duty. “Although there has bee no report of any casualties among Thais in the Middle East, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Thais to leave risk areas as soon as possible due to the high uncertainty of the situation. There are about 77,000 Thais living throughout the Middle East, according to earlier government estimates.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 08, 2026 13:21 UTC
Klatham, Democrat excluded from coalition
Klatham, Democrat excluded from coalitionBhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul gestures during a seminar of Bhumjaithai’s 192 MPs at Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram province on Sunday. Photo: Bhumjaithai PartyA new coalition government led by Bhumjaithai will exclude the Klatham and Democrat parties, sources say. Bhumjaithai Party sources indicated the emerging coalition, expected to command about 292 seats in parliament, will comprise Bhumjaithai, Pheu Thai, Palang Pracharath, Prachachat and several smaller parties. The arrangement leaves the Klatham Party, the Democrat Party and the Thai Ruamphalang Party outside the government. Other senior figures tipped for cabinet roles include Sihasak Phuangketkeow as deputy prime minister and foreign affairs minister, Ekniti Nitithanprapas as deputy prime minister and finance minister and Suphajee Suthumpun as deputy prime minister and commerce minister.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 08, 2026 13:20 UTC
Phuket airport defends ban on activating ride-hailing apps
Phuket airport defends ban on activating ride-hailing appsPhuket Airport says signs banning drivers from waiting or using ride apps at the terminal target unlicensed operators, not approved operators. (Photo: Achadtaya Cheunniran)Phuket International Airport has defended newly installed signs barring drivers from waiting or activating ride‑hailing apps in front of the terminal, following criticism on social media that they restrict passengers’ transport options. All transport providers serving the airport must pass security and background checks, register their vehicle and driver details, and comply with service standards, he said. This allows the airport to trace complaints and act quickly if passengers encounter problems, something that is impossible with unregistered drivers. Phuket International Airport remains committed to improving passenger convenience, safety and fairness, and welcomes public feedback as it continues to upgrade transport management at the gateway, Mr Monchai said.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 08, 2026 12:17 UTC
Conflicting stories in cosmetic surgery case
Photo credit @skongki2000 on XThe family of a Thai businessman who underwent cosmetic surgery at a popular Bangkok clinic has sought assistance from a consumer advocacy Facebook page, alleging that he remains unconscious several days after the proceedure. The 37-year-old underwent nose and chin surgery at the clinic on March 4, paying about 480,000 baht for the procedures, according to the relatives' posts. More than a week after the surgery, he remained unconscious and at risk of entering a prolonged comatose state, the family said. Although he had undergone cosmetic procedures before, this was the first time he had been placed under a general anaesthetic. According to relatives, the clinic had not provided a clear position regarding responsibility for the situation, stating only that it was reviewing the case.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 08, 2026 12:14 UTC
Young Chinese parents tighten belts as childcare costs rise
However, young Chinese say the measures do little to alleviate financial stress. Zhang, 32, and her husband Zhu Yunfei, both manicurists, decided to save before having a child. They were announced shortly after Zhang and Zhu learned they would be parents. - Incompatible with careers -Social demographer Yun Zhou warned that subsidies "often do not lead to any meaningful rebound in fertility". "For young Chinese women, especially young highly educated Chinese women, there is also this inherent concern about the pervasive gender-based discriminations in the labour market that is front and centre on their mind."
Source:Bangkok Post
March 08, 2026 11:20 UTC
Young waitress found slain after missing from work
Young waitress found slain after missing from workA police investigator stands in front of the rented house where the body of an attractive young waitress was found in Hang Dong district, Chiang Mai, on Saturday. (Photo: Hang Dong rescue foundation)CHIANG MAI - Police are investigating the death of a 22-year-old waitress found partially unclothed at the rented house where she lived in Hang Dong district. Her body was found by her employer on Saturday, after she failed to turn up for work on Friday. The young woman's hat and shoulder bag were found among garbage on the road in front of the rented house. The woman's body was sent to Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital for autopsy.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 08, 2026 11:11 UTC
Tehran fuel dumps burn as Iran warns it can fight for months
Tehran fuel dumps burn as Iran warns it can fight for monthsIran's president says that Tehran will be forced to respond if its neighbours attackedTEHRAN - Huge fireballs and clouds of thick smoke erupted over Tehran on Sunday after US-Israeli air strikes hit fuel depots in the city, as Iran's Revolutionary Guards vowed to fight on for months to come. Tehran's governor told the IRNA news agency that fuel distribution had been "temporarily interrupted" in the capital while repairs were carried out. The Israeli military confirmed that its air force had struck "fuel storage facilities in Tehran" to prevent their use by the government's military. Inside Iran, damage to infrastructure and residential areas is mounting as its people report growing anxiety and a heavy security presence. Trump has suggested Iran's economy could be rebuilt if a leader "acceptable" to Washington replaces the late supreme leader, which Tehran has rejected.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 08, 2026 11:10 UTC
Businessman remains unconscious days after cosmetic surgery
Photo credit @skongki2000 on XThe family of a Thai businessman who remains unconscious several days after cosmetic facial surgery at a Bangkok clinic has sought assistance from a consumer advocacy Facebook page, with the hospital bill for his subsequent care now exceeding 2 million baht. The 37-year-old underwent nose and chin surgery at the clinic on March 4, paying about 480,000 baht for the procedures, according to relatives. More than a week after the surgery, he remained unconscious and at risk of entering a prolonged comatose state, the family said. Although he had undergone cosmetic procedures before, this was the first time he had been placed under a general anaesthetic. They want the clinic to show responsibility by assisting with the extra medical costs while the cause of the incident is investigated.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 08, 2026 10:21 UTC
Russell wins Australian Grand Prix in Mercedes 1-2
Russell wins Australian Grand Prix in Mercedes 1-2Mercedes' George Russell, right, competes with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc during the Australian Grand Prix. (Photo: afp)MELBOURNE - George Russell kept his cool to win a frantic season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Sunday from Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli after a thrilling battle with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. With the virtual safety car repeatedly brought out, pre-season favourite Russell stayed calm to clock a sixth Grand Prix win and his first since Singapore last year. The virtual safety car came out on lap 12 when Hadjar's car stopped with Russell and Antonelli pitting and coming back on hards. Russell radioed that he thought a one-stop race was viable and he began pulling clear, with Antonelli second.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 08, 2026 09:10 UTC
Thai Shia mourn Khamenei at Iran embassy, urge Thai neutrality
Thai Shia mourn Khamenei at Iran embassy, urge Thai neutralityThai Shia Muslims hold a peaceful gathering outside the Iranian embassy in Bangkok on Sunday to mourn the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and urge the Thai government to stay neutral amid heightened Middle East conflict. (Photos: Islamic Republic of Iran embassy, Bangkok)About 200 Thai Shia Muslims gathered outside the Iranian embassy in Bangkok on Sunday, mourning Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, condemning Israel and the United States, and calling on the Thai government to remain neutral in international conflicts. Ali Shah-Hosseini, 40, the group’s representative, said the gathering aimed to mourn a leader deeply revered by Shia communities worldwide. With an estimated 40,000–45,000 Shia Muslims in Thailand, he said, participants wanted to show that many here also held Khamenei in high regard and felt deep sorrow at his passing. Mr Ali said that if the conflict persists, Shia mosque leaders would confer and announce further steps via social media.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 08, 2026 09:10 UTC
Airspace closures update, war's impact on sea freight
A senior transport official also warned of likely increases in sea freight charges and cargo container availability as ships avoid the war in the Mideast, taking the much longer route around the southern tip of Africa. In the United Arab Emirates, flights were limited to transporting stranded travellers. Turkey and Saudi Arabia remained open and ready for use by repatriation flights, he said. Riyadh-Bangkok flights remained operational and could be increased to serve Thai evacuees, as needed, Mr Panidone said. He also warned that sea freight between Thailand and Europe would take an additional 15 days because vessels were avoiding the war zone and rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope,This would affect freight charges and the availability of cargo containers.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 08, 2026 07:59 UTC
Voters split, bare majority want coalition's formation paused, poll finds
A Nida poll released on Sunday shows mixed voter opinions on whether the formation of a new government should be put on hold until the court rules in the ballot barcodes case, with a slight majority agreeing the coalition's formation should wait. The survey, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) on March 2-4, questioned 1,310 respondents aged 18 and over across all regions. It reported on Sunday that 44.81% want the formation of the next government paused until the court delivers a ruling on the barcode and QR code issue. Asked whether the barcodes dispute would ignite a new round of political unrest, 36.56% said it would not lead to turmoil. However, 19.08% were quite worried, 18.55% very worried, and 14.27% not very worried.
Source:Bangkok Post
March 08, 2026 06:34 UTC