Monday 2 March 2026

Good morning Bangkok. We're looking at 29–30°C (84–86°F) today with scattered clouds and 78% humidity — proper hot season sweating weather. Air quality sits at 61 µg/m³ PM2.5 (moderate/yellow level), so outdoor activities are fine but asthmatics might want to take it easy. Army news, gold fever, and some properly bizarre crime stories below.

The Royal Thai Army has lifted its fuel export ban to Laos after a two-and-a-half-month freeze, but don't expect the taps to flow freely just yet. Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree announced on 28 February that exports suspended since 14 December are back on — with "strict control measures" to ensure none of that petrol finds its way to Cambodia. The original ban came after security concerns that fuel was being diverted across the border, and the army clearly isn't taking any chances with the restart.

Bottom line: If you've been wondering why regional geopolitics matter to your daily life, here's your answer. Thailand's sitting in the middle of some properly complicated border dynamics, and fuel smuggling is apparently serious enough to shut down entire export routes. Good news for legitimate Lao businesses, less so for whoever was running that side hustle to Cambodia.

Someone in Pattaya has entirely too much time on their hands. Police are investigating after a Russian woman and a Thai man both discovered all four tires on their vehicles had been deliberately deflated on the evening of 26 February in Soi Sukhumvit Pattaya 42. The incidents occurred around 9:00 p.m., suggesting either a very dedicated vandal or someone with a specific grudge against both owners. No arrests yet, but CCTV footage is being reviewed.

Bottom line: This is oddly specific and weirdly time-consuming crime. Slashing tires takes seconds; carefully deflating all four on two separate vehicles takes commitment. Either it's targeted harassment or Pattaya's got the world's pettiest criminal. Either way, check your tires if you park in that soi.

• Four Brits arrested after armed home invasion in Pattaya — gang held UK-Thai chef at knifepoint, nicked a ฿2m safe, then split in three cars before CCTV tracked them down.

• Gold rush hits Loei as Mekong villagers start panning for treasure after prices surge to ฿78,400 per baht-weight — suddenly everyone's got a sieve and a dream.

• Thai woman marries two Austrian men simultaneously in Buriram ceremony — the 37-year-old bride and her double grooms are sparking quite the conversation.

• Fashion tycoon Quentin Griffith's Thai ex-wife denies involvement in his Pattaya balcony death on 9 February, says their three children have been missing since the incident.

• SET index holding around 1,479 while the baht trades at ฿31.02 to the dollar — basically sideways for anyone watching their portfolio.

DOG IN TOWN - ARI

A dog cafe in Ekkamai where you don’t go for the latte, you go for the pack. Think fluffy Corgis with attitude, dramatic Huskies, and photogenic Shibas all roaming around like they own the place (because they kind of do). It’s less “quiet coffee shop” and more “full-on puppy hangout with a drink in hand.”

The dogs are friendly, playful, and clearly well taken care of, no weird vibes, just happy, well-loved pups. There’s a 350 THB entry fee, but it includes a free drink, so you’re basically paying for an hour of therapy with fur.

Open daily 11 AM – 8 PM in Ekkamai.

TIP: Go on a weekday afternoon if you want more one-on-one time with the dogs. Wear neutral colors if you’re planning photos, the Corgis will steal the spotlight anyway.

Sunday, 1 March — Chatuchak Weekend Market, Chatuchak, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (last day this weekend for your vintage tee and ceramic plant pot needs)

Tuesday, 3 March — Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium, Ratchadamnoen Nok, 6:30 p.m. (tourist trap? Yes. Still brilliant? Also yes.)

Wednesday, 4 March — Live jazz at Brown Sugar, Sarasin Road, 9:00 p.m. onwards (proper Bangkok institution)

Friday, 6 March — Jodd Fairs Night Market, Rama IX, 4:00 p.m.–midnight (when you need fried everything and a ฿200 cocktail bucket)

Saturday, 7 March — Talad Rot Fai Ratchada Night Market, Ratchadaphisek, 5:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. (Instagram fodder plus decent vintage finds)

Sunday, 8 March — Or Tor Kor Market morning shop, Chatuchak, 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (One of Bangkok's best produce market)

1 March 1912: The Ministry of Public Health was established in Siam — meaning Thai bureaucracy has been processing your work permit applications for 114 years. Some things never change.

See you tomorrow morning. — Devon