Tuesday 3 March 2026

Good morning Bangkok. We're looking at 29–30°C (84–86°F) today with clear skies and 82% humidity, basically standard issue hot season fare. PM2.5 sits at 75 µg/m³, which puts us in the yellow (moderate) zone. Not ideal, but you won't need an N95 for your coffee run. Expect your usual sun-drenched Monday with just enough haze to remind you where you live. Today: a Pattaya home invasion that sounds like a bad heist film and, in-flight drama.

Pattaya police have arrested four British nationals following a brazen Thursday night home invasion that targeted a UK-Thai couple's residence. The armed gang held a chef at knifepoint before making off with a safe containing ฿2 million. CCTV footage tracked the suspects across three vehicles as they split the cash, leading to swift arrests. Investigators say the robbery bore hallmarks of tactics lifted straight from Hollywood heist films… minus the successful getaway part.

Bottom line: Stealing ฿2 million in Pattaya, a city with more CCTV cameras than 7-Elevens, while using three traceable vehicles? These lads clearly skipped the "don't get caught" part of their favorite movies. At least Thai police wrapped this one quickly.

A Thai couple's journey from Taipei to Bangkok ended before it began after they were escorted off a China Airlines flight following what witnesses describe as seriously disruptive behavior. The incident, which went viral on TikTok via a clip posted by foreign passenger @eatshit30678, shows cabin crew removing the pair before takeoff. Fellow passengers praised the crew's handling of the situation, though many questioned why the couple was allowed to board in the first place. The video has sparked fresh debate about passenger screening and in-flight etiquette standards.

Bottom line: We've all witnessed questionable airplane behavior, but getting bounced before wheels up takes commitment. The real question: how did they make it past the gate? Airlines need better filters before these situations hit 30,000 feet, or in this case, the tarmac.

Roots Coffee Roaster — Thonglor

One of Bangkok's OG specialty coffee spots, tucked inside the Commons on Thonglor Soi 17. They roast their own beans sourced from Thai highland farms in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and the baristas actually know what they're doing. The flat white is a safe bet, but their single origin pour-overs are where they really shine. Clean, minimal space with plenty of seating across two floors. 4.4 stars on Google with 2,000+ reviews, it's popular for a reason.

TIP: Go before 10 AM on a weekday if you want a seat without hovering. The Commons courtyard downstairs has food options if you need breakfast to go with your caffeine.

Tuesday, 3 Mar — Chatuchak Weekend Market (yes, midweek sections too), Chatuchak, 9am–6pm

Wednesday, 4 Mar — Live jazz at Bamboo Bar, Mandarin Oriental, 8pm onwards (dress smart, bring your wallet)

Thursday, 5 Mar — Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium, bouts from 6:30pm (classic weeknight entertainment)

Friday, 6 Mar — Jodd Fairs Night Market, Rama IX, 4pm–midnight (street food circus with air-con seating)

Saturday, 7 Mar — Warehouse 30 Weekend Art Market, Charoenkrung, 10am–10pm

Sunday, 8 Mar — Or Tor Kor Market, Chatuchak, 6am–6pm (pricier than Chatuchak but the produce is immaculate)

2 March 1992 — The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) broke ground on its first line. Thirty-four years later, we're still explaining to visitors that the BTS and MRT are different systems with different cards because integration is apparently too much to ask.

Also I wanted to thank all of our new subscribers, I really appreciate you reading the newsletter each morning.

See you tomorrow morning. — Devon