Good morning Bangkok. It's Tuesday, 24–33°C (75–92°F) today, PM2.5 still hovering around 36 µg/m³ (orange — mask up if you're exercising outdoors), and the heat is settling in. No rain in sight for Bangkok — just hot, hazy, and getting hazier. Here's what's happening.
TOP STORIES
Jeeno Thitikul wins Honda LPGA Thailand — her first-ever victory on home so
The world's No.1 female golfer just won the one title that meant more to her than a major. Jeeno Thitikul, 23, carded a final-round 68 on Sunday to finish 24-under at Siam Country Club, edging Japan's Chizzy Iwai by a single stroke. It's her eighth LPGA Tour title — and the first time she's won in front of a home crowd after eight attempts at this tournament. The moment that got everyone: her mum approached her after the 18th hole in tears. Thitikul told reporters she said, "I finally won the tournament in front of you." She took home the $270,000 winner's share and becomes the third Thai champion of the event, after Ariya Jutanugarn and Patty Tavatanakit.
Bottom line: A world No.1 winning her home national tournament for the first time at 23 years old, with her family watching? That's the kind of sport story that transcends the game. If you're looking for someone to represent Thailand on the global stage right now, Jeeno Thitikul is it.
Army rebuts "fake news" claims as Thai-Cambodia border tensions simmer on
The Royal Thai Army issued a statement yesterday pushing back against seven claims circulating on foreign social media about the Thai-Cambodia border situation, calling them "one-sided information" from a foreign page. The ceasefire signed on 27 December is technically holding, but the situation remains tense — Australia's travel advisory updated this week still warns against all travel within 50km of the border. For expats in Bangkok, the conflict feels distant, but the geopolitical ripples are real: land border crossings remain closed, Cambodia tourism has tanked (Thai visitors down 50% year-on-year), and the dispute was a decisive factor in Thailand's 8 February election.
Bottom line: The fighting displaced over 600,000 people in Cambodia and nearly a million Cambodian workers returned from Thailand. If you're planning any travel east toward Sa Kaeo, Surin, or Ubon Ratchathani, check the latest advisories. For most Bangkok expats, daily life is unaffected — but this is the biggest regional security story since the 2014 coup, and worth keeping an eye on. We'll keep you updated.
QUICK HITS
Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair wraps up today at Queen Sirikit Convention Center — over 1,300 exhibitors from 20+ countries. If you're in the market for Thai gems or gold, last chance to browse.
GISTDA satellite data shows Thailand recorded 839 hotspots on Friday, with more than 50% in forest areas. Burning season is here — expect PM2.5 to spike further through March and April.
The People's Party leader says a 300-vote coalition led by Anutin Charnvirakul is feasible, and stressed the opposition will keep pressing cases including Khao Kradong and alleged Senate election collusion.
Bangkok Bank exchange rate: ฿31.02 to the dollar as of yesterday.
Reminder: Chatuchak Weekend Market is open Sat & Sun 9am–6pm. If you're new and haven't been yet — this weekend. Go early, bring cash, wear comfy shoes.
🍜 SPOT OF THE DAY
Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant — Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, Silom
A French rooftop restaurant with properly good steak and killer views. The terrace is the move — get there for sunset around 6pm and watch the Silom skyline light up. They do $1 oysters every Tuesday (Fine de Claire No.4, flown in from France), which makes tonight the perfect night to go.
TIP: Tuesday is oyster night — $1 each from 5pm. That's not a typo. Get the terrace table, order a dozen, and a glass of something white. Thank me later.
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📅 EVENTS
Tue 24 Feb — Jazz Night: Little Things That Count at Yellow Lane — 8:00 PM
Tue 24 Feb — DJ Ino at Oskar Bistro, Sukhumvit — 9:00 PM
Wed 26 Feb — Tilly Birds at VGI SKY VIBES, Sky Walk Chong Nonsi — 8:00 PM
Thu 26 Feb — Experimental Edge (Keith Hillebrandt + more) at JAM — 8:00 PM
Fri 28 Feb — Mark Tuan (GOT7) SILHOUETTE Fancon at IMPACT Arena (Fri & Sat)
Sat 28 Feb — Bangkok Art Walk, Nang Loeng — 4:00–10:00 PM (free, live street art + music)
Sat 28 Feb — Signs of the Swarm + Born of Osiris at Mr. Fox Live House
📜 ON THIS DAY
On 24 February 1942, the Voice of America made its first broadcast. 84 years later, the voice of Bangkok is still best heard through the aunties at your local som tum stall. They know everything happening in the neighbourhood — all you need is a few words of Thai and a high spice tolerance.
See you tomorrow morning. — Devon
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