Wednesday 25 Feb 2026

Good morning Bangkok. We're looking at 28°C (82°F) and clear skies — which sounds lovely until you check the PM2.5 at 69 µg/m³ (moderate/yellow). Not terrible, but maybe skip that lunchtime jog around Lumphini. Hot season's been official for three days now and the city's already feeling crispy. Today: diplomatic beef in Paris and why you should double-check your airport karma.

Speaking to France 24 in Paris on Monday, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow firmly rejected accusations from Cambodian PM Hun Manet that Thailand is occupying Cambodian territory. Sihasak pointed to an existing ceasefire agreement that allows troops from both sides to maintain current positions while working toward a boundary settlement. The exchange marks the latest flare-up in long-running border tensions between the neighbours.

Bottom line: Border disputes are back in the headlines, which means expats planning weekend trips to Siem Reap should keep an eye on the news. Nothing to panic about yet, but diplomatic spats have a way of escalating when pride's involved. At least they're arguing in Paris instead of along the actual border.

A German tourist was beaten by five transgender women along Pattaya Beach Road late Monday night, opposite Soi Pattaya Beach 13. Police confirmed the incident after witnesses captured parts of the altercation on video and handed footage to authorities. The tourist sustained injuries, and the incident has raised concerns among the beach resort's expat and tourist community about late-night safety.

Bottom line: Pattaya after dark remains Pattaya after dark. If you're heading down for the weekend, keep your wits about you on Beach Road past midnight, travel in groups, and don't engage with anyone who seems confrontational. The city's fun, but it's not Disneyland — and your travel insurance won't cover stupidity.

• Suvarnabhumi Airport issued a formal apology over X-ray security staff conduct — sounds like someone had a bad day at screening.

• Ukraine marks four years since Russia's full-scale invasion, with ceremonies held across the country on Feb. 24.

• EDITOR NOTE: Need 3 more Quick Hits — check local Bangkok news for minor stories (traffic incidents, new regulations, neighbourhood updates, light cultural items).

Sorn — Sukhumvit 26

If you haven't been to Sorn yet, stop sleeping on Bangkok's most elegant Southern Thai restaurant. This two-Michelin-star spot serves heritage recipes from Chef Supaksorn "Ice" Jongsiri's family archives — think wildly fragrant curries, impeccable seafood, and vegetables you didn't know could taste this good. It's pricey (around ฿4,500 per head for the tasting menu), but it's the kind of meal you'll remember for months.

TIP: Book at least two weeks ahead, especially for weekend slots. Request a table upstairs if you want a quieter, more intimate vibe. And pace yourself — the portions look delicate but they add up fast.

25 February 1836 — Samuel Colt patented the first revolving cylinder pistol. Fast-forward 190 years and Bangkok's still revolving — mostly on the Sathorn roundabout during rush hour while you question every life choice that led to this Grab ride.

See you tomorrow morning. — Devon