Bangkok–London fares surge as Middle East disruption squeezes seats

The transcription below provides news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, hosted by Alex in the Good Morning Thailand program. The stories range from a spike in flights to and from Europe in the midst of the Middle Eastern conflict, petrol stations around Thailand seeing long queues as panic buying takes effect, and a little later GTA 6 drops early in Pattaya where a naked man has been linked to a speedboat theft attempt.

Bangkok–London fares surge as Middle East disruption squeezes seats

Airfares between Bangkok and London have jumped after Middle East airspace closures and flight suspensions reduced seat capacity. One-way economy tickets were reported at over 70,000 baht, up from around 30,000 baht in normal periods, while regulators said they cannot cap international fares.

Phuket petrol stations hit by panic buying over price rumours

Motorists in Phuket queued at petrol stations, including a Bangchak outlet in Kathu, amid rumours of imminent fuel price hikes. Authorities insisted reserves are sufficient and warned the public not to panic-buy or exploit the situation to raise prices.

Pattaya man hospitalised after setting himself on fire

Rescue workers in Pattaya rushed to assist a 44-year-old man who reportedly set himself alight outside a dormitory after repeated romantic rejection. He suffered burns covering about 30–40% of his body and was taken to Pattaya Bhattamakun Hospital, with police describing the case as self-harm linked to emotional stress.

Pickup ploughs into Buriram restaurant group; driver denies intent

A pickup truck struck a group of eight people at a restaurant in Buriram, injuring seven including the driver’s ex-wife, with two victims reported in critical condition. The 62-year-old driver, who initially fled, denied acting deliberately and claimed he lost control while looking down to retrieve his dropped phone.

Iranian warship sinks off Sri Lanka as rescue teams search for survivors

An Iranian military vessel carrying about 180 crew members sank roughly 40 nautical miles off Galle, prompting a major rescue effort by Sri Lanka authorities. Bodies were recovered and dozens rescued, while many remained missing as searches continued amid heightened regional tensions.

Thailand maps evacuation routes from Iran via Turkey or Egypt charter

Thai officials are preparing evacuation plans for nationals in Iran, with options including transit through Turkey or a possible charter flight from Egypt if required. Authorities urged citizens to register promptly and said efforts would prioritise moving people away from high-risk areas near foreign military bases.

Naked foreigner detained in South Pattaya, linked to attempted speedboat theft

Police in Pattaya detained a foreign man who allegedly ran naked along a road before being restrained by bystanders and taken to hospital for assessment. The incident was later linked to an attempted speedboat theft, with the owner saying the vessel had been securely moored before the suspect approached it.

Chickenpox cluster triggers online classes at Thammasat Rangsit

Health officials launched a probe after a chickenpox outbreak at Thammasat University’s Rangsit campus, shifting classes online from March 3–6 as a precaution. The cluster was tied to a mid-February student camp, with more than 20 students and pupils reportedly developing symptoms and receiving medical care.