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UPDATE Military Destroys Cambodian Signal Tower on Phu Makua Summit Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Thai forces destroyed a Cambodian signal tower on the summit of Phu Makhuar, located in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province. The operation follows a successful Thai military manoeuvre to reclaim control of the area. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1367933-thai-troops-raise-flag-on-phu-ma-khuea-after-cambodian-forces-defeated/#findComment-19981092

UPDATE Military Destroys Cambodian Signal Tower on Phu Makua Summit Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Thai forces destroyed a Cambodian signal tower on the summit of Phu Makhuar, located in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province. The operation follows a successful Thai military manoeuvre to reclaim control of the area. According to military sources, Thai troops have now fully secured the summit of Phu Makhuar and previously dismantled infrastructure used by Cambodian forces to access the strategic location, including cable systems and stairways. In the latest development on the morning of 28 July, Thai forces used explosives to demolish a Smart network signal tower operated by Cambodia. Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-07-29

Deputy Abbot Caught at Checkpoint in Civilian Clothes on Trip with Woman Companion Picture courtesy of Matichon. A Buddhist monk holding the position of deputy abbot was caught red-handed at a highway checkpoint after changing out of his robes and travelling with a woman in a private car. The incident has sparked concerns about monastic discipline and the image of the clergy in Thailand. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368098-deputy-abbot-caught-at-checkpoint-in-civilian-clothes-on-trip-with-woman-companion/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. A Buddhist monk holding the position of deputy abbot was caught red-handed at a highway checkpoint after changing out of his robes and travelling with a woman in a private car. The incident has sparked concerns about monastic discipline and the image of the clergy in Thailand. The incident took place on Highway 212 (Chayangkul Road), between Amnat Charoen and Ubon Ratchathani, at a traffic checkpoint in Ban Khok Klang, Lue Amnat district, Amnat Charoen province. The checkpoint was set up by officers of Highway Police Subdivision 5, Division 6, under the command of Pol Lt Col Parin Khodmanee and led on-site by Pol Sub Lt Pornchai Puangso. Police reported that a grey Toyota Yaris approached the checkpoint. Officers became suspicious due to the visibly nervous behaviour of both the driver and passenger. The vehicle was stopped for inspection. The driver was identified as a woman referred to only as Ms A (name withheld), while the male passenger was wearing civilian clothing and a woollen cap. He later admitted to being Phra Chai Thong, a monk still formally ordained and currently serving as the deputy abbot of a temple in Kheng Yai subdistrict, Hua Taphan district, Amnat Charoen province. Further inspection of the vehicle revealed a monk’s saffron robe (civara) and lower garment (sabong) concealed in the glove compartment and under the back seat. Authorities then escorted the monk to his home temple for questioning and disciplinary proceedings under the Buddhist monastic code (Vinaya). The incident adds to growing public scrutiny over misconduct among certain members of the Buddhist clergy in a nation where monks are traditionally revered. Religious authorities are expected to take appropriate action in line with ecclesiastical law. Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-07-29

CIB Arrests Suspect for Fatal Shooting at Bangkok Garage Picture courtesy of CIB The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested a key suspect involved in the fatal shooting of a well-known auto mechanic, “Chang Yu,” in a shocking attack that occurred at his garage in Soi Phatthanakan 32, Bangkok. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368097-cib-arrests-suspect-for-fatal-shooting-at-bangkok-garage/

Picture courtesy of CIB The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrested a key suspect involved in the fatal shooting of a well-known auto mechanic, “Chang Yu,” in a shocking attack that occurred at his garage in Soi Phatthanakan 32, Bangkok. The arrest was made by the Marine Police Division (Bureau of Marine Police), a unit under the CIB, following months of investigation into the high-profile case that has drawn significant public attention. The incident dates back to 8 May, around 22:30 when Mr. Hassan and several accomplices arrived at Chang Yu’s garage on motorcycles. An argument broke out between them and the victims, Chang Yu (Mr. Sukeeplee, nickname) and Mr. Adul. After the confrontation, the parties initially dispersed. However, the conflict quickly escalated. Mr. Hassan and his group regrouped near a Bangchak petrol station on Soi Phatthanakan 27. Although police intervened at that stage, the group later reassembled at a car park in Soi Phatthanakan 44, this time with faces covered by balaclavas, an indication of premeditated violence. The group then returned to the garage, where they physically assaulted Chang Yu before one of the attackers opened fire, discharging approximately five rounds. Bullets struck vital organs, killing him instantly at the scene. Mr. Adul was also injured, having sustained a gunshot wound to the neck. Subsequent investigations led police to identify and issue arrest warrants for 13 suspects believed to be involved. One of them, Mr. Sulaiman, was tracked to the area around Napradu Railway Station in Kok Pho District, Pattani Province. Officers moved in and apprehended the suspect, reading him his rights before transferring him to Khlong Tan Police Station for legal proceedings. Further investigations suggest that Mr. Sulaiman may also be linked to security-related incidents in Thailand’s Deep South. Authorities are actively pursuing leads to expand the investigation. Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-07-29

Bird Breeders Rejoice as Wildlife Committee Backs Plan to Declassify Red-Whiskered Bulbul Pictures courtesy of Matichon. In a long-awaited move, Thailand’s Wildlife Conservation and Protection Committee has agreed in principle to remove the red-whiskered bulbul, known locally as nok krong hua juk, from the country’s list of protected wildlife species. The decision marks the first step in a process that could legalise the widespread breeding and trade of the popular songbird. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368096-bird-breeders-rejoice-as-wildlife-committee-backs-plan-to-declassify-red-whiskered-bulbul/

Pictures courtesy of Matichon. In a long-awaited move, Thailand’s Wildlife Conservation and Protection Committee has agreed in principle to remove the red-whiskered bulbul, known locally as nok krong hua juk, from the country’s list of protected wildlife species. The decision marks the first step in a process that could legalise the widespread breeding and trade of the popular songbird. The committee’s endorsement paves the way for a dedicated working group to assess the current population status of the species in the wild, develop anti-poaching measures, and establish protocols to prevent the release of captive birds into natural habitats. The outcome of this study will underpin the final decision on whether to officially declassify the bird from protected status. Decades-Long Campaign The decision follows over 20 years of advocacy by breeders, particularly in Thailand’s deep south, where the bird is not only cherished for its melodious calls but is also a source of local pride and economic activity. Mr Wichai Maden, a representative of breeders from five southern border provinces, formally thanked the government for its efforts. He submitted a letter through Democrat MP Pol Maj Gen Surin Palare, to be passed to Natural Resources and Environment Minister Mr Chalermchai Sri-on, urging swift action to complete the declassification process. Pol Maj Gen Surin stated that Minister Chalermchai was fully committed to the move and had appointed new experts to the committee to replace those whose terms had ended. He noted that although the bird is widely bred, current laws still consider such activity illegal, creating unnecessary risks for those involved in the trade. “Eight more procedural steps remain before the bird can be formally declassified, which should take around three months,” he said. “This will allow for regulated breeding and legal export, especially to countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam, markets where the bird is in high demand but currently smuggled illegally.” A New Economic Frontier Mr Preecha Sukkasem, an expert member of the wildlife committee, described the agreement as an “opening of the first door.” He noted that the red-whiskered bulbul differs from many other animals on the protected list because it is not hunted for food, but rather kept and cared for as a beloved pet. “The bird represents a new form of economic animal,” he said. “Scientific knowledge has progressed significantly. We can now breed birds for colour and traits, and concerns over inbreeding and genetic weakness can be effectively managed.” Preecha estimated that the industry currently generates 4–5 billion baht annually, despite its unofficial status. He said legalisation would not only boost the economy but also reduce pressure on wild populations, as breeders would no longer be incentivised to catch birds from nature. Drawing from past cases, he argued that removing animals from the protected list does not equate to population decline. “Species such as the masked palm civet and dusky langur have seen numbers increase after being delisted,” he added. Industry Welcomes the Move Mr Wichan Amro, owner of “Charn Hat Yai Farm,” welcomed the decision, predicting that legalisation could increase the industry’s value fivefold. He emphasised that breeders and wildlife traffickers are entirely separate groups and that legitimate breeders are willing to cooperate with authorities in cracking down on illegal wildlife trade. “This is only the first step,” he said. “But it’s a step in the right direction, not just for breeders, but for the birds themselves.” If finalised, the red-whiskered bulbul’s removal from the protected list would mark a landmark shift in Thailand’s wildlife policy, balancing conservation with cultural and economic realities. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-07-29

Flash Floods in Chiang Khong as Heavy Rains Cause Buildings to Collapse into River Picture courtesy of Naewna, Torrential rain across Chiang Rai province has triggered flash floods in several areas, with the district of Chiang Khong among the hardest hit. Rising floodwaters have damaged homes and infrastructure, with several buildings collapsing into the river after their foundations were eroded. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368095-flash-floods-in-chiang-khong-as-heavy-rains-cause-buildings-to-collapse-into-river/

Picture courtesy of Naewna, Torrential rain across Chiang Rai province has triggered flash floods in several areas, with the district of Chiang Khong among the hardest hit. Rising floodwaters have damaged homes and infrastructure, with several buildings collapsing into the river after their foundations were eroded. The worst-affected site was in Ban Thung Na Noi, located within Wiang Subdistrict Municipality, where a garment workshop situated near the Nam Som stream was destroyed. The fast-flowing water undermined the building’s foundations, causing it to collapse into the river. Local officials conducted an initial inspection and confirmed that, fortunately, no injuries or fatalities occurred in the incident. Authorities from the local administration and district offices are now on-site to assess the full extent of the damage and coordinate recovery efforts. Residents living near waterways and in low-lying areas have been advised to remain vigilant and to closely follow official updates and warnings as further rainfall is expected. Emergency teams continue to monitor the situation, with additional rainfall likely to pose further risk of landslides and flooding across the region. Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-07-29

Late-Night Airstrike: Thai F-16s Bomb Cambodian Supply Routes and Artillery Positions Picture courtesy of Amarin. Just hours before the ceasefire deadline, the Royal Thai Air Force deployed two F-16 fighter jets late on the night of 28 July, to carry out precision bombing missions near the embattled Ta Kwai Temple, targeting Cambodian supply lines and artillery emplacements. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368094-late-night-airstrike-thai-f-16s-bomb-cambodian-supply-routes-and-artillery-positions/

Picture courtesy of Amarin. Just hours before the ceasefire deadline, the Royal Thai Air Force deployed two F-16 fighter jets late on the night of 28 July, to carry out precision bombing missions near the embattled Ta Kwai Temple, targeting Cambodian supply lines and artillery emplacements. Military sources confirmed that the strike aimed to sever key logistical routes and neutralise heavy weaponry which have been providing support to Cambodian forces operating in the area. The mission was declared a success, with both aircraft returning safely to base. The aerial offensive came after a day of intense ground clashes at what has been dubbed the “Ta Kwai battlefield,” as Thai special forces confronted elite Cambodian troops from the Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ) unit. Cambodian reinforcements were reportedly attempting to consolidate control over the strategic zone before the midnight ceasefire deadline. Security officials said the fiercest fighting occurred in a designated “red zone” around the temple, a site symbolically and militarily significant. The situation remains tense, but the front line has gone quiet with the ceasefire, agreed upon to taking effect from midnight. Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-29

Elderly Man Dies After Boat Collides with Bridge Pillar in Nonthaburi Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 70-year-old man drowned after the boat he was operating struck a bridge pillar and capsized in a canal in Bang Yai district, Nonthaburi province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368093-elderly-man-dies-after-boat-collides-with-bridge-pillar-in-nonthaburi/

Picture courtesy of Kaoded. A 70-year-old man drowned after the boat he was operating struck a bridge pillar and capsized in a canal in Bang Yai district, Nonthaburi province. The incident occurred around 14:00 on 27 July in Khlong Bang Muang near Wat Sangwon Pimolpaiboon in the Bang Muang subdistrict. Police from Bang Yai Police Station, along with divers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, were dispatched to the scene following reports of a missing boatman after a collision. Upon arrival, officers found a damaged longtail boat adrift near a small bridge. The boat had no engine, and its driver, identified as Mr. Sunthorn Kong-em, 70, was initially unaccounted for. Divers began a search operation and recovered Mr. Sunthorn’s body approximately 30 minutes later, submerged about five metres from the point of impact. Mr. Thanya Chansuthep, 59, a close friend and former colleague of the victim at Srithanya Hospital, stated that the two would often go boating together on weekends. Mr. Sunthorn, who had retired, typically used the boat for leisure or to buy groceries from local markets. According to Mr. Thanya, they had set out together as usual, with Mr. Sunthorn leading at a slow speed. When Mr. Thanya reached the curved section beneath the bridge, he found the other man’s boat capsized in the water and the driver missing. A nearby fisherman told police that he heard a loud crash beneath the bridge moments before finding the empty boat. Police investigators believe the boat driver likely lost control navigating the curve and struck the bridge pillar. Initial evidence supports this theory, though authorities plan to carry out a thorough examination to confirm the exact cause. Mr. Sunthorn’s body has been transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine for autopsy. The investigation is ongoing. Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-07-29

Nine Arrested in Fake ID Ring Linked to Chinese and Myanmar Nationals Picture courtesy of Matichon. The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) has arrested nine individuals involved in an organised operation producing fake Thai national ID cards for foreign nationals, including Chinese and Myanmar citizens. The arrests follow months of investigation into forged documents and fraudulent endorsements used to obtain Thai citizenship illegally. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368092-nine-arrested-in-fake-id-ring-linked-to-chinese-and-myanmar-nationals/

Picture courtesy of Matichon. The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) has arrested nine individuals involved in an organised operation producing fake Thai national ID cards for foreign nationals, including Chinese and Myanmar citizens. The arrests follow months of investigation into forged documents and fraudulent endorsements used to obtain Thai citizenship illegally. At a press conference held at CSD headquarters on 27 July, Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop Phuridej, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), alongside senior officers including Police Major General Wittaya Sriprasertphap and Police Colonel Boonlue Phadungthin, revealed that the suspects include two individuals who illegally obtained Thai ID cards and seven accomplices who provided false verification. Operation Uncovered via Chinese Social Media The investigation began in April when police received a tip-off through an online complaint system, flagging a suspicious advertisement on the Chinese social media platform XiaoHongShu. The post offered services to obtain Thai ID cards and included sample images of forged documents. Authorities traced one of the fake IDs to Mr Kyar Htaw (also known as Mr Ja Tor), a 25-year-old Myanmar national with no legal residency status in Thailand. He had obtained a Thai ID card under the name Somboon Wannasarnkiri through forged documents and false statements provided at a municipal office in the Rangsit area. A second case involved a man named Pao Chan 25, who fraudulently assumed the identity of Weeraphon Jalao. Both cases followed the same pattern: counterfeit documents and the involvement of accomplices who acted as witnesses to falsely certify the applicant’s identity. Nationwide Raids and Further Investigation The CSD subsequently expanded the investigation and secured arrest warrants for 12 suspects. Raids were carried out at ten locations across the country, including two in Bangkok, two in Pathum Thani and others in Uttaradit, Samut Prakan, Mae Hong Son, Tak and Phuket. Nine suspects were apprehended during the operation. According to investigators, some of the suspects confessed, while others denied involvement. All have been charged with providing false information to government officials, falsifying official documents, and unlawfully applying for Thai citizenship. The suspects were transferred to the CSD’s Division 2 for further legal proceedings. Thai Mastermind Sought Police Lieutenant General Jiraphop confirmed that most of those arrested are from hill tribe communities, China or Myanmar. He added that the head of the operation is a Thai national, and authorities are intensifying efforts to track down this individual, who may hold influence or occupy a high-level position. Three more suspects remain at large. They are believed to have acted as official endorsers of the fraudulent ID applications. Authorities warned the public not to be deceived by similar scams or participate in such activities, as doing so constitutes a serious offence under the law. Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-07-29

Surin Governor Clarifies: Not a War Disaster Declaration, But an Emergency Situation Picture courtesy of Amarin. The Governor of Surin Province has clarified, on the 28 July, that the region has not been declared a war zone, but rather an “emergency disaster area” due to incursions by foreign forces, amid escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368037-surin-declared-war-disaster-zone/#findComment-19981069

UPDATE Surin Governor Clarifies: Not a War Disaster Declaration, But an Emergency Situation Picture courtesy of Amarin. The Governor of Surin Province has clarified, on the 28 July, that the region has not been declared a war zone, but rather an “emergency disaster area” due to incursions by foreign forces, amid escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. Earlier reports had suggested Surin was the first province to declare a “war disaster”, prompting public concern. However, Governor Chamnarn Chuenta confirmed in a press conference, that the official classification is an “Emergency Disaster Area (due to foreign armed forces)”, explicitly stating, “This is not a declaration of war.” The declaration, he explained, enables provincial authorities to access emergency funds under the Ministry of Finance’s 2019 regulations regarding advance payments for natural and emergency disaster relief. A formal declaration of war, he added, would require a parliamentary vote with a two-thirds majority and a Royal Proclamation from His Majesty the King, a far more serious and constitutionally significant step. Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-07-29

Police Raid Unlicensed Entertainment Venue in Ubon Ratchathani Picture courtesy of CIB. Officers from The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) have raided an entertainment venue in Ubon Ratchathani province found to be operating illegally without the required permits. The establishment was allegedly offering services including alcohol sales, live music performances and the employment of hostesses to sit and drink with customers. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368091-police-raid-unlicensed-entertainment-venue-in-ubon-ratchathani/

Picture courtesy of CIB. Officers from The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) have raided an entertainment venue in Ubon Ratchathani province found to be operating illegally without the required permits. The establishment was allegedly offering services including alcohol sales, live music performances and the employment of hostesses to sit and drink with customers. The operation was led by the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) in coordination with Ubon Ratchathani Highway Police and Muang Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Police. Acting on intelligence and undercover surveillance, authorities gathered sufficient evidence before launching the raid on a premises located on the ring road in Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District. According to police reports, the venue was functioning as an unlicensed entertainment establishment, a violation under the Entertainment Venue Act of 1966. Patrons were being charged by the hour for the company of male and female staff who served and drank with them, while alcohol was sold and live music played on site. The raid was conducted under the supervision of Pol. Lt. Col. Suwijak Rattanaphan, Inspector of Sub-Division 3, CSD, with officers discovering clear evidence of illegal operations. The venue’s proprietor, a 48-year-old woman identified only as Ms. Jiratchaya, admitted to authorities that she held a licence to sell alcohol but not to operate an entertainment venue. She was charged with “operating an entertainment venue without a valid licence,” and was taken into custody. Authorities seized relevant documents and bills as evidence before transferring the case to Muang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station for further legal proceedings. This action forms part of a broader crackdown on illegal entertainment businesses, spearheaded by Pol. Gen. Jiraphop Phuridej, Commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau. The initiative aims to curb crime, prevent human trafficking, underage service, prostitution and drug use associated with unregulated venues. Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious or illegal activity to the official “Central Investigation Bureau” Facebook page. Adapted by Asean Now from CIB 2025-07-29

Brutal Assault in Pattaya: Man Bound, Beaten & Strangled by Former Friends Picture courtesy of Daily News. A 46-year-old man was tied up, strangled and brutally beaten by a couple he once considered close friends. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of morning, at a petrol station off Soi Thepprasit Soi in Pattaya, left the victim with multiple injuries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368090-brutal-assault-in-pattaya-man-bound-beaten-strangled-by-former-friends/

Picture courtesy of Daily News. A 46-year-old man was tied up, strangled and brutally beaten by a couple he once considered close friends. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of morning, at a petrol station off Soi Thepprasit Soi in Pattaya, left the victim with multiple injuries. Rescue volunteers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation responded to an emergency call at approximately 02:00. Upon arrival, they found the injured man, later identified as Mr. Niti Montchaithanaphat, visibly battered and in a state of distress. His right eye socket was swollen and bruised, his head was swollen from blunt force trauma and both legs showed signs of severe bruising. Rope marks were clearly visible around his wrists and neck. First aid was administered on the scene before Mr. Niti was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. According to the victim’s statement, he works in the local nightlife industry, bringing foreign tourists to bars in Pattaya’s Walking Street. He recounted a history of tensions with the assailants, a married couple and former neighbours, which stemmed from a romantic rivalry. Mr. Niti had previously harboured feelings for the woman, who ultimately chose to be with his friend instead. The rejection and continued mockery by the male friend reportedly led to an ongoing feud. On the night of the attack, the couple allegedly lured him to a location, then restrained him using rope, strangled him and beat him with a hoe handle. Mr. Niti said he pleaded for his life, warning them of the legal consequences if he were to die. His pleas apparently caused the pair to hesitate, allowing him to seize the opportunity to escape and seek help from nearby residents. Rescue personnel advised Mr. Niti to file a formal complaint with Pattaya City Police, who are now investigating the incident. Authorities are working to locate and arrest the suspects to ensure justice is served. Adapted by Asean Now from Daily News 2025-07-29

UPDATE Thai & Cambodian Leaders Agree to Ceasefire Following Malaysia Talks

UPDATE Thai & Cambodian Leaders Agree to Ceasefire Following Malaysia Talks

BREAKING NEWS Thai & Cambodian Leaders Agree to Ceasefire Following Malaysia Talks Picture courtesy of Khaosod. In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an unconditional ceasefire to end days of intense border clashes, following a high-level meeting in the Malaysian capital. The ceasefire is set to take effect at midnight on the 28 July. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1368059-thai-cambodian-leaders-agree-to-ceasefire-following-malaysia-talks/