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Thailand News

All the latest news stories from Thailand are written in English. Fresh news and stories from around the kingdom brought to you daily.
Residents in Ban Chang, Rayong, have asked authorities to investigate a large Chinese-backed IT data centre project after alleging that construction is continuing around the clock and affecting nearby homes.

The complaints were raised on 29 July 2026 by people in Moo 6 of the Huai Mahad community in Ban Chang district. They cited noise, dust and heavy lorry traffic, while also questioning whether a public canal has been filled in for the development.

Reporters visiting the site found a major construction area of more than 100 rai, surrounded by barbed-wire fencing. Several large cranes were operating inside, while 10-wheel lorries were entering and leaving throughout the day.

Behind the site are accommodation camps for migrant workers and a market serving workers.

Residents cite noise, dust and traffic

A 60-year-old resident, identified as Noi, said the project was an IT data centre being built by Chinese investors. He said work was being carried out 24 hours a day, mainly using migrant workers from Myanmar.



According to Noi, piling work has caused persistent noise, while dust and air pollution have made life difficult for his family. He said they had moved to a rented home elsewhere because they could no longer live at their property.

He said previous complaints to relevant agencies had produced no progress, and called for an examination of official actions, environmental effects and security concerns.

Concerns over canals and nearby forest

Uthai Saoman, the Ban Chang subdistrict headman, said the site lies beside the Huai Mahad-Khao Phudon mountain range, an area which still has relatively intact forest and wildlife habitat.

He said the land had previously been an old golf course before being sold to Chinese investors for development as a large factory. The community had not been informed of the plans and no public consultation had taken place, he added.

Uthai also alleged that Phayun Canal had been filled in near the entrance to create construction land, altering the course of a public waterway. He said he had not seen any state agency inspect the matter or take legal action.

He raised further concerns about the future environmental impact of the facility, including substantial electricity demand, cooling systems, water use, wastewater and electronic waste. Phayun Canal and Khlong Yai Ra, he said, run alongside the factory boundary.

He called for the project not to begin operating machinery until a full investigation has been carried out.

Project remains under construction

A sign at the front of the project identifies the developer, contractor and construction supervision consultant. It describes a large IT data centre project backed by a Chinese company, with a total usable area of 57,130.35 square metres.

The building is about 92 metres wide and 192 metres long, and remains under construction.

Neither the project company nor relevant government agencies had issued a response. The allegations come from residents and community leaders, and all parties have been invited to clarify the facts.


Picture courtesy of SiamRath

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31 July 2026
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Two Vietnamese nationals wanted on Nonthaburi court warrants over alleged transnational crime, call-centre fraud and money laundering were arrested while attempting to leave Thailand for Laos on 29 July.

Immigration officers stopped the men at the third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge permanent border crossing, linking Nakhon Phanom with Khammouane province in Laos. They were reportedly presenting their passports to cross the border when the warrants were identified.

The suspects were named as Mr Ngoc, 33, and Mr Tu, 39. Both are Vietnamese citizens.

Warrants linked to cybercrime investigation

Database checks found the pair were wanted under Nonthaburi Provincial Court warrants numbers 902/2569 and 903/2569, issued on 19 June 2026.



The warrants were sought by Division 4 of Technology Crime Investigation Bureau 2, known as cyber police. Authorities said the case concerns an alleged international call-centre and cybercrime network.

The men face allegations including participation in a transnational criminal organisation, secret society involvement, operating a criminal hideout, public fraud through impersonation, making and using forged official documents, and unauthorised use of official seals.

They are also accused of jointly entering false or partly falsified computer data into a computer system in a manner likely to cause public harm. Further allegations include conspiring with two or more people to commit money laundering, committing money laundering as a result of that conspiracy, and jointly laundering money.

Authorities said the offences carry substantial prison penalties.

Pair allegedly planned onward journey to Vietnam
During their initial questioning, the two men reportedly admitted they were heading to Laos as a transit route before travelling to Vietnam, where they intended to hide.

After arrest procedures at the frontier post, Nakhon Phanom immigration handed them to investigators from Division 4 of Technology Crime Investigation Bureau 2. Police will seek to identify further alleged members of the network before proceeding with the case.

The arrests were made by Nakhon Phanom Immigration's person and vehicle inspection officers, working with its investigation and suppression team.

Border checks remain central to enforcement

Immigration Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Phanumas Boonyalak, deputy commissioners Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nutchanart and Pol Maj Gen Thanit Thaivacharamas, and Immigration Division 4 commander Pol Maj Gen Phairach Phukcharoen have instructed border posts nationwide to tighten checks on people and vehicles entering and leaving Thailand.

Nakhon Phanom Immigration superintendent Pol Col Chatchai Samniang and deputy superintendent Pol Lt Col Suphamit Katasila have directed officers to examine travel documents more closely and deploy investigation teams along the border. The stated aim is to prevent criminal groups and call-centre gangs from using Thailand as a base or escape route.


Pictures courtesy of Naewna

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31 July 2026
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Thai Airways International has been ranked 10th in Travel + Leisure magazine's Best International Airlines category in its World's Best Awards 2026.

The result was based on votes from more than 207,000 readers of the global travel magazine, who cast over 661,000 votes across travel brands. Taiwan's EVA Air took first place in the airline category.

For Thailand's national carrier, the top-10 position is being seen as another indication of its recovery following several years of work under its business rehabilitation plan.

Reader survey puts EVA Air at the top

Travel + Leisure's 10 best international airlines for 2026 were listed as:

EVA Air - Taiwan
Qatar Airways - Qatar
Emirates - United Arab Emirates
La Compagnie - France
Singapore Airlines - Singapore
Japan Airlines (JAL) - Japan
Korean Air - South Korea
Virgin Atlantic Airways - United Kingdom
Etihad Airways - United Arab Emirates
Thai Airways International - Thailand

EVA Air has continued to receive recognition for its safety standards, service, cabin cleanliness and passenger care across all cabin classes. Qatar Airways and Emirates also remained among the leading global carriers, supported by networks covering several continents.

Rehabilitation work behind Thai Airways recovery

Thai Airways' rehabilitation efforts have included fleet and in-flight service upgrades, improvements to passenger lounges, revised food menus and an expansion of international routes. The changes have been intended to support the recovery of global tourism and rebuild passenger confidence in the airline.

Aviation industry analysts have said travellers are increasingly weighing the overall journey rather than price alone. Seat comfort, food, cabin crew service, entertainment and punctuality are among the factors passengers now consider when selecting an airline.

For foreign residents, tourists and business travellers using Thailand as a regional base, the ranking may offer some reassurance about Thai Airways' service recovery on international journeys.

What it means for Thailand travellers

Thai Airways remains a major option for passengers flying between Thailand and overseas destinations, particularly those connecting through Bangkok. Its improved standing in a reader survey could help the carrier attract international visitors, an important market for Thailand's tourism sector.


Picture courtesy of The Nation

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31 July 2026
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Phuket officials have begun legal action against the operator of a condominium in Wichit after an inspection allegedly found rooms being offered for daily rental without a hotel licence.

The inspection was carried out on July 29, following complaints from residents. Officials said daily guest rentals at the property may amount to operating a hotel without the required permission under Thailand's Hotel Act.

Complaint led to inspection

Officials found staff at the condominium during the visit, but said neither the owners nor the manager was present at the time.



Statements were taken from those involved, including guests and evidence was gathered for submission to investigators. The operator is expected to face legal proceedings for allegedly running a hotel without a licence under Section 15 of the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004).

Thai law requires accommodation businesses offering rooms on a daily basis as a hotel operation to hold a hotel operating licence. Officials said breaches can carry criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Part of wider action on unlicensed stays

Authorities reported that the Wichit inspection forms part of Phuket's continuing campaign against unlicensed accommodation businesses.

Authorities said the enforcement work supports government efforts to improve tourist safety and ensure fair competition for properly licensed accommodation providers.

For foreign visitors and residents, the case is a reminder that when condo are advertised for short stays, they are not authorised to operate as hotel-style accommodation. Travellers booking nightly rooms in condominiums may wish to check the property's status and booking arrangements before arrival, particularly during busy periods when short-term rentals are widely marketed.


Picture courtesy of ที่ทำการปกครอง อำเภอเมืองภูเก็ต

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31 July 2026
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Thailand must stop measuring tourism success simply by visitor numbers and build a system that protects destinations, local communities and infrastructure, according to two researchers at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).

Nopparuj Chindasombatcharoen and Wirin Khowrat said tourism remains one of Thailand's largest income sources, but rising arrivals can also place severe pressure on natural resources, public services and the industry's future competitiveness.

Their warning comes as the government plans to reduce the visa-free stay from 60 days to 30 days, a proposal they say reflects the difficult balance between attracting visitors and managing the effects of overtourism.

For foreigners living in Thailand, as well as tourists, the issue is practical. Overcrowding, inadequate waste and wastewater systems, strained transport and public infrastructure, and safety concerns can directly affect daily life and the visitor experience in major destinations.

Sustainability schemes lack a common direction

Thailand has introduced several measures intended to support lower-carbon and more sustainable tourism. These include the Green Hotel Plus programme, Green Destination Standards for attractions, communities and small businesses, and carbon-accounting tools for hotels and low-carbon tourism routes.

However, the researchers said the schemes remain fragmented and largely voluntary. Green Hotel Plus, Green Destinations Standard, Green Health Hotel, Green Leaf Certification and carbon-measurement systems operate without a shared roadmap for the sector's transition.

They said there is also no clear common pathway setting baseline standards for tourism operators, financial incentives or government support. That leaves businesses to work out the requirements themselves rather than moving together.

Large operators generally have the money, specialist staff and management systems to meet sustainability standards, while smaller firms may lack funding, technical knowledge and operational capacity. Without changes, the researchers warned, sustainability policies could widen the gap between major companies and smaller tourism businesses.

Phuket illustrates the pressure

The authors said existing policies have not sufficiently targeted the biggest sources of tourism emissions: transport and energy use across the tourism supply chain. Many current measures instead focus on hotel standards, certification, carbon offsets and pilot projects.

They also stressed that sustainability involves more than emissions. Tourism income remains concentrated in a limited number of provinces, while many other areas have not turned visitor spending into meaningful local development.

Phuket demonstrates the risks, they said. As visitor numbers and tourism businesses have expanded, waste disposal, wastewater treatment and public infrastructure have come under growing strain, with local systems in some places struggling to cope.

Accidents and other incidents involving foreign visitors also continue to receive international attention, affecting confidence in Thailand as a destination.

Climate risks need local responses

Drought, flooding, extreme heat, coastal erosion and deteriorating marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and beaches, threaten the natural assets that draw travellers to Thailand, the researchers said.

They argued that destinations need locally tailored responses, rather than a single nationwide solution. Government should provide dependable information, improve infrastructure, coordinate agencies and help communities and tourism businesses prepare for climate impacts.

Thailand can continue growing tourist numbers, they concluded, but each additional visitor will add strain unless standards, incentives, safety, infrastructure, income distribution and climate adaptation are brought into one framework.

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31 July 2026
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Police in Chonburi have confirmed that two missing Russian siblings have still not been found, while officers continue the separate effort to locate two Thai men wanted under arrest warrants in connection with the case, despite inaccurate earlier local news reports, from police that they had been caught.

The update followed a near two-hour case review at Huai Yai Police Station on 30 July 2026. Investigators are working on the search for the missing Russians and the hunt for the two suspects at the same time.

Police review evidence and search plans

The meeting took place in the third-floor conference room at Huai Yai Police Station in Chonburi province. It was led by Pol Maj Gen Chokchai Ngamwong, deputy commissioner of Provincial Police Region 2.



Also attending were Pol Maj Gen Phongphan Wongmanithet, Chonburi provincial police commander; Pol Col Phatsakorn Phraijit, chief of the Chonburi Provincial Police investigation division; Pol Col Worawut Nitiyawan, Huai Yai police chief; and relevant investigation officers.

Police reviewed their investigation so far, examined evidence gathered and assessed how to track down the men named in arrest warrants: 43-year-old Thana, known as "Pong", and 39-year-old Thongchai, known as "Thong".

Officers have not disclosed detailed information about the case, saying this could affect the investigation. Searches of areas considered suspicious are continuing, alongside the collection of further evidence and the operation to find the suspects.



Police confirmed they had searched multiple locations, including a crocodile farm in Huai Yai, after a witness reported seeing a suspect on the property before disappearing near the crocodile ponds, but nothing was reported to have been found.

No arrests and no sign of missing pair

Provincial Police Region 2 commissioner Pol Lt Gen Chatchai Surachetphong confirmed that neither Pong nor Thong had been arrested.

He said officers were still discussing and pursuing methods to locate the two men while accelerating the search for the Russian siblings. He also confirmed that the missing pair had not been found.

Police said any information that can be made public will be formally announced when there is further progress.



Huay Yai police free two witnesses

Police have also released two men questioned over the disappearance of Russian siblings, after several hours of questioning without charges.

Huai Yai Police said the pair, known as Hoy or Suea Hoy and Phang, had been invited in as witnesses rather than detained as suspects.

Hoy and Phang were taken in by a police tracking team around midday on 30 July 2026, after officers found leads suggesting they may have been involved in burying and concealing the missing siblings' motorcycle.

They were also alleged to have driven a sidecar motorcycle, locally known as a saleng, which was used to take Pong and Thong away from the area while police were surrounding it.

After lengthy questioning at Huai Yai Police Station, investigators released both men without laying charges. Police said they were questioned to clarify outstanding issues and gather information for the continuing investigation.

Woman makes separate allegations against Pong

Separately, a woman told reporters that she had allegedly been sexually assaulted and unlawfully confined by Pong about seven years ago. She said he had threatened to kill her entire family, leaving her fearful ever since.

The woman further alleged that Pong worked for a local police officer who provided assistance or protection. She also claimed the officer had instructed Pong to distribute drugs to young people in the area.

Those allegations remain claims by the woman and are being checked by authorities.


Picture courtesy of Khaosod

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31 July 2026



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Huay Yai police investigators said on 30 July 2026, that arrest warrants had been obtained for two men in connection with alleged night-time theft and receiving stolen property. Police also want to question them in connection with the missing Russians.

Police are also continuing a full-scale search for two missing Russian siblings. The police did not state how the theft allegations relate to the disappearance.

Two men wanted on theft allegations

The suspects named in the warrants are Thana, known as Pong, Kerdthong, 43, and Thongchai, known as Thong, Srinil, 39.

They face allegations of jointly committing night-time theft with two or more people, using a vehicle, and receiving stolen goods.

Investigators at Huay Yai Police Station said they had gathered evidence before seeking the warrants. Officers are now trying to locate both men and bring them into legal proceedings.

The police gave no further details about the alleged theft, including what property was said to have been taken or when it occurred, but it is believed to be linked to the buried dismantled motorcycle.

Police questioning two other men

Police are also questioning two men suspected of helping the two men, name in the arrest warrants, evade a major search linked to the disappearance of the Russian siblings.

On 30 July, teams from Pattaya Tourist Police, Chonburi Immigration Police and local investigators searched homes linked to two men known as Sua Hoi and Phang in the Map Fak Thong area.

Police suspect the men helped the two other suspects, Pong and Thong, escape a cordon of more than 200 officers during the night.

According to investigators, Pong and Thong allegedly left the area in a saleng, a motorcycle-and-sidecar, concealed beneath a tarpaulin to avoid detection.

Local residents had reportedly given investigators information suggesting the four men may be connected to the digging and burial of the motorcycle parts.

Both men deny involvement

Officers initially searched a forest shelter but did not find Sua Hoi. They later encountered him riding a sidecar motorcycle from his mother's home and asked him to accompany them for questioning.

Sua Hoi then led officers to Phang's home, where Phang was also asked to attend questioning.

Both men denied knowing anything about the missing Russian siblings or having any connection with Pong and Thong, police said.

However, officers said they were not convinced by the initial denials. Both men were being held for intensive questioning at Huai Yai Police Station as investigators seek to establish whether they were involved in the siblings' disappearance or in helping the two other suspects get away.


Picture courtesy of Daily News

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30 July 2026
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Thai authorities took custody of 41 Thai nationals at the Mukdahan-Savannakhet border crossing on 29 July after criminal proceedings against them in Laos had concluded.

The group was arrested in Laos over allegations that they worked as administrators for an online gambling network in Kaysone Phomvihane, Savannakhet province. Lao authorities seized 78 computers and 42 mobile phones in the case.

At 10.30am, Mukdahan Governor Worayan Boonnarat assigned his deputy, Chalit Thipkham, to oversee the handover. Mukdahan provincial police chief Pol Maj Gen Pairoj Thaiputra and immigration chief Pol Col Thanis Saengthanang travelled to Savannakhet to receive the group from Lao officials.

They were transferred through the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge permanent border checkpoint linking Mukdahan and Savannakhet.

Screening under Thai law

Mukdahan authorities assembled security, administrative, police, military, immigration and customs agencies for the operation, alongside public health, social development and human security, labour, employment, provincial prosecutor's office and other officials.



Mr Chalit said all 41 people would undergo checks and screening under Thai law following their return.

Officials will search and X-ray their luggage for illegal items, while public health teams carry out health checks. A multi-agency team, including social development officials, police and immigration staff, will assess the facts and circumstances surrounding each person.

If anyone is found to be a victim of human trafficking or to have been deceived into committing offences, they will be given state protection and assistance. They would be placed in the care of the Mukdahan Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office at the province's Child and Family Home.

Possible further action

Those for whom investigators find conduct or evidence indicating offences under Thai law may face further legal proceedings. Mr Chalit said this could include action under the Immigration Act, referral to investigators over online gambling offences, or other offences supported by available evidence.

He added that authorities would also check for outstanding arrest warrants, unresolved cases and evidence connected to offences within Thai jurisdiction.

Mr Chalit said the operation was being conducted under the rule of law and strict enforcement procedures, with the aim of maintaining public order and national security.

All 41 people have now entered Thailand's formal screening process before being referred to the relevant authorities for any subsequent legal steps.


Pictures courtesy of SiamRath

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30 July 2026
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Tourism officials and tourist police in Nan met a father and son after they arrived at accommodation in Bo Kluea district and found a room and bathroom that did not resemble what they believed they had booked.

The visitors, including a man identified as Mr Ko, were on a three-day, two-night break in Nan. Their first night was planned in tambon Sa Pan, with the second night due to be spent in the town centre.

On reaching the Sa Pan property, Mr Ko and his son found a run-down room and bathroom in a disorderly condition. The accommodation fell well short of their expectations and prompted officials to intervene.

Tourism officials meet father and son

Anan Seedaeng, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Nan office, and Pol Lt Col Nathip Kaewpradit of the tourist police met the pair after becoming aware of the complaint.

Mr Anan apologised for the inconvenience. He said the meeting had helped resolve the misunderstanding.

The case was reported as resolved after the intervention, allowing the father and son to continue their planned stay in Nan.

What visitors should take from the case

For foreign visitors and expats travelling within Thailand, the episode is a reminder that property images and descriptions on booking sites can sometimes differ sharply from the room supplied on arrival.

Travellers who encounter a serious mismatch should keep their booking confirmation, screenshots of the listing and photographs of the room. These can be useful when raising the matter first with the accommodation and booking platform, and if necessary with local tourism authorities or tourist police.

Nan, particularly its rural districts such as Bo Kluea, is popular with travellers seeking mountain scenery and quieter stays. However, smaller and remote properties can vary considerably in standards and facilities, so visitors may wish to check recent guest reviews and confirm room details directly before travelling.


Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

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30 July 2026




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Authorities have dismantled makeshift shelters at a rural highways barrier storage area in Pathum Thani after reports that people had been using the dark roadside site for sexual encounters.

Used condoms, condom wrappers, lubricant sachets, tissues and water bottles were found scattered around the area near the Department of Rural Roads office on the new Ratchaphruek Road towards Kanchanaphisek Road, in Bang Duea, Mueang Pathum Thani.

The inspection followed online reports describing large quantities of discarded sexual-health products, mosquito-repellent cream and several items of women's underwear at the site. The reports speculated that it had been used as a secret meeting place by people seeking sexual encounters.

Shelters found among concrete barriers

At 8pm on 29 July, Pol Col Wiwat Asawawiboon, superintendent of Mueang Pathum Thani police station, ordered Pol Lt Col Chuchip Ketsakul, the station's operations inspector, to coordinate an inspection.



Bang Duea mayor Suthep Somjai joined patrol officers, village and subdistrict leaders, municipal staff and Department of Rural Roads officials at the barrier storage site.

No vehicles were parked along the road and no gathering was found during the visit. However, officers discovered used condoms, wrappers, lubricant packets and water bottles.

They also found mats laid in gaps between the stored barriers, with materials positioned as screens. In some places, tarpaulins had been arranged as roofs to provide protection from rain and sun. Officers removed and disposed of the items immediately.

Late-night parking raised concerns

Suthep said nobody initially knew what was happening, but officials became suspicious after seeing numerous vehicles parked there late at night.



He said that, about two weeks earlier, he and a village headman saw around 20 cars parked at the site between 11pm and midnight. An engineer from the Department of Rural Roads had previously said staff would be sent to watch the area, after which the vehicles disappeared for a period.

Suthep said the location was difficult to enter at night because adults were afraid of thieves who had targeted electrical cables. On one occasion, he said, officers inspecting the area were fired upon.

He added that moving the barriers or redesigning the area would require substantial funding and cranes, and would not be straightforward. Officials will discuss with the Department of Rural Roads whether the barriers should be removed and how the site can be managed so it does not remain an isolated place vulnerable to drug use or crime.

Police to step up patrols

Pol Lt Col Chuchip said police had previously noticed cars regularly parking there, and that some people had fled to their vehicles when officers approached.

He said senior officers had instructed patrols to intensify random checks to prevent crime and possible drug gatherings. The 29 July inspection took place relatively early in the evening, he said, and the people concerned may not yet have arrived or may have become more cautious following media coverage.

Site cleaned up

On 30 July 2026, Mr Pariwat Rodnuan, Director of the Bangkok and Metropolitan Area Maintenance Division, led more than 10 Department of Rural Roads officials to the site. Using a tractor, they cut down trees and cleared dense vegetation that had created a hidden, overgrown area where climbing plants had completely covered the surroundings.

Mr Pariwat said the operation was intended to open up the area by removing thick undergrowth and trees that obstructed visibility. The aim was to eliminate concealed spaces that could be used for inappropriate gatherings.

He added that the department now plans to allocate a budget to install a fence similar to those used along motorway roads. The barrier will prevent people from entering the site and stop it from being used as a meeting place for such activities in the future.


Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

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30 July 2026
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Asean Now summary of the ongoing incident

Police in Chonburi are continuing to search for Russian siblings Diana Nazimova, 22, and Roman Nazimova, 17, who disappeared after leaving their Huay Yai home before dawn on 26 July 2026.

The case intensified after parts of their Honda ADV motorcycle, registration 4 Kor Sor 6379 Chonburi, were found buried in two locations at the old Thung Luang cemetery in Bang Lamung district. More than 200 police, officials, rescue workers and local residents were deployed in the surrounding forest on 29 July, but the pair had not been found by that evening.

Timeline of the disappearance

At about 4am on 26 July, the brother and sister left their home at Bristol Park village in Huay Yai on the Honda motorcycle. Their mother believes they were heading to a convenience store, but they then lost contact.

CCTV reviewed by police reportedly showed the two travelling back from the Map Ta Phut-Najomtien motorway towards a parallel road. They stopped for around two minutes to speak with unidentified men on another motorcycle, before all travelled in the direction of Chak Ngaeo Road near Wat Yang Yai.

Their mother, Zarina, reported them missing at Huay Yai Police Station on 28 July. She told officers that neither sibling could speak Thai, adding to the family's concerns. Police began reviewing cameras along possible routes and appealed for public information.

Motorcycle parts found in old cemetery

On the morning of 29 July, local leaders found dismantled motorcycle parts buried at the old Thung Luang cemetery, Moo 9, Huay Yai, near Chak Taeng junction and about 200 metres from the Najomtien-Map Ta Phut motorway road.



Officers found the motorcycle separated and buried in two pits roughly 100 metres apart. One contained suspension parts, front and rear wheels, the engine and body panels. The other contained the frame, seat, handlebars and further bodywork.

Chonburi Forensic Science officers seized the parts for DNA, bloodstain and fingerprint examinations. Police said the discovery shifted their work from a missing-person search to a full criminal investigation.

A search involving Huay Yai Police, Chonburi Provincial Police, Tourist Police, district officials, forensic officers and Sawang Boriboon rescue volunteers covered the forest using drones and teams on foot.



Suspects still being sought

Investigators are checking roads into and out of the forest, including Chak Taeng Road and motorway connections, while seeking four suspects reportedly seen fleeing as officers approached the area.

Police are also examining links to a man known as "Pong", but stressed that he remains only a person of interest and has not been charged or found guilty of any offence.

Villagers told reporters they had heard multiple gunshots about 500 metres from the burial site on one or two recent nights. Tourist Police later searched that area, where there was a suspicious foul smell, dense vegetation, an abandoned factory and a cattle area. They found discarded bedding, a jar of Vaseline, shoes and old clothing, but could not establish any connection to the case.



Officers also dug into and inspected a charcoal kiln in the forest, without finding further evidence. The search was halted when heavy rain fell and darkness set in, with civilians asked to leave because suspects were reportedly believed to be armed.

At 4pm on 29 July, police surrounded a house in Moo 11, Huay Yai, after reports that Pong and a man named Thong were hiding there. Neither was found. The homeowner, Thong’s sister, said the two men had arrived at about 10am on 26 July, muddy, stayed for around an hour and then left. She also told investigators that Pong told her that he was a police officer and armed.

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30 July 2026
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A British social media personality known as DannyBoy83 is facing calls for an investigation by Thai authorities, after footage emerged of him making racist and threatening remarks about Thai people.

Daniel Harper, who has previously attracted media attention over his behaviour overseas, later claimed that some of the material circulating online had been altered using artificial intelligence.

Footage shows sustained abuse

In the recording, Harper repeatedly insults Thais, uses racist slurs comparing Thai people to animals, and makes derogatory comments about poverty and sex work in Thailand.

"I hate 'em," Harper says, before continuing his abuse and saying he no longer wanted to remain in the country.

He also appears to threaten indiscriminate violence, saying an encounter with Thai people was "going to go off" because he was going to "smack 'em up".

The recording ends with remarks insulting Thai eating habits and saying he could not wait to travel to Brazil.

Khaosod English said it reviewed several copies of the video preserved and republished by social media users. They showed a continuous rant by the same speaker, in the same setting, with no visible indication that the material had been AI-generated or assembled from separate clips.

The original posts have since disappeared from YouTube and TikTok accounts associated with DannyBoy83, but copies were saved and widely redistributed.

Harper says trolls altered some remarks

It is reported that Harper recorded the rant after an alleged altercation with people he described as the "Thai mafia" at a bar in Bangkok's Sukhumvit area early on Tuesday.

In a later video posted at about 21:00 on Tuesday, 28 July, Harper said online trolls had changed parts of the material.

"I never said some of that stuff," he said. "The trolls have tweaked it. That's like AI. That ain't me."

His wording appeared to challenge only some statements, rather than deny he was the person in the recording. Harper also said he had a flight scheduled for the following week.

An apology video was reportedly posted and subsequently removed, although Khaosod English said it had not obtained a complete independently verified copy.

No Thai police or immigration authority had issued a statement on Harper at the time of publication.

Earlier arrest in Britain

Harper previously made headlines in Britain. The Sun reported in late 2025 that the then-42-year-old was arrested at London's Heathrow Airport after returning from Brazil.

Kent Police reportedly said he was arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage, then released on bail while inquiries continued. An arrest does not establish guilt, and Khaosod English found no later public confirmation of the investigation's outcome.

The Sun described Harper as being from Cranbrook, Kent, and said he had gained more than 100,000 followers through videos documenting partying, drug use and encounters with sex workers during overseas trips.

AseanNow has viewed the video, but the offensive language, plus the anti Thai rhetoric, makes the video unsuitable to be posted on the forum. Below is a facebook link, if anyone wishes to view for themselves.

https://fb.watch/IGdqbuXa_4/?fs=e

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30 July 2026
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A man who identified himself as Larry Malpaya, a former Philippine Airlines captain, has been taken to hospital after being found seriously ill beneath the BTS Phloen Chit station area in Bangkok.

The Mirror Foundation said it is now seeking confirmation of his identity through the relevant embassy, while doctors treat an infected wound reportedly extending to the bone.

Found unable to move near BTS Phloen Chit

A Facebook user, using the name Gak Bias Modelling, said he found the man at about 10.30am on 28 July 2026 under stairs near the BTS station, close to the entrance of a soi by Q House on Phloen Chit Road.

According to the post, building security staff said the man had been there since 27 July. Several agencies had reportedly previously tried to help, but he had declined hospital treatment.

The Facebook user described a swollen, red leg with an open cracked wound discharging pus. The man said he had diabetes and was afraid to seek treatment because he had no money, no insurance and had lost his passport.

He was reportedly unable to sit up and asked for water. The man also asked for bitter melon capsules, saying they were for diabetes, and offered 120 baht for them. The Facebook user instead bought him drinking water, bread, pain relief and anti-inflammatory medicine.

Captain's identity still being checked

The man wrote down his name as Mr Larry Malpaya. He said he had lived in Thailand for more than 20 years, was 58, and had a wife in Pathum Thani named Rungnapa, although he suggested they had separated and he could not remember her telephone number.

He also said he had lost all his money trading shares. The Facebook user later found a Twitter account under the same name, featuring aviation photographs and older posts about shares, but stressed that the man's identity had not yet been verified.

When shown a photograph of an airline captain, the man said he had been a captain with Philippine Airlines, the Philippines' national carrier, and had also flown for AirAsia Philippines. He said he had frequently flown into Don Mueang.

Captain Malpaya had volunteered for a high-risk Philippine Airlines Covid-19 mission with Captain Romeo Donayre and First Officer Willex Amelliam. This too remains subject to verification.

Embassy and immigration contact planned

At about 3pm on 28 July, an ambulance took the man to hospital with police and Mirror Foundation staff. Sitthiphon Chooprachong, head of the foundation's Street Patient Project, confirmed on 29 July that the foundation had arranged hospital treatment and would monitor his condition.

He said the foundation would contact an embassy once the man's nationality was confirmed. It may also seek safe accommodation or arrange a return to his country of origin with immigration police.


Picture courtesy of Daily News

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30 July 2026
Georgealbert
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Phuket police confirmed they are seeking a Russian man, 47 year old Vitalii Kobin accused of stealing foreign worth more than 600,000 baht from a currency exchange shop inside a Phuket shopping centre.

The suspect is also alleged to have overstayed in Thailand by more than a year and police got a court approved arrest warrant, on 29 July 2026.

Police described a carefully planned theft in which the man used the exchange shop posing as a customer before secretly placing a camera where it could capture the safe combination.

Camera used to obtain safe code

After leaving the shop, the suspect reportedly remained inside the shopping centre while monitoring the camera online. This is said to have allowed him to obtain the code needed to open the safe.

He later broke into the shop, entered the safe using the code and took the cash before quickly leaving the shopping centre and driving away.

Police investigating were initially led to a rented room believed to be linked to the suspect. However, when officers entered, they reportedly found an empty room fitted with several cameras rather than the man himself.

The suspect was allegedly staying in another room at a different location and was able to watch police enter the decoy room through the cameras connected online.

Police described the operation as professional and believe the man may have carried out similar thefts before. They said he had come to Phuket specifically to commit thefts.

Foreign identity data allegedly misused

Vitalii Kobin is also alleged to have hacked into an online gambling website and extracted data belonging to a foreign user on the platform.

He then used that person's name, passport details and other personal information to rent vehicles and accommodation, use cards and carry out other transactions.

Police did not identify the foreign user whose information was allegedly taken, and reported that they believe the suspect is still hiding somewhere in Thailand.



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30 July 2026
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Krabi Governor Angkoon Silathevakul has ordered the creation of advice clinics for hotel and non-hotel accommodation operators across the province, aiming to bring businesses into legal compliance and raise tourism standards.

The move follows inspections in Ao Nang, Krabi district, on 24 July 2026, when officials found three establishments allegedly operating without building permits and hotel business licences.

Charges were filed and legal action was begun, with investigators preparing to examine financial trails and links involving those concerned.

Angkoon, who is also Krabi's provincial hotel registrar, instructed the Krabi Provincial Administration Office and every district administration office to set up the "consultation and problem-solving clinic for hotel business licences and non-hotel accommodation".

The initiative was announced on 29 July 2026.

Advice for accommodation operators

The clinics will provide guidance on relevant laws, licence applications, document checks, building-related problems and other requirements. According to the governor, the aim is to reduce procedural steps and time needed for operators who genuinely want to bring their businesses into the formal system.
The order followed a meeting of Interior Ministry department heads and district chiefs on 27 July 2026.

It is part of a wider instruction from Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul for the Interior Ministry to work with other agencies on social order, illegal businesses, influential figures, foreign "grey capital" groups and nominee ownership arrangements.

Authorities have also been told to scrutinise the performance of state officials. Those found involved will face legal proceedings without exception, while financial investigations will be extended to offenders' money trails, according to the instruction.

What it means for Krabi visitors

For foreign tourists and residents using short-term accommodation in Krabi, the campaign is intended to improve confidence that properties meet legal and safety requirements.

The governor said the clinics were not solely about enforcement. They are also designed to lower operators' legal risks, promote fair competition, improve visitor safety standards and ensure tax income enters the system for local and tourism infrastructure development.

Krabi remains highly popular with Thai and international travellers and has ranked among Thailand's highest-booked accommodation destinations during several periods. Provincial authorities said bringing accommodation up to legal standards would protect consumers and help preserve the province's reputation as a global tourism destination.

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30 July 2026
Georgealbert
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Bangkok's Consumer Council has named 50 high-rise condominium projects it says may be in breach of fire-safety access rules, after finding that fire engines and rescue vehicles could face difficulties reaching the buildings in an emergency.

The council said its latest inspections found that several projects had still not corrected problems around their buildings, despite earlier notifications to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The findings were published by the Consumer Council's Facebook page on July 28.

The projects include well-known condominiums in central Bangkok and along mass-transit routes, according to the council. The full list was published through its online announcement.

For foreigners renting or owning a condo in Bangkok, the warning is a reminder to check emergency access and building management arrangements, particularly in dense developments near BTS and MRT stations.

The issue does not automatically mean a building is unsafe or that residents need to move, but access for emergency services can be critical during a fire or structural incident.

Six-metre road requirement

Under building-control rules cited by the Consumer Council, buildings at least 23 metres high - roughly eight storeys - or those with a combined floor area exceeding 10,000 square metres, classified as extra-large buildings, must have a road at least six metres wide around the structure.

The requirement is intended to allow fire engines to circulate, deploy aerial platforms and bring rescue equipment close to the building during a crisis. The council stressed that this is a basic life-safety standard, rather than simply a planning or design matter.

It said previous building collapses and fires had demonstrated that time is decisive in saving lives. If fire engines or rescue vehicles cannot reach a building promptly, assistance can be delayed, potentially worsening loss of life and property damage.

Council says earlier requests brought no result

The Consumer Council said it had previously sent the BMA a list of high-rise condominium projects where it had concerns about space around the buildings, calling for oversight and corrective action.

However, following fresh on-site inspections, it said several locations had not been brought into line with the law. Some projects had reported that work had been completed, but the council said its checks found that the sites still did not meet the required standards.

The council has called on the BMA and other relevant agencies to carry out urgent inspections and enforce the rules seriously, saying this was needed to protect the rights and safety of people living in high-rise buildings.

Residents, including overseas owners who may not be in Thailand year-round, can ask their juristic office or building manager about fire-engine routes, whether access areas are kept clear, and the building's evacuation and emergency procedures.


Picture courtesy of Consumer Council

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30 July 2026
Georgealbert
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A Thai Army demining technician lost his left foot after stepping on a mine during clearance work in Sa Kaeo province on 29 July. Sergeant Major First Class Udomsak Nukman, 44, was taken to Aranyaprathet Hospital and was reported to be conscious while receiving treatment.

The First Army Area said it received a report from the Burapha Force at 11am that Udomsak, a technical survey officer with M.Pan.30 under Humanitarian Mine Action Unit 1 (HMAU 1), had been injured at a dangerous area in Ban Nong Chan, Non Mak Mun subdistrict, Khok Sung district.

His left foot was severed in the blast and he also suffered shrapnel wounds to his left arm. The unit gave first aid at the scene before transferring him to Aranyaprathet Hospital, where medical staff were continuing urgent treatment.

Clearance work continues at Ban Nong Chan

The operation is part of a joint mission by the Burapha Force and HMAU 1, under the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, to make the area around Ban Nong Chan safe.



The hazardous zone covers 80,800 square metres. Teams have so far cleared 62,000 square metres, or 76.73% of the total area, according to the First Army Area.

During the work, officials have found 489 mines and unexploded ordnance items. These included 447 PMN mines, 39 MN79 mines, two POMZ-2 mines and one item of unexploded ordnance.

The authorities said mine-clearance work would continue until the area is fully safe.

Advice for those near the border

For foreigners living in or visiting Sa Kaeo, particularly those travelling in rural parts of Khok Sung district near the Cambodian border, the incident underlines that demining operations remain under way in some areas.

Travellers should stay on recognised roads and routes, avoid entering undeveloped land or any restricted operational area, and follow instructions from local officials and security personnel. The clearance work is intended to improve safety for communities along the border.

Lieutenant General Worayut Lueangsuwan, commander of the First Army Area, expressed concern following the injury. He instructed the Burapha Force to stress careful, non-negligent working practices among personnel involved in the operation.

He also ordered the unit to provide the injured serviceman with the best possible care, including all benefits and welfare support to which he is entitled. The army said it would continue clearance work in dangerous areas to create safe ground for border residents.


Picture courtesy of Komchadluek

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30 July 2026
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Thailand's Transport Ministry plans to seek Cabinet approval for a high-speed railway between Bangkok and Phitsanulok under its 2027 work plan, with construction targeted for January 2030.

The 380-kilometre line is the first stage of the proposed Bangkok-Chiang Mai high-speed railway, being developed in cooperation with Japan. Passenger services are currently targeted to begin in January 2036.

First phase of Bangkok-Chiang Mai plan

The full Bangkok-Chiang Mai project would cover 668 kilometres in two phases. Phase one, from Bangkok to Phitsanulok, is estimated to cost about THB276 billion.

Phase two would run 288 kilometres from Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai, with estimated investment of about THB232 billion.

The environmental impact assessment report for the Bangkok-Phitsanulok section has already been approved by the National Environment Board. However, the investment model remains under consideration.

Thailand's Transport Ministry and Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism have jointly signed a memorandum of understanding on rail-system development between the two countries.

Other high-speed schemes face delays

Thailand is still waiting for its first high-speed rail services to begin. The Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project's Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima section is currently under construction, following Cabinet approval on Tuesday, July 11, 2017.

The State Railway of Thailand says construction on that project is more than 55% complete, with services targeted to start in 2031.

A second project, the High-Speed Rail Linking Three Airports between Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao, has yet to begin construction. Its joint investment contract was signed on Thursday, October 24, 2019, but negotiations over amendments to the agreement remain unresolved in the project's seventh year.

A proposal to terminate that joint investment contract is also likely to go before the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Major investment remains the challenge

High-speed rail is regarded as a major infrastructure project with substantial expectations, but its high investment requirements have made progress difficult. The system also requires technology Thailand has not previously used.


Picture courtesy of The Nation

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30 July 2026
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A 46-year-old man was killed while crossing a road in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi, on the morning of 29 July 2026, after being hit by a van and then run over by a pickup truck.

The victim, identified only as Mr Su, from Nakhon Si Thammarat, had just seen his wife onto a songthaew for her journey to work. She witnessed the collision before the vehicle she had boarded had even pulled away.

Police from Bang Bua Thong station and Poh Teck Tung Foundation volunteers were called to Bang Kruai-Sai Noi Road at about 5.50am. The crash occurred near the U-turn at the New Bang Bua Thong Municipality, in Bang Bua Thong district.

Wife saw the crash from the songthaew

Mr Su's body was found against the central reservation of the road, about 100 metres along the route from Bang Bua Thong towards Sai Noi.

A Hyundai van was stopped nearby with a dented bonnet and cracked windscreen. A silver Isuzu pickup, also involved in the incident, was parked on the opposite side of the road.

A 30-year-old colleague said Mr Su and his wife had left their home in a nearby soi. He would reportedly wait with his wife each day until she boarded a songthaew, before crossing the road to work at a steel factory on the other side.

The same routine took place on the day of the crash. After his wife boarded the songthaew, Mr Su began crossing the road and was struck while the songthaew was still stationary, leaving his wife in shock.

Drivers' accounts under investigation

The van driver said he was travelling from Bang Bua Thong towards Sai Noi when he reached the scene and did not see the pedestrian before the impact.

The pickup driver said he was travelling from Sai Noi when he saw what appeared to be a black bag flying towards his vehicle at close range. He said he could not brake in time and drove over the man, then pulled over to wait for officers.

Dashcam footage from the van clearly recorded Mr Su crossing the road before he was hit. Police have retained the footage as evidence and will question both drivers further.

Mr Su's body was taken by Poh Teck Tung Foundation personnel to the Central Institute of Forensic Science for a post-mortem examination.

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30 July 2026
Georgealbert
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Thai travel YouTuber Hlune Solo has been found dead at a hotel in Tbilisi, Georgia, after being out of contact for more than 15 days.

Georgian broadcaster Mtavari, citing the Georgian Interior Ministry, reported on 29 July that Hlune had died inside a hotel in the capital. No cause of death or further circumstances were given in the report.

The news ends an extensive online search involving Thai friends, Thai residents in Georgia and officials, with information also passed to the Thai Consulate in Ankara.

Friends and volunteers joined the search

The administrator of the Facebook group GE Travel Georgia - Thais in Georgia, Tom GK, said he had gone personally to a local police station with an interpreter after seeing widespread appeals from Thailand to locate Hlune.

He said the group had received all relevant factual information from police and had forwarded it to the Thai Consulate in Ankara. However, he said details would be left to Hlune's relatives to release, out of respect for the family's rights and mental wellbeing.

Isara "Yam" Boonprasert, who had asked friends in Georgia to help, wrote at 3.15pm on 29 July that she had received information about Hlune from a friend in the country.

She said she did not want to make any announcement without authority and had contacted Hlune's older brother, who had not yet read her message. Yam also said Hlune's last known location was not in a difficult-to-reach place, contrary to what she and others had expected.

In a further post, Yam said she had informed the Thai Embassy in Ankara of information received from her Georgian friend, who had gone to a police station and helped search for information. She said she had also spent the previous night examining areas where Hlune might have gone.

Family notified of the death

Wanchai, who had also helped with the search and runs the volunteer travel page Asa Phai Long, later posted: "I have found Hlune's body. My condolences to Hlune's family. I have informed the family. Please let the family provide the details."


Picture courtesy of Amarin

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30 July 2026
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Thai police have seized 32,477 items suspected of carrying counterfeit trademarks from a warehouse in Bangkok's Min Buri district, including more than 1,600 bottles of engine oil branded as Liquimoly, Benz, Shell, Castrol and Nissan.

The raid took place on 28 July at an unnumbered warehouse in Soi Bueng Khwang 12/2, Saen Saep subdistrict. Officers said the premises, located deep inside the soi, had its front gate kept closed and was being used to pack online orders.

The operation was ordered by Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Pol Lt Gen Nattasak Chaowanasa and Pol Maj Gen Tatsaphum Jaruprachya, commander of the Economic Crime Suppression Division. Officers from the division's Sub-division 1 were joined by Department of Intellectual Property staff and trademark-rights representatives.

Goods packed for online customers

Police found Thai workers packing goods into postal boxes, with a full range of packing equipment inside the warehouse. All seized goods have been held for examination.

The haul included more than 22,000 Phraphai Aroma and INZEN car perfumes; more than 7,000 Lanos Lanos moisturising toner products; 1,260 LLMITO matcha powder products; and an unspecified number of Nutrilite protein powder items.

The investigation began after a representative of engine-oil brand Liquimoly complained to Economic Crime Suppression Division investigators about counterfeit products appearing widely on online platforms at unusually low prices.

The company said the sales harmed its brand image and could pose serious risks to consumers. Investigators subsequently traced the suspected goods to the Min Buri warehouse.

Chinese national faces complaint

Warehouse workers reportedly told officers that Chinese national Zhu Fan had rented the site for around three months. They said he paid Thai staff 500 baht a day to pack goods for dispatch according to orders.

According to their account, the products were ordered directly from China, with a focus on engine oil and items trending on social media. They said the goods were sold below market prices in an effort to make rapid profits.

Police said they will file a complaint against Zhu Fan for possessing for sale goods bearing counterfeit trademarks registered in Thailand.

Warning for online shoppers

Pol Maj Gen Tatsaphum warned that counterfeit engine oil may fail industrial standards, potentially damaging engines and leading to accidents affecting life and property. He also said unregulated consumer goods and skincare products may contain chemical contaminants that could have cumulative long-term health effects.


Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid

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30 July 2026
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Thai and other ASEAN diplomats based in China have visited Guangxi in southern China to examine artificial intelligence applications, Beibu Gulf Port and the Pinglu Canal, as China and Thailand seek deeper digital and industrial cooperation.

The delegation included diplomats from Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and the Philippines. The visit took place recently, Xinhua reported from Nanning on 28 July.

Seksan Sarobol, Thailand's Consul-General in Nanning, joined the delegation at the China-ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Application Cooperation Centre, where he learned about Guangxi's approach to expanding AI use and supporting industrial cooperation.

He was particularly impressed by AI-powered translation glasses that translated spoken Chinese into Thai and displayed the translation on the lenses in real time.

AI applications for Thai industry

The digital economy has become a new area of growth in China-Thailand and China-ASEAN cooperation in recent years. Both sides are looking to use AI to support the real economy, including agriculture, manufacturing and logistics.

Guangxi is exploring an AI development model described as: research and development in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou; integration in Guangxi; and application in ASEAN. The approach is intended to combine established technology with industrial demand across the region.

Thailand, meanwhile, is promoting the transition and upgrading of traditional industries through digital technology to improve industrial competitiveness. AI can be used to monitor farm output, identify pests and crop diseases, and forecast yields, making agricultural production more precise.

For foreign investors and business operators in Thailand, the development points to growing opportunities - and potentially greater pressure - for companies involved in farming technology, manufacturing systems, logistics and digital services.

AI integrated with industrial internet systems and smart manufacturing can also help manufacturers improve production efficiency and strengthen coordination across supply and industrial chains.

Canal due to open by September

The diplomats also took an interest in smart operations at the Qinzhou Port area of Beibu Gulf Port and progress on the 134.2-kilometre Pinglu Canal.

The canal is scheduled to open by September 2026 and is a key project under the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor.

Once completed and operational, it is expected to significantly reduce the time needed to move goods from inland western China to regional markets. It is also expected to promote China-ASEAN trade and strengthen Guangxi's role as an important connection to the Chinese market for Thailand.

Industry figures believe China and Thailand have strongly complementary potential in AI: China has accumulated experience in technology research, development and industrial applications, while Thailand has substantial industrial demand and a geographical advantage for reaching ASEAN markets.

Future cooperation could extend to smart agriculture, smart manufacturing, digital trade and smart tourism, according to the report.


Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid

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30 July 2026

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Search teams are continuing to look for two Russian siblings who have been missing in Huay Yai, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi, for four days, after residents reported previously hearing several gunshots from nearby woodland.

On 29 July 2026, villagers told reporters they believed the gunfire heard on the night of 26 July could be connected to the disappearance. The siblings' fate remains unknown, prompting concern among Russian friends who have joined officials and local residents in the search.

The search has focused on Moo 9, Huay Yai subdistrict, where teams have been combing the area throughout the day. A dismantled motorcycle was previously found abandoned in the forest.

Gunfire heard in woodland

At 3.05pm on 29 July, a resident living near the search area said gunshots had been heard from forest behind their home on the evening of 26 July.

According to the resident, there were two bursts of shots: the first consisted of three rounds, followed by a second burst of between five and seven shots. A man was also heard shouting, although the witness could not make out what he was saying.


Picture courtesy of SiamChon

The resident initially assumed young people had been firing a gun in the area. After learning that the Russian siblings had vanished without trace, however, they considered there might be a link.

The villager took reporters to the area from which the shots were heard. Only signs of people walking in and out of the woodland were found, with no sign of the missing Russians.

Officials have been asked to carry out another detailed patrol and search of the forest.

Residents fear suspect may be nearby

Other residents in the area told reporters that a suspect had reportedly been released from prison only a week earlier after serving a sentence in a serious criminal case.

The claim has added to local fears, and villagers urged officers to quickly track down and arrest the person responsible so that legal action can follow.

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29 July 2026

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The death toll from the fire at the Na Lat Phrao entertainment venue in Bangkok has reached 37 after a 25-year-old customer died at Rajavithi Hospital early on 29 July.

Oranong Sarisri had been treated for injuries since the blaze, which broke out late on 12 July 2026. The fire had previously killed 36 people, either at the scene or after hospital treatment, while 79 people suffered burn injuries.

Victim died after more than two weeks in hospital

Police Captain Peerapong Phosri, a deputy investigation inspector at Phaya Thai police station, was called at 5.39am on 29 July following Oranong's death at Rajavithi Hospital.

Poh Teck Tung Foundation staff took her body to the Police General Hospital's forensic institute for a post-mortem examination.

Metropolitan Police Division 2 commander Major General Kiatikul Sontanae said Oranong was a customer at the venue. She had been admitted to Rajavithi Hospital on the day of the fire and died in the early hours of 29 July.

Police say case file is nearly complete

Investigators at Phahonyothin police station are gathering evidence for possible action over alleged negligence and breaches of the Building Control Act.

They have already questioned more than 150 witnesses, including venue operators, injured people, relatives of those killed and experts from relevant agencies.

Police say the main case file is around 70-80% complete. They still need to question Metropolitan Electricity Authority officials and another six or seven people linked to the case, with investigators expecting the evidence to be more complete next week.

Venue owner Suwicha Saibat, 45, has not yet been questioned or charged because he remains in intensive care at Paolo Kaset Hospital.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration officials have also ordered Prasat Phosrimart, director of Chatuchak district office, to assist at the BMA's Office of the Permanent Secretary. The move was intended to ensure the fact-finding process is transparent and does not affect official duties.

The case remains an active criminal investigation, with police still awaiting further witness accounts and evidence before completing the file.

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29 July 2026
Georgealbert
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Thai travel YouTuber Hlun Solo, whose real name is Bowornthat Pengsuk, has been missing in Georgia after travelling there alone to film content, his family says.

His brother says the family last heard from the 27-year-old on 13 July 2026 and has been unable to reach him by phone or online since. Thailand's Department of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been contacted, but no progress had been reported as of 28 July.

Family appeal shared online

The appeal was posted by Hlun Solo's brother, using the Facebook account Klose Mos, which asked people in Georgia, including Thai residents and travellers, to look out for him and share any possible information.

"My grandmother is very worried and wants to know how he is and whether he is safe," the post said. It asked people to circulate the appeal among Thai communities in Georgia and anyone living in or travelling around the country.


Picture courtesy of Daily News

Hlun Solo is known for solo, low-budget backpacking videos and has travelled to more than 50 countries. His Hlun Solo page has more than 2.5 million followers, while his YouTube channel has 914,000 subscribers.

For foreigners in Thailand with friends or relatives travelling independently, the case is a reminder that family members should keep basic contact details, travel plans and accommodation information. In this case, the family has specifically asked anyone who may have seen Hlun Solo in Georgia to help share information rather than attempting to draw conclusions online.

Kalasin officials visit family home

At 9.30pm on 28 July, Somdet district chief Wirat Ratchachari, accompanied by Duangdao Ratchachari, president of the Somdet district Red Cross branch, and community leaders, visited the family home in Ban Si Yaek, Moo 10, Somdet subdistrict, Somdet district, Kalasin.

His grandmother and other relatives spoke with the visiting officials and expressed deep concern for his welfare.

Wirat said he had visited to establish the facts and ask for an update after the social-media appeal gained widespread attention. He said relatives had already publicised the case online and coordinated with the Department of Consular Affairs, but there had been no developments.

He urged social-media users to continue sharing the appeal so that it may reach anyone with a lead, or Hlun Solo himself, and said the family wanted him to contact them as soon as possible.

From Kalasin to global travel creator

Born on 20 June 1999 in Somdet, Kalasin, Bowornthat was raised by his grandmother after his father died. He previously worked in a factory for 300 baht a day, before winning a scholarship to study political science at Chulalongkorn University.

After graduating, he became a full-time travel creator, documenting overseas travel and his personal struggle to save money while studying and working in pursuit of his travel ambitions.

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29 July 2026
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