Thailand News

Chiang Mai raids target alleged foreign nominee firms

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai raids target alleged foreign nominee firms

Thai police have searched 18 locations across Chiang Mai in an operation targeting alleged foreign nominee company networks connected with land holdings valued at about 633 million baht.

More than 250 officers and officials joined the 20 July operation, known as "Dismantling Foreign Nominee Networks, Phase 5", which covered 31 cases and led to arrest warrants for 22 people.

Companies and land under scrutiny

Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Samran Nuanma ordered the operation, led by Pol Lt Gen Noppasin Poolsawat and Pol Lt Gen Kritthapol Yeesakhon. Police from Provincial Police Region 5 and Chiang Mai investigation units were joined by the Chiang Mai governor's office, the Department of Business Development and the Land Department.

Authorities said they examined more than 33,144 registered companies in Chiang Mai. Of these, 4,741 had foreign shareholders and 1,591 were initially considered possible nominee arrangements.



After screening, officials selected 31 companies for action: 16 suspected of using Thai shareholders to hold shares on behalf of foreigners, and 15 said to have foreign ownership above the legal limit while holding land. The firms were linked to 29 land plots covering more than 20 rai, with an estimated value of 633 million baht.

Warrants were issued for two Thai nationals, seven Myanmar nationals, three Indians, one British national and nine Chinese nationals. Five suspects were arrested: two Indians and three Myanmar nationals.

Saraphi housing estate examined

One case involved Village K.12 in Moo 8, Chai Sathan subdistrict, Saraphi district. Police said four companies in the development were suspected of using Thai nominees. The registered companies were identified by authorities as Cheng, Smart, Go and Man.

In the cases involving Cheng and Smart, a Thai man identified only as Mr R was listed as a shareholder in seven companies and an authorised director in one, despite being held at Chiang Mai Central Prison since 25 November 2021. He is due for release on 23 February 2037.


Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath

Police said the companies were registered after his imprisonment, raising questions over whether he could genuinely manage or operate them. Mr R reportedly told investigators that a former inmate had invited him to invest and requested his ID card and house registration documents for company registration. He said he had received no return and denied knowing he had been named in several other companies.

A Thai shareholder listed for Go, Mr S, told police he did not know he was a shareholder and had never seen financial or shareholding documents. He said he had sent a photograph of his ID card to a property broker and was paid 7,000 baht in cash each time to sign documents at the Land Department and take part in property transactions.

A woman listed as a shareholder for Man said a foreign employer, who had hired her as a maid, requested copies of her ID card and house registration, saying they were for social security and salary arrangements. She said the company later closed and she could no longer contact the employer.

Pol Gen Samran said action had been taken against relevant shareholders and directors, with investigators pursuing organisers, supporters and the true beneficiaries.

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20 July 2026

• Crime

• 20 comments
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Georgealbert

July 20Jul 20

Phuket police hunt driver after tourist killed crossing road

Phuket

Phuket police hunt driver after tourist killed crossing road

A foreign woman tourist was killed after being struck by a car while crossing Thepkrasattri Road in Phuket early on 20 July 2026. The driver left the scene and police are now examining CCTV footage to identify and prosecute the person responsible.

The crash was reported at 4.45am on the inbound side of Thepkrasattri Road, about 20 metres beyond the PTT petrol station in Ko Kaeo, Phuket City police said.

Police Major Nattheerphichitchai Nithimet, an investigating officer at Phuket City Police Station, went to the scene with forensic staff from Vachira Phuket Hospital, Ko Kaeo Subdistrict Administrative Organisation rescue personnel and Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation rescuers.

Victim had no identification documents

Officers found the woman lying in the middle of the road. She had sustained fatal injuries in the collision.



Police found no identification documents on her, but recovered a mobile phone and wallet. Her body was examined at the scene before being taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital. Her identity and nationality had not been released.

Investigators are checking security-camera footage in the area in an effort to trace the vehicle and its driver. The driver is being sought to face legal action.

A practical warning for visitors and residents

Thepkrasattri Road is one of Phuket's principal north-south routes, used by traffic travelling between Phuket Town, airport areas and other parts of the island. For foreign residents and visitors, the case is a reminder that crossing major roads can be particularly hazardous, especially before dawn when visibility is reduced and traffic may still be moving quickly.

Pedestrians should use designated crossings where available, allow extra time to cross wide multi-lane roads and avoid assuming that approaching vehicles will stop. Those involved in a road crash in Thailand should contact police and emergency services promptly, while travellers may also wish to notify their embassy or insurer if hospital treatment or identification issues arise.

Police have not said what type of car was involved, nor whether any witnesses have come forward. Their investigation remains under way.


Picture courtesy of Komchadluek

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20 July 2026

• Road Accident

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Georgealbert

July 20Jul 20

Buriram forager found alive after seven days in forest

Isaan

Buriram forager found alive after seven days in forest

A 22-year-old man who vanished while foraging in Buriram has been found alive after seven days lost in the forest. Kitamet "Palm" Koisamran survived without food, drinking water gathered from elephant footprints and forest vines.

Palm went missing on 11 July after becoming separated from a friend in Dong Yai Forest, Non Din Daeng district, where they had been looking for wild produce.

Nearly 100 people - including rescue workers, wildlife officials, local leaders, volunteers and villagers - joined the search, travelling through the dense forest on foot and by motorcycle. Thick vegetation and the presence of wild animals, including elephants, made the operation difficult.

Found 60 kilometres from where he disappeared

Palm's parents took part in the search but, as the days passed, also prayed to forest spirits and consulted a traditional fortune teller. They were told their son was alive and would eventually leave the forest.

On the evening of 17 July, a married couple in Sra Takhian subdistrict, Soeng Sang district, Nakhon Ratchasima, found a man matching Palm's description. The spot was about 60 kilometres from the point where he had gone missing.

The couple said Palm was exhausted and had scratches on his arms and legs. They gave him shelter at their home and alerted Thap Lan National Park officials, who then coordinated with his family.

Palm told rescuers that he had walked away to relieve himself and, on returning, could no longer see his friend's lights. He shouted and set off firecrackers in an effort to attract attention, but received no reply.

Trying to find a route out only led him deeper into the forest, he said. During the week, he came across several herds of wild elephants, although none attacked him.

A warning for visitors in forest areas

Palm said he had no food during his ordeal and survived solely on water found in elephant tracks and from vines. He eventually encountered local residents and asked them for help.

"I’m happy to be alive and to see my parents again," Palm said. He added that he would never enter the forest to forage again.

His mother called his survival a miracle and thanked the officials, rescuers and villagers involved in the search. The family plans for Palm to be ordained as a Buddhist monk to fulfil a vow made while he was missing, and says he will not be allowed to go into the forest again.

For foreigners hiking, camping or visiting forested parts of Thailand, the case is a reminder that conditions can quickly become disorientating away from marked routes. Thick jungle, limited visibility and wildlife can make a short separation from companions especially dangerous.


Picture courtesy of Khaosod

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20 July 2026

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Georgealbert

July 20Jul 20

Pattaya man injured after jump into road tunnel

Pattaya

Pattaya man injured after jump into road tunnel

A 35-year-old Thai man was injured after jumping from the road above into Pattaya's underpass early on 20 July, police and rescue workers said. The man, identified as Sakorn Burin, suffered an ankle injury after falling about five to six metres into the tunnel.

Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya rescue volunteers received the report at 6.20am and alerted Pattaya City Police. Responders found Sakorn lying injured inside the underpass, with a large suitcase in the middle of the road nearby.

He was given first aid at the scene before being taken to Pattaya Bhattamakun Hospital for further treatment.

Suitcase contained old belongings

Officials inspected the suitcase and found old personal possessions and collected items, most of which were rubbish or no longer usable. Sakorn was described as appearing to be homeless.

When questioned, he said he was stressed and overthinking matters. He told officers only, "I don't want to be here," before saying he had decided to jump into the underpass.



Police spoke to him, warned him about the danger of his actions and explained that he could have been killed, or caused damage and injury to road users, if vehicles had been passing through the tunnel at the time.

A rescue volunteer said a motorcycle taxi rider had earlier seen Sakorn standing on the road above the underpass, apparently preparing to throw the suitcase down. The rider had to continue taking a passenger to their destination and could not intervene immediately.

When the rider returned, Sakorn had already jumped into the tunnel and the suitcase was lying in the road. The rider then contacted rescue workers.

Support agencies to be contacted

Police advised Sakorn to seek help from a shelter in Bang Lamung district, where accommodation and food are available for people facing personal hardship. Officials said they would coordinate with relevant agencies to provide social support and monitor his mental wellbeing.


Pictures courtesy of Amarin

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20 July 2026

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Georgealbert

July 20Jul 20

Three killed as BMW hits tuk-tuk in Nonthaburi

Bangkok

Three killed as BMW hits tuk-tuk in Nonthaburi

Three women were killed when a black BMW iX3 collided with a tuk-tuk in a housing estate in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi, early on 20 July.

Police said the 32-year-old BMW driver, identified only as Yotsathorn, recorded an alcohol level of 152 milligrams per cent following the crash, well over the legal limits. He was due to be taken to the police station for legal proceedings.

The collision was reported to Bang Bua Thong Police Station at 4.30am at the entrance to Soi 12 in a housing estate in Sano Loi subdistrict. Ruamkatanyu Foundation volunteers and forensic medical staff attended the scene.

Tuk-tuk overturned after high-speed collision

CCTV footage timestamped 4.08am showed the tuk-tuk leaving Soi 12 with two passengers and turning right towards the front of the estate. A black BMW travelling at speed then struck it, before losing control and hitting a roadside tree, police said.



The tuk-tuk overturned and was badly damaged. The BMW came to rest about 20 metres away with extensive front-end damage and deployed airbags.

The dead were named as tuk-tuk driver Pathumphon Prasertkantrong, 37, and passengers Phat Sae-ngow, 77, and Lamai Atchakornlak, 82.

Yotsathorn was found at the scene in an intoxicated condition. He told police he had just returned from watching the World Cup at a restaurant in the Ratchaphruek area and would accept responsibility for his actions. He said the vehicle was insured.



Family says the women were heading to market

Namphloy Ploynumngeun, 38, niece of the two elderly passengers, said her aunts had been travelling to sell snacks at Bang Bua Thong market when the BMW, which she said was swerving, hit the tuk-tuk with force.

She said she heard what sounded like a crash from inside her home and went outside to find the wrecked tuk-tuk. She did not know the BMW driver, although he said he lived in the estate. Namphloy said the family would pursue the case to the fullest extent of the law.

Rungsak Prasertkantrong, 49, husband of the tuk-tuk driver, said his wife had regularly collected the two women and taken them to Bang Bua Thong market for many years. He learned of the crash from a motorcycle taxi rider.

He said the couple had been together for more than 20 years and that he must now support their two children. He questioned why anyone would drive quickly inside a housing estate and appealed to authorities and media to follow the case.


Pictures courtesy of Amarin

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20 July 2026

• Road Accident

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Georgealbert

July 20Jul 20

Belgian Interpol suspect held at Patong condo

Phuket

Belgian Interpol suspect held at Patong condo

Thai immigration police have arrested a Belgian national wanted on an Interpol Red Notice at a condominium in Patong, Phuket, after Belgian authorities sought assistance to locate him.

The man, identified by police only as Mr Reid, was detained outside his room at the condo in Patong, Kathu district, on 18 July. He had entered Thailand through Phuket International Airport on 21 May and had permission to remain until 18 August.

Red Notice linked to serious Belgian allegations

Belgium had asked Thailand's Immigration Bureau to trace Mr Reid, who is accused of attempted murder as a joint offender, carrying and possessing firearms, and membership of a criminal organisation as a leader allegedly planning murders.

Investigators from the Immigration Bureau's Special Crime Operations Division and Phuket Immigration checked his travel and accommodation records before locating him at the Patong condominium. Officers kept the property under observation and approached him when he appeared outside his room.



Police said they identified themselves, checked his passport and confirmed that he was the person named in the Interpol Red Notice.

A Red Notice is an international request to locate and provisionally arrest a person sought by another country. It is not itself a finding of guilt.

Permission to stay revoked

Immigration officers revoked Mr Reid's permission to stay in Thailand under Sections 12 and 36 of the Immigration Act 1979. Section 12 concerns prohibited persons, while Section 36 allows authorities to withdraw permission to remain in the kingdom in certain circumstances.

He is being held for legal proceedings and eventual removal to his country of origin, according to the Immigration Bureau.

Pol Lt Gen Phanumas said the bureau would continue working with domestic and international security agencies to pursue people wanted under international notices and warrants.

Thailand, he said, would not be a hiding place for fugitives or transnational criminals, and officials would act firmly against foreign nationals considered a threat to national security or public order.


Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

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20 July 2026

• Crime

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Georgealbert

July 19Jul 19

Pattaya police hunt suspect after Kuwaiti tourist robbery

Pattaya

Pattaya police hunt suspect after Kuwaiti tourist robbery

Pattaya police are reviewing CCTV footage after a Kuwaiti tourist reported being robbed of 20,000 baht and a mobile phone following a meeting on Pattaya Beach.

Mr Nawaf Almutairi told officers at Pattaya City Police Station that he was attacked after agreeing to go with a person that he confessed to be unsure if they were a woman or ladyboy. The alleged robbery happened at about 8.30pm on 18 July 2026.

Alleged meeting ended in attack

Mr Almutairi said he had been drinking at a bar in Pattaya before taking a walk along the beach front, where he met the alleged offender. After talking, the pair agreed to go somewhere to have sex, according to his statement to police.

He said the other person then took him by motorcycle towards North Pattaya before turning into an isolated side street and stopping.

The Kuwaiti visitor told police that, as he was intoxicated, he got off the motorcycle and sat at the roadside. He alleged that the suspect then grabbed 20,000 baht in cash and a Samsung Galaxy Y mobile phone.

He said he tried to resist but was unable to overcome the attacker, who also assaulted him and punched him in the face, leaving him with a black eye, plus scratches and bruises on his body. The suspect then left him there, before leaving on the motorcycle.

The tourist later went to Pattaya City Police Station to make a formal complaint and ask for the suspect to be prosecuted.

CCTV review under way

Investigators have taken Mr Almutairi's statement and examined the reported crime scene. Detectives were also sent to gather further evidence and trace CCTV cameras along the route believed to have been used by the suspect after the alleged attack.

For foreign visitors and residents, the case is a reminder that isolated streets can present added risks, particularly after drinking or when travelling with someone newly met. Using identifiable transport, avoiding carrying large amounts of cash and keeping phones and valuables secure can reduce the practical consequences of theft.


Picture courtesy of ฉลาม นิวส์

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20 July 2026

• Crime

• 2 comments
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Georgealbert

July 19Jul 19

Thailand extends migrant worker stay to December 2027

Politics

Thailand extends migrant worker stay to December 2027

Thailand has extended the stay and work period for registered migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam until December 11, 2027, in a move intended to prevent labour shortages across key industries.

The Cabinet approved the measure on Tuesday, July 14. Capt Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn, deputy government spokeswoman, announced the details on Sunday, July 19, saying the extension would support the economy and help employers maintain their workforce.

The measure applies only to migrant workers already recorded in government systems. It is not a new registration programme for workers arriving from abroad.

Existing workers can remain in the system

Most affected workers' permits had been expected to expire gradually towards the end of 2026. Without an extension, businesses relying on them could have faced staffing problems in manufacturing, construction, agriculture and service industries.

Capt Patdarasm said the government acted ahead of the permit expiries so that companies could plan their staffing without having to stop production lines or temporarily close operations.

The policy is particularly relevant in industrial areas and major tourist provinces, where employers in hotels, restaurants, construction and related services can rely heavily on migrant labour.

Digital database checks planned

During the grace and extension period, government agencies will improve the migrant worker database and use digital technology to connect systems between agencies.

Officials say this will make it easier to check that workers remain legally registered, while helping to reduce illegal entry and illegal employment. The government also expects the measures to ease pressure on businesses linked to international labour standards.

The spokeswoman stressed that the Cabinet decision does not open general registration for new migrant workers. Only the existing group whose details are already held in the government's system will be eligible to continue working under the extended period.

Employers urged to await official guidance

The Ministry of Labour will issue detailed notifications and guidelines aimed at making paperwork quicker and more convenient for employers and workers.

Employers and business operators have been told to follow announcements through the Department of Employment website, www.doe.go.th, or call the Ministry of Labour hotline on 1506 and press 2.

Officials warned businesses to use official channels to avoid scams involving false claims or demands for benefits.


Picture courtesy of The Nation

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20 July 2026

• Economy

• 1 comment
• 391 views

Georgealbert

July 19Jul 19

Police officer denies drinking in fatal Kamphaeng Phet crash

Central Thailand

Police officer denies drinking in fatal Kamphaeng Phet crash

A 40-year-old mother has died and her two sons, aged 13 and nine, are critically injured after a pickup truck driven by a police officer struck their motorcycle in Kamphaeng Phet province.

The driver, Police Sub-Lieutenant Kriangkrai Saengkham, 53, of Khlong Lan Police Station, admitted driving the pickup but denied drinking alcohol. A witness said she smelled alcohol and believed he appeared intoxicated.

Mother dies after motorcycle struck from behind

The crash involved Piyawadee, known as Nueng, who lived in Moo 13, Khlong Lan, Khlong Lan Phatthana subdistrict. According to a Facebook post made at 3.30pm on 19 July, the mother and her two sons were thrown in different directions after the collision.

The mother was thrown into a drainage pipe, while the boys landed in the road. All three were initially seriously injured, but Piyawadee later died.



At 10.30am on 19 July, her family held funeral rites at Wat Khlong Pla Ra Samakkhi Tham in Moo 14, Khlong Lan Phatthana. Kriangkrai attended to pay respects, provide money towards funeral arrangements and discuss support with relatives, village heads and community leaders present.

He said the payment was for funeral costs only and separate from any further compensation. He said he would look after the family "in every aspect", including the children's schooling transport after their only motorcycle was damaged.

Alcohol allegation remains unanswered

Kriangkrai said the pickup had been travelling downhill when he lost control and hit the rear of the motorcycle. He said he stayed at the scene, helped the injured family and accepted responsibility.

"I confirm that I had not consumed alcohol on the day of the incident," he said, adding that compensation would be discussed after the funeral.

However, a 34-year-old witness, Sirina, said she had been driving in the opposite direction on 18 July when she saw the motorcycle travelling normally in its lane before the pickup moved over and hit it from behind.

She said the pickup continued for about 300 metres before returning to the scene. She alleged the driver initially told her the motorcycle had cut in front of him, and said she could smell alcohol and that he seemed disoriented.

The witness said both boys are being treated in the intensive care unit at Kamphaeng Phet Hospital, with the younger child reportedly needing continuous resuscitation at the scene. She said she would act as a witness because she feared the family might not receive justice.

The older sisters of the injured boys, said they were worried about medical bills, their brothers' recovery and how the family would manage without their mother, who had been its main provider. The boys' uncle also raised concerns over their living costs and care.


Pictures courtesy of Matichon

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20 July 2026

• Road Accident

• 14 comments
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Georgealbert

July 19Jul 19

Thailand targets civil servants aged over 40 for retirement

Politics

Thailand targets civil servants aged over 40 for retirement

Thailand's government is considering a voluntary retirement scheme for civil servants as young as 40, in a bid to reduce personnel costs and modernise the bureaucracy.

Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt said the proposed programme would initially cover officials in roles where technology could replace routine administrative tasks. A detailed study is expected to be completed in time for the 2027 fiscal year.

Officials aged 40 are being targeted because they have time to retrain, gain new skills and adapt to labour-market changes, Mr Pakorn said. Those aged 50 and over may find career changes and reskilling more difficult.

A large middle-aged workforce

Office of the Civil Service Commission figures show Thailand had 414,088 civil servants in 2024, with an average age of 42.14. Some 121,545 officials were aged between 41 and 50, making up nearly 30% of the workforce.

If the initial programme works, it could be expanded to other groups. Ministers argue it could contain rising personnel expenditure while bringing more technology and artificial intelligence into government work.

Concerns over experience and savings

Nonarit Bisonyabut, a research fellow at the Thailand Development Research Institute, said the scheme's outcome will depend on its design and should be preceded by a detailed study.

He warned that capable officials with skills valued by the private sector could be the most likely to take voluntary retirement. While companies may welcome experienced recruits, government agencies could lose staff needed for policy-making and complex public services.

The other likely group comprises operational and administrative support workers whose jobs could be replaced by digital systems and AI. Mr Nonarit said early retirees who cannot find work could face financial hardship and become reliant on welfare support.

He also questioned whether the programme would produce the expected budget savings. A modest compensation package may not persuade officials to leave, while a generous one could wipe out long-term savings.

"The government must offer enough to encourage people to leave, but if it pays too much, the expected savings may disappear," he said.

Mr Nonarit also raised doubts about a possible move from existing civil-service healthcare benefits to private health insurance. He said the current system faces fraudulent claims, excessive medical use and rising costs for medicines outside the national essential drugs list, but private insurers operate for profit and premiums generally increase with age.

Calls for gradual reform

Chulalongkorn University political scientist Stithorn Thananithichot said voluntary retirement schemes can cause a brain drain, with strong performers better able to find private-sector work or start businesses.

He said the state could instead identify underperforming officials for removal with suitable compensation, although this could shift costs to welfare programmes if they cannot find jobs.

Mr Stithorn favoured defining necessary agency responsibilities first, then reducing numbers gradually through normal retirements and leaving vacant posts unfilled. He also said savings might be found by examining development budgets and outsourced projects, such as events that civil servants could manage themselves.

Mr Stithorn said threats to job security, healthcare benefits and pension rights could cause resentment and make public service less attractive to new graduates.

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20 July 2026

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Georgealbert

July 19Jul 19

Phuket raids five cannabis shops, seizes 6kg of flower

Phuket

Phuket raids five cannabis shops, seizes 6kg of flower

Phuket authorities have raided five cannabis shops in Muang district, arresting five people and seizing more than six kilograms of dried cannabis flower, along with a large quantity of pre-rolled products.

The operation on 19 July 2026 involved provincial administration officers, police and public health officials. Authorities said suspected offences included selling or processing controlled herbs without permission, trading while a licence was suspended, and employing foreign workers in prohibited roles.

Five shops checked in Muang district

The inspection team was led by Pol Lt Col Khettharat Chansilp, Phuket deputy governor and acting security adviser at the Interior Ministry's Office of the Permanent Secretary.

Also present were Rear Admiral Prapan Srisuwipha, deputy director of Internal Security Operations Command Phuket on the military side; Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum, commander of Phuket Provincial Police; and Siwat Rawangkun, Muang Phuket district chief acting as Phuket provincial clerk.

Officials searched five cannabis retail premises in Muang district and found several people believed to be linked to offences under relevant legislation, including the Thai Traditional Medicine Wisdom Protection and Promotion Act 1999.

They also cited suspected violations of Thailand's foreign-worker employment laws. No details were released on the nationalities of the workers or the individual roles allegedly involved.

Cannabis products sent for testing

The seized items included dried cannabis flowers, pre-rolled cannabis products, digital scales and several suspicious objects. All will be sent for scientific examination before further action is taken.

Those involved were handed to investigators at Muang Phuket Police Station for legal proceedings.

For foreign residents and visitors, the raids underline that cannabis outlets operating openly are not necessarily properly licensed. Anyone buying cannabis should be aware that Phuket is increasing enforcement against businesses whose permits have expired or been suspended, while staff at such premises may also be subject to employment checks.

The action is directed at operators and workers rather than tourists or customers, but visitors should take care when choosing where to buy regulated herbal products and should follow Thai rules on their use.

More inspections planned

Siwat said authorities had identified 12 cannabis businesses in the area whose licences had been suspended. A further 533 establishments had failed to renew their licences.

Phuket will progressively inspect those premises and take legal action strictly where required, he said.

He stressed that the operation was an exercise of official legal powers and that anyone detained or charged remains an accused person, presumed innocent unless and until a final court ruling is made.

The province will continue coordinating with all relevant agencies to ensure businesses meet legal standards, Siwat added, with the stated aim of improving safety and confidence among residents and tourists.


Picture courtesy of Daily News

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20 July 2026

• Crime

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Georgealbert

July 19Jul 19

Thailand secures Chinese investment pledges worth Bt70bn

Economics

Thailand secures Chinese investment pledges worth Bt70bn

Thailand expects more than Bt70 billion in investment from four leading Chinese electric vehicle and advanced-technology companies, following talks in Chengdu on 19 July.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the commitments followed a Thailand Team investment roadshow led by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in the Chinese city.

The expected total comprises Bt50 billion in expansions of existing investments and more than Bt20 billion in new investment. Ekniti said geopolitical tensions were encouraging companies to shift manufacturing capacity from China to ASEAN, with Thailand among their preferred destinations.

EV production expands in Rayong

Changan Automobile, a top-tier Chinese EV maker, has selected Thailand as its first right-hand-drive vehicle production base outside China, according to the government.

Its factory in Rayong is intended to serve as an export hub for countries covered by Thailand's free-trade agreements. Changan plans to double production capacity to 200,000 vehicles a year and has already brought 40 Thai small and medium-sized enterprises into its supply chain.

Rayong and the wider Eastern Seaboard have long been a manufacturing centre, and additional EV investment could reinforce the region's role in Thailand's automotive transition. Foreign residents considering work in related sectors should note that employment permissions continue to depend on the usual work permit and visa requirements.

AI and optical technology plans

InnoLight Technology, described as the world's leading supplier of optical data-transmission equipment, is preparing to expand its Thai production base. The company plans to create more than 20,000 jobs and work with leading Thai universities on research and development involving more than 1,500 Thai engineers.

Eoptolink Technology, described as the world's second-largest company in the same industry, has opened its first factory in Rayong and is continuing to expand a second plant there.

The government has also sought to attract Xiaomi Corporation, which it said holds the third-largest smartphone market share in Thailand, to use the country as a manufacturing base for smart appliances and Internet of Things products. Officials cited Thailand's established smart-electronics supply chain as a key attraction.

Ekniti compared the developments to the Japanese investment wave of the 1980s, when manufacturers established bases on the Eastern Seaboard. He said the current round was focused on future industries including AI, EVs and intelligent robotics, and was consistent with an International Monetary Fund assessment that Thailand is emerging as a global technology prospect.
BOI opens Chengdu office

On 19 July, the Board of Investment also held a business-matching event for Thai businesspeople attending the opening of its Chengdu office. The event was intended to allow Thai and Chinese companies to discuss potential partnerships, which officials said could produce further investment.


Pictures courtesy of The Standard

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20 July 2026

• China

• 2 comments
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Georgealbert

July 19Jul 19

Truck driver questioned after fatal road dispute

Central Thailand

Truck driver questioned after fatal road dispute

Police in Samut Sakhon are investigating the death of a 39-year-old man who fell from the side of a moving 22-wheel articulated lorry and was then run over on Saturday afternoon.

The victim, named as Phakphum Korjan, died on Khlong Khae Rai Road outside a roadside restaurant in Moo 1, Khae Rai, Krathum Baen district, at about 12.30pm on 18 July.

Rescue volunteers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation covered the body while waiting for police and medical staff from Krathum Baen Hospital. The body and recovered remains from along the road, were later sent to Siriraj Hospital's forensic institute for examination.

Driver gives account of confrontation

Police found the lorry about one kilometre from the scene, parked by the roadside outside a company. Blood was visible on its rear right wheel, while the right-front wheel mudguard had come away and was found lying on the road.



The driver, 58-year-old Krabi resident Athit Sriboriboon, was taken to Krathum Baen Police Station for questioning.

Athit told officers that he had been waiting at the Khai Nang Krob U-turn traffic lights on Phutthasakhon Road, in the right-hand lane, when another lorry driver approached him. The man alleged that Athit had hit the rear of his vehicle and damaged a plastic bumper.

Athit denied a collision had taken place. He claimed the other driver then climbed towards his door and tried to take his ignition key, but he managed to stop him. According to Athit, the man remained holding on to the vehicle's window and punched him.


Pictures courtesy of kaoded

The driver said he started the lorry and drove away because he feared being attacked, intending to find police or a security guard at a company along the route. He said he knew the man was clinging to the vehicle throughout the journey, and alleged that he had tried to climb towards the cab and kicked the mudguard until it broke loose.

CCTV and witnesses examined

Officers also inspected the location where the disagreement was said to have begun. A trailer was found at the traffic lights in the second lane from the right, with damage to its rear-right bumper.
Police said they must establish whether that damage was recent or pre-existing before using it as evidence.

CCTV footage near the fatal site appears to show a person falling from the lorry's right side before being run over and dragged by its rear wheel. Motorcyclists travelling behind braked sharply and tried to avoid the body.

Investigators have stressed they are not accepting the 22-wheel lorry driver's account without further evidence. They will interview people present from the start of the dispute and seek CCTV footage covering the full route, from before the reported argument to the crash site, before deciding on possible charges.


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20 July 2026

• Road Accident

• 0 comments
• 312 views

Georgealbert

July 19Jul 19

Hong Kong arrests two after Thailand flight with cannabis

Crime

Hong Kong arrests two after Thailand flight with cannabis

Hong Kong Customs has arrested two air passengers who travelled from Bangkok via Manila after officers found about 21 kilogrammes of cannabis in their checked baggage at Hong Kong International Airport.

The arrests were made on July 16. The travellers, a 50-year-old Chinese man and a 19-year-old Malaysian man, have each been charged with trafficking the drug.

Customs said one passenger was carrying about 10kg of cannabis, estimated to be worth 1.9 million yuan. Officers found a further 11kg, valued at around 2 million yuan, in the other passenger's luggage.

Court appearance scheduled

The two accused are now scheduled to appear before Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts. Hong Kong Customs has described drug trafficking as a serious offence. The maximum punishment under Hong Kong law is life imprisonment and a fine of 5 million yuan.

The authorities said they have recently intercepted several inbound passengers allegedly attempting to smuggle cannabis into Hong Kong, with many of those travellers arriving from Thailand.

Thailand departures face stricter export controls

For foreigners, tourists and expats flying out of Thailand, the case is a reminder that cannabis rules at the destination and during any transit stop are what matter once they leave the country.

Thai officials have repeatedly warned travellers not to take cannabis or other controlled goods out of Thailand in breach of export controls. This applies even where travellers may have bought the products legally in Thailand, and includes items placed in checked luggage.

Passengers travelling through another jurisdiction should also remember that their bags may be subject to customs scrutiny at each stage of their journey. In this case, the two men travelled from Bangkok through Manila before reaching Hong Kong.

Hong Kong authorities did not say whether the alleged cannabis had originated in Thailand. The case concerns the passengers' arrival in Hong Kong after their journey from Bangkok via the Philippines.


Picture courtesy of Hong Kong Customs

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20 July 2026

• 0 comments
• 278 views

Georgealbert

July 19Jul 19

NIDA poll blames officials for illegal foreign businesses

Crime

NIDA poll blames officials for illegal foreign businesses

Corrupt government officials are seen as the leading reason foreigners can illegally run businesses in Thailand, according to a nationwide NIDA Poll.

Some 67.10% of respondents blamed corruption or misconduct among state officials for businesses directly operated by foreigners or run through Thai nominees. The findings were released on Sunday 19 July 2026, after telephone interviews conducted from July 13-15 among Thai residents aged 18 and over.

The issue has particular relevance for foreigners living, investing or working in Thailand. The poll reflects strong public concern about nominee businesses, restricted occupations and alleged grey-money operations.

The survey came as Thailand was again dealing with allegations that corrupt officials, hospital staff and Thai men falsely claiming paternity had helped Chinese babies obtain Thai citizenship. Law enforcement agencies have also recently broken up several foreign-owned businesses, from small firms to larger operations, allegedly fronted by Thai nominees in major cities and tourist destinations.

Corruption and weak enforcement blamed

After corrupt officials, 59.31% of respondents cited inadequate penalties as enabling offences by foreign nationals. Government policies or legal loopholes were named by 52.21%, followed by corruption or misconduct among politicians at 50.46%.

A further 48.70% blamed Thais seeking personal financial gain, including those assisting or acting for foreigners. Lack of official oversight was selected by 44.35%, while 29.54% pointed to public indifference. Each respondent could select more than one answer; 0.31% gave no answer.

NIDA said its sample was selected across regions and education, occupation and income groups. It used probability sampling from its master database and multistage sampling, with a stated sampling error not exceeding 0.05 at a 97% confidence level.

Strong concern over grey money and nominees

Foreign investment in illegal businesses or operations used to launder grey money was considered very dangerous by 94.05% of those surveyed. Another 5.42% called it somewhat dangerous, while 0.30% said it was not very dangerous, 0.08% not dangerous at all and 0.15% did not answer.

Thai nominees holding land for foreigners were rated very dangerous by 82.14%, while 81.76% said false registration of Thai men as fathers of foreign children seeking Thai nationality was very dangerous.

So-called zero-dollar businesses were considered very dangerous by 81.29%. NIDA described these as networks controlled entirely by foreign investors within their own national group, limiting income for Thai businesses and workers.

Thai nominee arrangements used to establish companies or hold majority business stakes were rated very dangerous by 81.21%. Large concentrations of foreign residents developing into separate communities or enclaves concerned 77.48%.

Foreigners working outside their permit conditions were seen as very dangerous by 72.98%. Jobs reserved for Thais, including commercial driving, tour guiding and organising tours, were rated very dangerous by 65.42%.

Asked what they had personally encountered, 35.95% said they had never seen unlawful conduct by foreign nationals. However, 26.11% cited foreign investment in illegal or alleged grey-money businesses, 25.88% nominee companies, 20.92% land nominees and 18.85% foreign enclaves.

NIDA stressed that these were perceptions and reported experiences, not independently verified criminal cases.

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20 July 2026

• Analysis

• 14 comments
• 805 views

Georgealbert

July 19Jul 19

Lad Phrao fire death toll rises to 34

Bangkok

Lad Phrao fire death toll rises to 34

A further victim of the fire at Lat Phrao has died, bringing the confirmed death toll to 34, Bangkok officials said on 19 July 2026.

The blaze broke out shortly before midnight on 12 July 2026 and caused a large number of casualties. Authorities said all 34 people who died had been formally identified.

The Chatuchak District Office reported that seven people from the most seriously injured, or red-category, group have now died, including the latest victim.

Seventy people recorded as injured

Authorities listed 70 people as injured by the fire. Thirteen remain in the red category for critical injuries, while nine are classified as yellow-category patients with moderate injuries.

A further 48 people sustained minor injuries and were placed in the green category. All green-category patients have since returned home, according to the district office.

Police have questioned 126 witnesses

Police Major General Kiatikul Sontanaen, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2, said investigators from Phahonyothin Police Station had questioned 126 witnesses so far.

Those interviewed include injured people, restaurant employees and relatives of the dead.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Police are still coordinating to obtain the results of forensic examinations and expect to receive them soon, Kiatikul said.


Picture courtesy of Amarin

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19 July 2026

• Latest Update

• 4 comments
• 370 views

Georgealbert

July 19Jul 19

2km Mekong island fire burns on Thai-Lao border

Isaan

2km Mekong island fire burns on Thai-Lao border

A fire spread across roughly two kilometres of a newly formed sand island in the Mekong River near the Thai-Lao border in Nakhon Phanom on 18 July. Strong winds drove the blaze for more than seven hours, prompting local authorities on the Thai bank to deploy fire engines in case embers reached riverside homes.

The fire began during the afternoon on Don Sai island, near Hat Sai Thong in Ban Lao Noi, Moo 9, Phra Klang Thung subdistrict, That Phanom district. It later spread in the direction of Ban Nong Hoi, Moo 6, That Phanom Nuea subdistrict, also in That Phanom district.

Fire crews watch Thai riverbank

That Phanom municipality sent fire engines to monitor the riverbank. Its purpose was to allow a rapid response should flames or sparks blow across to the Thai side and threaten residents' homes.



A 67-year-old Ban Nong Hoi resident known as Uncle Maem, who works as a fisherman, said he first noticed smoke rising at about 2pm. He did not initially think it was unusual.

By shortly before 6pm, however, the smoke had grown heavier. At 8.30pm, he said the flames spread rapidly as the wind strengthened.

New sand island covered in grass

The island has only recently emerged through sand deposits and is about two kilometres long. No residents from either the Thai or Lao side use it for farming, as the sandy ground is difficult to cultivate. It is also densely covered with grass and unsuitable for crop rotation.

Islands in the middle of the Mekong have long had border significance. It linked their status to the Siam-France Treaty of R.S. 112 (B.E. 2483), under which Siam, now Thailand, was required to cede territory on the left bank of the Mekong and all islands and rapids in the river to France.

As a result, most Mekong islands along the modern border are now regarded as belonging to neighbouring countries, according to the report.


Pictures courtesy of Daily News

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19 July 2026

• Fire

• 3 comments
• 396 views

Georgealbert

July 19Jul 19

Chinese man held over 15.68m baht Phitsanulok scam

Central Thailand

Chinese man held over 15.68m baht Phitsanulok scam

Police Region 6 investigators have arrested two of three suspects accused of posing as bank staff and police officers to extort more than 15.68 million baht from a victim in Phitsanulok.

The suspects held under warrants issued by Phitsanulok Provincial Court are Chinese national Yu Kang, 29, and a 22-year-old Thai woman, Paphatsara. A third suspect remains at large.

The operation was announced on July 18 following orders from Police Region 6 commissioner Lt Gen Kittisak Durongkaviboon, his deputies Maj Gen Amornsak Kasemsiri and Maj Gen Nattawut Phakphum, and Maj Gen Dechphon Premsiri, chief of the region's investigation division.

Crypto and bank accounts allegedly used

Police said Yu was a senior figure in the operation, receiving instructions through Telegram, managing USDT digital currency and controlling main accounts.

Paphatsara is accused of using a Binance account to exchange digital currency into baht and then distributing the money as instructed.



The investigation was led by Col Sutthiwet Boonyaratglin, Col Thatchapong Wongphatthananivat, Col Thaweesak Thaboonchu, Col Watcharapong Sittirungroj, Lt Col Kittikhun Rakjang, Lt Col Atsanan Thanaloetphuwet and Lt Col Alongkot Thapchom.

Victim told assets needed checking

According to police, the victim in Phitsanulok was contacted through LINE accounts operated by people claiming to be bank employees and officers from the special investigation police unit at Nan Provincial Police Station.

The callers allegedly told the victim they were connected to a money-laundering case and demanded that all assets be handed over for examination.

The victim was persuaded to cash Government Savings Bank savings certificates and cooperative shares. Cash was then collected from the victim's home on five occasions, totalling 15,510,000 baht.

The group also allegedly obtained another 171,919 baht through bank transfers described as document and travel costs, bringing the reported total loss to 15,681,919 baht.

Condo search yields 22 items

Investigators later searched a condominium in Bangkok's Ratchada-Huai Khwang area, which police said was being used as a hideout and operational base.

They seized 22 items, including 14 mobile phones, a MacBook computer, ATM cards and bank passbooks.

The two suspects face allegations of jointly defrauding the public with dishonest intent and importing false information into a computer system. They were handed to investigators at Muang Phitsanulok Police Station, while police continue to pursue the remaining suspect.

For foreigners living in or visiting Thailand, the case is a reminder that genuine police and banks do not demand that customers hand over cash or transfer funds for supposed asset checks. Anyone receiving such a call or LINE message should independently contact their bank or the police through official channels before taking any action.


Pictures courtesy of Daily News

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19 July 2026

• Crime

• 3 comments
• 437 views

Georgealbert

July 18Jul 18

Termites ruin million-baht cash in safe, woman says

Community

Termites ruin million-baht cash in safe, woman says

A woman has warned against assuming a home safe will protect cash from every risk after termites destroyed banknotes she had set aside for house payments.

Facebook user Nanny Irin shared her experience on July 16, saying the money had been stored in the safe for less than a month before she found it badly damaged. The cash total, was reportedly over a million baht.

"Sometimes we think keeping money in a safe is safe," she wrote. "Safe from thieves, but not safe from termites."

Money was for house instalments

Nanny Irin said the cash was not money that had been forgotten or left untouched for a long period. She had opened the safe less than a month earlier.

The money had been separated specifically for house payments, and she said she would regularly take some out to pay the instalments. She said she had never intended to leave it stored away indefinitely.



However, she said she had no idea when termites had entered the safe and damaged the notes.

She posted the account as a record of what she described as a painful experience and a warning to others who keep large amounts of cash at home.

Bank exchange will not cover full loss

According to her post, a bank told her that the damaged notes could be exchanged. However, she said the amount she would receive would not equal the original total value of the cash, as some notes were too far damaged and destroyed.

She also said the process would involve a lengthy wait, adding to the frustration of losing part of money that had been earmarked for her home.

The case is a reminder that a safe can help guard against theft but may not protect paper currency from moisture, pests or other environmental damage. Termites can reach areas that appear secure, particularly where they are able to access timber, walls or flooring around a property.

Anyone holding substantial amounts of banknotes should also remember that severely damaged notes may need to be assessed before they can be exchanged. As Nanny Irin's experience shows, even where an exchange is possible, it may not result in the full original value being recovered.


Pictures courtesy of Nanny Irin/Facebook

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19 July 2026

• 42 comments
• 4,096 views

Georgealbert

July 18Jul 18

Taiwan keeps 14-day visa-free entry for Thais until 2027

Travel

Taiwan keeps 14-day visa-free entry for Thais until 2027

Taiwan has extended visa-free entry for Thai passport holders for a further year, allowing eligible visitors to stay for up to 14 days without applying for a visa.

The scheme will run from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand announced. The extension forms part of Taiwan's visa arrangements for nationals of Thailand, Brunei and the Philippines under its New Southbound Policy.

For Thai nationals living in Thailand, including those planning short holidays, business visits or family trips, the extension removes the need for a pre-departure visa application for stays within the 14-day limit. It does not change Taiwan's entry rules for foreign passport holders resident in Thailand, who should check requirements for their own nationality.

A decade of visa-free travel

Taiwan first introduced visa-free entry for Thai tourists in 2016, as part of a pilot programme intended to promote tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Eligible Thai passport holders were allowed to enter without a visa, subject to immigration requirements. Taiwan has repeatedly renewed the arrangement following reviews of its impact on tourism and bilateral exchanges.

The Taipei office said travel links between Taiwan and Thailand had become warmer and closer over the years, with rising numbers of visitors travelling in both directions.

During 2024 and 2025, more than one million Taiwanese travellers visited Thailand, while more than 500,000 Thai travellers went to Taiwan. Both figures were the highest recorded in several years, according to the office.

The office said the continuing exemption should encourage more Thai visitors to explore Taiwan and further strengthen ties between the two places.

Entry conditions still apply

Peter Lan, Taiwan's representative in Thailand, said Taiwan offered cultural attractions, natural scenery and business opportunities across a range of industries. He said the destination had received international recognition for a convenient and safe travel environment.

Taiwan's food, four-season landscapes and history-rich culture were among the reasons Thai tourists returned, Lan added. With the exemption extended, he said Thai travellers would have more opportunities to experience its cities, mountains and coastlines.

Visa-free travel is not an unconditional right of entry. Thai visitors should check the latest rules with Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs before departure, as immigration procedures and supporting-document requirements can change.

Under Taiwan's visa-exemption rules, eligible visitors generally require a passport valid for at least six months, a confirmed return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation, contact details and sufficient travel funds. The permitted stay starts on the day after arrival and normally cannot be extended.

Taiwan's government and its Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand said they would continue to promote cooperation with Thailand in the economy, trade, tourism, education and culture.


Picture courtesy of The Nation

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19 July 2026

• 1 comment
• 389 views

Georgealbert

July 18Jul 18

Thailand launches Visa Destinations nationwide

Finance

Thailand launches Visa Destinations nationwide

Thailand has become the first country in the world to introduce Visa's Destinations programme nationwide, with the scheme intended to make payments easier for visitors and widen digital-payment acceptance among smaller businesses.

Launched with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Visa Destinations Thailand covers Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Udon Thani, Samui, Hua Hin and Hat Yai. It is open to all Visa cardholders.

Visa has previously run Destinations programmes at city level elsewhere. Thailand is the first market in Asia Pacific to adopt it, and the first country globally to roll it out across an entire nation.

A smoother trip for cardholders

The programme is intended to support travellers throughout their journey, from planning and booking through to spending in Thailand. It covers transport, restaurants, shopping, accommodation, wellness and day-to-day visitor experiences.

For foreign residents and tourists, the immediate relevance is likely to be broader card and QR-payment options, particularly if more small and independent merchants join. Cash will remain useful in many settings, but the initiative is designed to reduce the need for visitors to rely solely on banknotes when travelling beyond major shopping centres and hotel areas.

Visa said Thailand was a natural choice because tourism is a major part of the economy and leading inbound spenders come from long-haul, higher-spending markets. These include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France and the United Arab Emirates.

Bringing smaller businesses into digital payments

The scheme is based on four elements: payment innovation; information from Visa's global VisaNet network; partnerships across the tourism sector; and increasing the number of merchants able to accept digital payments.

Visa has already enrolled more than 50 merchants in Bangkok's historic Song Wat riverside district. It aims to extend digital-payment acceptance to 56,000 small businesses nationwide.
Anthony Watson, Visa Thailand's country manager, said the programme would help Thai merchants of all sizes gain more value from spending by international visitors, while making transactions more seamless and trusted for both customers and businesses.

The launch also forms part of Thailand's wider focus on cashless tourism and attracting higher-value, more sustainable visitors rather than simply increasing arrival numbers. For expats, retirees and frequent visitors, the practical benefit will depend on how quickly local outlets take up the payment facilities.


Picture courtesy of Visa Destinations

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19 July 2026

• 26 comments
• 2,824 views

Georgealbert

July 18Jul 18

Swiss seasonal retirees face Thailand's 30-day visa-free limit

Tourism

Swiss seasonal retirees face Thailand's 30-day visa-free limit

Thailand plans to halve visa-free entry from 60 to 30 days for citizens of 54 countries, including Switzerland, a move likely to affect those seasonal retirees who spend much of the European winter in the kingdom.

The change was first decided by the government in May but had not yet appeared in the Royal Gazette. It will take effect 15 days after publication. Until then, Swiss visitors and other eligible nationals can still enter visa-free for 60 days.

The existing arrangement, introduced in July 2024, allows a 60-day stay followed by one 30-day extension at a local immigration office. This has enabled many visitors to remain for up to three months with relatively little paperwork.

According to Swissinfo, hundreds of thousands of Swiss tourists visit Thailand each year, and tourism professionals believe most use the visa exemption.

Concern for older visitors and long-stay residents

Frank Dumoulin, a Swiss national from Valais who spends several months a year in Thailand, said the change was already creating uncertainty among the Swiss community.

"Some pensioners who are not comfortable with digital processes will not want to apply for a visa online and are likely to be affected by the measure," he said.

Swiss foreign ministry spokesman Pierre-Alain Eltschinger said the ministry had received only a few enquiries so far, although some people were finding it difficult to get information on the new rules.

Pascale Thibaud, a Swiss woman who has lived in Thailand for just over two years, said frequent regulatory changes meant foreigners had to keep themselves informed. Agencies can assist with applications, she said, but their services come at a cost.

The practical point is that a 30-day visa-exempt entry will still be extendable once for a further 30 days, at a fee of 1,900 baht. Dumoulin warned, however, that immigration officers retain discretion and an extension can be refused.

He also advised against overstaying. The fine is 500 baht a day, but a proper extension helps maintain a clean immigration record for future entries and visa applications.

Entry checks and border runs

Thailand has also reported to be tightening entry conditions. A solo traveller must be able to show at least 20,000 baht, while families need 40,000 baht.

Josef Schnyder, the Swiss community's representative on the Council of the Swiss Abroad, said Thai media had reported that nearly 30,000 people had been refused entry at the border in 2025, a significantly higher figure than in previous years.

The shorter exemption could particularly affect foreigners who make repeated trips across a border to reset their permitted stay, often known as border runs or visa runs. Thibaud said those unable to meet financial requirements for a formal visa often rely on this method, and would now need to leave and re-enter twice as often.

Thai authorities are seeking to curb abuse, including unauthorised work and people quietly extending stays. Ministry of Tourism and Sports figures show foreign visitors currently stay for about nine days on average, leading policymakers to conclude the reduction should not materially affect mainstream tourism demand.

Thailand's foreign ministry has also said it intends to review the entire visa system. Dumoulin said Swiss residents were concerned that conditions for some visas, including retirement visas, could become stricter and potentially require health insurance - a particular issue for older applicants.

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19 July 2026

• Immigration

• 90 comments
• 5,803 views

Georgealbert

July 18Jul 18

Two dead and 73 cats killed in Thonburi house fire

Bangkok

Two dead and 73 cats killed in Thonburi house fire

Two people were found dead and 73 cats were killed in a fire at a three-storey house in Bangkok's Thonburi district early on 18 July.

The blaze broke out at about 06:00 at a house in Soi Somdet Phra Chao Taksin 11, off Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Road, in Samre subdistrict. Police at Samre Police Station received the initial report.

Firefighters from Talat Phlu Fire and Rescue Station, joined by volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, were sent to the property.

Fire spread from ground floor

Authorities said the fire began on the ground floor and spread to the second floor of the house. Fire crews brought it under control in around 30 minutes.

During the firefighting operation, rescuers safely rescued and evacuated a two-month-old baby and a bedridden elderly woman who had been trapped inside the house.

Rescue workers searching a second-floor room found the bodies of a couple, a 62-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman.



Forensic police and doctors from Siriraj Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine examined the scene and gathered evidence. The bodies were then sent for autopsy.

Cats found inside cages

Officials found the remains of more than 73 cats inside cages in the house. A further 19 cats were rescued alive, with two being given oxygen by responders, for smoke inhalation.

For foreign residents, particularly those renting homes in Bangkok's densely built residential areas, the case is a reminder to know the quickest exits from a property and to keep routes such as stairways and doors clear. Those with pets may also want to consider how animals can be quickly moved from cages or rooms if an evacuation is necessary.

Thailand's fire emergency number is 199. In an immediate emergency, residents should leave the building first and alert the authorities rather than attempting to tackle a spreading fire themselves.



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19 July 2026

• Fire

• 4 comments
• 447 views

Georgealbert

July 18Jul 18

Welfare card screening rejects 9.3m applicants

Politics

Welfare card screening rejects 9.3m applicants

Thailand's stricter State Welfare Programme screening has left 9.3 million of 18.8 million applicants disqualified, triggering complaints that inaccurate official records have shut out people in genuine hardship.

People's Party deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun said the new process, which cross-checks tax, property, vehicle and bank records, appeared designed to reduce the number of recipients by almost 30%.

Only 9.5 million applicants met the requirements in the 2026 registration round, compared with 13.2 million current cardholders.

Budget cuts and stricter checks

Ms Sirikanya, a party-list MP, said the Finance Ministry had intended from the outset to lower the number of welfare-card recipients.

The programme's budget was reduced to 42 billion baht this year from more than 50 billion baht previously. She said this indicated an intention to cut the recipient total to between 9 million and 10 million.

"The problem is that many people who are genuinely poor and in real hardship have been left out," she said.

She said complaints had been received from applicants who believed they fitted the programme's purpose but had been rejected.

Some found government records wrongly stating that they owned vehicles, apparently because another person had fraudulently used their identity. Others were listed as owning more than 10 rai of land they did not possess, while applicants were disqualified over motorcycles registered in their names but used by relatives.

Ms Sirikanya also argued that fixed thresholds did not always show a person's real financial circumstances. Landowners with more than 10 rai might earn little from it, she said, while small business operators with debts above 100,000 baht could still be struggling despite being excluded.

Appeals system under pressure

Applicants were instructed to appeal through the same channels used for registration, resulting in overcrowding at banks. The programme website told people to contact the agency holding the disputed information.

Ms Sirikanya said the Department of Land Transport, responsible for vehicle records, had been overwhelmed and its telephone hotlines could not be reached. She blamed poor preparation by the Finance Ministry, particularly the Office of the Permanent Secretary, for failing to coordinate an appeals system with other agencies.

She said an initial 30-billion-baht allocation for fiscal 2026 would have reduced beneficiaries by about half. The allocation later rose to 42 billion baht for fiscal 2027, enough to cover nearly 10 million recipients.

Minister says aid must reach the poorest

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas defended the screening while accompanying Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on an official visit to Shanghai, China.

He said broader database checks covering tax, land, income and vehicle ownership were intended to ensure support reached only genuinely poor people.

"Welfare budgets are limited, so this card should go to those who have virtually nothing, such as bedridden elderly people with no income," he said.


Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost

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19 July 2026

• Economy

• 2 comments
• 427 views

Georgealbert

July 18Jul 18

Road roller kills woman at Nonthaburi home entrance

Bangkok

Road roller kills woman at Nonthaburi home entrance

A 60-year-old woman who worked as a community health volunteer has been killed after a large road roller ran into the entrance of her home in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi.

The machine struck and knocked down the property's steel gate before running over the homeowner near Wat Sri Khet Nantararam in Khlong Khoi subdistrict.

Chaiyaphruek police, Ruamkatanyu Foundation volunteers and forensic medical staff attended the scene. Officers are continuing to examine evidence to establish the precise cause.

Road works at a steep home entrance

The incident happened at a two-storey detached house about 20 metres from the roadside. A yellow SAKAI smooth-drum road roller had been levelling soil to create an access route into and out of the property.

The home sits significantly lower than the road, which is being raised during improvement work. The road roller slid down the slope, hit the gate and fatally crushed the woman, police said.

The fallen steel gate was about three metres long. Reports from local residents said they believed the roller's brakes had failed, while the contractor said the slope may have caused the vehicle to slide.

Yutthana Thupkaew, also known as Kamnan Tueng, a Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation member for District 8, and Prayoon Nuchmak, a Khlong Khoi Subdistrict Administrative Organisation member, said the victim was well known locally and served as a Khlong Khoi community health volunteer.

Contractor offers compensation

The contractor told reporters that the driver normally operated the road roller and that nobody wanted the incident to happen. The contractor said the firm would accept responsibility and provide compensation to the victim's family.

The road involved is Rural Highway No. NB.1028, which has been under improvement for more than three months. The contractor said soil had been brought in to improve the house's entrance because it was much lower than the road, adding that assistance would be offered to other residents affected by the works.

Local representatives said they expected the family not to pursue the matter because it was accidental. However, police are still investigating and have not announced a final cause.

Driver questioned by police

Chaiyaphruek police took the Myanmar national who was driving the road roller for questioning at the police station. Investigators are examining witness accounts and collected physical evidence from the scene, as the investigation continues.


Picture courtesy of Daily News

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19 July 2026

• Accident

• 6 comments
• 368 views

Georgealbert

July 18Jul 18