Death Toll Rises to Nine in Nonthaburi School Shooting

The transcription below features news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, hosted by Alex on the Good Morning Thailand programme. The stories range from the death toll rising to nine in the Nonthaburi school shooting to widespread wildfires sweeping across Indonesia.

1. Death Toll Rises to Nine in Nonthaburi School Shooting

A 12-year-old girl died from her injuries on August 8, bringing the death toll from the Debsirin Nonthaburi School shooting to nine. Police say 27 people were injured, with 15 still receiving treatment and six in critical condition. Investigators found evidence that the suspected gunman had researched firearms online for around two years and had previously brought a BB gun to school. Authorities are examining family problems, school issues, friendships and exposure to violent online content, but no definitive motive has been established.

2. Former MP Detained After Nonthaburi Official Shot Dead

Former MP Chalong was taken into custody after Nonthaburi PAO chairman Thongchai Yenprasert was shot dead inside the PAO office. A driver was also grazed by gunfire and is expected to be questioned as a witness. Police say the two men had been friends but were reportedly involved in an 11-million-baht debt dispute. Chalong allegedly admitted during a live television call that he had fired several shots before surrendering to police.

3. Oily Substance Washes Ashore on Koh Larn

An unknown oily substance has washed up along more than a kilometre of Koh Larn’s western coastline, leaving some swimmers covered in a sticky residue. Operators first spotted the material offshore before waves carried it onto Hat Tien and Hat Samae San beaches. Pattaya authorities have sent teams to inspect and clean the affected areas while investigating the source. No health problems or beach closures had been reported.

4. Suspected Dog Poisonings Continue on Koh Phangan

Animal welfare groups on Koh Phangan are warning pet owners after several dogs were reportedly poisoned near Ban Tai Beach. The suspected poison was allegedly hidden inside pieces of chicken left along the beach. Local residents say similar incidents have occurred since at least 2022, with more than 50 dog deaths estimated, although the figure has not been independently verified. Police reports have been filed, but no suspect has been identified or charged.

5. Foreigners Arrested in Hua Hin Nominee Investigation

Thai authorities have arrested 13 foreigners as part of a major investigation into alleged nominee arrangements used to control houses and pool villas in Hua Hin. Police identified six companies suspected of using Thai nationals as nominees and issued arrest warrants for 45 foreigners and summonses for 39 Thai nationals. Authorities seized company records, computers and financial documents as part of a wider crackdown on alleged illegal foreign property ownership.

6. Bangkok Hotel Prank Sparks Anger

Thai bodybuilder Prakasit Kruabut has criticised a group of Israeli tourists who allegedly repeatedly knocked on his Bangkok hotel room door while he and his wife were sleeping. Hotel security footage reportedly showed members of the group knocking before running away. Staff later required the tourists to apologise to the couple. Prakasit said he did not want the incident to reflect on all Israeli visitors but questioned whether the apology was sincere.

7. Indonesia Battles Widespread Wildfires

Indonesia has deployed thousands of firefighters and dozens of helicopters as wildfires have burned more than 107,000 hectares of land during an unusually dry season. Around 743 hectares have been damaged inside Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, forcing Mount Bromo to close to tourists. Fires across Sumatra and Borneo are also worsening air quality, with smoke affecting neighbouring Malaysia and raising concerns about further fires as El Niño conditions strengthen.

8. Why Jasmine Is Thailand’s Mother’s Day Flower

Thailand celebrates National Mother’s Day on August 12, with jasmine, or dok mali, serving as the traditional symbol. The flower was officially selected in 1976, with its white petals representing purity and its lasting fragrance symbolising a mother’s enduring love. Children commonly give jasmine garlands to their mothers, while families celebrate with meals, temple visits and time together. The 2026 celebration is the first since Queen Sirikit’s death in October 2025.