Army Claims Insurgents Used AI to Fake Tattoo Photo

Thai Army spokesperson dismissed a tattoo photo of a suspect in a Narathiwat shooting as AI-generated, claiming no Muslim insurgent would have such a marking due to Islamic teachings.

24 Jul Khaosod

On July 24, at Thai Army Command headquarters, Spokesperson Pol. Col. Vinthai Suvaree addressed the circulation of a tattoo image allegedly appearing on the arm of a gunman involved in the shooting at a ranger base and checkpoint in Narathiwat province. He expressed skepticism that the image was genuine, arguing that a Muslim perpetrator would not have a tattoo, as this contradicts Islamic teachings. The spokesman concluded the image was AI-generated and likely created by anti-government networks seeking to distort facts and manipulate public opinion.

Vinthai noted that the image quality was unnaturally sharp and overly refined, making it appear artificial—something he believes most people can recognize. He described the tactic as an old method that no longer deceives society, given that modern news consumers have developed sufficient critical thinking skills. Those spreading such images, he suggested, should face public scrutiny regarding their true motives. He urged all Thais to collectively protect government officers and innocent civilians while preventing those with ill intentions toward the country from gaining a foothold in society.

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Police

Police Bust Fake Father Scheme, Arrest Four More Suspects

Police arrested four suspects including two Thai men and a Chinese couple operating a fake father scheme that illegally registered over 1,500 foreign children as Thai nationals. Officers recovered passports, birth certificates, and financia

24 Jul Khaosod

On July 24, 2569, Deputy Police Chief General Somran Nualma and National Police Commander Nopsilon Poolswat, along with officials from the Interior Ministry, Public Health Ministry, and Special Investigation Division, conducted raids at two key locations to dismantle the "Thai Father" network that falsely registered over 1,500 foreign children. Four additional suspects were arrested: Thai nationals Mongkol and Wawe, who served as fake fathers, and Chinese nationals Ms. Si and Mr. Hu, a Chinese couple.

During a search of a luxury home in the Mengjai area owned by the Chinese couple, police recovered passports, photographs, birth certificates, health and life insurance documents, and bank records. Ms. Si, who speaks Thai fluently, tearfully claimed she had not hired Mongkol but rather that he was a close friend willing to help out of goodwill. She stated she had worked in Thailand for nearly 20 years, loved the country, and simply wanted her child to have Thai nationality and an easier life, insisting she was unaware this arrangement was illegal.

Ms. Si revealed she had even consulted a doctor at the hospital while pregnant about the arrangement, so she did not think it was wrong. When asked who suggested the idea, she said people had mentioned it and that Mongkol, whom she had known since 2558, was a Thai friend without a girlfriend or children who willingly became her child's father at no cost. Her husband, Mr. Hu, refused to be interviewed, claiming he knew nothing of the operation and that he had resided in Thailand since 2006, a total of 20 years.

Nangkol told reporters he "didn't want to say much" and insisted he was not paid, as they worked at the same place and he was willing to help because he did not know it was illegal. During this operation, police also expanded their investigation into a private hospital and found three suspicious children, with two cases already showing signs of fraud and one still under investigation. The Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) N.I.C.E. filed charges with Huay Kwang Police Station against all those involved. Investigators gathered detailed evidence, including witness statements, medical records, and birth registration documents.

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National

Parliament Committee Finds Excessive Spending Across Multiple Agencies

Parliament's budget review committee has uncovered excessive spending and redundancies across multiple agencies, including a 5 billion baht Digital Economy Ministry increase despite widespread cuts and inflated infrastructure costs at the S

24 Jul Khaosod

On July 24, 2025, at Parliament, Sirikanya Tansakul, a Pheu Thai list MP and deputy party leader, discussed the overall budget bill review for fiscal year 2570 in the special budget committee. Over the past three weeks, numerous agencies have had their budgets cut significantly. However, during the first week of subcommittee deliberation, Sirikanya noted that despite major cuts, abnormally high budget items and redundancies persist. The Digital Economy Ministry received a 30% budget increase, mostly for central government cloud infrastructure, adding 5 billion baht to this year's budget. She explained that when examining individual agencies, separate cloud system purchases and leases were discovered, creating duplication. The subcommittee reviewing digital government integration plans suspended agencies seeking additional cloud purchases, requiring certification from the Digital Economy Ministry that there is no redundancy before approval. Sirikanya also flagged the Social Development Ministry's cuts to disability benefits while allocating funds for internal Data Center projects with excessive costs: a 200,000-baht fire exit door, an 800,000-baht backup power supply, and 15,000-baht office chairs per unit. The subcommittee, which began work only this week, has already identified numerous irregularities and excessively inflated line items requiring adjustment. She concluded that despite government claims of significant self-imposed cuts to cover pensions and healthcare costs, examination of individual projects continues to reveal overpriced items.

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National

Sirikunnya Defends Pawut Over TH-AI Passport Pause

Pheu Thai MP Sirikunnya defended colleague Pawut's refusal to discuss the TH-AI Passport project, saying he lacks close involvement and is preoccupied with legal cases rather than fearing compromise of other matters.

24 Jul Khaosod

At 9:30 a.m. on July 24, 2025, at Parliament, Sirikunnya Tansukul, a Pheu Thai party list MP and deputy party leader, addressed the case of Pawut Pongsawittayaphanyu, a fellow Pheu Thai list MP, who declined to participate in an interview, saying he was unable to discuss the TH-AI Passport project due to lack of close involvement and concerns about jeopardizing a Forex-related case.

Sirikunnya clarified that Pawut was not actually refusing to discuss the matter out of fear of compromising the Forex case—that explanation appeared to have been added later. She said Pawut simply stated he was not closely following the issue at this time and referred inquiries to Ratchanok Srinork, another party list MP, who is actively tracking the project. Sirikunnya attributed Pawut's absence from the follow-up to the toll of multiple lawsuits requiring him to focus on legal defense.

Sirikunnya added that the Pheu Thai party continues its investigation through parliamentary committee mechanisms, including the budget oversight committee and the legal affairs and human rights committee, which have already sent letters to various agencies requesting further inquiry and investigation into the matter. She indicated that developments are likely to continue.

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Police

Truck Driver's Wife Apologizes Over Near-Miss with Influencers

The wife of a truck driver who nearly struck influencers Jai Ratchanon and Haru Supakob in Samut Songkhram apologized for the incident, revealing her husband has since died and that his disability likely caused the near-miss rather than int

24 Jul Khaosod

Following the incident involving influencers Jai Ratchanon and Haru Supakob crossing a street with their children near Rom Hub Market in Samut Songkhram, where a pickup truck accelerated toward them, police deputy Sangad Baubamdee recently visited Mrs. A, 37, the driver's wife, to question her about the incident and deliver supplies to assist the family.

Mrs. A apologized tearfully, explaining that her 44-year-old husband was driving to pick up their child from the hospital at the time and did not intend to harm anyone. She stated her husband was rushing because he wore a prosthetic leg. She disclosed that her husband has since passed away on May 24 following a motorcycle accident on May 7, after spending approximately 17 days in hospital.

"I admit that hearing about this in the news causes me great stress," she said. "I have no milk to feed my child, so he must drink special formula because he is allergic to cow's milk. I want to apologize to Jai and Haru on my husband's behalf. If his manners were poor, I apologize. Now he is gone, and there is nothing more I can say. I truly ask for your forgiveness."

Mrs. A's sister added that she contacted the media to prevent similar incidents in the future. She noted that because the truck driver has died, the full truth cannot be known, and the incident occurred three months ago. She appealed for mercy and understanding, saying some people have accused them of lying despite the incident being completely genuine.

Deputy Sangad disclosed that police investigated the matter due to its prominence on social media and the damage to Samut Songkhram's reputation. Officers located the vehicle, which was found to be a manual transmission pickup with a stiff clutch. Investigators learned the driver had already passed away and was disabled on his left side, which affected his ability to operate the clutch properly—a challenge especially on steep inclines. Sangad urged social media users to discuss the incident fairly without attacking the deceased driver, noting that the difficulty with the manual clutch and his disability likely contributed to the incident rather than any intentional wrongdoing.

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Police

Soldier Honored After Killed in Southern Border Operations

A 34-year-old ranger volunteer was honored in a formal ceremony after being killed during operations in Thailand's southern border region, with his mother recalling his premonitions about not returning home.

24 Jul Khaosod

On July 24, 2025, Major General Kriangsak Wattanakirik, commander of the 43rd Army Infantry Region at Thaetsatree Srisunthon Camp in Tung Song district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, held a formal honor guard ceremony to receive the body of volunteer ranger Nathsit Kaewsenao, 34, belonging to Ranger Company 4509, Battalion 45. Kaewsenao died in the line of duty in Rangae district, Narathiwat, during operations in Thailand's three southern border provinces. His body was then conveyed to Manao Wan Royal Temple in Chang Klang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, for merit-making ceremonies. Royal wreaths on behalf of His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, and various members of the Thai royal family were presented before the casket by representatives including Deputy Governor Theeraphong Chuaichoo. Government officials, military personnel, members of the public, and the deceased's family attended the ceremony conducted according to royal funeral protocols. The deceased's mother, Sompon Kaewsenao, recalled that her son was deeply concerned about his family, especially his two children and her aging health. During his last visit home, he urged his younger sister to pass the sergeant examination so she could support their mother after he was gone, saying, 'You must pass that exam so you can take care of our mother. I won't be around much longer.' No one realized those words would be his final farewell.

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National

Lawmakers Question 6.5 Billion Baht Drought Fund Over Corruption Risks

Lawmakers question whether a 6.5 billion baht drought relief fund risks corruption, citing past abuse and concerns that solar-powered water projects may be designed to benefit specific contractors rather than address actual water shortages.

24 Jul Khaosod

At 9:30 a.m. on July 24, 2569 at Parliament, Sirikannya Tansakul, a list-system MP and deputy leader of Pheu Thai Party, discussed the fiscal year 2570 budget bill during a special parliamentary committee review. She stated that approving 6.5 billion baht in central budget funds for drought relief was problematic given that all parties recognize budget shortfalls so severe the government must reserve 10 billion baht transferred from 2569 spending.

The concern deepens because an additional 6 billion baht is allocated for water projects, specifically a solar-powered groundwater drilling initiative rather than conventional groundwater extraction. Sirikannya warned this may repeat 2568 mistakes, when the NACC flagged 7.5 billion baht in drought and flood management spending for corruption risk and irregularities, leading the government to cancel those projects.

She called for public scrutiny as the TOR (Terms of Reference) review opens for comment, urging experts to flag any "spec-locking"—restricting technical specifications to favor particular private companies. Solar groundwater projects require drilling equipment, solar panels, electrical systems, inverters, and other gear, creating risk that benefits go to specific contractors. She criticized the contradiction: the central budget gains 6.5 billion baht for drought while the Irrigation Department loses 7 billion baht, questioning whether drought is even real and noting the government feels compelled to launch emergency projects late in the fiscal year despite tight finances and creditors demanding payment for projects like the orange electric train line and Khlong Dhan bridge costs.

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Police

Police Officer Shot by Colleague in Chachoengsao Dispute

A police officer in Chachoengsao remains in critical condition after being shot multiple times by a colleague during a workplace dispute at a highway police service centre early Thursday morning.

24 Jul The Thaiger Crime

Chachoengsao police remains in critical condition after colleague opens fireLegacyA police officer is in critical condition after being shot by a colleague following a workplace dispute at a highway police service centre in Chachoengsao province. The Chachoengsao police shooting took place at around 1am yesterday, July 23, in the car park outside the Bang Khla Highway Police Service Centre in Bang Khla district. The injured officer was identified as Police Sub-Lieutenant Yutthapong. He sustained gunshot wounds to the chest, left arm and hip before being rushed to Buddhasothorn Hospital for emergency treatment. Hospital officials have not released an update on his condition. Police arrested the accused, Police Senior Sergeant Major Phitsanu Malaisorn, at the scene after he reportedly waited to surrender. Officers also seized a 9mm handgun believed to have been used in the shooting. Photo via ThaiRath According to witnesses, Yutthapong was the head of the highway police service centre. Before the incident, he and Phitsanu had attended a meal with more than 10 fellow officers before returning to the station. Witnesses told investigators the pair began arguing at the restaurant and continued the dispute during the journey back to the service centre. The girlfriend of a maid employed at the centre told police she heard the officers arguing loudly in the car park before several gunshots were fired. She said she then found Yutthapong lying on the ground with serious injuries. Channel 7 reported that more than 10 shots were fired during the incident. Phitsanu admitted the dispute was related to work but declined to provide further details. Investigators said he appeared to be under significant stress during questioning. Photo via ThaiRath According to the media, the disagreement may have stemmed from differing views on work procedures linked to the officers’ positions and age difference. Phitsanu declined to discuss the matter further, saying he would speak only in the presence of his lawyer. The accused was scheduled to be taken to Chachoengsao Provincial Court today, July 24, for temporary detention while the investigation continues. In a separate incident reported in February, a police officer at Huai Khwang Police Station in Bangkok accidentally shot a colleague during a firearms inspection before a training exercise. Police said the shooting was accidental and not the result of any personal dispute. The story Chachoengsao police remains in critical condition after colleague opens fire as seen on Thaiger News.

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National

Welfare Card Benefits Extended to September Pending Appeals

Welfare card benefits will continue through September as the government reviews eligibility criteria and processes appeals, with the Finance Ministry adding new restrictions on vehicle ownership and non-formal education students.

24 Jul Khaosod

Government spokesman Paradorn Parisunanondkul confirmed that the state welfare card benefits will remain in effect through the end of September while the appeals process is completed. The Finance Ministry will present three additional eligibility criteria to the cabinet on July 27, including vehicle ownership limits and rules for non-formal education students. About 80% of those re-screened already qualify for the Thai Nation Plus 60:40 program.

When asked how many people will ultimately qualify—currently over 9 million—Paradorn said the final number depends on appeals results, but the government will support those genuinely in need and crack down on fraud. The government is not setting a numerical target. The ministry will verify those who used poor people's names for corporate directorships, fake accounting, or tax deductions, and will pursue back taxes and penalties.

Paradorn clarified that the re-screening is driven by complaints of both ineligible people receiving benefits and eligible people being denied them. A recent survey found 2.3 million additional eligible people, prompting the comprehensive review. While the appeals process continues, the Finance Ministry will later audit fraudulent claimants. The official characterized the effort as updating the country's data systems, noting that outdated records—such as vehicle registries showing cars no longer in use—have skewed eligibility determinations.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Thailand Launches New Flight Route Incentives to Boost Travel

Thailand's Airports Authority is offering 50% discounts on landing and parking fees to incentivize new domestic and international flight routes, aiming to boost regional tourism and economic development while providing cheaper travel option

24 Jul Khaosod

The Airports of Thailand Authority has launched promotional measures for new flight routes, both domestic and international, to support convenient public travel and tourism with a 50% reduction in landing and parking fees.

Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattarapredit announced that he has ordered the airports authority to develop and promote flight routes within Thailand and internationally, positioning regional airports as engines for regional development. The aim is to link transportation, commerce, and tourism across the country.

Previously, the authority consulted with airlines and regional tourism operators to identify ways to launch new routes and increase frequencies on promising corridors. Efforts include coordinated tourism marketing, travel promotion events, and route development aligned with each area's economic potential—creating viable business cases for carriers while expanding public travel options and strengthening regional airports' role in driving economic and tourism growth.

Phattrapong emphasized that measures must prioritize public benefit by offering more convenient travel choices, direct routes to various regions, shorter travel times, and lower costs. The initiative aims to stimulate regional economies so local communities gain from the resulting business, trade, and tourism growth.

"These measures support not only airlines but also create opportunities for citizens to access convenient, quick, and affordable travel while driving sustainable regional economic growth," he said.

Airports of Thailand Director Danai Ruangsoon noted that the authority previously offered promotions only for domestic routes. The agency is now expanding incentives to international routes, including both scheduled and charter flights, to align with the deputy minister's policy goals.

New airlines will receive a 50% discount on landing and parking fees for six months if they have never operated from the authority's airports or have ceased operations for at least one year.

New routes will receive a 50% discount on landing and parking fees for one year if they are newly launched or have been inactive for at least one year. The authority expects to announce these promotional measures by early August.

No. 10 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Thailand Taps Oil Fund Reserves to Freeze Pump Prices

Thailand's government is freezing petrol and diesel prices for three weeks using 3.89 billion baht from oil reserves, shielding drivers from global crude price spikes driven by Middle East tensions and shipping disruptions.

24 Jul Khaosod

The Oil Fund Management Committee has approved a subsidy using 3.89 billion baht in excess refinery margins to freeze retail diesel and petrol prices across all grades from 24 July to 15 August 2025. Global crude costs have climbed steeply due to ongoing Middle East conflicts and Red Sea shipping blockades, with Singapore diesel reaching 167.62 USD per barrel and petrol hitting 128.33 USD per barrel on 23 July—equivalent to an 8–10 baht per litre increase in domestic prices over the past one to two weeks.

The fund is deploying a 2.40 baht per litre refinery price cut, approved by the Energy Policy Committee, to act as a shock absorber and prevent rapid pump price increases. Fund officials stated they are managing cost differences efficiently and monitoring global energy volatility closely to sustain retail prices at current levels and ease the cost-of-living burden on citizens.

Authorities acknowledged the severe global energy price volatility and its direct impact on household expenses, and have mobilized all mechanisms—including full refinery margin profits—to maintain stable pump prices in the near term. They also appealed to all sectors to conserve energy where possible to reduce strain on the Oil Fund, which ultimately draws from public resources over the long term.

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