As July 24 approaches, marking one year since the Thai-Cambodian border fighting erupted, residents of Surin province say the traumatic memories of the violence remain unforgettable. Cambodian leaders Hun Sen and Hun Manet attacked Thai communities, homes, and an oil facility with BM-21 rockets, killing multiple people across several areas. The violence has created lasting fear among border residents, who worry Cambodia may use the anniversary to trigger a third round of conflict, even though some have become desensitized after enduring two previous rounds.

Border communities remain tense, with the Chong Jom trade market in Kabin Buri district, Surin province, now eerily quiet. Thai shops continue operating, but lack the usual crowds and tourists. Residents pray the government will restore their confidence and prevent further war, or at least ensure any future conflict is the last.

Muay, 45, a lottery vendor at the border market, explained that locals must continue daily life despite their fears. "If fighting breaks out, we evacuate," she said. "During the second round, we received help from volunteers that eased our expenses, though we still went into debt. We just hope for peace and to reclaim Thai territory for our children's future." Elderly residents particularly fear a third conflict, but most are waiting for government reassurance before changing their routines.

The Internal Security Command Region 4 Front has mourned and honored five soldiers from the 45th Ranger Special Operations Unit who were killed when militants attacked the Buketa Sami checkpoint in Narathiwas province on the evening of July 22, 2026. The assailants used firearms and threw pipe bombs at the checkpoint located in Tan Yong Mas subdistrict, Rangae district, while the soldiers were performing security duties to protect residents. The five casualties were: Sergeant Major Thirayuth Somakerd, Ranger Volunteer Wimol Dapthong, Ranger Volunteer Nattasit Kaewsena, Ranger Volunteer Solahudin Pi, and Ranger Volunteer Sakiriya Chana.

The loss reflects the sacrifice of frontline personnel dedicated to protecting lives and property in Thailand's southern border provinces, despite facing serious security threats. The Internal Security Command Region 4 expressed deep condolences to the families and pledged to ensure full care and benefits for the deceased soldiers' families while pursuing the perpetrators through legal channels.

The tribute to all five soldiers serves as a reminder of the value of sacrifice, courage, and commitment in maintaining public safety and protecting the Thai nation. Their sacrifice will be remembered and honored as dedicated service to the greater good.

A 33-year-old man has been arrested for killing his neighbor after a dispute over a barking dog. On July 20, Ban Paeng police received a report of a man found dead near a kitchen shelter with severe head injuries from a blow to the back of the skull. The suspect, Patthanpisutti, was the last person seen with the victim and initially denied involvement before turning himself in and confessing. According to his statement, Patthanpisutti had been drinking with the victim when the man's dog began barking. Annoyed, he struck the dog once with a wooden stick, which angered the victim, who verbally challenged him to hit him instead. In a fit of rage, Patthanpisutti grabbed a bamboo stick and struck the victim once on the head, causing him to collapse and die. He then disposed of the stick and a liquor bottle in a water tank to conceal evidence before fleeing. Remorseful, he later surrendered to police and is being held for prosecution.

A 35-year-old man died after his speedboat capsized in the middle of the Trang River. He attempted to swim to shore but exhausted and disappeared beneath the water. Rescue officials searched for more than three hours before recovering his body.

At 4 p.m. on July 22, 2025, Kantang Police Station received a report of a capsized speedboat with a missing person in the Trang River near Ban Kok Sai, Yan Sue Sub-district, Kantang District, Trang Province. Following the report, police, Kantang River Police, Trang City Municipality Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, rescue units, and divers from Kusol Satarn Foundation Trang and Sawang Pattanakij Trang Foundation coordinated the search and rescue operation.

The incident occurred in the middle of the river, requiring officials and divers to conduct the search from boats despite strong currents. Based on eyewitness information, they searched approximately 50 meters downstream from where the boat sank and about 10 meters from shore. After approximately three hours of searching, they found the body of 35-year-old Ranchai before bringing him ashore amid the grief of waiting family members.

Investigation revealed that around 3:30 p.m., a good Samaritan fishing on the riverbank witnessed Ranchai operating the speedboat at high speed before the boat suddenly broke apart and capsized. He fell into the river and attempted to swim to shore but eventually exhausted and disappeared beneath the water before officials recovered his body.

Initially, officials transported the body to Kantang Hospital for autopsy according to procedure before releasing it to the family for religious rites.

Breaking news: The former chief of Khuan Kalong Subdistrict has been arrested at a lodging house in Nakhon Ratchasima with cash exceeding 1.23 million baht. At 3 p.m. on July 22, 2024, officers from Region 9's special investigation and surveillance unit, led by Deputy Satun Provincial Police Commander Sampong Suvanvongse and Superintendent Seksit Prakdchai, arrested the fugitive former subdistrict chief. He was wanted by Satun Provincial Court on three arrest warrants for fraud charges.

Police tracked the suspect by monitoring his wife's movements and vehicle until discovering he had fled the area and rented a room with his wife at an unnamed guesthouse in Muban 5, Ban Mai Subdistrict, Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Officers cordoned off the location and executed the arrest, seizing 1,230,500 baht in cash and two important documents.

An initial arrest record was filed at Pho Klang Police Station in Nakhon Ratchasima. The suspect is now in custody pending transfer to Khuan Kalong Police Station in Satun Province for further legal proceedings.

Security officials have ordered heightened 24-hour surveillance to prevent follow-up attacks after armed gunmen assaulted a checkpoint, killing 5 soldiers and wounding 5 others. On July 22, assailants in a black four-door pickup truck attacked the Bu-ke-samee checkpoint in Moo 7, Tanyongmas village, Tanyongmas subdistrict, Rangae district, Narathiwas province, resulting in 5 military deaths and 5 civilian injuries. The deceased soldiers are: Sgt. Maj. Thirayut Somakeit, 43; Lance Cpl. Sakiriya Jehna, 23; Lance Cpl. Wimol Dab-thong, 43; Lance Cpl. Natsit Kaewsena, 34; and Lance Cpl. Solahuddin Pi, 34. The wounded include civilians Habib Hina, Muhammad Ali Abu, Farrah Abu, Muhammad Hafit Hina, and Awatif Burahen. Security personnel and locals rushed the injured to Rangae Hospital. Officials immediately cordoned off the attack site and dispatched forensic teams and military-police units to investigate, collect explosive fragments and shell casings for DNA analysis to identify the perpetrators for legal prosecution. Meanwhile, regional security authorities have implemented maximum security measures, instructing all checkpoints and units to maintain strict 24-hour surveillance to prevent further incidents and reassure residents.