Police have identified the killer of a 64-year-old former national beach tennis player as Saw Tad Lawin, 29, a Myanmar national who had been employed by the victim for only one month before being dismissed one to two weeks prior to the murder. The crime, which occurred in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chachoengsao on July 26 around 4 a.m., involved strangulation and stabbing. Police discovered that 37,500 baht was transferred from the victim's account during the suspected time of death, with Saw Tad Lawin identified as the recipient. An arrest warrant was issued on July 28 based on strong evidence.

CCTV footage provided crucial evidence in the investigation. Cameras near the victim's home captured a suspicious man leaving the residence at 4:35 a.m. on July 26, then riding a gray Honda Click motorcycle away from the scene at 4:37 a.m. Police traced the suspect's movements through multiple camera feeds across approximately 10 kilometers to a residence in Pattaya, where CCTV showed him changing clothes near a room at 5:05 a.m. on July 26 before disposing of evidence and disappearing.

Authorities initially discovered the suspect had entered Thailand two years ago and gave addresses in Phloyaem, Rayong and Bo Win, Chachoengsao, but both locations were abandoned. Police later tracked him to Mae Sod, Tak province, where he was spotted. Investigation teams from Chachoengsao and Region 2 are coordinating to apprehend him and bring him back for legal proceedings. Financial tracking also revealed he transferred an additional 10,000 baht from the stolen funds to another account.

The State Railway of Thailand officially launched a special heritage steam train service on the Bangkok-Ayutthaya-Bangkok route on July 28, 2025, marking the birthday of His Majesty the King. SRT Governor Anant Photinimitdaeng presided over the ceremony at Bangkok Station (Hua Lamphong), accompanied by Prasit Thaworn, Director of Passenger Services, and Annaporn Wongvijarn, Senior Mechanical Engineer, along with railway staff, officials, and the public expressing their loyalty and well-wishes.

The heritage steam train service was designed to allow citizens to celebrate this important national occasion while experiencing a nostalgic journey through history to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage city rich in historical significance, art, culture, and local identity. The initiative supports rail tourism promotion, historical heritage conservation, and sustainable tourism development in the region.

Ayutthaya is a major tourist destination for both Thai and international visitors, featuring valuable ancient monuments and temples, riverside Chao Phraya lifestyle, historic markets, and distinctive local cuisine. The steam train journey allows passengers to step back in time, immerse themselves in historical atmosphere, and appreciate the beauty of this world heritage city.

The SRT plans to operate heritage steam trains seven times annually on significant occasions. The next scheduled service will run on August 12, 2025 (Mother's Day) on the Bangkok-Chachoengsao-Bangkok route, offering passengers another opportunity to experience this memorable journey. Interested passengers can book tickets or request information through the SRT Customer Service Center at 1690 (available 24/7) or follow updates on the "PR Team State Railway of Thailand" Facebook page.

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — Standing at the heart of Nakhon Si Thammarat for more than 1,500 years, Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan represents more than a place of worship. It is a living record of religious exchange, maritime connections and cultural traditions that shaped Southeast Asia.

The temple was recently recognized as Thailand's ninth UNESCO World Heritage site and the first in the southern region, marking international recognition of its outstanding cultural significance.

Located on the Malay Peninsula, between the Indian and Pacific oceans, Wat Phra Mahathat developed in an area once connected by major maritime trade routes. These networks brought not only goods and merchants, but also religious beliefs, artistic styles and architectural influences from across Asia.

Over centuries, the temple absorbed influences from Brahmanism, Hinduism, Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism, with cultural connections stretching from northeastern India and Sri Lanka to central Java and Mon communities in southern Myanmar.

These diverse influences were transformed into a unique architectural and spiritual identity that later spread throughout Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia.

At the center of the temple stands the Phra Borom That Chedi, a towering stupa believed by devotees to enshrine relics of the Buddha. According to local tradition, the site was originally an ancient sand dune known as "Hat Sai Kaeo," where Buddhist relics were discovered before a major religious monument was built there.

Beyond its architecture, UNESCO recognized the temple as a living cultural site where traditions continue to be practiced today.

Among them is the annual Hae Pha Khuen That festival, where devotees bring long pieces of cloth to wrap around the stupa as an act of devotion. The temple is also connected to Nora, a traditional performing art form from southern Thailand that reflects centuries of local beliefs and storytelling.

The recognition of Wat Phra Mahathat is not only about preserving an ancient monument, but also protecting the living heritage surrounding it — including rituals, local knowledge and cultural practices passed down through generations.

The journey toward World Heritage status began in 2009 and took 17 years of preparation, reflecting the temple's importance not only to Nakhon Si Thammarat, but also to the wider history of Southeast Asia.

Today, Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan stands as a symbol of how cultures, religions and communities have connected across the region for centuries.

The Koh Samui branch of the Regional Waterworks Authority (RWA) has implemented a seven-day rotating water supply system starting August 3rd in response to an ongoing drought that has sharply reduced raw water supplies. The island's water production capacity is now limited to approximately 16,000 cubic meters per day from the pipeline system connecting to the mainland, while average demand stands at 34,000 cubic meters daily, creating a shortfall of 18,000 cubic meters per day.

The RWA has divided the island into two water supply zones—yellow and red-green—with rotating service schedules throughout the seven-day cycle. Residents are being asked to store water for days when their zone receives no supply and to use water conservatively.

The shortage is affecting communities across the island, with some neighborhoods experiencing weak or intermittent water flow for extended periods, disrupting daily consumption, cooking, and sanitation. Households are facing additional costs from purchasing water from private tanker trucks. Tourism businesses including restaurants, hotels, resorts, and tour operators are also suffering from increased expenses for securing backup water supplies. Many stakeholders worry that prolonged shortages could damage tourist confidence and harm Koh Samui's reputation as an international destination.

Bangkok checkpoint uncovers five undocumented Myanmar migrantsLegacySeven Myanmar nationals were arrested yesterday, July 27, after police intercepted a car carrying five undocumented migrants during a late-night alcohol checkpoint in Bangkok. Officers stopped a black sedan with Kanchanaburi licence plates at a checkpoint on Phetkasem Road in Nong Khaem district. The 25 year old driver, a Myanmar national, and his 33 year old passenger, also from Myanmar, were able to communicate in Thai. Police found five other Myanmar nationals crammed into the rear of the vehicle, including two men who were allegedly hiding behind the back seats. The five passengers were unable to communicate in Thai and could not produce passports or any immigration documents. During questioning, the driver and front-seat passenger allegedly admitted they had been hired by a man known only as Joe to transport the five migrants. Police said the group had crossed into Thailand through a natural border crossing in Kanchanaburi before being taken to a temporary stop in Sam Phran district, Nakhon Pathom. The pair allegedly told investigators they were transporting the migrants to Samut Prakan for 900 baht per person. Photo via FM91 Police seized the car and two notebooks containing records and names allegedly linked to illegal migrant transportation. The two men were charged with helping illegal migrants enter or remain in Thailand unlawfully. Under Section 64 of Thailand’s Immigration Act, knowingly sheltering, concealing or otherwise assisting a person who has entered the country illegally to avoid arrest carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 50,000 baht, or both. The five passengers were charged with being in Thailand without permission. Under Section 81 of Thailand’s Immigration Act, the offence carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both. FM91 reported that police are expanding the investigation to locate the alleged organiser, known only as Joe. Elsewhere, earlier in January, highway police arrested a pickup truck driver and uncovered 25 undocumented Myanmar migrant workers after a late-night pursuit on a major road in Nakhon Sawan. The story Bangkok checkpoint uncovers five undocumented Myanmar migrants as seen on Thaiger News.