PHUKET: An Irish tourist who disappeared while swimming in a reservoir in the Laguna area of Phuket late Tuesday night (Aug 4) was found dead yesterday morning, police have confirmed.
PHUKET: An Irish tourist who disappeared while swimming in a reservoir in the Laguna area of Phuket late Tuesday night (Aug 4) was found dead yesterday morning, police have confirmed.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand confirmed a data breach on its investor portal exposed personal information but did not compromise investor assets, as no usernames or passwords were leaked. SET is strengthening cybersecurity measures and coo
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) confirmed that a partial breach of investor data on its TSD Investor Portal did not compromise investor assets because no usernames or passwords were leaked. The exchange is strengthening cybersecurity measures, conducting deep investigations, monitoring suspicious transactions, and coordinating with all securities firms and commercial banks to track related accounts and prevent losses while restoring investor confidence.
According to Assdej Kongsiri, chairman and managing director of the SET, following the unauthorized access to personal information of TSD Investor Portal users, the exchange has conducted a detailed system examination and expanded its investigation scope to identify the cause and patch vulnerabilities. The team is working intensively and upgrading cybersecurity safeguards.
The SET has also coordinated with all securities companies and commercial banks to jointly monitor and track customer accounts affected by the breach. Transactions from affected accounts are being reviewed as special cases, and any unusual activity will be investigated and addressed immediately to protect investor assets.
Kongsiri confirmed that as of now, no investor assets have been harmed, and the accessed data did not include usernames or passwords that could be used to access systems or conduct transactions. Therefore, outside parties cannot directly access investor accounts.
The SET is continuously monitoring system transactions and conducting historical reviews to analyze attack patterns and whether they occurred previously, using this information to strengthen preventive measures. Kongsiri noted that the accessed data consists only of basic registration and profile information, not data needed to transfer assets or conduct securities transactions directly. The exchange will continue close monitoring and ongoing improvements to cybersecurity standards to protect data and maintain long-term investor confidence.
A young tiger cub from Huai Kha Kaeng wildlife sanctuary fatally attacked a wildlife officer in August, mistaking him for prey while he lay on the ground; authorities believe it was a hunting accident involving the 1.5-year-old animal still
On August 6, 2025, wildlife officials confirmed through camera trap footage that the tiger involved in the fatal attack on Mr. Sakdikrin (surname withheld) was one of three cubs belonging to Aphinyha, an 8-year-old female tiger in the area. The cubs, from her second litter, are approximately 1 year and 6 months old. Camera trap analysis shows that only one cub returned to the kill site, indicating it was the responsible animal.
The incident occurred when the young tiger entered the resting area where the officer was lying down horizontally on the ground. The tiger apparently mistook him for natural prey due to his body position resembling a typical prey animal's shape. At 1 year and 6 months old, the cub is still in its learning phase of hunting, and the incident is being treated as a tragic accident rather than predatory behavior, as tigers typically avoid buildings and flee when sensing human movement.
To prevent future incidents, authorities are implementing enhanced safety measures including improved lighting and open landscape design around staff quarters, along with behavioral awareness training. Researchers have deployed 15 camera traps covering 40 square kilometers around Aphinyha's territory to monitor the tiger family's hunting behavior and determine if the cubs can survive independently. If available, satellite collars will be fitted to track all three cubs. Should the aggressive behavior continue, authorities may remove the offending tiger for behavioral rehabilitation. The research team has already been deployed to the area to develop a comprehensive management plan.
A parliamentary anti-corruption committee is investigating foreign nationals using Thai nominees to illegally own land and operate businesses in Phuket, with authorities identifying over 1,700 at-risk companies and enforcing closures in abo
On August 6, 2025, at Parliament, Asaipol Sannitripath, a Bhumjaithai party representative and chair of the House committee on anti-corruption and misconduct, announced discussions on investigating business registration, ownership, and land title documentation by foreigners in Phuket. Following a field visit to Phuket on June 26–27, the committee learned of cases in which foreign nationals held land and operated businesses using Thai nominees to register legal entities, a practice that could threaten national security and the economy. Officials will examine law enforcement compliance and investigate possible corruption or negligence by government officials.
The committee invited representatives from the Land Department, the anti-money-laundering committee, the business development department, the Central Investigation Police, economic crime units, Phuket commerce authorities, and the anti-corruption organization to provide information. The business development department reported issuing four orders and two directives to screen corporate registrations that may involve Thai nominee shareholders, and is studying amendments to foreign business laws and vetting at-risk entities.
In Phuket, investigators found 1,752 companies with foreign shareholders and forwarded data to the provincial governor for action through provincial committees. A data-integration system linking 13-digit corporate ID numbers with the Land Department is being developed to speed checks. Phuket's commerce office established a task force to investigate foreign business law violations; enforcement measures reduced foreign business operations by over 50% and triggered closures in about 20% of cases. Violations are referred to police for legal prosecution.
The Land Department screened 203,000 corporate records from the business development department and identified 4,041 high-risk entities nationwide, sending results to provincial offices. All 77 provinces now have appointed provincial committees and are gathering data for joint review with the business development department before forwarding to the Board of Investment for examination. If a foreign legal entity lacks investment promotion status, the Land Department director may compel land sale under Section 94 of the Land Code.
Phuket has 6,621 corporate records, with 361 in the high-risk group already submitted to the provincial committee. The province has filed 109 cases, prosecuted 34, and brought two to court. An anti-money-laundering official noted that the Prime Minister has convened 23 agencies to coordinate policy on the issue.
The Thai government is moving forward with the Nam Lai Reservoir project in Loei province to address chronic water shortages and flooding, with construction planned for 2571–2576 to serve over 17,000 farming families.
Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced the government's commitment to building the Nam Lai Reservoir in Loei province following a meeting with provincial and local officials on August 6, 2569. Loei province faces challenges with rapid water runoff during the rainy season, causing flash floods and forest runoff, while the dry season brings severe water shortages for consumption and agriculture. The minister stated that the Royal Irrigation Department will closely monitor water conditions using real-time data systems and coordinate with communities for early warning and rapid response.
The Nam Lai Reservoir project, initiated under the vision of the late King Rama IX, is planned for construction between 2571–2576 and will store 27.99 million cubic meters of water, benefiting over 17,200 rai of agricultural land and providing water to 14,270 households. The government is also tracking the construction of the Huai Nam Huay floodgate, intended to replace a 43-year-old weir damaged by forest runoff, which will improve water retention for 572 households and support 1,000 rai of farmland.
Suriya emphasized that water management requires careful planning and cooperation among all sectors. He instructed the Royal Irrigation Department to prepare project readiness for budget allocation while coordinating closely with provincial, local, and community partners to ensure water management aligns with local conditions and delivers real benefits to residents.
Police arrested prominent amulet dealer Ton Bangkhae on fraud charges for selling ordinary cameras as limited-edition models at inflated prices, with authorities estimating 40-50 victims and damages around 40 million baht.
Police have made significant progress in the arrest of Tonthong Sukhkaen, known as Ton Bangkhae, a prominent amulet dealer. Deputy Police Commissioner Tasaphoom Charupatchya, head of the Economic Crime Suppression Division, revealed that officers conducted searches at two locations in Nonthaburi province—Ton Bangkhae's residence and his amulet business—and seized multiple pieces of evidence including approximately 10 amulet viewing cameras, product brochures, documents, shirts, and company seals.
The Economic Crime Suppression Division emphasized that this case is separate from the "Madame Khaeng" case under the jurisdiction of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, and they are handling only the amulet camera fraud. To date, 12 victims—mostly Ton Bangkhae fans—have filed complaints with combined damages of approximately 3.2 million baht. The scheme involved advertising limited-edition amulet cameras but selling ordinary models worth around 1,000 baht at inflated prices of up to 10,000 baht each.
Police estimate total victims at 40–50 people with cumulative damages of around 40 million baht, though some victims have declined to pursue charges after receiving compensation. Authorities denied reports that Ton Bangkhae fled, stating that officers presented an arrest warrant at his residence and he voluntarily came to meet police. Ton Bangkhae initially denied all allegations and refused further cooperation during interrogation. Investigators have charged him with fraud, public fraud, and violations of the Computer Crime Act for submitting false information. Preliminary financial tracking and evidence suggest Ton Bangkhae acted alone with no identified accomplices.
A 48-year-old man was arrested in Ang Thong Province for beating another man to death with a hose and pipe on orders from a co-suspect, allegedly over a stolen motorcycle. The victim was found dumped outside a residence the morning after th
Police from Ang Thong City District arrested 48-year-old Uthen on August 6 under a provincial court warrant, charged with jointly assaulting another person resulting in death. Officers from Ang Thong City and Pothitong districts apprehended him in a forest area in Inthapramul Subdistrict, Pothitong District, Ang Thong Province, where he had been hiding for two days. The victim, 48-year-old Molchai, was beaten with rubber hose and PVC pipe, then transported in a pickup truck and left outside a residence in Mahadthai Subdistrict, where his body was found by relatives the next morning. Another suspect, Ekachai, was arrested on August 5 and has already confessed. During interrogation, Uthen admitted he carried out the beating on Ekachai's orders, claiming he acted out of fear of being harmed if he refused, despite being friends with the victim. The motive stems from Molchai allegedly stealing Ekachai's motorcycle. Police have documented Uthen's confession and will proceed with legal proceedings.
Thailand and Myanmar launched a business forum to strengthen economic ties, with leaders agreeing to reopen a border bridge and target $12 billion in bilateral trade. The forum brought together over 700 business representatives to discuss c
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing jointly opened the Thailand–Myanmar Business Forum 2026 on August 6, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at the Sirikit National Convention Centre. Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Permswatviwat revealed that Prime Minister Srettha and Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing addressed the forum on the theme "New Chapter and Future of Enhancing the Thailand–Myanmar Business Partnership," organized by the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Association and Myanmar's Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with over 700 representatives from both countries in attendance.
The Prime Minister expressed pleasure at opening the event with Myanmar's president and emphasized that Thailand and Myanmar are ready to enter a new chapter of economic cooperation based on mutual trust, confidence, and shared prosperity for both peoples, regardless of political circumstances. He stressed that governments have a responsibility to ensure citizens enjoy quality of life, employment, income, and hope for the future, and that economic progress must continue steadily.
Srettha noted that over decades, Thailand's and Myanmar's private sectors have been crucial mechanisms linking the two economies through investment, employment, and opportunity creation. Myanmar is now a major economic partner of Thailand, with bilateral trade valued at over $7.4 billion, with significant growth potential. Thai investments in Myanmar span energy, manufacturing, transport, logistics, telecommunications, real estate, and tourism.
In discussions with Myanmar's president, both sides agreed to push forward concrete economic cooperation in multiple areas. On trade, both parties welcomed reopening the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge connecting Mae Sot and Myawaddy, and committed to removing regulatory barriers to restore full trade capacity quickly. They also plan to consider opening additional border checkpoints in ready areas to facilitate border trade and promote regional economic development.
Thailand will host a joint trade commission meeting between both countries' commerce ministers to push bilateral trade toward a $12 billion target and revive the vibrant Thailand-Myanmar border trade atmosphere this year. On investment, the Prime Minister confirmed Thai private sector confidence in Myanmar's long-term potential and readiness to expand investment in sectors with joint capacity, including energy, agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, and future industries.
The Thai government will fully support business through reducing obstacles, streamlining procedures, and improving unnecessary regulations. On energy, both sides will continue existing cooperation projects and accelerate necessary processes to jointly strengthen energy security, plus establish a working group to promote connectivity and push infrastructure development.
A man was shot dead in a rubber plantation after bombing a Trang town official's house and cockfighting stadium four times overnight, with police determining the 45-year-old stadium caretaker killed the 23-year-old bomber during a foot chas
Police investigators have pieced together the events behind four bomb blasts that struck Trang city overnight, destroying Thai residences and a cockfighting stadium. The violence stemmed from 45-year-old Yongyot (surname withheld), known as Kai Na Mrae and caretaker of Trang Cockfighting Stadium, who shot 23-year-old Sastrwut (surname withheld) from Yan Ta Khao District four times in the head, killing him in a rubber plantation in Mueang Trang District at 1 p.m. on August 6, 2025.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Trang Provincial Police re-examined the blast sites using X-ray equipment, discovering two .45mm shell casings at the scene. They also inspected the Thai home of Jamnong (surname withheld), a former village headman and influential figure in Trang, finding two crater holes roughly one hand-span deep on the front lawn along with shrapnel, and two explosive fragments lodged in landscaping near the fence.
At the cockfighting stadium in Nabinla, investigators found two crater holes behind a pavilion, shrapnel, and blast damage to pavilion walls and roofing, with two explosive fragments recovered. Police believe the same hand-thrown explosive device type was used at both sites.
Initial investigation reveals that around 11:42 p.m. on August 5, residents in nearby areas and security cameras recorded two loud explosions. The victim, riding behind a motorcycle driven by a friend, had thrown bombs into Jamnong's house before returning to Yan Ta Khao District. Around 3 a.m. on August 6, the victim rode alone to the cockfighting stadium fence and threw two more bombs inside.
Yongyot, a cattle farmer and stadium caretaker, pursued the victim for several kilometers until he abandoned his motorcycle at a company yard in Nabinla, removed his shoes, and fled into an adjacent rubber plantation. Yongyot chased him on foot into the plantation, where gunfire erupted between them. Yongyot, armed with a .45mm pistol, fatally shot the victim, who was holding a .35mm handgun. The victim was found still gripping his weapon when killed.
The Port Authority of Thailand donated 1 million baht to develop youth snooker, pledging continued support as Thai players compete at world-class levels with plans to host two major international championships next year.
Acting Director of the Port Authority of Thailand Rattakorn Khiewpaisan presented 1 million baht in support to the Billiards Association of Thailand, with Sunthorn Charumunt, chairman of the association, and Panchaya Channo ("Mind Sakol"), a world snooker champion and professional player, accepting on behalf of young athletes at the Port Authority's Khlong Toei headquarters on August 6.
The acting director said the Port Authority is committed to continued backing for Thai snooker, marking the second year of support. He noted that Thai cue players are developing steadily and competing on level ground with world-class athletes, and he wants to see young players grow into skilled and ethical snooker professionals. The authority pledged to help further develop the Thai snooker scene.
Regarding efforts to remove snooker from the Gambling Act B.E. 2478, officials said this would allow snooker to progress legitimately and receive full support going forward, benefiting both the sport and its players. Sunthorn said young athletes aged 8-18 came to thank the Port Authority for its ongoing support and pledged that the association would work hard to achieve success and bring credit to Thailand. He noted that two major events are planned for next year: Thailand will host the World Youth Snooker Championship and the World Snooker Championship for amateurs, with champions earning opportunities to compete in professional events.
Former police officer Johnny Mo has officially registered Johnny Muay Thai Gym in Ubon Ratchathani, with experienced trainer Amnat Ruenreung leading operations. The facility aims to develop young boxers and prepare them for championship com
Johnny Mo (Yuttapol Srisompong), a well-known former police officer, has officially entered the professional boxing world with the registration of Johnny Muay Thai Gym, where Amnat Ruenreung serves as head trainer. Johnny Mo has completed registration as gym owner and received official recognition from the Thai Boxing Committee under the Sports Authority of Thailand, formally establishing Johnny Muay Thai Gym. The gym is led by Amnat Ruenreung, nicknamed "Diamond Muay Thai Coach" and a former Thai national boxing team fighter. In a social media post documenting his registration at the Ubon Ratchathani provincial sports office, Johnny Mo outlined three key objectives: obtaining his official coaching license under Amnat's certification from the Thai Boxing Committee, registering Johnny Mo's Muay Thai Gym to promote youth participation and develop future boxing champions, and registering as a boxing promoter to organize matches and push young athletes from Ubon Ratchathani toward world championship titles. He noted that his training partner is currently a world champion and certified muay thai instructor in Ubon Ratchathani.