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Police

Search Intensifies for Missing Russian Siblings in Chonburi

Police launched a major search in Chonburi after discovering the dismantled motorcycle of two missing Russian siblings buried in a forest, with suspects fleeing the scene as investigators intensified efforts to locate Diana and Roman Nazimo

Search Intensifies for Missing Russian Siblings in Chonburi
29 Jul Khaosod

CHONBURI — More than 200 police officers, local officials and rescue workers searched a forest in Chonburi on Wednesday after the motorcycle belonging to two missing Russian siblings was found dismantled and buried in the ground.

Diana Nazimova, 22, and her 17-year-old brother Roman Nazimova have been missing since approximately 4:00 a.m. on July 26, according to Huai Yai Police. The siblings, both Russian nationals, were travelling on a black-and-grey Honda ADV 150 motorcycle with Chonburi registration when they disappeared. Their mother reported them missing and expressed fears for their safety.

According to reports, the siblings left home to visit a convenience store, but CCTV footage showed another motorcycle following them. Before losing contact, Diana sent a message saying she believed they were being followed. Her phone also detected an unidentified Bluetooth tracking device, and both siblings' phones were turned off shortly afterwards.

The search took a disturbing turn on Wednesday when local officials discovered the siblings' motorcycle buried in a forested area of Huai Yai subdistrict. A local official reported that several men had been seen digging in the area the previous night. When authorities arrived, four men with digging equipment fled the scene, leaving behind recently disturbed soil. The motorcycle was found dismantled and concealed underground, but no bodies or additional evidence was discovered.

Police, district officials and rescue personnel deployed more than 200 personnel to search the surrounding forest, dividing the area into several zones. After more than three hours of searching on Wednesday afternoon, no further trace of the siblings or additional evidence had been found. Authorities continued combing the area and had not withdrawn their personnel.

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Police

Drug-Crazed Man Hijacks Pickup, Four Passengers in Vehicle Escape

A drug-intoxicated man hijacked a pickup truck with four passengers aboard in Prachuap Khiri Khan, but the driver's wife managed to escape with the children by jumping from the moving vehicle near a rice paddy.

Drug-Crazed Man Hijacks Pickup, Four Passengers in Vehicle Escape
29 Jul Khaosod

At 11:00 AM on July 29, 2569, police in Sri Maha Phot District, Prachuap Khiri Khan received a report from 31-year-old Vatchara Phong of Tha Toom Sub-district after his bronze-colored Isuzu D-Max pickup was hijacked in broad daylight near Ue Arthorn village. Vatchara had left the truck running with the key in the ignition and doors unlocked while buying candy for his children at a nearby shop. Inside the vehicle were his wife Kannikar, 30, holding their 2.5-year-old daughter in the front seat, along with his 9-year-old son and 6-year-old nephew in the truck bed, totaling four passengers.

While Vatchara was paying at the shop, a stranger suddenly jumped into the driver's seat and sped away. Police quickly mobilized search teams and coordinated with neighboring Prajuab Khiri Khan Station to set up checkpoints. During the high-speed escape, Kannikar managed to call relatives and police. When the suspect turned onto a rural road into a rice paddy area, she saw an opportunity to escape. She grabbed her daughter and jumped from the moving vehicle, with the two boys following suit. One boy struck the ground and suffered a head injury. Local children on bicycles witnessed the incident and alerted a retired police officer in the area, who coordinated emergency responders.

After the family jumped, the suspect drove another 300-400 meters before the truck became stuck in the rice paddy mud near Ban Nong Chat Temple in Ban Hoi Sub-district, Prajuab Khiri Khan District. The suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled into the flooded rice fields for approximately 500 meters before being surrounded and cornered by police and villagers, forcing him to surrender. Police identified the suspect as Surapong Vong Siang, 42, shirtless and apologetic, who confessed to consuming two methamphetamine pills before committing the crime.

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National

Dialog Key to Ending South Border Violence, Officials Say

A deadly attack on a Narathiwat checkpoint killed five rangers, prompting martial law as officials stress dialogue alongside law enforcement as key to ending violence in Thailand's troubled southern border provinces.

Dialog Key to Ending South Border Violence, Officials Say
29 Jul Khaosod

The southern border region has escalated in violence again, claiming the lives of officials and affecting many civilians. A particularly severe attack on a checkpoint in Tan Yong Mas subdistrict, Rangae district, Narathiwat province, killed five rangers and wounded civilians. The attack prompted the government to impose martial law across Narathiwat, expanding authorities' powers to search, arrest, detain, and use weapons.

While martial law aims to apprehend those responsible, it must be enforced carefully to avoid harming innocent people. Defense Minister General Adul Bunthumdej discussed prevention measures and vowed to capture the perpetrators, while also emphasizing long-term solutions through dialogue among Thai citizens with differing views. In his capacity as defense minister, he stressed the importance of not escalating tensions or fueling conflict.

National Security Council Secretary-General Chatrchai Bangchad similarly emphasized that dialogue with dissidents must continue alongside strict law enforcement against those using violence. This measured approach from senior officials reflects thoughtful consideration of the southern border crisis.

The problems in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and parts of Songkhla provinces have deep historical roots, intensifying dramatically since the 2004 military arsenal robbery on January 4 and continuing to the present day. The region has suffered massive loss of life and consumed enormous government resources. Most government and civil society observers have concluded that permanent solutions require dialogue rather than repression alone, and significant progress was nearly achieved before the 2014 coup interrupted the process.

The current government has expressed commitment to resolving the crisis through dialogue initiatives, claiming considerable progress. However, the recent escalation in violence raises questions about what obstacles dialogue faces and whether authorities have adequately understood the region's diversity and distinct identity.

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National

Officials Sue Whistleblower Over Senate Election Allegations

Thai PM and cabinet members filed defamation lawsuits against a whistleblower who revealed allegations of vote-buying, prompting criticism that they should clarify with facts rather than legal action to avoid appearing to silence critics.

Officials Sue Whistleblower Over Senate Election Allegations
29 Jul Khaosod

In democratic politics, scrutinizing those in power is routine, especially when allegations involve how state authority was obtained. Those accused should explain themselves to society rather than rush to file lawsuits, because doing so raises questions about whether they are protecting their reputation or using the law to silence critics. The case of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Bhumjaithai Party ministers—including Suksomruay Wanthaniyakul and Phraradorn Parisnanantakul, two deputy prime ministers, along with Supchai Pothsumit, a former parliament speaker—filing suit against Yingluck Achjanant, or "Bao iLaw," who revealed information about nine Bhumjaithai politicians possibly involved in a Senate election fraud case, has become an immediate flashpoint. Many in society view this as a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) rather than a genuine defense of rights, especially as the online world rallies behind "Bao iLaw" with messages of support and calls for the Election Commission to pursue the Senate case through court action. This reflects that society wants truth more than litigation as a tool for retaliation.

Former Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong believes that if the accused believe the information is false, they should clarify and open themselves to scrutiny rather than prosecute the whistleblower, as this risks appearing to restrict freedom of expression. He stressed that those in political office must accept more intensive scrutiny than ordinary citizens.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva agrees, noting that the information Bao iLaw disclosed is already under investigation by the Election Commission and the Digital Security Agency. If confident in their innocence, they should use facts to counter the allegations rather than file suits. He warned that if the Election Commission ultimately rules differently from the evidence society has seen, the organization's credibility will be questioned.

The Senate election fraud case is not simply about finding who is guilty, but a test of how the Bhumjaithai government will handle scrutiny from the opposition and the public—whether it chooses to fight with reason or uses litigation as a tool for silencing. The government must remember that those who wield state power can be scrutinized. If confident in their integrity, they must use facts to answer questions, not court orders to retaliate. A strong government need not sue to silence the people; it must have the courage to prove itself before society through the truth.

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National

FEED X KHAOSOD Awards 2026 Set for September 27

Thailand's major FEED X KHAOSOD Awards returns September 27 at ICONSIAM HALL for its fifth year, honoring achievements across film, music, drama, and content creation with multiple award categories.

FEED X KHAOSOD Awards 2026 Set for September 27
29 Jul Khaosod

The FEED X KHAOSOD AWARDS 2026 ceremony takes place on Sunday, September 27 at ICONSIAM HALL, marking the fifth year of this major Thai entertainment awards show. The awards span four main categories: Lifetime Achievement (3 awards across film, music, and content creation); annual awards in 20 categories including series and drama, film, BL/GL series, music, and emerging talent; Creator-Influencer-Campaign awards (7 awards); and Popular Choice awards (6 awards). Categories include recognitions for directors, actors, actresses, supporting actors, singers, and emerging creators, alongside viewer-voted popularity awards. Further details are available through FEED, Khaosod, and affiliated media platforms.

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Regional

Chinese-Backed IT Factory Construction Disrupts Rayong Community

A Chinese-backed IT data center under construction in Rayong's Ban Khlong district is causing severe noise, dust, and pollution that forced nearby residents to relocate, with complaints about environmental damage and unauthorized canal fill

Chinese-Backed IT Factory Construction Disrupts Rayong Community
29 Jul Khaosod

Rayong residents have lodged complaints about a large Chinese-backed IT data center project that operates around the clock, causing severe environmental and quality-of-life impacts in their community. The 100-rai facility, located in Moo 6, Huai Maha community, Ban Khlong subdistrict, Ban Khlong district, features worker camps, construction cranes, and constant heavy truck traffic. Local resident Noi, 60, reported that the 24-hour construction generates deafening noise from pile driving, dust clouds, and air pollution that forced him and his family to relocate to rental housing elsewhere.

Noi stated that previous complaints to authorities have yielded no progress, calling for officials to investigate government accountability and environmental and safety impacts. Ban Khlong subdistrict headman Uthai Samaun noted that the site, on the edge of the Khlong Phraya-Phu Dor forest ridge with intact woodland and wildlife habitat, was formerly an abandoned golf course sold to Chinese investors without community consultation. He reported unauthorized canal filling to create construction space, disrupting public waterways, and no government agency has yet investigated or taken action.

The community remains deeply concerned about future environmental damage from massive electricity consumption, cooling systems, water use, wastewater, and electronic waste that could harm nearby canals. Officials are withholding final approval pending comprehensive environmental assessment. The project is listed as a large IT data center with 57,130.35 square meters of usable space, building dimensions of approximately 92 by 192 meters, and is currently under construction. No official statement has yet been provided by the project company or relevant government agencies.

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Weather

Flash Floods Trap 48 Tourists at Resort in Chanthaburi

Flash floods from heavy rain swamped two resorts in Chanthaburi on July 29, trapping 48 tourists who were safely evacuated to upper floors; water levels exceeded 2 meters, causing significant damage to property and vehicles across the distr

Flash Floods Trap 48 Tourists at Resort in Chanthaburi
29 Jul Khaosod

On July 29, 2025, flash floods from upstream areas rapidly inundated resorts in Chuman and Patawi subdistricts, Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province, with water levels exceeding 2 meters following hours of heavy rain. The surging water caused severe damage to accommodations and property in minutes.

Official investigations confirmed that two resorts were affected, with 48 tourists stranded in total. The first resort in Chuman subdistrict housed 28 guests; floodwaters completely submerged the ground-floor rooms and caused extensive damage to electrical appliances, over 10 refrigerators, a coffee shop setup, and destroyed three guest vehicles and five resort vehicles, with estimated losses between 300,000 and 500,000 baht. The second resort in Patawi subdistrict had 20 stranded tourists.

All 48 tourists remained safe after being evacuated to the second floor in time. As of the latest report, none wished to leave the area as the upper level remained secure.

Floodwaters also inundated homes throughout the district. Rescue teams and provincial disaster management units deployed boats to evacuate 13 residents from three households in Patawi subdistrict to safety.

By midday, water levels had stabilized and begun draining into tributary streams and Pong Roeng Sen Canal. Assuming no further rain, the situation is expected to gradually return to normal. Warnings remained in effect through July 30 for flash floods and flash-flooding risks from accumulated heavy rainfall in upstream areas.

Overall damage in Mueang District across three subdistricts and eight villages affected 30 households and 70 residents. Infrastructure damage included severe subsidence on Highway 3329 near the Kiri Tara project, Luang Phloen Bridge, and Soi Phliw Noi and Soi Khao Lum. Over 10 homes sustained flood damage. Authorities continued 24-hour monitoring of water accumulation as additional flooding remained possible.

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National

US Doctor Warns of 5 Popular Drinks Damaging Heart Health

A US doctor warns that sugary drinks, diet sodas, sports beverages, sweetened coffee, and fruit juice can significantly damage heart health and increase cardiovascular disease risk, urging people to prioritize beverage choices alongside die

US Doctor Warns of 5 Popular Drinks Damaging Heart Health
29 Jul Khaosod

A US anti-aging medicine specialist has warned that beyond food choices, "beverages" consumed daily can significantly impact heart health, particularly drinks high in sugar, alcohol, or artificial sweeteners. Regular consumption of such drinks may increase the long-term risk of heart and cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Vassily Eliopoulos, an anti-aging medicine expert from Cornell University and co-founder and chief medical officer of Longevity Health, disclosed on March 24 that many people prioritize food selection but overlook the impact of beverages on cardiovascular health.

Five Beverages to Limit:

1. Coffee with High Sugar and Artificial Cream: While black coffee has research supporting health benefits, adding sugar, flavored syrups, or large amounts of cream significantly reduces nutritional value. A large latte with flavored syrup may contain up to 50 grams of sugar—more like dessert than a health drink.

2. Sports Electrolyte Drinks: These typically contain high levels of carbohydrates and calories, with some containing food coloring. Unless engaging in intense exercise or continuous athletic competition, most people have little need for carbohydrates from such drinks, as plain water combined with proper electrolyte intake suffices.

3. Alcoholic Beverages: Regular alcohol consumption may elevate blood pressure, affect sleep quality, and trigger inflammation—all factors increasing cardiovascular disease risk.

4. Sugar-Free Soft Drinks: While many choose diet sodas hoping to reduce health impact, synthetic sweeteners may stimulate insulin release and affect gut microbiota balance. Some large studies have found correlations between consuming such drinks and cardiovascular disease risk, though causation remains unclear.

5. High-Sugar Fruit Juice: While fresh fruit is beneficial, fruit juice differs. It contains natural sugars in high amounts but minimal fiber, allowing rapid absorption and quick blood sugar spikes. This may elevate triglyceride levels and trigger increased pancreatic insulin production.

Three Long-Term Heart Health Behaviors:

Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, a US cardiologist, notes that normal health check results don't guarantee complete heart strength. Heart health requires continuous behavioral adjustments, including:

1. Sleep at least seven hours nightly, as prolonged sleep deprivation may increase blood pressure, trigger inflammation, and elevate stress hormones like cortisol.

2. Exercise regularly to strengthen heart muscle and enable efficient blood circulation.

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Regional

Phuket's Kathu Model Helps Former Drug Users Rebuild Lives

Phuket's Kathu Model demonstrates how community-based drug rehabilitation combined with family support and job training helps former drug users successfully rebuild their lives, according to the Thai Health Promotion Foundation.

Phuket's Kathu Model Helps Former Drug Users Rebuild Lives
29 Jul The Phuket News

PHUKET: The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) is highlighting Phuket’s ‘Kathu Model’ as an example of how community-based drug rehabilitation can help former drug users rebuild their lives through treatment, family support and employment.

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Police

Ladprao Beer Bar Fire Death Toll Reaches 37

A 25-year-old woman has become the 37th victim of the Ladprao beer bar fire that broke out in mid-July, succumbing to her injuries at a Bangkok hospital this week.

Ladprao Beer Bar Fire Death Toll Reaches 37
29 Jul Khaosod

The death toll from the Ladprao beer bar fire has climbed to 37 after another victim, a 25-year-old female customer, died at Ratchavithi Hospital on July 29, 2025. The fire occurred in the early morning hours of July 12–13, initially killing 36 people and injuring 79 others. Investigators have been gathering evidence and have already interviewed more than 150 witnesses as they build their case. The deceased's remains will be transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police Hospital before being returned to family for funeral arrangements according to their faith.

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National

Lawmaker Defends Defamation Complaint Filing Rights Nationwide

A Phue Thai lawmaker defended his legal interpretation that defamation complaints can be filed in any province, disputing a civil rights organization's argument that such cases require filing in the jurisdiction where the alleged offense oc

Lawmaker Defends Defamation Complaint Filing Rights Nationwide
29 Jul Khaosod

Supachai Jaisamut, a Phue Thai party list member and head of the legal affairs working group, held a press conference before hundreds of media representatives on July 29, 2025, following iLaw director Yingchaiph Atcharanon's public statement citing Criminal Procedure Code Section 18 to argue that defamation complaints can be filed without geographic restrictions.

Supachai disputed iLaw's legal interpretation, stating that he finds their reasoning confusing. He argued that the organization has incorrectly equated defamation cases with theft cases, which must be reported in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred. Supachai emphasized that defamation is fundamentally different and that complaints can be filed in any province.

Supachai criticized iLaw's approach, arguing that instead of quietly sharing the disputed information between the two parties involved—which would have kept the matter private—iLaw chose to issue an official press statement from a government podium. This resulted in the story being reported by hundreds of media outlets across online platforms, newspapers, and other channels, reaching the public throughout the kingdom, from Amnat Charoen to Ubon Ratchathani. He concluded that under these circumstances, a victim could legitimately file a complaint or lawsuit in any province of their choosing.

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