Navy Seizes Illegal Fuel Tanker in Gulf of Thailand

The Royal Thai Navy seized a fuel tanker in the upper Gulf of Thailand carrying 60,000 liters of illegally transported diesel fuel intended to evade taxes, with the vessel and crew transferred to authorities for prosecution.

4d ago Khaosod

Chachoengsao — The Royal Thai Navy Region 1 has intercepted the fuel tanker Risky Nam Choke 89 in the upper Gulf of Thailand, seizing approximately 60,000 liters of diesel fuel being transported illegally to evade taxes. The vessel and crew have been transferred to Sattahip Police Station for prosecution.

On August 12, 2025 at 12:59 p.m., Navy Patrol Craft 115 from the Royal Thai Navy Region 1 Operations Center conducted routine patrols in the upper Gulf of Thailand and discovered the fishing vessel Risky Nam Choke 89 anchored near Phetchaburi Province. The vessel exhibited characteristics inconsistent with typical fishing boats and aroused suspicion.

Authorities exercised powers under the 1947 Naval Maritime Offense Suppression Act to conduct a search. Inspections revealed the vessel lacked proper vessel registration documents and operating licenses, and the captain and crew possessed no work permits. A thorough search of the cargo hold uncovered approximately 60,000 liters of diesel fuel with no documentation of origin or proof of tax payment.

Officers detained the vessel and all crew members, bringing them to Laem Tien Pier at the Naval Operations Command in Sattahip District, Chachoengsao Province for detailed investigation. The case was coordinated with relevant agencies including the Revenue Department, the Regional Port Authority, and the Naval Police Station 3.

Representatives from the Maritime Strategic Command Region 1, the Revenue Department, the Regional Port Authority's Pattaya branch, and Sattahip Provincial Police jointly announced the arrest results and transferred the suspects to Sattahip Police Station for legal proceedings.

The Royal Thai Navy Region 1, the Maritime Strategic Command Region 1, and partner agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to systematically and decisively eliminate illegal fuel transport operations that evade taxes, in order to fully protect Thailand's maritime interests.

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National

Opposition Leader Vows No-Confidence Motion Against Government

Pheu Thai's opposition leader announced plans to file a no-confidence motion against the government this parliamentary session, citing evidence of corruption and mismanagement under the military-backed system.

4d ago Khaosod

Opposition leader Nathapong Ruengpanya confirmed on August 14 that his Pheu Thai party will file a no-confidence motion against the government during the current parliamentary session, though he declined to reveal the exact timing due to constitutional constraints that prevent the prime minister from dissolving parliament immediately after such a motion is filed. He said the opposition has compiled extensive evidence of corruption, lack of transparency in independent agencies, and mismanagement, all stemming from the military-backed system, which he argues leaves Thailand without a future. Nathapong stated that deeper evidence will be presented during the no-confidence debate, some of which cannot be disclosed publicly beforehand but will be protected under parliamentary privilege. Regarding the government's claims that the vote-buying allegations are unrelated to the administration, he argued that evidence linking the matter to politicians from the ruling coalition makes denial difficult. On the prime minister's social media post seemingly alluding to opposition deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul's comment about being exhausted from fighting a wall, Nathapong said while leaders should use all platforms to communicate on national issues, using personal social media to make veiled attacks on opponents without directly owning the statement is unbecoming of a premier.

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Police

Over 80 Victims Report Labour Scam to Police

Over 80 people lost more than 20 million baht to a labour recruitment scam that promised overseas jobs in Canada and Finland but never materialized, with victims filing complaints to Bangkok police in August.

4d ago Khaosod

On August 14, 2025, more than 80 victims filed complaints with the Central Investigation Police Bureau's Human Trafficking Suppression Division against a labour recruitment company identified by the initial letter 'G'. The company had promised to send workers abroad for fruit picking and packaging jobs in Canada and Finland, but the victims never travelled and suffered combined losses exceeding 20 million baht.

A representative victim from Nakhon Sawan province, identified as Mr A, revealed he contacted the company through a Facebook page that appeared credible. He was interviewed at an office in Bangkok's Don Muang area, where a foreign man was also present to conduct a test. After passing the interview, the company charged him 12,500 baht for tourism visa processing and requested a new email for visa submission. He was directed to submit documents and biometric data at a VFS centre near Rama 9. After receiving notification that his visa was approved, he transferred an additional 65,000 baht. The company also offered a special foreign currency exchange promotion, which attracted victims to deposit money.

By early August, Mr A visited the office only to find it empty with belongings removed. The page administrator claimed the office was undergoing renovation, but investigation revealed the space was only temporarily rented. When the scheduled departure date of August 17, 2025 approached and victims attempted to inquire about flight tickets and travel details, they received no response and could not reach company staff, leading them to believe they had been scammed.

Most victims came from various provinces including Chiang Rai, Chumphon, and the Northeast region. Many had taken out loans hoping to earn income abroad and support their families. The company's Facebook page remains active but no longer posts updates, and the listed phone numbers are unreachable. Victims submitted evidence including bank transfer records, contact information, and job application documents to police for investigation and prosecution.

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National

Opposition Leader Pushes Gun Control Law Amid School Threats

Pheu Thai's Natthapong calls for stronger gun control laws and equal enforcement after schools face threats nationwide, warning that tougher penalties alone won't work without proper implementation.

4d ago Khaosod

On August 14 at parliament, Natthapong Ruengpanya, list MP and Pheu Thai party leader, addressed the copycat threat situation affecting schools nationwide. He expressed condolences for losses and concern that many schools have received threatening messages, warning these could cause school disruptions even if not credible. He called on school administrators to strengthen security measures.

Regarding firearms control, Natthapong noted that Pheu Thai is preparing amendments beyond just tougher penalties, emphasizing that enforcement is equally vital. He cautioned that stronger laws without proper enforcement could become tools for corrupt officials to extort benefits. When asked about submitting amendments when parliament opens, he said the party is still discussing proposals internally and expects amendments to accompany the government's firearms bill.

On whether politicians deserve guns, Natthapong stressed that everyone, regardless of status or position, must be equal under law and subject to fair enforcement. He criticized disparities in justice, citing images of criminals treated differently from politicians in custody. He emphasized that public trust depends on actual results and actions, not statements, and called the enforcement of equal application of law most important. Regarding gun buyback schemes, he reiterated that the core issue is firearms proliferation in society, and ultimate success hinges on equal law enforcement for all.

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National

Fourth Announces First Full Solo Concert

GMMTV star FOURTH Nattawat will headline his first full solo concert October 16-18 at BITEC LIVE, with tickets launching August 16-17 via Thaiticketmajor.

4d ago Khaosod

Entertainment — FOURTH Nattawat, the hot GMMTV star and performer, is inviting fans to experience OH MY FOURTH CONCERT, his first full solo concert, on October 16–17–18 at 6 p.m. at BITEC LIVE. Tickets go on sale through Thaiticketmajor.com starting Sunday, August 16, with general sales opening Monday, August 17.

Japanese artist Ryosuke Yamada will make his Thai solo debut in Ryosuke Yamada ASIA TOUR 2026 Red.Y in Bangkok on Saturday, September 26 at 6 p.m. at Thunder Dome Muang Thong Thani. Tickets are available at Thaiticketmajor.com.

The 808 Festival 2026 electronic music festival takes place October 2–3 at BITEC Bang Na, headlined by Adam Beyer B2B Chris Avantgarde, Argy, Ben Nicky, Ian Asher, Illenium, Mary Droppinz, Rivo, Slander B2B NGHTMRE, and W&W. Two-day and VVIP packages are available at 808festival.net.

Folk-rock band manutsawee presents their first full concert "Please Be Happy with Sad Songs CONCERT" on Saturday, October 3 at Thunder Dome Muang Thong Thani. Tickets go on sale Sunday, August 30 via I Have Ticket.

Grammy-nominated jazz duo DOMi & JD Beck will perform "DOMi & JD Beck Who's Asked? Tour Live in Bangkok 2026" on November 24 at Sphere Hall, EMSPHERE. Tickets are available at ticketmelon.com.

Singer and musician Henry Lau will headline "Henry Lau 2026 Enjoy the Show World Tour – Bangkok" on Saturday, November 28 at 6 p.m. at Idea Live, Bravo BKK. Tickets go on sale Saturday, August 15 through Thaiticketmajor, Fantopia, Maiseat & Damai, and Trip.com.

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Police

Border Patrol Arrests 52 Myanmar Migrants Entering Thailand Illegally

Authorities in Kanchanaburi arrested 52 Myanmar migrants hiding in a forest near Sangkhla Buri after illegally crossing the border, with plans to work in Thai cities. The group was caught during a patrol operation before smugglers could tra

4d ago Khaosod

Kanchanaburi authorities have arrested 52 Myanmar nationals caught hiding in the forest near Sangkhla Buri district after illegally crossing into Thailand through a natural border route. The migrants were believed to be destined for labor work in major Thai cities.

On August 14, officials from Kanchanaburi Province, the 19th Infantry Regiment, and other security units conducted an integrated patrol operation near the Nong Loo subdistrict in Sangkhla Buri. Officers discovered a large group of suspected Myanmar migrant workers hiding in a natural passage area behind a pomelo orchard in Moo 8, Nong Loo. After surrounding the location and signaling for the group to surrender, the individuals complied cooperatively.

Authorities detained all 52 people—34 men and 18 women—and transported them to a joint security checkpoint for document verification. None of the migrants possessed identification cards or legal residency documents, and none could speak or understand Thai. They were brought for interrogation through a translator at Sangkhla Buri Police Station.

One suspect, a 44-year-old Myanmar man named Ong Mi, confessed through a translator that the group had been summoned to gather at Phayatongsu Subdistrict and were led across the border through a natural passage by Myanmar smugglers. They then traveled secretly through forest paths to avoid checkpoints, eventually waiting behind the pomelo orchard for someone to pick them up and take them to work in Thailand's interior provinces. They were apprehended before transport could occur.

After the suspects confessed, they were handed over to Sangkhla Buri Police for prosecution under charges of illegal entry and residence in Thailand without authorization.

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National

PM Orders Three Agencies to Resolve Gun Control Policy Impasse

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered three agencies to resolve disputes over strict gun control policies that are restricting shooting sports athletes' training, while confirming the government will stop awarding firearms as prize

4d ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered three government agencies to resolve conflicts over strict firearms control policy, which is hampering shooting sports athletes' training. He stated that implementing the policy is straightforward for officials carrying weapons during work hours, and commanders should develop clear execution plans.

Speaking at 9 a.m. on August 14, 2025, in Nakhon Ratchasima, Anutin confirmed the government's decision to stop awarding firearms as prizes to village headmen and leaders. The Public Administration Department director has agreed to the change. When asked about the long-standing tradition of such awards, Anutin reiterated that this is now government policy.

The Shooting Sports Association has objected, arguing that strict gun controls harm training and competitions. Anutin responded that the Public Administration Department, Thai Sports Authority, and shooting federation are coordinating to develop additional firearms legislation. He acknowledged the complexity of implementation, noting concerns about how regulations should address home moves, training scenarios, and loopholes, and said all parties must participate in discussions grounded in safety.

Anutin also addressed complaints from some police officers about operational difficulties, saying commanders bear responsibility for strategy and implementation. "For officers already in their posts, it's not difficult," he remarked. When asked who is complaining, he suggested such concerns be raised with superiors and handled through management meetings. He indicated that solutions already exist for most administrative issues.

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National

Pheu Thai Confirms New Nonthaburi Governor Candidate, Identity Withheld

Pheu Thai has selected a new candidate for Nonthaburi governor, withholding the nominee's identity until formal acceptance, hoping the fresh choice will strengthen the party's position in the province.

4d ago Khaosod

At 10:00 a.m. on August 14, 2569 at Parliament, Nattapong Rueangpanya, a Pheu Thai party-list MP and party leader, clarified the party's selection of a candidate for Nonthaburi Provincial Administrator. He said initial party discussions led to nominating a new face rather than the previous candidate, but the nominee's name will be withheld pending their formal acceptance. Once confirmed, the party believes this candidate will be the strongest option available.

Nattapong explained that the previous candidate was not re-nominated due to personal constraints regarding readiness in the last election. However, he said the party has identified better options since then and is now presenting what it considers the optimal choice.

When asked whether the Luang Phuang group's potential lack of readiness could disadvantage Pheu Thai, Nattapong responded that election outcomes ultimately depend on the public. While rival factions uniting or dividing is one factor, the most important element is that Pheu Thai presents the strongest candidate. He added that winning the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrator race would make it the largest local government organization under Pheu Thai's management, and appealed to Nonthaburi voters to extend the same trust they showed Pheu Thai MPs to the party's gubernatorial candidate.

According to reports, in the most recent Provincial Administrator election on February 1, 2568, Police Major General Thongchai Yenpraserit, the outgoing administrator, won 219,173 votes, defeating Pheu Thai's Loet Mongkol Warawenuchaya, who came second with 155,035 votes.

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Police

South Korean Drug Trafficker Arrested After 8 Years Hiding in Thailand

South Korean drug trafficker Lee was arrested in Phuket after hiding illegally in Thailand for eight years, wanted by Interpol for trafficking methamphetamine and cannabis to South Korea and defrauding victims of millions of baht.

4d ago Khaosod

On August 14, 2025, following a directive to sweep foreign fugitives hiding in Thailand, officers from Police Region 6 and the Narcotics Suppression Bureau collaborated in the arrest of a South Korean national identified as Lee. The suspect was wanted under Red Notice A-8537/8-2018 issued by Interpol on August 13, 2018, for fraud and unlicensed drug and cannabis trafficking across borders.

Lee had been operating a sophisticated criminal network since early 2018, defrauding victims of approximately 800 million won (roughly 20 million baht) and leading a drug export operation shipping methamphetamine and cannabis from Thailand to South Korea via social media platforms. He had a criminal history spanning over 23 cases involving drugs, human trafficking, assault, and fraud.

After receiving intelligence from South Korean police and intelligence agencies, officers tracked Lee to a luxury condominium in Phuket City. Biometric records showed he had entered Thailand on March 6, 2018, on a tourist visa valid until June 3, 2018, but remained in the country illegally for eight years. On August 12, 2025, at approximately 19:00, officers conducted surveillance and apprehended the suspect. He admitted to his identity and consented to a room search, during which police seized mobile phones and debit cards.

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Police

Buddhist Monk Found Dead in Quarters at Kamphaengphet Temple

A 57-year-old Buddhist monk was found dead in his quarters at a Kamphaengphet temple on August 13, with police determining the death was self-inflicted after he had complained of insomnia and hearing voices.

5d ago Khaosod

Police arrived at a temple in Mueang District, Kamphaengphet Province on the evening of August 13 after receiving a report that a monk had died in his quarters on the second floor of the dormitory. The deceased, a 57-year-old who had been ordained for over six years, showed signs of a self-inflicted death, and no injuries from external violence were found. Police had a hospital doctor conduct an initial examination, and the body was sent for detailed autopsy before being released to the family for religious rites.

A letter was discovered stating the monk was asking for forgiveness from the abbot and all people, and requested that his cremation be conducted quietly without informing anyone. The family reported the monk had no chronic illnesses and were shocked by the incident, unsure of its cause.

According to the abbot, the monk had ordained for over six years and had transferred to this temple two months before the rainy season retreat. In recent days, the monk had complained of insomnia and said he heard voices telling him to die. The abbot said he counseled the monk not to act on such thoughts, warning that it would be sinful, and advised him not to believe in demons or let negative emotions control his mind.

The abbot also noted the monk was troubled about a disciplinary matter involving a female lay devotee. The abbot reassured him it was not serious and told him not to dwell on it. On the day of the incident, the monk participated in chanting with other monks, then returned to his quarters around 6 p.m. When the abbot called and the monk did not answer, a temple student was sent to check and found him dead with the farewell letter.

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National

PM Denies US Drone Base Plan, Keeps Trade and Security Separate

PM Anutin Charnvirakul denied reports that the US plans to establish a drone production base in Thailand, insisting trade and security matters remain separate in bilateral discussions.

5d ago Khaosod

BANGKOK — Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has denied reports that the United States plans to establish a production base for unmanned aerial vehicles in Thailand, saying he had received no such report.

Anutin was asked about reports that the US might use military issues as leverage in negotiations over trade tariffs. The prime minister rejected the suggestion, saying there had been no such discussion.

He said US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby met with him on 13 August, but the two did not discuss the issue.

"Trade and tariffs are matters of trade, while security cooperation is a military matter. The government will not allow the two to become involved with each other," Anutin said.

He described the meeting with Colby as having gone "very well".

Asked whether security issues and trade negotiations should be kept separate, Anutin said this had always been the US approach.

"The US has always been like this. The Under Secretary of Defense did not have any trade-related issues to discuss," he said.

Asked whether the Cobra Gold joint military exercise would proceed on its normal schedule, Anutin said it would.

"It is normal. We have been doing this for decades. I don't know who started this issue because it does not exist," he said.

On negotiations over US trade tariffs, Anutin said Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun had provided an update. He said the government held a meeting on Monday to receive an update on the negotiations and that everything remained within the timeframe set by the negotiating team.

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