Bangkok — 17 August 2026, Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has stepped up efforts to protect dugongs after 10 years of data showed 209 strandings, warning that the species faces an increasing risk of extinction.

DMCR Director-General Pinsak Suraswadi said the department had launched the "Save Our Dugong" campaign in line with Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin's policy to conserve and restore marine and coastal resources, particularly rare and endangered marine animals.

The campaign focuses on reducing threats from human activities in 12 high-risk areas along Thailand's Andaman coast, with two urgent measures targeting boat accidents and fishing gear.

The first measure is to regulate shipping routes and boat speeds in six areas considered at risk of dugongs being struck by vessels: Ratsada Pier and Bang Rong Pier in Phuket; the Ko Yao Noi–Ko Yao Yai waterway in Phang Nga; Hat Noppharat Thara–Ao Nam Mao in Krabi; Pak Meng Pier–Ko Muk and Ko Libong Pier–Hat Yao in Trang.

Buoys and navigation markers will be installed to clearly define routes, while speed limits will be imposed according to distance from shore.

Boats will be limited to 5 knots within 1 kilometre of the coast, 10 knots within 2 kilometres and 20 knots within 3 kilometres. The speed limit will be 5 knots in seagrass areas and 3 knots in seagrass areas located within national parks.

The second measure involves modifying fishing gear to make it safer for dugongs in six high-risk areas: Ko Chang–Ko Phayam in Ranong; Ko Ra–Ko Phra Thong in Phang Nga; Pa Khlok–Tang Khen in Phuket; Hat Noppharat Thara in Krabi; Ko Siboya in Krabi; and Ko Muk–Ko Libong in Trang.

The measures aim to reduce the risk of dugongs becoming trapped or injured by fishing equipment.

For single crab traps, one trap per buoy will be allowed, but traps will be prohibited in seagrass beds. Buoy ropes will be replaced with 5-millimetre high-strength fibre rope to reduce the risk of entanglement and deep cuts to dugong muscles.

Weak links will also be modified at connection points to give dugongs a better chance of escaping if they become entangled. Excess rope will be shortened, particularly around the water surface and along areas commonly used by dugongs.

For linked crab traps, with 15–20 traps connected to one buoy, stones or lead weights will be used to keep the rope running vertically.

Bottom-set crab nets will be prohibited in seagrass beds. In areas where they are permitted, fishermen will be required to monitor the nets after deployment to reduce the risk of dugongs becoming trapped.

Large-mesh drifting fish nets, such as nets used to catch sea bass, will also be prohibited in seagrass beds and must be placed at least 1 kilometre away from the edge of seagrass areas.

"The department's goal is to reduce dugong deaths caused by human activities to zero," Pinsak said.

He stressed that the measures were not intended to restrict the livelihoods of fishermen or maritime communities.

On August 17, Ratsasat Chidchoo, governor of Songkhla Province, announced the arrest of four suspects in a major cross-border ice drug trafficking case. Officers seized 205 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at around 43 million baht, along with three vehicles.

The Haad Yai task force, working with Region 9 police and provincial narcotics officers, had been monitoring a network that transported drugs from Bangkok via a private transport company. Officers spotted a white Isuzu pickup truck carrying parcels of ice worth an estimated 43 million baht—potentially worth hundreds of millions if sold abroad.

From the initial arrest, investigators expanded the operation and apprehended two additional suspects, Ann and Rung, who were driving a black Honda City to escort the shipment. A third arrest followed at a petrol station when officers stopped Asdannee, 62, driving a black four-door Ford pickup truck.

Interrogation revealed the drugs were destined for a port in Tak Bai District, Narathiwat Province, for export to Malaysia. All four suspects were charged with Class 1 drug trafficking offenses involving possession with intent to distribute. They have been handed to Thung Lung Police Station for legal proceedings.

Police in Samut Prakan have made progress in the case of a group of teenagers who conducted a drive-by motorcycle shooting, leaving two youths critically injured from gunshot wounds to the face, abdomen, and body. The incident occurred on Srinakarin Road in Muang District, Samut Prakan, at around 2:00 a.m. Following the attack, Deputy Inspector Chakkarit Srirojnakul, commander of Muang Samut Prakan Police Station, immediately launched a pursuit operation. Within hours, surveillance footage led officers to identify two shooters: a 16-year-old and a 19-year-old. Both were arrested at a residence in Bang Bo District. A search of their home uncovered multiple illegally modified firearms, including magazine-fed weapons and improvised guns, as well as one folding-stock automatic rifle. Both suspects were brought in for questioning at Muang Samut Prakan Police Station. At 3:00 p.m., Phumin Singhsut, commander of Samut Prakan Provincial Police, visited the suspects and later commended the police station's swift apprehension. Police reported that approximately seven additional suspects remain at large—all youths aged 16 to 19. Regarding the firearms, the suspects stated they purchased them online; investigators are now pursuing online sellers to crack down decisively on illegal weapons trafficking.

The Royal Thai Police has ordered all police stations across Thailand to check and monitor the behavior of released prisoners to prevent repeat offenses. Deputy National Police Commissioner Trairuangkum Piamphairung announced that Police Chief Ittipol Chuachanhom has instructed all relevant units to enforce strict compliance with police regulations on prisoner monitoring and the National Police Office's crime prevention and suppression policies.

All police stations have been ordered to verify information about released prisoners entering their jurisdiction through the CRIMES system, which links data with the Department of Corrections. Police stations must use this information to record and report on released prisoners' behavior in the Police 4.0 application and maintain lists of suspended offenders, released prisoners, and local criminals for crime prevention analysis in their areas. Officers have been assigned to observe and report on the movements and conduct of these individuals according to established procedures, with station commanders regularly reviewing their activities.

The Criminal Records Registry and Information Technology Center have been instructed to update released prisoner information from the Department of Corrections in the CRIMES system immediately upon receipt. The Police Chief has emphasized the importance of this work and will conduct strict inspections of all police stations to ensure compliance. Any commander who neglects, fails to act, or unreasonably delays in carrying out these duties, resulting in damage or harm, will be held accountable for breach of duty.

Thai actress Janistar has shared a cautionary video after competing in the Hyrox fitness race, revealing that the experience left her severely injured and requiring physical therapy treatment. Hyrox is a hybrid fitness competition that combines 8 kilometers of running alternated with eight fitness stations, testing both strength and cardiovascular endurance with standardized rules recognized worldwide. The event has attracted numerous Thai celebrities and influencers looking to measure their fitness levels.

Janistar's participation drew attention from her fanbase, as her public image is associated with a more relaxed lifestyle. However, after completing the competition, she shared footage of herself undergoing physical therapy while in pain, cautioning other fitness enthusiasts with a message stating: "If your body isn't ready or you haven't warmed up properly, you can get injured. Look at my condition—ended up at the physical therapy clinic." The video, accompanied by screams of pain during treatment, sparked mixed reactions from followers, with many commenting humorously that she should return to her former lifestyle rather than risk further injury from intense competition.

Khon Kaen — At the Technology Crime Suppression Division 3 headquarters in Khon Kaen, Deputy National Police Commissioner Tri Rong Piw Phan and other senior officers announced the results of a sweep against a scammer network operating across the Isan region. Police arrested 20 suspects and recovered 3,088,294 baht for victims.

One major case involved an online stock trading fraud targeting a 70-year-old man, with losses totaling 19 million baht. Scammers built credibility by using SEC logos on their profiles, convincing the victim to transfer money 22 times to 15 different bank accounts. The gang used accounts registered under individuals, juristic persons, and companies to appear legitimate.

Investigation revealed foreign nationals were involved in cash management and withdrawals. Police obtained court warrants to arrest company directors and account holders, but the alleged Chinese investor remained in hiding. The breakthrough came by tracing financial flows through 13 money-mule accounts to the company Thanyasini Mobile, leading to the arrest of a cash courier and the company manager, Thanasini.

A second operation by Crime Suppression Division 2 arrested five suspects for social media investment scams and equipment sales fraud. They used fake investment returns and system-crash excuses to prevent victims from withdrawing funds. Police identified money laundering through 13 proxy accounts across multiple provinces and recovered partial refunds for victims.

Despite continuous enforcement efforts reducing incidents by over 50%, police data shows approximately 900 Thais still fall victim to these scams daily, with losses averaging 40 million baht per day. Bangkok and surrounding areas remain the most affected.