The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources announced survey results from waters around Libong and Muk islands in Trang province, discovering a total of 77 rare marine animals comprising 16 dugongs, 60 hawksbill turtles, and one Indo-Pacific finless porpoise. A mother-calf dugong pair was also spotted, reflecting the richness of the seagrass ecosystem in the area.

The survey was conducted between July 20–23, 2024, by the Lower Andaman Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center using multirotor unmanned aerial vehicles to track dugong distribution, assess the health of rare marine species, and survey seagrass grazing patterns.

Rare marine animals were found scattered across multiple areas around Libong Island, including Ban Prao Bay, Samet Bay, Saphan Chang Canal mouth, Khlong Hwa, and Cape Chuyai. Remote health assessments showed all animals displaying normal behavior—grazing on seagrass, swimming, traveling, and rolling—with no signs of fishing gear injuries, marine debris, or abnormal behavior.

Officers also discovered dugong seagrass grazing marks at multiple locations including Cape Tho Chai, Ban Prao Bay, Saphan Chang Canal mouth, Khlong Hwa, Cape Chuyai, and Cape Phra Muang, representing positive signals of coastal ecosystem integrity and successful marine conservation in Trang province.

However, despite these encouraging results, experts continue closely monitoring impacts from climate change. Rising sea temperatures, storm intensity, coastal erosion, and changing water quality all affect seagrass ecosystem health. Degradation or loss of seagrass would jeopardize dugong survival, reproduction, and long-term viability.

Dugongs also remain threatened by fishing gear, boat strikes, and marine debris—particularly plastic—which continue to pose significant dangers to Thailand's rare marine species.

A 39-year-old California sailor has made an incredible escape after drifting in the Pacific Ocean for more than a month following catastrophic boat damage and loss of communication.

Kai Sato left Catalina Island, California on June 7, but approximately two weeks into his voyage, his sailboat's mast broke, his fuel ran out, and his cell phone stopped working. Stranded far from major shipping routes with virtually no chance of rescue, Sato initially fell into despair, spending several days crying and feeling hopeless as ocean currents carried him further from safety. He described the period as feeling like a "sitting duck with no way to fight back," unable to control his situation or call for help.

After five days of surrendering to his circumstances, Sato made the decision to fight back and find a way to survive. He improvised temporary repairs to his boat using PVC pipes and kayak paddles to keep it afloat. While stranded at sea, he survived on whatever food was available—leftover oatmeal, fish, and squid that accidentally entered his boat—and collected drinking water by condensing sea vapor in tanks.

After nearly a month adrift, Sato managed to drift back toward the shipping lanes between California and Hawaii. A cargo ship heading to the Hawaiian Islands spotted him and came to his rescue. The crew had to lower a rope ladder twice before successfully pulling him aboard. Upon rescue, Sato expressed immense gratitude for receiving food, water, and fresh clothing from the rescue team, crediting them with excellent care. He is now recovering with relatives in Hawaii and plans to continue his voyage to the Philippines on a larger boat in the future.

First-time pregnancy typically comes with both excitement and worry. Welcoming a new family member involves many details, making early preparation of a mother and baby supply basket essential for easing anxiety and helping first-time mothers face labor confidently. Here's a checklist of necessary items to prepare warmly and safely.

Why prepare a mother and baby bag in advance?

Planning and gathering supplies before your due date ensures everything runs smoothly on delivery day, reduces panic, and lets you choose the best products for your child. When labor begins, a prepared hospital bag and ready supplies significantly reduce chaos. You and your family won't waste time worrying about missing items. Advance preparation builds maximum confidence and peace of mind for the hospital trip.

The best time to start buying delivery supplies

Pureen, a mother and baby product expert, recommends: "Preparing during the third trimester is a smart strategy for first-time mothers, as it effectively reduces physical and mental stress while emphasizing the selection of medically tested products for maximum safety of newborns who may arrive early."

Essential newborn mother and baby supplies

Choosing mother and baby items for infants must prioritize necessity, safety, and suitability for delicate newborn skin, ensuring practical use that meets your baby's natural daily needs.

1. Cloth diapers and disposable diapers—a newborn's first necessity

Pureen experts recommend: "Diapers are the first item to pack in your hospital bag. In the first week, prepare about 2 packs of disposable newborn diapers along with at least 2 dozen cloth diapers to handle frequent baby bowel movements and keep your baby's skin dry and comfortable, reducing moisture buildup effectively."

2. Swaddles and soft terry towels to maintain warmth

Newborns cannot regulate body temperature, so soft, thick swaddles like cotton are essential for warmth during adjustment. Soft towels help dry the skin thoroughly after bathing, protecting delicate skin from irritation and moisture accumulation.

3. Newborn clothing, mittens, socks, and hats for temperature regulation

Choose 100% natural fiber garments like cotton or muslin that breathe well and fasten easily with front buttons. Pair with hats, mittens, and socks—essential textiles that help maintain newborn body warmth and protect against rapid environmental temperature changes.

4. Cleaning supplies: cotton swabs, cotton pads, and baby wipes

Caring for a newborn's eyes, umbilical cord, and skin requires the utmost gentleness. Pure soft cotton swabs and pads without residue, plus gentle baby wipes that don't irritate newborn skin, are essential items.

A 26-year-old man identified as Bank has been arrested after stabbing 52-year-old Chalad with a screwdriver at Nong Prajak Silpakam public park in Udon Thani on July 25 evening. The victim suffered serious injuries to his abdomen and right arm after a severed artery, witnessed by people exercising in the park. The suspect fled the scene but turned himself in the following morning.

Bank confessed to the stabbing and revealed the dispute originated over a bicycle transaction. He claimed the victim had sold him the bicycle for 200 baht but refused to release it. When Bank later asked to borrow the bicycle, the victim refused, leading to an argument and the victim punching him. Later that evening, Bank returned to confront the victim but was stabbed first with the screwdriver. He then grabbed the weapon and stabbed back in retaliation before fleeing.

Bank stated he felt little remorse for his actions, citing that the victim attacked him first. His girlfriend convinced him to turn himself in after learning the victim survived. Police charged him with drug possession after a urine test indicated methamphetamine use; he admitted to using two to three pills daily. Additional charges for causing serious bodily injury were filed, while investigators are determining whether attempted murder charges apply.

On July 27, 2026, police commanded by Pol. Gen. Pathanasak Bubphasuwan ordered officers to arrest Thanakrit "Nat U Thong" Uumuang, 42, under arrest warrant No. 17/2565 issued on January 17, 2025 by Nakhon Pathom Provincial Court. He faces charges of premeditated murder, attempted murder, and illegal firearms possession. The arrest was made at a residence in U Thong District, Suphan Buri Province. Uumuang is also listed as Thailand's 144th most-wanted fugitive on the national police wanted list for 2026.

The shooting occurred on January 13, 2025, when Nophon "Ot Durian Zing" Durian, 27, a durian transport businessman and street racing enthusiast, was eating with friends outside his home in Muang Nakhon Pathom District. Armed men in a bronze-gray Isuzu D-Max truck approached and opened fire on Nophon twice—once to the body and once to the head—before fleeing toward Sanam Chan intersection. Two of his friends escaped unharmed.

Investigators found that the motive stemmed from Nophon's cooperation with police in a drug undercover operation that led to the arrest of Phirapat, Uumuang's grandson. This sparked Uumuang's vow for revenge. Evidence suggests Uumuang's close friend Pramote drove the truck while Uumuang fired the fatal shots. Police tracked Uumuang to U Thong District in Suphan Buri Province and executed a successful arrest.

Searching the residence, officers seized approximately 391 grams of white powder suspected to be ketamine, 200 grams of methamphetamine, one .38-caliber revolver, 37 rounds of ammunition, and 476,100 baht in cash. Uumuang initially denied all charges. He was handed to investigators at Muang Nakhon Pathom Police Station and will be prosecuted under criminal law, with further investigation into the drug and weapons charges.