AYUTTHAYA — 15 June 2026, the World Heritage city was transformed from the historic ancient capital into a vibrant rainbow runway during “Ayutthaya Pride 2026,” a festival of pride organized with full-scale dedication, as the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) opened a platform for equality and spreading love to people of all genders and ages under the concept “Pride Across Time.”
The event was presided over by Somsong Phancharoenworakul, chairwoman of the Ayutthaya PAO. She was joined by representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as groups of school and university students and a large gathering of celebrities, who all came together to add vibrant colours and showcase the power of equality.
Beyond celebrating with pride, on this occasion the Ayutthaya Pride community also united to bid a final farewell and express their condolences for Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita, in profound gratitude for Her Royal Highness’s boundless benevolence.
During the opening ceremony, a respectful memorial tribute and remembrance were held to express loyalty and honour Her Royal Highness’s benevolence, alongside creative and beautiful displays of empowerment for equality.
LGBTQ+ icons, including Anna Sueangam-iam, Miss Universe Thailand 2022, and Aniwat Prathumthin, known as “Nara Crepe Katoey,” the famous social media influencer, who both strutted down the runway in the ancient capital to confidently showcase their personal expression, were also featured at the event.
Anna shared her thoughts on the event: “For today’s event, I am incredibly honoured to be a part of writing a new chapter in Ayutthaya’s history. The energy from thousands of people today proves that ‘equality’ knows no boundaries. Our culturally rich ancient city is fully ready to embrace diversity and move forward beautifully.”
“I am deeply impressed by the fashion everyone brought to the runway today. Everyone completely unleashed their creativity—from redesigning traditional Thai fabrics into elegant, high-fashion styles, showcasing a powerful soft power, to bold and boundless fantasy outfits. Everyone dared to be confident and proud of who they are. I truly believe this positive energy and these vibrant colours are the very soft power that will make the world look at Ayutthaya and Thailand in a new light—one that is open-minded and inviting,” she said.
Anna summarised her thoughts, saying, “Therefore, Ayutthaya Pride 2026 is not just a one-day celebration, but a major milestone declaring that Ayutthaya is a city of equality, ready to welcome everyone from all nations with endless friendship and love.”
They were joined by a host of stars and celebrities who united to show the power of equality to the world. Additionally, the event marked the official debut of “Nong Saimai,” Ayutthaya’s newly appointed cultural ambassador.
The event concluded with a concert by the legendary diva “Hi” Aphaphorn Nakhonsawan, who shared the power of love through her hit songs, inspiring and boosting pride among the rainbow community and all attendees. It beautifully created a fresh chapter of memories for Ayutthaya, living up to the slogan: “The ancient capital this time… will never be the same again.”
Lebanese soldiers stand guard at the site of an Israeli airstrike that struck an apartment in Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
ISLAMABAD (AP) — The United States and Iran reached an initial agreement early Monday to open the Strait of Hormuz and further extend a shaky ceasefire in the Iran war, potentially allowing desperately needed oil and natural gas to reach the global market.
Details of the deal were not immediately released and Iran signaled implementation would not start until the signing, which key mediator Pakistan said would occur Friday in Switzerland. It could provide a way to end a war that killed thousands across the Middle East, including the top leaders of Iran’s theocracy, and sparked a historic energy crisis.
Meanwhile, the deal gives just 60 days to resolve what to do about Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium and its atomic program. That took years to resolve in Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from that accord in his first term, setting the stage for the tensions that culminated in the war.
He added, “I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade,” which was imposed in retaliation for Iran’s grip on the crucial waterway.
He soon hedged, however, saying the strait wouldn’t open until Friday’s signing.
Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, confirmed the agreement on state television but said Iran would not start implementing it until it was signed Friday. He said the deal followed talks with Qatar, another mediator.
Israel, which has insisted it be allowed a freehand to pursue Hezbollah as it occupies southern Lebanon and has extended its military operations into areas its forces haven’t been in a quarter century, did not immediately comment. Israel joined the U.S. in launching the war on Feb. 28.
A woman waves an Iranian flags as she chants slogans against Iran and U.S. talks at the Islamic Revolution square in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Pakistan, a key mediator, announces deal
Pakistan first announced the deal, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying “both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.” It remains unclear whether Israel, which relies on the U.S. but has launched in wars against its enemies since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, agreed to that term.
He added that mediators this week will facilitate meetings to “lay the foundation for the technical talks.”
Broader negotiations on outstanding issues like Iran’s nuclear program would continue over the next 60 days, two senior Pakistani officials said earlier Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. If the sides fail to reach a resolution within that time, the timeline could be extended.
Iranian state television cited the secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council saying the war on all fronts “will end immediately and permanently beginning tonight” — but that the U.S. blockade “will be terminated immediately and in full.”
Qatari mediators later left Tehran following 17 hours of negotiations, said an official briefed on the developments who spoke on condition of anonymity due to sensitivity of the talks. Separate preparatory meetings with each side will take place in Doha this week, the official said.
It was not clear who from Iran would sign the deal on Friday. U.S. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News the White House was still figuring out who would attend: “I certainly plan to be there, but it’s possible the president himself could be there.”
But concern among Republicans in the U.S. already could be seen. They included U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who described Vance as “the architect of the deal.”
“I am somewhat concerned that Iran’s view of the agreement seems different than what the American negotiating team is claiming,” Graham wrote online.
U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Congress would exercise oversight on any accord with Iran.
“We have seen time and again: War cannot change the Iranian regime,” he said.
Pedestrians walk past a poster showing the slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, left, and the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini on a sidewalk at the Islamic Revolution square in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Interim deal faces intense scrutiny
The first strike of the war killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and Khamenei’s son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is now supreme leader. He has not been seen in the public since the war began, but his approval was needed for Iran to sign off on the deal.
There was apparent friction inside Iran in the hours before the announcement, as the government warned that division at home over the deal weakened its negotiating position.
The deal likely returns the region to a status that existed before the war, but with Iran having proven its ability to disrupt shipping in the strait. The waterway is crucial to significant shipments of oil, natural gas and related products like fertilizer, and its effective closure rocked the global economy.
Even with a deal, it will take months for oil and gas supplies to flow freely enough for the world’s needs to be met because shipping and insurance companies want to be confident the agreement will last, energy experts said.
Tehran also still has a ballistic missile arsenal and enough highly enriched uranium to build several nuclear weapons, should it choose to pursue them.
Iran has long maintained its nuclear program is peaceful and has not publicly committed to giving up the enriched uranium, which is believed to be buried under three nuclear sites that were badly damaged by U.S. strikes last year.
The U.S. has sought the removal of the enriched uranium from Iran as part of a deal. Russia has offered to take it. But Iran insists it wants to keep the uranium.
People gather at the site of an Israeli airstrike that struck an apartment in Dahiyeh, Beirut’s southern suburbs, Lebanon, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
Frankel reported from Jerusalem, Sewell from Beirut and Weissert from Washington. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, Cathy Bussewitz in New York and Cara Anna in Lowville, New York, contributed.
PATTANI — 15 June 2026, an unknown number of assailants broke into a solar power plant construction site in Pattani early Monday and set fire to a solar panel storage area, causing damage to the project’s property but no injuries or casualties.
The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Command reported that authorities were notified of an incident that occurred at a solar power plant construction project operated by Gunkul Solar Power Generation Co., Ltd. in Moo 4, Ban Tha Phong, Talo Kapo subdistrict, Yaring district, Pattani province.
At 03:45 on Monday, an unknown number of attackers sneaked into the site from the rear of the facility before igniting the storage area containing solar panels. No injuries or deaths were reported, but property damage was described as substantial from the attack.
Upon receiving the report, the 42nd Rangers Task Force moved quickly to control the situation and inspect the incident area and the surrounding vicinity, while cordoning off the site for safety.
The 42nd Ranger Task Force ordered local security units to execute emergency response plans by establishing checkpoints and roadblocks along key routes. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and relevant agencies were also coordinated with to conduct a thorough investigation into the details of the incident.
The attack not only inflicted damage on the project’s assets but also affected clean energy development, investment, and economic opportunities for the local population. These advancements are precisely what the majority of residents desire in order to elevate their quality of life and secure a stable future for their community.
The deliberate destruction of a project that benefits the public reflects how these violent perpetrators remain focused on devastation rather than development. By targeting initiatives essential to progress and the well-being of the people, they aim to instill fear and obstruct the region’s advancement, rather than contributing to the betterment of society and the citizens in the Southern Border Provinces.
Authorities from all sectors remain committed to fully securing the safety of the public and various development projects. They are also calling for cooperation from residents to report any suspicious activity. If anyone sees any clues or suspicious individuals, they can immediately notify local officers or call a hotline at 1341, which is operated by the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command and remains open 24 hours a day to collectively safeguard the peace, order, and future of the Southern Border Provinces.
BANGKOK — King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida presided over royal funeral rites for Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati at Phiman Rattaya Hall in the Grand Palace on the evening of 14 June 2026.
At 19:11, Their Majesties arrived by royal vehicle accompanied by Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, and Royal Noble Consort Sineenat Bilaskalayani to participate in the chanting of the Abhidhamma for the late Princess.
Upon arrival, His Majesty paid homage before the Buddha image commemorating the Princess’s day of birth by lighting incense and candles and offering a royal salute.
The King then proceeded to the eastern and western ceremonial chanting platforms inside Phiman Rattaya Hall, where incense and candles were lit before the monks conducting the funeral rites.
After four rounds of Abhidhamma chanting were completed, court officials invited one senior monk and eight ceremonial monks to take their seats for the next stage of the religious ceremony.
His Majesty subsequently presented ceremonial monk robes, after which the monks performed traditional Buddhist funeral rites.
The King and Queen then poured lustral water in a merit-dedication ceremony while monks offered blessings and prayers.
Following the completion of the rites, His Majesty paid respects before the Buddha image once more and received formal greetings from members of the Royal Family and officials in attendance.
Their Majesties, accompanied by Princess Sirivannavari, Prince Dipangkorn and Royal Noble Consort Sineenat, then departed Phiman Rattaya Hall and returned by royal vehicle after concluding the ceremony.
BANGKOK — 14 June 2026, Thailand’s Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain in several regions on 15 June 2026, with risks of flash floods and forest runoff in vulnerable areas.
In its 24-hour forecast issued on 14 June 2026, the department said thunderstorms are expected across much of the country, with isolated heavy rainfall in parts of the North, upper Northeast and East.
The weather conditions are being influenced by a moderate southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam.
Authorities urged residents in at-risk areas to remain alert for heavy rainfall and accumulated runoff, particularly near waterways, foothills and low-lying areas prone to flooding.
Provinces at Risk of Heavy Rain
North
Thunderstorms are forecast in 60 percent of the region, with heavy rain possible in:
Mae Hong Son
Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai
Nan
Tak
Phitsanulok
Northeast
Thunderstorms are forecast in 40 percent of the region, with heavy rain possible in:
Loei
Nong Khai
Bueng Kan
Udon Thani
Sakon Nakhon
Nakhon Phanom
Chaiyaphum
East
Thunderstorms are forecast in 40 percent of the region, with heavy rain possible in:
Chanthaburi
Trat
Southwest Coast
Thunderstorms are forecast in 40 percent of the region, with heavy rain possible in:
Krabi
Trang
Satun
Marine Warning
Moderate winds are expected over the upper Andaman Sea, where waves are forecast at 1-2 metres. Waves in the lower Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are expected to reach around 1 metre, rising above 2 metres in areas experiencing thunderstorms.
The department advised mariners in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand to navigate with caution and avoid areas affected by thunderstorms.
Bangkok Forecast
Bangkok and surrounding provinces are expected to experience thunderstorms in 40 percent of the area during the forecast period.
Temperatures in the capital are expected to range between 26-28°C and 35-36°C.
NAKHON RATCHASIMA — Authorities have suspended a 15-day search operation for a man who went missing while foraging for mushrooms and forest products in Thap Lan National Park after extensive efforts failed to locate him.
Pramote Khensanthia, 45, a resident of Ban Khok Khaeun Phatthana village in Kham Thale So district, disappeared on 31 May 2026 while collecting wild mushrooms with his wife and neighbors near Chong Khao Khaep in the national park’s Wang Nam Khiao area.
Following his disappearance, a large-scale search operation was launched involving district officials, soldiers from the 21st Military Circle, Thap Lan National Park personnel, Wang Nam Khiao police, Hook 31 rescue volunteers, emergency responders, village leaders and community members.
Search teams deployed K9 tracking dogs, conducted ground patrols and used drones equipped with thermal imaging technology in an effort to locate the missing man.
On 14 June 2026, Wang Nam Khiao District Chief Thoedthai Saengphon, who serves as incident commander, convened a meeting of all participating agencies at the forward operations center to review information and assess the ongoing mission.
Following the meeting, authorities announced the suspension of active search operations, citing the exhaustive efforts already undertaken and challenging conditions in the mountainous forest terrain.
Officials said dense vegetation, steep slopes and frequent rainfall had significantly hampered search efforts, with rain affecting operations on most days since the mission began.
Search teams had focused on the area where Pramote was last known to have been collecting mushrooms, spreading out on foot through the Chong Khao Khaep area. Rapid-response units also used motorcycles to access remote sections of the forest.
However, authorities said some deep-forest zones near the foothills of Khao Saladai remained extremely dangerous due to the presence of wild elephants, gaur and other predators.
Despite suspending the active search, officials said they remain prepared to immediately investigate any new leads or information that could assist in locating the missing man.
SAKON NAKHON — A primary school teacher narrowly escaped injury after a Grade 3 student allegedly chased her with a machete inside a school in Sakon Nakhon province, causing panic among students and staff.
The incident came to public attention after a video shared by the Facebook page Social Hunter 2022 went viral online. The footage shows a female teacher running for safety while a young boy follows behind carrying a large blade.
According to the page, the incident occurred at a school in Mueang district, Sakon Nakhon, where the student had reportedly displayed violent behavior for an extended period. Some parents were said to have transferred their children to other schools after previous incidents involving the boy.
Social activist Ton Or Pen Nueng later provided additional details, saying the incident took place on 12 June 2026.
The boy, aged about nine and studying in Grade 3, reportedly became involved in an argument with a classmate. His homeroom teacher intervened to stop the dispute and reprimanded him.
The student allegedly became angry, verbally abused the teacher and was subsequently sent home, with his parents being informed of the situation.
A short time later, the boy allegedly returned to the school carrying a machete and sought out the teacher who had reprimanded him.
The situation quickly escalated as the student chased the teacher through the school grounds. The teacher ran for help while other students reportedly became frightened, with some crying in panic.
The incident ended when a school caretaker intervened and persuaded the boy to move toward an open playground area before calmly convincing him to put down the weapon.
Ton Or said local residents had reported that the child had previously displayed aggressive behavior, including bullying classmates, making threats and allegedly extorting money from other students.
According to the activist, the school had previously discussed the issue with the boy’s family and at one point arranged for him to study online. However, he later returned to in-person classes and his behavior allegedly worsened.
Concerned about the safety of students and teachers, Ton Or said she had contacted the head of Sakon Nakhon’s Child Protection Home to seek assistance.
Officials reportedly informed her that a multidisciplinary team would visit the area to assess the situation, provide protection for the child and investigate his family background and the factors that may have contributed to his behavior.
Authorities are expected to determine appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the school community while providing support and rehabilitation for the child.
PHUKET — Lifeguards have issued a warning to tourists and beachgoers after Portuguese man o’ war were spotted at three popular beaches in Phuket, urging the public not to touch the venomous marine creatures.
On 14 June 2026, the Phuket Lifeguard Service posted photographs showing a Portuguese man o’ war specimen collected in a container and announced increased monitoring at Nai Harn Beach, Kata Noi Beach and Kata Beach.
Lifeguards said surveillance measures have been stepped up and the situation is being closely monitored to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
The Portuguese man o’ war (Physalia physalis) is a highly venomous marine organism capable of inflicting painful stings. Officials warned that even specimens washed ashore and appearing lifeless can still release venom and pose a danger to anyone who touches them.
Exposure can cause severe burning pain, skin irritation, swelling and rashes. In some cases, victims may suffer serious allergic reactions requiring urgent medical treatment.
Beachgoers and tourism operators have been advised to exercise caution when entering the sea, observe surrounding conditions carefully and avoid handling unidentified marine life.
Lifeguards urged anyone who spots a Portuguese man o’ war to immediately notify on-duty personnel.
Anyone stung should leave the water at once and seek assistance from lifeguards for first aid before being transferred to a medical facility if necessary.
Officials said they will continue monitoring the affected beaches and providing updates to the public as part of efforts to prevent injuries from venomous marine animals during the current period.
TRANG — Residents have voiced disappointment over the decline of Trang Andaman Gateway, a 35-million-baht tourism project that was once promoted as a landmark attraction but has since become increasingly quiet and fallen into disrepair.
Locals said the site, located along Highway No. 4 between Trang and Phatthalung on Khao Phap Pha in Chong subdistrict, Na Yong district, has seen a sharp drop in visitor numbers despite serving as the main route linking Thailand’s Andaman coast with the Gulf of Thailand.
The attraction was developed under the provincial development plan with a budget of 35 million baht and officially opened in mid-2015.
During its early years, the site attracted large numbers of visitors, particularly during holiday periods when daily arrivals reportedly reached 3,000 people. Tourists frequently stopped to take photographs and enjoy the scenic mountain views.
However, residents said visitor numbers have steadily declined in recent years, while facilities have begun to deteriorate. On some days, the attraction appears almost abandoned despite heavy traffic passing through the area.
The project includes a royal commemorative highway pavilion for southern Thailand, a tourist service center, and various sculptures depicting local cultural and natural heritage, including Khao Phap Pha murals, Sakai (Maniq) indigenous figures, elephant herds, dugongs and Trang’s iconic tuk-tuks.
The site also features landscaped gardens with native southern plants, nature trails, lighting systems, restrooms, roads and parking facilities.
Following complaints from residents and tourists, Krititchai Pakichan, MP for Trang’s 3rd constituency from the Democrat Party, visited the site for an inspection.
He described the attraction as a scenic location suitable for motorists seeking a rest stop, noting that it includes nature study trails, 3D artwork, a miniature monument to Phraya Ratsadanupradit and other features.
Despite its potential, he acknowledged the site’s lack of visitors and said he would raise the issue in Parliament in an effort to find solutions and restore the attraction’s appeal.
BANGKOK — Large numbers of mourners gathered at the Grand Palace on 14 June 2026, the first day the Bureau of the Royal Household opened a condolence venue for members of the public to pay tribute to Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati.
The public was invited to pay respects before the Princess’s portrait at Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion and a designated tent area near the lawn beside Sala Luk Khun within the Grand Palace grounds.
From 08:30, government officials, military leaders, private-sector representatives, foundations and members of the public arrived continuously to sign condolence books and offer tributes.
Among those attending were senior military commanders, charitable organizations, civil servants, former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, and representatives from various public and private institutions.
Public services arranged for mourners
Authorities have established food distribution points, medical service stations and free motorcycle shuttle services for visitors.
The Ministry of Transport has also arranged six free shuttle bus routes linking transport hubs and mass transit stations with Sanam Luang, while 18 regular Bangkok Mass Transit Authority bus routes serve the area.
In addition, the Marine Department is operating three free boat shuttle routes on the Chao Phraya River between 13-27 June 2026 to facilitate travel for mourners.
The Bureau of the Royal Household said the public may pay tribute daily from 08:30-16:00 at Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion and the designated tent area beginning 14 June 2026.
The Bureau also announced that members of the public will be permitted to pay respects before the Princess’s casket at Phiman Rattaya Hall following the completion of the 15-day royal merit-making ceremonies. Public access is scheduled from 08:00-21:00 daily, beginning on 27 June 2026.
Government agencies, state enterprises, private organizations and members of the public will also be permitted to participate as hosts of funeral chanting ceremonies after the completion of the first 100 days of royal rites.
