German mourner praises Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s compassion

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13 June 2026, 18:01

BANGKOK — Among the crowds gathered outside Chulalongkorn Hospital on Friday to pay their respects as Princess Bajrakitiyabha began her final journey to the Grand Palace was a German woman who said she had been deeply moved by the late Princess’s dedication to helping the underprivileged.

Nicki Kuhn, a German national, attended the procession with her Thai friend Araya Piley, 57. She expressed her condolences following the passing of Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of His Majesty the King, who died on 11 June after more than three years of illness. Kuhn said she admired the Thai Royal Family’s contributions to society and was particularly inspired by the Princess’s concern for disadvantaged people.

She highlighted the Princess’s Kamlangjai Project, which supports female inmates and children living with incarcerated mothers, saying the initiative reflected a genuine commitment to helping vulnerable groups. Kuhn, who said she is also involved in charitable work, praised the Princess’s compassion and added that she had never seen such strong affection for a royal family as that shown by Thai people.

She said witnessing the loyalty and respect displayed during the mourning period had deepened her appreciation for Thailand and its people.

Prime Minister H.E. Anutin Outlines Thailand 2026 Strategy for Growth

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MC Marketing

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13 June 2026, 16:44

Speaking at the JFCCT Prime Minister’s Address Luncheon 2026, hosted by the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT), under the theme “Thailand 2026: A Vision for Competitiveness, Investment, and Future Ready – From Uncertainty to Confidence: Reform and Resilience in Business,” His Excellency Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a close collaboration with the foreign business community through reform in areas related to ease of doing business both for existing investors and new FDI.

In his keynote address, the Prime Minister stated “While we cannot eliminate uncertainty from the world, we can create confidence in how we govern, how we reform, and how we partner with business. This commitment is also reflected in Thailand’s accession process to the OECD which reinforces our determination to strengthen governance, competitiveness and international standards. This is a foundation of Thailand’s vision for the near future.”

The Prime Minister further highlighted the importance of investment in high-value industries, clean energy, digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, and future skills. He confirmed the government’s readiness to work with the foreign business community to reduce unnecessary barriers, modernize public services, improve policy implementation, and support both Thai and international businesses in navigating a rapidly changing global economy.

Mrs. Vibeke Lyssand Leirvåg, Chairwoman of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT), reaffirmed JFCCT’s role as “The Voice of the Foreign Business Community in Thailand for 50 Years,” marking five decades of contribution, partnership, and long-term commitment to Thailand’s economic development.

“JFCCT’s 29 foreign chambers of commerce and 2 business associations in Thailand as members which represent around 8,000 companies that are deeply rooted in Thailand’s economy, bringing foreign connection, capital, knowhow, technology, skills, innovation, job creation, and long-term economic contribution. These companies are not temporary investors, but committed partners whose value is created locally through employment, skills development, productivity, taxes, innovation, and integration into global value chains”

JFCCT’s six focus areas provide a practical reform agenda for Thailand’s next stage of growth: Competitiveness, Digital Government, Building the Future Workforce, Empowerment of SMEs, Holistic and Cohesive Sustainability, and Fast Track Regulatory Reform. The JFCCT policy booklet, which includes six policy briefs linked to the work of JFCCT’s committees and member chambers, is given to the Prime Minister at the event.

“We live in exciting but challenging times. We are privileged to be able to work closely with government, local communities, civil society, industry groups, and academia towards these aims. The time is now to make committed decisions and follow certain pathways. These things necessarily and unavoidably involve reforms. Thus, the only way is through collaboration and our strong sense of community,” Mrs. Leirvåg stated.

Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce: Deepening Investment and Future Industries

Mr. Narongsak Putthapornmongkol, President of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, noted that as regional supply chains become more integrated, Thailand is well positioned as a strategic production, logistics, and investment hub in ASEAN. Stronger investor confidence will depend on regulatory efficiency, infrastructure readiness, skilled workforce development, and a clear policy environment that supports long-term business growth.

Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok: Strengthening Thailand’s Gateway to Global Finance and Trade

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok (HKETO) emphasized Hong Kong’s world-class financial services in supporting Thai businesses to excel in the international market. As a top innovation and technology centre with close collaboration with the Shenzhen- Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster, Hong Kong offers an unmatched gateway to the world-leading tech ecosystem. Its professional service providers are also ready to offer professional advice to Thai companies.

“Hong Kong is a trusted and reliable partner for Thailand’s future-ready journey. Our strengths in financial services, innovation and professional services can perfectly combine with Thailand’s robust manufacturing capabilities and globally recognised soft power to create tremendous synergy,” HKETO stated.

UOB Thailand: Connecting Capital, Confidence and ASEAN Growth

Mr. Richard Maloney, President and CEO of UOB Thailand, emphasized the role of international banking in strengthening Thailand’s investment ecosystem and connecting businesses to regional opportunities. “As an ASEAN-focused bank with a strong regional network, UOB sees Thailand as a strategic gateway for international investors and businesses expanding across the region”

As Thailand prepares for 2026, the message from the luncheon was clear: confidence will be the country’s most important economic currency. “Thailand has the fundamentals to lead, but the road ahead requires decisive reform, consistent execution, and deeper collaboration between government and business. If Thailand can translate reform into action, it can strengthen its position as one of ASEAN’s most resilient, competitive, and future-ready economies,” said JFCCT Chairwoman Vibeke Lyssand Leirvag.

DE warns of fake PEA LINE registration channel scam

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Mc Marketing

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13 June 2026, 14:36

AFNC confirms that claims about a Provincial Electricity Authority registration service via LINE are false and warns the public not to share personal information with scammers.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), through the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand (AFNC), has released the latest results of its fake news monitoring and reporting efforts. The initiative is in line with the policy of Mr.Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, to strengthen public awareness of technology-related crimes, fake news, and misinformation.

On 9 June 2026, AFNC monitored a total of 130,438 messages and identified 2,772 messages requiring verification. The largest number of reports came from Social Listening channels, accounting for all 2,772 messages. A total of 20 issues were investigated, with verification results received from relevant agencies for nine cases.

Among the nine stories that attracted the greatest public attention, two were confirmed as true, five were identified as fake news, and two were classified as misleading information. These included:

Fake News: PEA opens a LINE registration channel for public inquiries.
Fake News: Police raid young men and women in a secret live-streaming group.
True News: Exposure to blue light at night increases the risk of obesity.
Misleading Information: Drinking coffee in the morning causes high blood pressure and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
True News: Excessive levels of arsenic and lead found at three locations in Nong Nam Khiao Canal, Khlong Ket, and Huai Takhe in Saraburi Province.
Misleading Information: A six-meter road is being constructed on a mountain in Nong Nam Daeng Subdistrict, Pak Chong District.
Fake News: Foreign residents on Koh Phangan threatened to shut down and report a Thai merit-making event because of loud noise.
Fake News: On 5 June 2026, Thai soldiers set fire to more than 1,000 wooden steps leading to a Cambodian temple.
Fake News: Toxic substances exceeding safety standards were found in farmers as a result of contamination in the Kok River.

Regarding the top-ranked story, “PEA Opens a LINE Registration Channel for Public Inquiries,” the DE Ministry coordinated with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) under the Ministry of Interior and confirmed that the claim is false.

PEA does not provide services through any LINE registration department for reporting power outages or conducting transactions. Electricity users are advised not to believe individuals or accounts inviting them to add such LINE contacts for registration, transactions, or information services. The public should also refrain from providing personal information to impersonators.

PEA clarified that its only official LINE account is LINE @peathailand, which carries a verified green badge. People with questions or service requests may contact the PEA Contact Center at 1129 or their local PEA office.

The DE Ministry remains concerned about the spread of fake news and misinformation across online and social media platforms. A lack of media literacy may lead people to share false information, resulting in misunderstanding, financial losses, misuse of personal information, and broader impacts on society.

The public is encouraged to trust and share information only from official sources and to carefully verify facts and website links before believing or forwarding any information.

People who encounter suspicious information or possible fake news can report it or verify information through the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand via Hotline 1111 ext. 87, available 24 hours a day.

‘Her hand reached me’: Graduate remembers Princess Bajrakitiyabha

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Khaosod English

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13 June 2026, 13:28

BURIRAM — A woman whose graduation photo with Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati became widely shared on social media has paid tribute to the late Princess, recalling a moment of kindness she says she will never forget.

Waraporn Sroisen, a woman with a physical disability from Satuek district in Buriram province, said she was deeply saddened by the passing of the Princess, who died peacefully on 11 June at the age of 47.

Speaking through tears on Saturday, Waraporn said the memory of receiving her degree from the Princess during a graduation ceremony at Buriram Rajabhat University in September 2022 remains vivid.

Waraporn, who graduated with second-class honours and now works at the Government Savings Bank branch in Satuek, said she had been determined to attend the degree ceremony despite the challenges posed by her condition.

According to Waraporn, organisers adjusted the order of graduates because of her physical limitations, allowing her to receive her degree towards the end of the ceremony.

She recalled that as she approached the stage, the Princess noticed she would have difficulty reaching the degree certificate and graciously leaned down to present it to her.

“The image of Her Royal Highness bending down towards me remains in my heart,” Waraporn said. “I felt that her hand reached out to someone small like me who never gave up despite physical limitations.”

Waraporn said the Princess had long been her role model because of her dedication, knowledge and public service. She credited that inspiration with motivating her to complete her studies and secure employment.

After graduating, she continued to follow updates on the Princess’s health and prayed for her recovery. When reports of the Princess’s death began circulating, she hoped they would prove untrue.

“When the official announcement came, it was difficult to accept,” she said. “She was my idol. I will always remember her.”

The death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha has prompted an outpouring of grief across Thailand, with many people sharing memories of her public service and personal acts of kindness.

Rising Australian runner killed in Koh Samui road accident

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Khaosod English

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13 June 2026, 12:33

SURAT THANI — Promising Australian athlete Jemma Stapleton has died following a road accident on Koh Samui while on holiday with her family in Thailand, according to Australian media reports and local police.

Stapleton, 25, was a well-known sprinter and a member of Doncaster Athletics Club in Melbourne. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from teammates, coaches and members of Australia’s athletics community.

Australian broadcaster 7NEWS reported that Stapleton had established herself as a rising talent in the sport and had competed in the prestigious Stawell Gift, one of Australia’s oldest and most renowned foot races.

Friends and coaches described her as a dedicated athlete who was widely admired within the athletics community. They told local media she had recently spoken about her future plans, including starting a family, buying a home and pursuing further sporting goals.

According to Bo Phut police, the accident occurred on Thawirat Phakdi Road in Bo Phut subdistrict on the afternoon of 10 June.

Investigators found a black motorcycle registered in Rayong parked near a bend in the road. Stapleton was identified as the rider. Two cars were also found at the scene — a grey sedan driven by a Thai woman and a black sedan driven by a Russian man.

Police said Stapleton was found dead beneath the front right wheel of one of the vehicles. A preliminary examination by doctors at Koh Samui Hospital found a severe head injury and multiple bruises on her body.

Officers have inspected the scene, collected evidence and questioned those involved as part of an ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash.

Australian media reported that Stapleton’s family, who had been travelling with her in Thailand, launched a fundraising campaign to help cover the cost of repatriating her body. Friends, colleagues and supporters have contributed, reflecting the impact she had on those around her.

Following news of her death, athletes and members of Australia’s athletics community shared messages of condolence on social media, remembering Stapleton as a talented competitor and an inspiration to younger athletes.

Her death at the age of 25 has been described as a significant loss for Australian athletics.

Lisa performs at World Cup 2026 opening ceremony

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Khaosod English

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13 June 2026, 12:05

Paraguay US WCup Soccer — LISA performs during the opening ceremony for the World Cup Group D soccer match between the United States and Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, June 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

LOS ANGELES, USA — Thai superstar Lisa performed at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup ahead of the Group D match between the United States and Paraguay, helping launch the tournament in front of a packed crowd in Los Angeles.

The Blackpink member took the stage alongside Brazilian singer Anitta and Nigerian artist Rema to perform “GOALS”, FIFA’s official song for the 2026 World Cup. The performance was one of the highlights of the pre-match festivities before the tournament’s first round of group-stage matches.

Organisers designed the show to showcase Los Angeles’ creative identity, with costumes, stage elements and visual effects inspired by the city’s street art culture and entertainment industry.

Several high-profile figures also took part in the opening celebrations. Actor Jason Sudeikis and singer Katy Perry were among those featured in the pre-kick-off programme.

The atmosphere inside the 70,000-capacity stadium was lively, with a host of celebrities in attendance, including Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Halle Berry, Rob Lowe, Owen Wilson and Paris Hilton. Fans were also treated to a giant World Cup trophy replica displayed on the pitch during the ceremony.

While US President Donald Trump was not present, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the event. Trump reportedly spoke with members of the US team by phone and wished them well for the competition.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament, which has expanded to 48 teams, runs from 11 June to 19 July.

People’s Party Mixes Local and National Politics — to Chadchart’s Benefit

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Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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12 June 2026, 18:29

With two weeks to go before the Bangkok gubernatorial election on 28 June 2026, it appears that incumbent Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is likely to return to City Hall. This is despite mixed reactions to his first term in office. While it would be unfair to describe Chadchart as a failed governor during his first term, it is not uncommon to hear complaints about him as Bangkokians casually talk about the likely results at the end of the month.

Persistent complaints range from PM2.5 pollution, which envelops the capital for three to four months during the dry season, to garbage management. It is still common to see people dumping their rubbish at unofficial collection points along footpaths, where it waits to be collected later at night and risks floating away in the event of a flash flood. Other complaints include the failure to introduce widespread sorting of different types of rubbish and alleged corruption involving officials in his administration.

As of early this week, Chadchart holds a commanding lead in the first NIDA Poll of the 2026 gubernatorial race, with 67.3% of respondents saying they would vote for him. According to the survey, conducted between 2 and 4 June among 2,000 eligible voters across all 50 Bangkok districts, Chadchart’s support far outpaces that of his closest rivals. Only 10.2% of respondents remain undecided, while Chaiwat Sathawornwijit, the People’s Party candidate also known as Dr Jo, placed third with just 8.2% — or roughly one-eighth of Chadchart’s support. The poll found Chadchart leading comfortably in every Bangkok zone surveyed, with support ranging from nearly 63% to more than 70%.

Given Chadchart’s landslide victory last time and the generally passing grade Bangkokians appear to give him, the result was nearly a foregone conclusion. The only candidate who could have posed a real challenge this time was Chaiwat, but last week saw the People’s Party commit a major strategic blunder by naming Suraphol Nitikraipot, a former member of the junta’s rubber-stamp parliament, as chief adviser to its Bangkok gubernatorial candidate. Some accused the party of betraying its anti-coup spirit, while others who had previously supported it publicly announced that they would not vote for its candidate later this month. The party has inadvertently and unnecessarily dragged national politics into local politics out of sheer naivety or indifference.

Pannika Wanich, a co-founder of the dissolved Future Forward Party, whose political movement eventually evolved into the People’s Party, admitted in an interview earlier this week that this is the movement’s lowest point since the Constitutional Court dissolved Future Forward in February 2020. Pannika defended the party by saying that some of its members had supported coups in the past anyway. The difference is that Suraphol, a former rector of Thammasat University, is a high-profile figure. What is more, Suraphol has neither apologised nor expressed contrition for his past role, which included calling for a royally appointed prime minister. There is no consensus on where to draw the line as the party and society navigate the political baggage of figures now seeking a place in the “democratic camp.”

Another co-founder of the Future Forward Party, Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, further complicated the matter last week when he defended the People’s Party by saying that it was understandable for a political party to seek to expand its alliances, citing the late Chinese Communist Party chairman Mao Zedong’s concept of a united front. This led to widespread criticism of Piyabutr from within the party and elsewhere, with some accusing the party of secretly harbouring communist ideology. Piyabutr later clarified, including in a public message to this writer, that he had left the party and that his views had nothing to do with it. Simply put, the party spent last week defending Suraphol and itself instead of making the case for why Bangkok voters should choose Chaiwat over Chadchart.

In the end, the election will be a test of the People’s Party’s popularity after it won every Bangkok MP seat earlier this year. Some now say Chaiwat may even come third.

In the Bangkok Council elections, independent candidates led voter preferences in the same poll at 29.1%, followed closely by the People’s Party at 26.5%, while 18.35% of respondents said they had not yet decided. This is where the extent to which the People’s Party has shot itself in the foot will also be tested, as Chadchart is not officially aligned with any candidate.

UNODC remembers Princess Bajrakitiyabha as a champion of the rule of law

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Khaosod English

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12 June 2026, 17:28

BANGKOK — The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati, praising her lifelong commitment to justice, the rule of law and the protection of vulnerable people.

In a statement, the staff and management of UNODC’s Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific said they mourned the loss of the Princess, whose work touched the lives of countless people in Thailand, particularly those involved in the criminal justice system.

UNODC said Princess Bajrakitiyabha took a deep interest in the welfare of people caught in the justice process and became a champion of the rule of law and fair treatment for all.

The agency highlighted her efforts to advance international standards for the treatment of women prisoners and non-custodial measures for women offenders, known as the Bangkok Rules, describing them as a lasting legacy that has benefited generations of women around the world.

UNODC also noted her role as its Goodwill Ambassador for the Rule of Law in Southeast Asia, saying she was not only an advocate for justice in Thailand but also an inspiration to people across the region and beyond.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, the eldest daughter of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, died on 11 June at the age of 47. Throughout her life, she championed legal reform, women’s rights and humanitarian causes, earning recognition both in Thailand and internationally.

CPF brings TECHViSTA to ProPak Asia 2026, showcasing engineering and technology solutions to advance agro-industrial production

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Mc Marketing

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12 June 2026, 17:25

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF or CP Foods) is showcasing TECHViSTA by CPF at ProPak Asia 2026, held from 10–13 June 2026 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. The initiative demonstrates how technology can be applied across the Feed–Farm–Food value chain through automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things and data analytics solutions that support modern factory operations and advanced food production processes.

At the TECHViSTA booth, CPF is presenting an AI Robotics system that integrates robotic arms, 3D cameras, image processing technology and autonomous mobile robots. The system is designed to support quality inspection, product handling and automated storage. Artificial intelligence is used to analyze product characteristics, identify object positions and directions, and guide robots to perform tasks with greater precision and efficiency in food production processes.

This capability reflects the strength of CPF’s engineering team, which won the first runner-up award at the World Robot Summit 2025 in Nagoya, Japan, competing against more than 50 teams from around the world in the Manufacturing Robotics category. The achievement highlights the international-level potential of CPF engineers in developing practical robotics solutions for industrial applications.

The TECHViSTA booth also features a range of solutions for next-generation factories, including Smart Manufacturing Machine for intelligent feed mill operations, Smart Control Panel for digital control and real-time reporting, AI IoT and Smart Eye systems for product counting and quality inspection, as well as Smart Construction, which applies drones and 3D scanning technology to reduce risks during construction.

In addition, TECHViSTA presents its Manufacturing Consultancy expertise, sharing CPF’s experience in applying technology to production environments. The service is aimed at supporting businesses that seek to enhance factory efficiency, reduce losses and develop production processes that meet the evolving needs of the modern food industry.

Visitors can explore TECHViSTA at Booth No. C1-AA02, Challenger Hall 1, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, during ProPak Asia 2026, from 10–13 June 2026, between 10.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m.

Lisa in Lee Kang-in jersey backs South Korea after opener win

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Khaosod English

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12 June 2026, 16:55

Lisa in Lee Kang-in jersey backs South Korea after opener win

MEXICO CITY — 12 June 2026, Thai singer and BLACKPINK member Lisa Manobal showed her support for South Korea during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, posting an Instagram Story of herself wearing a South Korea jersey bearing the name of midfielder Lee Kang-in.

Lisa shared the post as South Korea came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in their Group A opener on 12 June.

The Czech Republic took the lead in the 59th minute through Ladislav Krejci before South Korea responded with goals from Hwang In-beom in the 67th minute and substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu in the 85th minute. Oh had replaced captain Son Heung-min earlier in the second half.

Lisa expressed her support for the Korean team through social media. K-pop stars Karina and Winter of aespa, as well as singer Kwon Eun-bi, were also seen attending the match at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico.

The Thai singer is scheduled to perform at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 13 June at 06:30.

The ceremony will take place ahead of the United States’ opening Group D match against Paraguay, which is scheduled to kick off at 08:00.

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