Three Myanmar workers shot dead after village security volunteer claims self-defence

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28 June 2026, 18:44

CHACHOENGSAO — Three Myanmar migrant workers were shot dead and another man was seriously injured following a confrontation with a village security volunteer in Phanom Sarakham district late on 27 June, police said.

Police responded to reports of a shooting at around 23:30 in Ban Nong Nam Dam, Koh Khanun subdistrict. Officers found the bodies of three Myanmar nationals, each with multiple gunshot wounds. Their identities had not yet been confirmed. A Thai man, identified as Pichai Daphantha, suffered serious stab wounds to his left side and was taken to Phanom Sarakham Hospital before police arrived. Investigators recovered more than 16 spent 9mm shell casings, along with a handgun and a knife believed to have been used in the incident.

The shooter, 24-year-old village security volunteer Theerapat Nopthao, told police that he and a friend went to warn several groups of migrant workers who were drinking alcohol and playing loud music near a residential area. He claimed an argument broke out before his friend was struck with a bottle and later stabbed after falling to the ground.

Theerapat said around 10 men armed with knives then ran towards him, prompting him to open fire in self-defence. Police forensic officers were collecting evidence at the scene as the investigation continued. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any charges will be filed.

Moo Deng’s niece named ‘Moo Nam Tok’ at Khon Kaen Zoo

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28 June 2026, 17:05

KHON KAEN — Khon Kaen Zoo on 28 June officially named its female pygmy hippopotamus calf “Moo Nam Tok” after the name received the most votes in a public poll held to celebrate the zoo’s 13th anniversary.

The calf, born to mother Yaya and father Nadech, is also the niece of Thailand’s famous pygmy hippo Moo Deng. A total of 10,737 people took part in the naming contest, with “Moo Nam Tok” receiving 7,948 votes to secure first place, zoo director Thipawadee Kittikhun announced during the anniversary celebrations.

Thipawadee invited tourists and families to visit Khon Kaen Zoo to meet Moo Nam Tok and watch the young pygmy hippo’s playful personality and development. She said the calf is quickly becoming a favourite among visitors and fans from across the country, while also encouraging the public to learn more about the conservation of rare wildlife. The zoo is open daily from 08:00 to 16:30.

Chula student donates organs after passing

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28 June 2026, 15:31

BANGKOK — A Chulalongkorn University engineering student has died after being diagnosed with brain death, with his family fulfilling his wish to donate his organs and eyes to help other patients, the Thai Red Cross Society said.

The student, identified as “Nong Tao” Noppawit Siriwasanakup, was a first-year engineering student. The Thai Red Cross Society said his family decided to carry out his previously expressed intention to donate his organs and eyes, allowing multiple patients to receive life-saving and life-changing transplants.

In a separate statement, the Secondary Demonstration School of Prince of Songkla University (PSU) expressed condolences over the passing of Noppawit, a former student in its secondary programme, saying he died following an accident and later entered a critical condition before being declared brain dead.

The school said Noppawit had previously expressed his intention to donate his organs, and his family fully honoured his wishes, enabling his final act to contribute to society by giving hope and new life to others.

Silom knife attacker: ‘I dislike overweight people’

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28 June 2026, 14:28

BANGKOK — A Vietnamese woman was injured after being attacked with a cutter knife outside a convenience store in Bangkok’s Silom area on 27 June, police said.

Police from Thung Maha Mek Police Station were alerted by a 7-Eleven store manager at Soi Silom 5 at around 11:30 on 27 June that a suspect had attacked a foreign woman before fleeing the scene. Officers later used CCTV footage from the Silom area to track down and arrest a 30-year-old man, identified as Etsana, also known as Film, in a nearby alley. A cutter knife believed to have been used in the attack was seized as evidence.

The victim, identified as 29-year-old Nguyen Thi Ngoc Tram, a Vietnamese national working at an advertising company in Thailand, sustained injuries. Police said the suspect, who is known to have been living on the streets and moving between locations, admitted to the attack, claiming he acted because he “does not like overweight people.” He has been charged with causing bodily harm and was taken into custody for legal proceedings.

The victim later returned to Thung Maha Mek Police Station after receiving treatment at hospital to identify the suspect and confirmed him as the attacker, thanking police for a swift arrest using CCTV technology. Residents in the area had reportedly expressed concern over previous incidents involving the suspect prior to the attack.

Thailand says China knows how it should position itself

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28 June 2026, 12:59

BANGKOK — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on Saturday expressed confidence that China understands how to conduct itself appropriately amid tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, following Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen’s visit to Beijing.

Sihasak said Cambodia’s visit to China was a normal part of bilateral relations and stressed that Beijing had not taken sides in the dispute between the two neighbouring countries.

“I believe China knows how it should position itself. Bilateral relations between China and Cambodia are normal, but China also knows it should avoid doing anything that could affect the conflict,” he said.

He urged the public not to overreact to reports originating from Cambodia, saying some information was being released to support Cambodia’s own narrative.

“Don’t be swayed by every report. Some of the news comes from Cambodia and is intended to favour its own position,” he said.

Asked about reports that Cambodia was seeking to purchase ammunition from China, Sihasak said such defence cooperation had been agreed previously and was unrelated to the current Thai-Cambodian dispute.

“China has interests in Cambodia, including existing cooperation such as military facilities, but that should not affect the Thailand-Cambodia situation or signal support for either side. I believe China understands this well,” he said.

Sihasak also confirmed that the compulsory conciliation process under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) would continue as planned. He said Thailand would assess any outcome based on whether it was fair and consistent with the country’s national interests.

Thaksin casts first vote in 20 years at Bangkok governor election

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28 June 2026, 11:52

BANGKOK — Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra cast his ballot in the Bangkok gubernatorial election on Sunday, marking his first time voting in 20 years since the 2006 military coup that ousted his government.

Speaking to reporters after voting at around 10:10 at a polling station in Soi Charansanitwong 69, Thaksin said he was both excited and happy to be able to exercise his voting rights again.

“At least I’m proud to be Thai,” he said, urging Bangkok residents to turn out to vote.

“Voting is the duty of every citizen. If we don’t exercise our rights to choose our representatives, we have no one to blame but ourselves if they don’t perform well. If you’re not satisfied, you can choose again when their term ends,” he said.

Asked what qualities he wanted to see in Bangkok’s next governor, Thaksin said the capital needed a leader capable of managing infrastructure, cleanliness and traffic congestion.

“Bangkok is a large city with a huge population, but its budget is too limited. The new governor must know how to work. If someone isn’t capable or dedicated, they can’t just drift along,” he said.

Thaksin joked that he was nervous because it had been so long since he last voted.

“I was afraid I’d do it wrong. I didn’t know whether I should turn this way or that way, worried I’d violate election rules,” he said with a laugh.

He said the last election in which he voted was while serving as prime minister before the 2006 coup.

Asked about the current political climate, Thaksin called for national unity.

“Our country needs unity. We face difficult problems and external challenges. Everyone should support and encourage one another,” he said.

When asked whether he planned to become politically active again, amid speculation that he was stepping back from politics, Thaksin replied, “I’m not making political moves. I’m here as a citizen, not as a politician.”

He added that he would continue following political and economic developments because he remained concerned about rising household debt and the country’s financial challenges.

“I sympathise with the government. Helping people is not easy, and I want to encourage everyone,” he said.

Thaksin said he would spend the rest of the day with his family before leaving for an overseas trip next week to visit friends who had supported him after his release from prison.

Asked whether he had any advice for the Pheu Thai Party, Thaksin did not respond. He instead stopped to greet supporters before leaving the polling station.

Thai-Cambodian border fence 45% complete, army says gaps temporary

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27 June 2026, 17:49

CHANTABURI — 27 June 2026, A parliamentary security committee has inspected the construction of a Thai-Cambodian border fence in Chanthaburi, where officials said the project is now 45% complete and clarified concerns over so-called “gaps” in the structure.

The House committee on national security, border affairs and national reform, led by chairman Monthian Songpracha, visited the site in Pong Nam Ron district, where construction of the fence is underway along the Thailand–Cambodia border.

Officials from the Chanthaburi Marine Task Force said Thailand is not acting unilaterally and that Cambodian representatives have been invited to observe all stages of construction to ensure transparency and compliance with international procedures.

They also confirmed that all border checkpoints in the area are fully closed in line with government and Royal Thai Navy policy.

The fence project is funded by the Hathaitip Fund and constructed by the Army Development Command. The first phase covers a 1.3-kilometre stretch between boundary markers 52 and 54, an area agreed under the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), with progress currently at 45%.

The second phase will extend from markers 54 to 59, covering approximately 7 kilometres, with road construction already underway to support future installation of security infrastructure. The total planned length is 8.3 kilometres.

The fence design consists of a 1.95-metre concrete wall topped with barbed wire, with a total height of 4.3 metres.

Officials addressed public criticism over visible gaps in certain sections, explaining that the structure at boundary marker 52 dates back to the French colonial-era agreement and is considered shared by both Thailand and Cambodia.

They said the temporary gap is due to ongoing JBC procedures and will later be fitted with a hinged panel system to allow joint inspection by both sides. Authorities insisted no permanent opening will remain once construction is complete.

Officials also dismissed claims that boundary markers had been removed, saying images circulating online were edited.

During the inspection, lawmakers also questioned a road running parallel to the fence on the Cambodian side. Military officials said the road was built by Cambodia using its own budget and lies about three metres from the Thai fence line.

The committee later visited the so-called “K. Kai” area in Ban Phakkat, a natural boundary zone surrounded by Khlong Takhian canal. Officials said the area was affected in 2020 when about three rai of land was cut off, potentially impacting the boundary line if left unresolved.

Thai border defence forces had previously lodged a protest, alleging the change was man-made rather than natural, while Cambodia maintained it was a natural shift in the waterway.

Officials said Thai military and local communities have since worked together to restore the area by filling in the canal using more than 200 truckloads of soil, reconnecting the land and raising the Thai flag in the area.

A total of around 15 kilometres of access roads have also been built in the K. Kai and U-shaped zones, funded through public contributions. Authorities said future upgrades to asphalt roads would require government budget allocation, but no agency has yet been assigned responsibility.

Lawmakers said they will coordinate with relevant agencies to secure funding and ensure the community-built roads are not left unused.

Officials reiterated that the military has carried out its duties responsibly in cooperation with all sectors and that border management continues under established agreements.

Health Ministry cracks down on fake cannabis prescription

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27 June 2026, 17:14

Health Ministry cracks down on fake cannabis prescription

BANGKOK — 27 June 2026, The Ministry of Public Health has ordered strict enforcement action against the falsification and illegal trading of cannabis prescription forms, known as Phor Thor 33 (ภ.ท.33), after detecting widespread document forgery and online misuse, officials said on 27 June 2026.

The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM), in coordination with police and security agencies, said it will pursue legal action against individuals, cannabis shops, healthcare facilities and medical professionals involved in the production or use of fake prescriptions.

Authorities said the violations include forged medical certificates and falsified Phor Thor 33 prescriptions used to obtain controlled herbal cannabis products without proper medical diagnosis or consultation.

Deputy DTAM director-general Dr. Thewan Thaneerat said reports showed that forged Phor Thor 33 forms were being sold for recreational cannabis use.

He said some documents contained pre-signed medical practitioner signatures, allowing others to add details and use them as false evidence for official reporting under Phor Thor 28 cannabis usage records.

The ministry has instructed officials to file criminal complaints against offenders. Cannabis shops found using fake prescription forms may face charges of document forgery, while medical professionals involved may also face professional misconduct investigations.

Authorities said offenders could face prosecution under the Criminal Code, along with suspension or revocation of licences. Cases involving licensed professionals will also be forwarded to relevant medical councils for disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation.

Dr. Peera Chookasemkit, director of the Medical Cannabis Division, said future enforcement will be strengthened through digital systems and electronic databases to closely monitor prescription issuance.

He said officials will be able to verify document codes and trace prescriptions back to issuing doctors and medical facilities in real time. Any abnormalities such as duplicate codes, invalid records or mismatched practitioner information will be flagged immediately.

He reiterated that controlled herbal cannabis must only be used under strict medical supervision for legitimate treatment purposes.

Members of the public or businesses who encounter fake medical certificates or illegal Phor Thor 33 sales are urged to report them via the Traffy Fondue application or the hotline 02-257-7042, he said.

Two rangers hurt as injured wild elephant charges team

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27 June 2026, 16:04

Two rangers hurt as injured wild elephant charges team

PETCHABURI — 27 June 2026, Two national park rangers were injured after an injured wild elephant charged at a rescue team attempting to provide emergency treatment in Kui Buri National Park, officials said.

Nitat Noonsong, director of Protected Area Regional Office 3 (Phetchaburi Branch), said park officials received an urgent report on 26 June that a male wild elephant with small tusks had suffered a serious foot injury.

The elephant’s right rear foot had partially detached, leaving it unable to bear weight on the leg. A veterinary team was dispatched with antibiotics to provide urgent treatment.

During the rescue operation, the distressed elephant suddenly charged at the team.

The impact left Pichet Inruan, head of the Khlong Bueng ranger station, with severe bruising to his right chest, hip and back.

Another ranger, Awut Jitsawa, injured his right knee while jumping clear of the charging elephant. Both men were evacuated from the forest and taken to hospital overnight.

Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa ordered officials to ensure the injured rangers receive full medical care.

He said the incident highlighted the dangers faced by frontline conservation officers while protecting wildlife, adding that staff safety is as important as wildlife rescue efforts.

Attapol also ordered changes to the elephant’s treatment plan, including greater use of remote technology to minimise risks to both the animal and rescue personnel.

Kui Buri National Park officials and veterinarians are continuing to monitor the elephant from a safe distance. Rather than approaching the animal directly, the team will use safer methods, including remote medication and sedation where appropriate, to treat its injured foot and help it recover before returning it safely to the wild.

Monk among three arrested over mistaken shooting in Ayutthaya

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27 June 2026, 15:19

Monk among three arrested over mistaken shooting in Ayutthaya

AYUTTHAYA — 27 June 2026, Police have arrested three suspects, including a temple monk, after two teenagers were injured in a mistaken shooting in Ayutthaya, authorities said.

The shooting occurred at around 22:00 on 26 June 2026 near a U-turn on Highway 340 (Bangkok–Suphan Buri Road) in Lak Chai subdistrict, Lat Bua Luang district.

Two teenagers were injured. A 14-year-old boy was shot twice in the left thigh, with bullets remaining lodged in his body, while a 17-year-old suffered a gunshot graze to his left knee.

Police said the victims rode a motorcycle for more than 5 kilometres to reach home before seeking help from relatives, who took them to Lat Bua Luang Hospital.

Investigators later identified one of the suspects as Anucha Liamyu, 20, a monk at a temple near the scene. He was arrested the same day, and officers seized a homemade 12-gauge firearm and one shotgun shell allegedly hidden inside the temple.

Police also arrested two 17-year-old suspects and seized a black pickup truck believed to have been used in the attack.

During questioning, the suspects allegedly admitted they mistakenly believed the victims were members of a rival group with whom they had previous disputes. They said they drove around looking for the group before opening fire with the homemade gun.

One of the injured teenagers told reporters he had been riding with five friends on three motorcycles to deliver vehicle parts when they came under fire.

He said the group fled immediately after hearing a gunshot and did not realise anyone had been hit until they reached home. The 14-year-old victim remains in hospital awaiting surgery to remove the bullets.

Another youth who witnessed the incident said the suspects’ pickup truck appeared to be waiting at the scene before the occupants opened fire. He alleged the truck later chased the motorcycles and attempted to pull alongside them before the group managed to escape.

Police have charged the three suspects with attempted murder, illegal possession and use of a firearm, and carrying a firearm in a public place without reasonable cause.

The two juvenile suspects have been remanded to the Ayutthaya Juvenile and Family Court for legal proceedings.

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