Ex-monk charged after admitting to beating temple puppy in Nakhon Sawan

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11 July 2026, 17:13

Ex-monk charged after admitting to beating temple puppy in Nakhon Sawan

NAKHON SAWAN — 11 July 2026, Police have charged a former monk in Nakhon Sawan after he admitted striking a four-month-old Bangkaew puppy at a temple, following public outrage over surveillance footage that allegedly showed repeated incidents of animal abuse.

The case began after videos circulated widely on social media showing a monk using a stick to beat a dog at Wat Khao Kaeo in Phayuha Khiri district. The footage sparked widespread criticism and prompted the Watchdog Thailand Foundation to work with police and local authorities to investigate.

On 10 July, the acting abbot ordered the monk to leave the monkhood within 24 hours and vacate the temple.

Police, administrative officials and representatives from Watchdog Thailand returned to the temple on 11 July to question the suspect, who has since been identified as former monk Kanchanasin, 38.

The suspect admitted hitting the puppy, named Hong, with a small bamboo stick but insisted he was disciplining the animal after it defecated on his bedding and denied intending to abuse it.

Despite the explanation, the Watchdog Thailand Foundation filed a complaint alleging animal cruelty. The foundation removed Hong, along with several other dogs and cats from the temple, so veterinarians could examine them for injuries. The examination results will be submitted as evidence in the case.

Investigators said the suspect also admitted having previous convictions for assault and drug-related offences.

Several monks at the temple told reporters that the former monk had lived at the temple for more than a year and allegedly displayed aggressive and unpredictable behaviour. They claimed he often rescued stray dogs and cats but later abused them.

They also alleged that surveillance cameras captured multiple incidents of animal abuse, including one video showing a dog allegedly beaten to death. Police said they are examining nine video clips as part of the investigation.

Watchdog Thailand said Hong appeared extremely fearful of people and was showing signs of an injury to its right hind leg, leading volunteers to believe the puppy may have been abused repeatedly.

The foundation said it plans to assume ownership of the rescued animals and arrange permanent homes for them after legal procedures are completed.

Police said they are continuing to gather veterinary reports, video evidence and witness statements before proceeding under Thailand’s Animal Cruelty Prevention and Animal Welfare Act and other relevant laws.

Two British tourists rescued after entering red-flag waters at Phuket beach

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11 July 2026, 16:23

Two British tourists rescued after entering red-flag waters at Phuket beach

PHUKET — 11 July 2026, Two British tourists narrowly survived after getting into difficulty while swimming at Nai Thon Beach in Phuket, despite red-flag warnings indicating dangerous sea conditions.

Police said the incident occurred at about 12:20 on Friday, when lifeguards stationed at Nai Thon Beach in Sakhu subdistrict, Thalang district, spotted the two men struggling in the rough surf and immediately launched a rescue.

The tourists were pulled from the water unconscious and brought ashore, where lifeguards administered first aid until both men regained consciousness.

They were later identified as Preston, 34, and Scott, 40, both British nationals.

Emergency responders from the Sakhu Subdistrict Administrative Organisation transported the pair to Thalang Hospital for further treatment.

Hospital officials later confirmed that both tourists were in stable condition and remained under close medical observation.

Authorities urged visitors to exercise extreme caution when swimming during the monsoon season, when strong waves and dangerous currents are common. They also reminded beachgoers to obey lifeguards’ instructions and strictly observe red-flag warnings, which indicate that entering the water is unsafe.

Road collapse closes two lanes near Mega Plaza bridge in Bangkok

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11 July 2026, 15:08

Road collapse closes two lanes near Mega Plaza bridge in Bangkok

BANGKOK — 11 July 2026, Authorities have closed two traffic lanes on Chakkraphet Road after a section of the roadway collapsed near the bridge leading to Mega Plaza, commonly known as Saphan Lek, officials said.

The Phra Ratchawang Police Station said officers and relevant agencies responded to the scene and are managing traffic while repair work is carried out.

The damaged section is located on Chakkraphet Road just before the bridge crossing to Mega Plaza (Saphan Lek).

Two lanes have been closed to allow repairs, leaving only the right-hand lane open to traffic. Motorists are advised to expect delays and avoid the area if possible while restoration work continues.

Authorities have not yet released the cause of the road collapse.

Commerce Ministry plans 40 baht meal scheme to ease cost of living

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11 July 2026, 13:25

Commerce Ministry plans 40 baht meal scheme to ease cost of living

BANGKOK — 11 July 2026, Thailand’s Commerce Ministry is preparing to launch a nationwide programme encouraging participating restaurants to sell rice-and-side-dish and other ready-to-eat meals for no more than 40 baht per plate, with the government providing financial support to help offset ingredient costs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said the proposed initiative, tentatively named “Khao Kaeng Thai Chuay Thai” (Thai Helps Thai Rice-and-Side-Dish Programme), will build on the existing Thai Help Thai Plus programme as part of broader efforts to reduce living costs for the public, particularly salaried workers.

Under the proposal, restaurants joining the scheme would voluntarily offer selected ready-to-eat dishes that meet quality and portion standards at a maximum price of 40 baht per serving. A typical meal would include rice served with at least two side dishes.

To help participating businesses absorb costs, the government plans to provide subsidies for cooking ingredients. Officials are considering assistance packages of 3,000 baht, 5,000 baht or 10,000 baht per restaurant.

The ministry expects to pilot the programme with 100,000 restaurants from a network of around 250,000 eateries already affiliated with the Commerce Ministry or participating in the Thai Help Thai Plus scheme.

The project is expected to run for at least three months and could begin immediately after receiving Cabinet approval. The Department of Internal Trade is finalising the proposal for submission to the Cabinet during the third week of July.

Suphajee stressed that participation would be entirely voluntary and that the government would not impose price controls on restaurants. Instead, businesses choosing to join the programme would receive support in exchange for offering affordable meal options.

Participating restaurants would also receive official signs to display at their storefronts, making it easier for customers to identify outlets offering the subsidised 40-baht meals.

If the pilot proves successful, the Commerce Ministry plans to expand the programme and increase the number of participating restaurants nationwide.

Dog mistakes live grenade for toy, carries it into family home

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11 July 2026, 11:16

Dog mistakes live grenade for toy, carries it into family home

SISAKET — 11 July 2026, A family in Thailand’s northeastern province of Sisaket narrowly avoided disaster after their pet dog unknowingly carried a live Chinese-made hand grenade into the front yard, mistaking it for a toy or bone.

The incident occurred in Non Khun district after the family’s dog returned home carrying a rusty object, which relatives initially believed was a piece of plastic or an old bone. The danger was only discovered when the homeowner returned from hospital and noticed the grenade’s safety pin still attached.

Realising it was a suspected explosive device, the homeowner carefully moved it away from the house before notifying the village head, who alerted police and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) officers.

Authorities identified the device as a TYPE 82-2 fragmentation hand grenade manufactured in China. Although heavily rusted, bomb disposal officers confirmed the grenade remained fully operational and could have detonated if the safety mechanism had been disturbed or the device had received a significant impact.

The grenade was safely transported to an open field away from the community and destroyed in a controlled explosion. Officials said the blast left a crater about 30 centimetres deep and 60 centimetres wide, demonstrating that the explosive still retained considerable destructive power.

The homeowner said family members had no idea the object was a grenade while the dog had been chewing on it earlier in the day.

“If the dog had pulled the pin or dropped it hard enough, I can’t imagine what might have happened,” the homeowner said.

District Chief Chaiwat Thammawat described the incident as an important warning for the public, particularly in areas where old military ordnance may still be found.

He urged anyone who discovers suspected explosives, ammunition or military objects not to touch or move them, but to immediately notify local authorities or police so trained specialists can safely handle the situation.

No injuries were reported.

Thai Airways cancels flights due to Typhoon Bavi

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11 July 2026, 10:36

Thai Airways cancels flights due to Typhoon Bavi

BANGKOK — Thai Airways has cancelled several flights to Shanghai and Taipei on 11–12 July 2026 as Typhoon Bavi affects flight operations in the region.

The national carrier announced the cancellations on 11 July, citing adverse weather conditions associated with the approaching typhoon.

The following flights have been cancelled:

11 July 2026

TG664: Bangkok–Shanghai (10.45–16.00 hrs)
TG665: Shanghai–Bangkok (17.25–20.50 hrs)
TG636: Bangkok–Taipei (17.15–22.10 hrs)

12 July 2026

TG637: Taipei–Bangkok (07.55–10.40 hrs)

All times are local.

Thai Airways advised passengers to monitor the latest flight information through the THAI Mobile Application or contact the THAI Contact Center at 02-356-1111, available 24 hours a day.

Passengers travelling from China and Taiwan can also contact the airline’s overseas customer service centres for updated flight information.

The airline apologised for the inconvenience caused and urged travellers to check flight status before heading to the airport.

Typhoon Bavi strengthens monsoon, heavy rain and floods warned

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11 July 2026, 10:04

Typhoon Bavi strengthens monsoon, heavy rain and floods warned

BANGKOK — 11 July 2026, Thailand’s Meteorological Department has issued its sixth weather warning, cautioning that Typhoon Bavi will strengthen the southwest monsoon and bring heavy to very heavy rainfall, flash floods and rough seas across parts of the country through 15 July 2026.

The warning said the strengthened southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand will generate strong winds and hazardous sea conditions.

Waves in the upper Andaman Sea are forecast to reach 2–4 metres, exceeding 4 metres during thunderstorms. Waves in the upper Gulf of Thailand and lower Andaman Sea are expected to reach 2–3 metres, rising above 3 metres in stormy conditions.

The department advised all vessels to navigate with caution and avoid areas affected by thunderstorms. Small boats in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand were urged to remain ashore during the warning period.

Between 11 and 14 July, heavy to very heavy rain is forecast for parts of the western South, western Central Plains and eastern Thailand, with Ranong, Phang Nga, Kanchanaburi, Chanthaburi and Trat identified as provinces at particular risk.

Residents in vulnerable areas, especially near hillsides, waterways and low-lying areas, were urged to watch for flash floods and forest runoff caused by accumulated rainfall.

The department said Typhoon Bavi, currently over the Pacific Ocean east of Taiwan, is expected to make landfall along the eastern coast of Fujian Province, China, between 11 and 12 July.

Although the storm is not expected to make landfall in Thailand, it will intensify the southwest monsoon affecting the country.

Authorities advised travellers heading to areas affected by the typhoon to monitor weather updates before departure.

The Meteorological Department said its next weather bulletin would be issued at 17.00 hrs on 11 July 2026.

Magnitude 2.4 earthquake shakes Phayao, no damage

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10 July 2026, 17:44

Magnitude 2.4 earthquake shakes Phayao, no damage

PHAYAO — A magnitude 2.4 earthquake struck Dok Khamtai district in Phayao province on 10 July 2026, with residents in several areas reporting brief tremors. Authorities said there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

According to the Department of Mineral Resources’ Geological Hazards Operations Centre, the earthquake occurred at 15.05 hrs at a depth of 1 kilometre in Sawang Arom subdistrict.

Officials said the quake was caused by movement along the Phayao Fault Zone, a near north-south trending normal fault.

The tremor was felt in Dok Khamtai and Sawang Arom subdistricts, although authorities said no damage was reported.

Following the earthquake, Phayao Governor Orapa Lohwira instructed the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office to coordinate with Dok Khamtai district officials, local administrative organisations and other relevant agencies to inspect potentially affected areas and continue monitoring the situation.

Initial surveys found that many residents felt the shaking briefly before it quickly subsided.

Authorities reported no injuries and no damage to homes, government buildings, roads, bridges or public utilities.

The Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office urged residents to remain calm and follow safety guidelines if additional tremors occur.

Officials also advised the public to inspect buildings for structural damage and immediately report any significant cracks or safety concerns to local authorities or disaster prevention officials.

Russian model goes viral for striking resemblance to Erling Haaland

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10 July 2026, 16:57

Russian model goes viral for striking resemblance to Erling Haaland

MOSCOW, Russia — 10 July 2026, A 24-year-old Russian model has gone viral after social media users pointed out her uncanny resemblance to Norwegian football star Erling Haaland, with many fans joking that the pair look like twins after her mother shared a clip of her recreating his goal celebration.

Anastasia Kostromitina, a model from Moscow, Russia, attracted global attention after her mother, Mariya, posted a humorous video on Instagram showing her daughter recreating Haaland’s signature poses and gestures.

The timing of the post proved ideal as the video was uploaded just 24 hours after Haaland scored twice against Brazil, when the Norwegian striker was already dominating football headlines. The clip quickly spread across social media and turned into viral content in no time, amassing more than 107 million views and 76,700 comments, while imitation videos have further fuelled the trend, generating a collective view count of tens of millions within a single day.

What excited viewers was the similarity between the pair, including their blonde hair, blue-grey eyes, angular facial features and distinctive gaze. Social media users joked that they looked like siblings from another mother, with some quipping that “there’s no need for a DNA test, it’s obvious.”

Despite the renewed attention, Kostromitina revealed that people have been telling her she resembles the Norwegian footballer for more than four years. At first, she admitted she did not appreciate the comparisons and struggled to understand why so many people thought they looked alike.

Over time, however, she began to see it as a great opportunity and embraced the resemblance, viewing it as an advantage. She added that negative comments no longer bother her, as, at the end of the day, they often boost engagement with her social media content.

This viral moment also coincided with growing anticipation ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against Norway, putting Haaland back in the spotlight. Entering the match, the striker was among the tournament’s joint top scorers with seven goals, prompting fans to joke that if he found the net again, Kostromitina’s comment sections would become even busier.

Photo: Instagram @nas__kos

Indian tourist rescued after drowning at Kamala Beach

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10 July 2026, 16:32

Indian tourist rescued after drowning at Kamala Beach

PHUKET — An Indian tourist was rushed to hospital after being pulled unconscious from the sea at Kamala Beach on 10 July 2026, with lifeguards performing CPR before emergency responders transported him for further treatment.

Police said the incident was reported at around 13.30 hrs after lifeguards stationed at Kamala Beach alerted authorities that a foreign tourist had drowned near the public park area of the beach in Kathu district.

Emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene, while police provided an automated external defibrillator (AED) to assist with the rescue.

The victim was identified as Mr. Devesh Yadav, 36, an Indian national.

When rescuers arrived, he was unconscious and unresponsive. Lifeguards and bystanders immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before he was transported to Patong Hospital for emergency treatment.

According to a preliminary police investigation, Mr. Yadav had been swimming while using a surfboard attached to his arm with a safety leash.

Authorities believe he may have panicked or inhaled seawater before getting into difficulty and drowning.

Lifeguards quickly pulled him from the water, administered CPR and coordinated with emergency medical personnel to transfer him to hospital.

Police said the exact cause of the incident remains under investigation.

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