Gunman wounds two in Songkhla before accidentally shooting himself during surrender

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10 July 2026, 16:03

SONGKHLA — 9 July 2026, A 29-year-old man accused of shooting and wounding two people during a paranoid episode was arrested after his modified blank gun discharged into his own leg as he surrendered to police.

The incident occurred in Ruam Jai Community, Soi 8, behind Rong Was Temple on Chai-Phet Mongkhon Road in Bo Yang Subdistrict, Mueang Songkhla District.

Pol. Col. Kirati Triwai, superintendent of Mueang Songkhla Police Station, said officers were alerted to reports of a gunman who had wounded two people and remained at the scene. Investigators, patrol officers and Sawang Songkhla Ruam Jai rescue workers were sent to respond.

Upon arrival, officers found the suspect, 29, standing outside the victims’ home while holding a firearm and shouting. Residents fled the area as police established a perimeter and attempted to persuade him to put down his firearm.

During negotiations, the suspect allegedly fired about three shots from inside the alley and demanded that police call his mother.

After speaking to her by telephone, he agreed to surrender and put down the gun. However, while attempting to clear a round that remained in the chamber under police instructions, the firearm accidentally discharged, striking him in the leg.

Officers immediately detained him and seized a modified blank-firing pistol converted to fire .380-calibre ammunition, along with several rounds of ammunition.

The suspect was taken to Songkhla Hospital with a bullet lodged in the front of his thigh.

One of the victims, 28, suffered a grazing wound to the back of his head, while the other, 19, was grazed on the chin. Rescue workers took both to Songkhla Hospital. Neither was seriously injured.

The sister of one of the victims told police that the suspect was a friend of her younger brother and had become paranoid, believing that her brother intended to harm him. He allegedly arrived at the house carrying the firearm before opening fire.

Police initially charged Khatha with five offences: attempted murder, attempted murder of an officer, resisting or obstructing an officer, possessing a firearm without permission, and carrying a firearm in public.

He was placed in the custody of investigators at Mueang Songkhla Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Teen equestrian champion brings AI to hippotherapy for disabled children

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10 July 2026, 16:02

BANGKOK — 10 July 2026, A 17-year-old equestrian champion is combining her passion for horse riding with artificial intelligence to improve hippotherapy for children with disabilities, developing a system that helps therapists assess patients’ progress more objectively.

“Homey” Preyahathai Aroonvanichporn, a student at NIST International School, recently won two titles at the Thailand Dressage Championships 2025, claiming victories in the Novice (Young Rider) and Preliminary (Junior) categories.

Alongside her success in equestrian sport, Homey volunteers in a hippotherapy programme at the Royal Horse Guard Club, where horses are used as part of rehabilitation for children with neurological conditions.

Hippotherapy uses the natural movement of horses to stimulate the nervous system, strengthen muscles and improve balance in children with conditions including cerebral palsy and autism. International studies have found the therapy can improve sitting ability, trunk control, balance and overall quality of life for children with neurological disabilities.

However, patient progress is still largely assessed through therapists’ observations, making it difficult for families to track improvements with measurable data. Therapists also have limited tools to systematically record and compare treatment outcomes over time.

To address the issue, Homey developed a concept that combines artificial intelligence with computer vision technology to analyse patients’ posture and movement during therapy sessions. The system is designed to provide therapists and families with objective, data-driven assessments instead of relying solely on visual observation.

She said the data could also support future research and contribute to the development of rehabilitation technologies for people with disabilities.

Homey added that she hopes this project will improve the evaluation of hippotherapy while raising public awareness of its potential to enhance the quality of life of children with disabilities.

Paradorn’s daughter leads Thailand to two Junior World Golf Championship

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10 July 2026, 15:55

Paradorn's daughter leads Thailand to two Junior World Golf Championship

SAN DIEGO, California — 10 July 2026, Thailand’s junior golfers continued their impressive run on the international stage after Phannarin “Cherlyn” Srichaphan, daughter of former tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan, and Yubo Shen captured titles in their respective divisions at the USWING MOJING Junior World Golf Championship in San Diego, California, on 9 July.

Cherlyn won the Girls 7–8 division with a total score of 4-over-par 178, while Shen claimed the Boys 11–12 title after firing a final-round 4-under-par to finish at 9-under-par 207. He finished two strokes ahead of runner-up Sky Wilding.

The victories extended Thailand’s strong showing in the United States after the team earlier won six titles at the FCG International Championship 2026 at Pala Mesa Resort in Fallbrook, California. Both Cherlyn and Shen were among the Thai champions at that event before adding Junior World titles to their achievements.

First held in 1968, the USWING MOJING Junior World Golf Championship is regarded as one of the world’s premier junior golf tournaments. The annual event attracts more than 1,250 young golfers from 56 countries and 42 U.S. states and has served as a launching pad for numerous future professional golfers.

Moo Deng turns two as Khao Kheow Open Zoo celebrates pygmy hippo’s birthday

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10 July 2026, 14:27

Moo Deng turns two as Khao Kheow Open Zoo celebrates pygmy hippo's birthday

CHONBURI — 10 July 2026, Thailand’s celebrity pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng celebrated her second birthday on 10 July, with Khao Kheow Open Zoo marking the occasion with a grand celebration, free admission for children and the release of figures highlighting the zoo’s revenue growth since the viral hippo rose to global fame.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy said this Friday marked Moo Deng’s second birthday. Children were admitted free of charge to celebrate the occasion and wish the globally popular pygmy hippo a happy birthday.

The zoo also officially unveiled its new “Hippo Village” project, a sprawling 10-rai (16,000-square-metre) exhibition and habitat designed to improve the welfare and living conditions of hippopotamuses and pygmy hippos, particularly Moo Deng and her family.

Narongwit said that while it is difficult to attribute a specific amount of revenue solely to Moo Deng, the zoo’s overall financial performance reflects the impact of her global popularity. Before the Moo Deng phenomenon, Khao Kheow Open Zoo generated about 180 million baht in revenue during the 2024 fiscal year. Revenue then surged to 319 million baht in fiscal 2025, when Moo Deng’s popularity peaked. With three months remaining in fiscal 2026, the zoo has already generated 160 million baht in revenue.

“Moo Deng and the other hippos in her family have become symbols of happiness and joy for many Thai people,” Narongwit said.

He added that other zoos operated by the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand also house hippopotamuses and pygmy hippos that continue to delight visitors, encouraging people living near any of the organisation’s zoos to visit the animals there.

Thai-developed light rail tram begins track testing

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10 July 2026, 14:15

Thai-developed light rail tram begins track testing

KHON KAEN — Rajamangala University of Technology Isan (RMUTI) has successfully begun real-track testing of a Thai-developed light rail transit (LRT) prototype, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to develop homegrown rail technology and train a new generation of railway engineers.

The prototype, known as the “Luk Isan Tram,” has been undergoing continuous testing on a dedicated railway track at RMUTI’s Khon Kaen Campus, attracting widespread public attention on social media.

On 10 July 2026, RMUTI President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosit Sriphuthorn said the successful trials demonstrate Thailand’s growing capability to design, develop and test rail technology using local expertise.

“What people see today is not just the testing of a prototype light rail vehicle,” he said. “It reflects the potential of Thai engineers to design and develop practical railway technology. We are not only building a tram but also creating knowledge, developing skilled personnel and laying the foundation for Thailand’s rail industry.”

The testing programme covers the tram’s performance on straight and curved tracks, braking systems, propulsion, wheel assemblies and other key components developed by the university’s research team.

Engineers are also evaluating locally developed rail fastening systems, rail pads and groove rail pads to ensure the prototype meets performance and safety requirements for future operation.

The university said the project incorporates international railway engineering standards, adapting global best practices in design, safety, control systems and maintenance to suit Thailand’s operating conditions.

Beyond serving as a testing facility, the railway track at the Khon Kaen campus functions as a large-scale laboratory where students, lecturers and researchers gain hands-on experience in railway design, manufacturing, installation, testing, maintenance and system management.

RMUTI said it has spent more than 15 years developing rail engineering programmes, research and industry partnerships.

The university hopes to establish its Khon Kaen campus as a regional centre for railway education, research and innovation, supporting workforce development and strengthening Thailand’s long-term goal of building a self-reliant rail industry.

Nestlé to invest 23 billion baht in new Thailand coffee plant

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10 July 2026, 14:13

BANGKOK — Nestlé will invest 23 billion baht to build a new NESCAFÉ manufacturing facility in Thailand, expanding its coffee production capacity and supporting local agriculture through the use of Thai-grown raw materials, the company announced on Wednesday.

The new factory, to be built in Samut Prakan province, will produce a wide range of NESCAFÉ products, including soluble coffee, coffee mixes and ready-to-drink beverages. It will also feature an on-site distribution center serving multiple product categories.

The facility will be equipped with advanced manufacturing technology, artificial intelligence, robotics and automated storage systems to improve production efficiency, product quality and environmental sustainability. Operations are expected to begin in the second half of 2028.

Nestlé said the project will create more than 520 jobs, including positions for technology specialists and other skilled workers.

Nikhil Chand, Chairman and CEO of Nestlé Indochina, said the investment reflects the company’s confidence in Thailand, where it has operated for more than 130 years.

“The new coffee factory will produce NESCAFÉ products using innovation and a wide range of locally sourced ingredients and raw materials, including coffee beans, sugar and fresh milk from Thai farmers, further supporting local agriculture and economic development,” he said.

Nestlé estimates the new factory will use around 4.3 billion baht worth of locally sourced ingredients and materials each year. The project has received investment promotion support from Thailand’s Board of Investment in line with the country’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy policy.

The company said it invested more than 27.8 billion baht in Thailand between 2018 and 2025 to expand manufacturing across several product categories, including ready-to-drink beverages and pet food.

Nestlé has sourced Robusta coffee beans from Thai farmers for more than 40 years and has expanded coffee cultivation to new areas, including Mae Sot district in Tak province, to help meet rising domestic demand.

NESCAFÉ, introduced in Thailand in 1973, remains the country’s best-selling coffee brand, according to the company.

Cambodian worker arrested over cable theft at Khon Kaen mall site

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10 July 2026, 12:33

KHON KAEN — A Cambodian construction worker has been arrested for allegedly stealing electrical cables from a shopping mall construction site in northeastern Thailand, with police saying he admitted selling the metal inside the wires to support his family back home.

Police in Khon Kaen announced the arrest of the 34-year-old Cambodian national on Friday following an investigation into the theft of electrical cables from the newly completed Central Campus Khon Kaen development. The stolen cables were valued at about 10,000 baht.

Investigators said they searched the suspect’s accommodation at a workers’ camp and found aluminum stripped from electrical cables, clothing and shoes matching those worn by the suspect during the theft, as well as pieces of the stolen cables.

During questioning, the suspect allegedly confessed to cutting the cables to extract aluminum and copper, which he then sold to scrap dealers. He told police he sent the money to his family in Cambodia.

Police are coordinating with the contractor to determine how long the suspect had been employed at the site and with the provincial labor office to verify whether he was legally working in Thailand.

The suspect has been charged with theft, while investigators are tracing the scrap shop where the stolen metals were allegedly sold and are considering additional charges if any labor law violations are found.

Anutin, Anwar inaugurate new Thailand-Malaysia border link

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10 July 2026, 12:19

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday officially opened the new road linking Thailand’s Sadao Customs House with Malaysia’s Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint, marking a major step in strengthening cross-border trade and connectivity.

The inauguration took place at the new Sadao border checkpoint in Songkhla province. During the ceremony, the two leaders walked from their respective border gates and met for a symbolic handshake at the midpoint of the crossing before Anwar welcomed Anutin to the Malaysian side.

The new road will open to the public and freight transport from July 11 after years of joint development by the two countries to connect their border checkpoints.

Speaking at the ceremony, Anutin described the new Sadao checkpoint as “an economic gateway” that would bring the people, trade and investment of Thailand and Malaysia closer together.

He said the Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam crossing is the two countries’ most important land trade gateway and one of the region’s key transport corridors. The new connection is expected to ease congestion, shorten border crossing times, lower logistics costs and improve the movement of goods, tourists and travelers.

Anutin said he and Anwar had agreed during their official talks on Thursday to accelerate border connectivity projects linking Songkhla-Kedah, Satun-Perlis and Narathiwat-Kelantan, while also promoting border economic zones and streamlining customs and immigration procedures.

He said the infrastructure investment would help attract new investment, create jobs and boost local businesses, while improving the quality of life in border communities.

Thailand and Malaysia have set a bilateral trade target of $30 billion. More than 80% of the two countries’ border trade currently passes through the Sadao crossing, underscoring its importance as the main trade and logistics gateway between the neighbors.

Thailand earns over 4 billion baht from foreign film productions in first half of 2026

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10 July 2026, 12:12

Thailand earns over 4 billion baht from foreign film productions in first half of 2026

BANGKOK — 10 July 2026, Thailand generated 4.025 billion baht in investment from foreign film productions during the first half of 2026, reinforcing the country’s position as one of the world’s leading filming destinations.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengchan revealed that 302 international productions applied for filming permits through the Department of Tourism during the first six months of the year, generating a combined investment of 4.025 billion baht, already more than half the total recorded for the whole of 2025.

The government said several large-scale international productions are scheduled to begin filming in Thailand during the second half of the year, raising the possibility that the country could set a new record for revenue from foreign film productions in 2026.

By production category, feature films generated the highest investment value, with 21 productions contributing 1.989 billion baht. They were followed by 22 game shows and reality television programmes, worth 811 million baht, and 152 advertising productions, which generated 710 million baht.

The five countries and special administrative regions generating the highest investment in Thailand were the United States, contributing 1.543 billion baht, followed by Hong Kong (322 million baht), Finland (300 million baht), Germany (297 million baht) and the United Kingdom (230 million baht).

The government said the figures reflect Thailand’s strength as a global filming destination, citing its diverse shooting locations, experienced production crews, comprehensive production support systems and internationally competitive investment incentives, particularly measures designed to encourage foreign film productions.

Officials also highlighted the government’s cash rebate programme, which offers eligible foreign productions rebates of up to 30%, as a key policy to propel Thailand toward becoming a regional hub for film and content production while creating jobs and generating long-term economic benefits.

Prabowo hosts Thailand’s three Shinawatra prime ministers in Jakarta

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10 July 2026, 11:59

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto hosted former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his family at his private residence in South Jakarta on Wednesday, where they discussed regional and global developments.

Thaksin was accompanied by his daughter, former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and his sister, former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said the meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere and reflected the longstanding friendship between the two sides.

During the informal talks, Prabowo and Thaksin exchanged views on strategic global developments and regional dynamics. Teddy said such engagements help strengthen Indonesia’s ties with international leaders and prominent figures while expanding cooperation and enhancing the country’s global standing.

Prabowo has maintained close ties with the Shinawatra family in recent years. In March, he appointed Thaksin to the advisory board of Indonesia’s state investment fund Danantara, with officials saying the inclusion of prominent international advisers was intended to boost investor confidence.

Thaksin, who served as Thailand’s prime minister from 2001 until he was ousted in a 2006 military coup, remains one of the country’s most influential political figures despite holding no formal government position. His daughter, Paetongtarn, served as Thailand’s prime minister from 2024 to 2025 before being removed from office by the Constitutional Court. His sister, Yingluck, served as prime minister from 2011 until she was ousted by a court ruling in 2014, shortly before another military coup.

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