Thailand’s Political Parties Name PM Candidates for February Election

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28 December 2025, 17:24

Thailand Politics — Pheu Thai Party's Yodchanan Wongsawat leaves after a drawing at a candidate registration in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

By WASAMON AUDJARINT

BANGKOK (AP) — Political parties in Thailand on Sunday registered their candidates for the next prime minister, marking the unofficial start of campaigning for the Feb. 8 general election.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved Parliament earlier this month to call early polls, after the main opposition party prepared to seek a no-confidence vote over constitutional change. Calling a new election allows Anutin and his Bhumjaithai Party to build up their numbers in the House of Representatives to gain a more secure grip on government.

Voters will simultaneously cast ballots in a referendum asking whether they want a new constitution, a move promoted by progressive parties who claim the current powers held by the bureaucracy and unelected bodies are undemocratic.

The election is seen as a three-party race

The election is seen as primarily pitting Anutin’s conservative party against the progressive People’s Party, which under a different name and leadership won the highest number of House seats in the 2023 election. It ended up being blocked by conservative lawmakers from gathering enough support to form a government.

AP25362075885821 — Thailand’s Prime Minister and leader of Bhumjaithai Party Anutin Charnvirakul, front right, arrives for a canddate registration in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

The populist Pheu Thai Party, backed by billionaire former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is another major contender. It took power after the 2023 election, when the People’s Party’s effort was stymied. Thaksin remains the dominant figure behind Pheu Thai even though he is serving a prison term for convictions related to corruption and abuse of power.

Anutin has held office for only three months after the court-ordered removal of his predecessor, Thaksin’s daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, for what were judged ethical lapses.

Anutin’s government saw a slip in popularity following deadly flooding in southern Thailand and high-profile scandals that ensnared several officials and business figures. However, he may have boosted his appeal by adopting an aggressive military posture appealing to nationalists as Thailand engaged in large-scale combat with Cambodia over a long-standing border dispute.

Thai media reported that representatives of 52 parties showed up Sunday in northern Bangkok to register their candidates, along with “party list” nominees who gain seats according to each party’s proportional share of the vote.

Each party is allowed to propose up to three candidates. The Bhumjaithai party selected just two, with veteran diplomat Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who currently serves as foreign minister, being the backup to Anutin. Their main challenger is the People’s Party.

AP25362147755948 — People’s Party Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut shows his number after a drawing at a candidate registration in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A political marriage of convenience has broken up

Anutin won the September vote to become prime minister with support from the People’s Party in exchange for a promise to dissolve Parliament within four months and organize a referendum on the drafting of a new constitution by an elected constituent assembly. However, the People’s Party at the same time insisted on acting as an opposition party.

Its position now is that Anutin and his party showed bad faith in a vote on constitutional change, and dissolving Parliament constituted a final break of their temporary partnership.

People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, its primary candidate for prime minister, vowed that none of its lawmakers will support Anutin or Sihasak for prime minister.

The People’s Party continues to push a reformist agenda, including a controversial pledge to seek amnesty for political prisoners, specifically those held under Thailand’s strict law curbing criticism of the monarchy. Its position puts it sharply at odds with Thailand’s powerful royalist conservative establishment.

The Pheu Thai party, the current incarnation of Thaksin’s political machine, is fielding 46-year-old Yodchanan Wongsawat as its main candidate for prime minister.

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72-Hour Ceasefire, War Intoxication, and Withdrawal Symptoms

By

Khaosod English

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28 December 2025, 12:31

surin — Residents of Charat sub-district in Surin's Bua Ched district take cover inside a bunker on Dec. 27, 2025, after reports of gunfire near the border. Despite a conditional ceasefire agreement reached between Thailand and Cambodia earlier that day, local villagers remain on high alert following weeks of armed conflict over disputed territory.

T he Anutin Charnvirakul government deserves some credit for agreeing to a temporary ceasefire yesterday, following 20 days of intense border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia where dozens of soldiers and civilians have been killed and close to a million people displaced on both sides. In an attempt to smooth over acceptance among ultranationalists, the government even issued a Q&A.

One specific question was: “Why not continue fighting?”

The Thai government’s answer to its own question was pragmatic: “Continuing hostilities would risk diminishing Thailand’s legitimacy on the international stage and could result in further loss of life among our soldiers.”

This reasonable explanation, however, remains unconvincing to some ultranationalists who declare that they do not care how the international community thinks of Thailand.

Their logic is so twisted that they blame Thais who advocate for peace for the continued loss of life of Thai soldiers. Earlier this week, a pro-war netizen opposed to the ceasefire questioned me on X: “Does the fact that a Thai child walks into a 7-Eleven and never gets the chance to walk out alive [due to a Cambodian rocket strike in July during the first round of the 2025 border war] mean nothing to you?”

My reply to the person was: “With the daily increase in mutual killings and rising death tolls on both sides, will more killing bring back that child? If this is the extent of your reasoning, then Germany, France, and England would still be at war. Japan would still be seeking revenge against America. Thailand would still be at war with Myanmar to avenge the fall of Ayutthaya. In all those cases, the loss of life was incomparably greater than the current conflict.

“I grieve for every life lost on both sides, which is why I believe we must negotiate a ceasefire and find a peaceful solution. As for those calling for more: What is your intent? Do you want the killing to continue? For the situation to escalate? For more children to die in a needless war?”

I have stated before that a large segment of Thai society is intoxicated by war. After being “war-drunk” for nearly 20 days, the sudden 72-hour pause has triggered withdrawal symptoms—trembling hearts, restlessness, and a desperate urge for more violence.

Induced by war addiction, this paranoia means they trust no one. This was manifested in the suspicion surrounding a transport aircraft from Belarus. Because it did not pass through Thai airspace on its way to Phnom Penh yesterday, netizens claimed it was secretly carrying Russian weapons to be used against Thailand’s F-16s and Gripens. While I don’t know what it carried, the ceasefire agreement does not prohibit purchasing weapons. If the military feels it lacks the tools for future killings, they will procure them. The war-intoxicated public no longer cares about the economy or education budgets—they only want more taxpayers’ money spent on weapons.

Even the Facebook page ‘Baan Lae Suan Idea’ (Home and Garden Decoration) jumped on the war-intoxication trend, reporting on the “Russian cargo plane.” The comments were deeply worrying. Users called the government “stupid” or accuse the Thai Defence Minister Gen Nattapong Nakpanich of being a “traitor” for the ceasefire agreement. Some wanted F-16s to bomb Phnom Penh; others cursed Russian President Vladimir Putin, fearing Russia is re-supplying Cambodia.

Disturbingly, I saw at least two people openly calling for a coup:

”Just please stage a coup, before it’s too late,” wrote FB user Suriya Wannako less than 12 hours after the ceasefire began.

”Please stage a coup before we are outsmarted by Khmers again… Do not trust Khmers,” wrote FB user Tong Bai-toey.

This is what paranoia due to war intoxication looks like. The temporary ceasefire has induced disturbing withdrawal symptoms, and the thirst for conflict remains unquenched.

Polls Open for Myanmar’s First Election Since Military Seized Power

By

Associated Press

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28 December 2025, 10:53

Myanmar Election — Voters line up to cast their ballots at a polling station, with Sule Pagoda in background, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — Voters went to the polls Sunday for the initial phase of Myanmar ’s first general election in five years, held under the supervision of its military government while a civil war rages throughout much of the country.

Final results will not be known until after two more rounds of voting are completed later in January. It is widely expected that Min Aung Hlaing, the general who has ruled the country with an iron hand since an army takeover in 2021, will then assume the presidency.

The military government has presented the vote as a return to electoral democracy, but its bid for legitimacy is marred by bans on formerly popular opposition parties and reports that soldiers have used threats to force voters to participate.

While more than 4,800 candidates from 57 parties are competing for seats in national and regional legislatures, only six are competing nationwide with the possibility to gain political clout in Parliament. The well-organized and funded Union Solidarity and Development Party, with its support from the military, is by far the strongest contender.

AP25362079233085 — Voters line up to cast their ballots at a polling station in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)

Voting is taking place in three phases, with Sunday’s first round being held in 102 of Myanmar’s 330 townships. The second phase will take place Jan. 11, and the third on Jan. 25. Final results are expected to be announced by February.

Critics call the election a sham to keep the army in power

Critics charge that the election is designed to add a facade of legitimacy to military rule that began when the military ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. It blocked her National League for Democracy party from serving a second term despite winning a landslide victory in the 2020 election.

They argue that the results will lack legitimacy due to the exclusion of major parties and limits on freedom of speech and an atmosphere of repression.

The expected victory of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party makes the nominal transition to civilian rule a chimera, say opponents of military rule and independent analysts.

“An election organized by a junta that continues to bomb civilians, jail political leaders, and criminalize all forms of dissent is not an election — it is a theater of the absurd performed at gunpoint,” Tom Andrews, the U.N.-appointed human rights expert for Myanmar, posted on X.

AP25362112040633 — In this photo provided by the Myanmar Military True News Information Team, Myanmar’s Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing shows off his finger marked with ink indicating he voted as he leaves a polling station Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (The Myanmar Military True News Information Team via AP)

However, holding the election may provide an excuse for neighbors like China, India and Thailand to continue their support, claiming the election promotes stability. Western nations have maintained sanctions against Myanmar’s ruling generals due to their anti-democratic actions and the brutal war against their opponents.

Voters on Saturday expressed mixed feelings.

Khin Marlar, 51, who voted at a polling station in Yangon’s Kyauktada township, said she felt she needed to vote because she hoped that peace would follow afterward. She explained that she had fled her village in the town of Thaungta in the central Mandalay region due to the fighting.

“I am voting with the feeling that I will go back to my village when it is peaceful,” she told The Associated Press.

Some voters feel pressured by the army

A resident of southern Mon state, who asked to be identified only by her first name, Khin, for fear of arrest by the military, told The Associated Press she felt compelled to go to a polling station because of pressure from local authorities.

AP25362189024599 — Voters line up to cast their ballots at a polling station in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)

“I have to go and vote even though I don’t want to, because soldiers showed up with guns to our village to pressure us yesterday,” Khin said. There were reports ahead of the voting from independent media and rights groups that officials and the military used such threats to compel people to vote.

Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s 80-year-old former leader, and her party are not participating in the polls. She is serving a 27-year prison term on charges widely viewed as spurious and politically motivated. Her party, the National League for Democracy, was dissolved in 2023 after refusing to register under new military rules.

Other parties also refused to register or declined to run under conditions they deem unfair, and opposition groups have called for a voter boycott.

Amael Vier, an analyst for the Asian Network for Free Elections, noted a lack of genuine choice, pointing out that 73% of voters in 2020 cast ballots for parties that no longer exist.

War and repression shape the vote

Mobilizing opposition is difficult under the military’s repression. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 22,000 people are currently detained for political offenses, and over 7,600 civilians have been killed by security forces since they seized power in 2021.

Armed resistance arose after the army used lethal force to crush non-violent protests against its 2021 takeover. The ensuing civil war has left more than 3.6 million people displaced, according to the U.N.

A new Election Protection Law imposes harsh penalties and restrictions for virtually all public criticism of the polls.

In these circumstances, both the military and its opponents believe power is likely to remain with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who led the 2021 seizure of power.

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Samui, Phangan Brace for Tourism Surge Ahead of New Year’s Eve

By

Khaosod English

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28 December 2025, 01:39

samui new year3 — International tourists crowd a ferry in Surat Thani province during the 2026 New Year holiday period. Boat operators reported that bookings for high-speed routes to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are nearly at full capacity.

KOH SAMUI — Thousands of international travelers are flooding into Thailand’s Gulf islands for the year-end holiday season, pushing flights and ferry services to near-full capacity as the region prepares for major New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The surge in arrivals at Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao marks a robust start to the festive week, driven by favorable weather and the return of high-spending tourism sectors.

High Demand for Air and Sea Travel

At Samui Airport on Dec. 26, Bangkok Airways increased its operations to handle a heavy influx of domestic and international passengers, primarily families and large tour groups. Airport officials noted a steady stream of private jets arriving on the island, reinforcing Koh Samui’s status as a premium luxury destination.

Maritime travel is seeing similar spikes. At Nathon Pier, Lomprayah High-Speed Ferries reported that bookings for routes connecting Surat Thani, Samui, Phangan, and Koh Tao are nearly sold out across all time slots.

newyear samui1 — International travelers pull their luggage outside the Samui International Airport arrival terminal to hail taxis on Dec. 26, 2025. Authorities have increased inspections of public transport on the island to prevent overcharging during the peak holiday season.

Shift in Tourist Demographics

Nitchatharas Wanitcharoen, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Koh Samui office, said the current momentum is a “positive signal” for the local economy.

“Bangkok Airways has increased its daily flights to between 58 and 60, bringing in approximately 5,800 to 6,000 passengers per day,” Nitchatharas said.

While European markets—specifically Germany and the United Kingdom—remain the primary drivers, officials are seeing a notable increase in American travelers and Chinese “Free Independent Travelers” (FIT), who book their own itineraries rather than joining traditional tour groups.

Phangan’s Global Draw

While Koh Samui attracts families and luxury travelers, younger tourists are largely transiting through to Koh Phangan. The island is bracing for a massive turnout at Haad Rin, the site of the world-famous Full Moon Party, which will host a high-profile New Year’s Eve countdown.

samui new year2 — International travelers wait for their luggage at the Samui International Airport baggage claim area during the 2026 New Year holiday. Flight arrivals have increased to nearly 60 per day to accommodate the surge of tourists visiting the Gulf of Thailand.

Local businesses and hotels have decorated extensively for the season, and authorities expect the influx to provide a significant economic boost to the province.

Safety and Consumer Protection Crackdown

In response to the crowds, local authorities have launched a dual campaign focused on road safety and consumer rights.

Officials from the Surat Thani Provincial Land Transport Office, local police, and internal security forces have established checkpoints at Samui Airport and the Central Samui shopping mall. The crackdown follows numerous complaints to the government’s Damrongdhama Center regarding taxi drivers overcharging tourists, refusing to use meters, and displaying aggressive behavior.

Authorities confirmed that more than 40 drivers have already been fined as part of an effort to protect the island’s tourism image.

Simultaneously, a public safety campaign is underway to enforce helmet laws for motorcyclists to reduce road casualties during the busy “Seven Dangerous Days” holiday period.

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Thailand Confirms Return of Rare Flat-Headed Cat After Nearly 30 Years

By

Khaosod English

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27 December 2025, 18:05

Flat head cat — A flat-headed cat walks past a motion-activated camera trap in the To Daeng peat swamp forest in Narathiwat province, southern Thailand, in an image released by Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation on Dec.26, 2025.

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and conservation group Panthera Thailand announced Friday the confirmed presence of the flat-headed cat, one of the world’s rarest and most endangered wild cats, in a protected peat swamp forest in the country’s far south.

The discovery was made in the Chalerm Phrakiat Somdet Phra Thep Rattanarajsuda Siam Boromrajakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the To Daeng peat swamp forest, in Narathiwat province. It marks the first confirmed record of the species in Thailand in nearly three decades.

1766831661221 — National park officials mark the location where a flat-headed cat was recorded in the To Daeng peat swamp forest in Narathiwat province, southern Thailand, during a field survey.

Camera trap surveys recorded 13 sightings in 2024 and 16 sightings in 2025, the highest frequency reported for the species anywhere within its known range, authorities said. Researchers also captured images of an adult cat accompanied by a kitten, confirming breeding activity in the area.

The flat-headed cat is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, with an estimated global population of about 2,500 individuals. In Thailand, the species had previously been classified as “possibly extinct.”

1766831671280 — A flat-headed cat walks past a motion-activated camera trap in the To Daeng peat swamp forest in Narathiwat province, southern Thailand, in an image released by Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation on Dec.26, 2025.

“After decades of habitat protection and surveys, confirming the flat-headed cat’s return to southern Thailand demonstrates the dedication of park rangers in safeguarding one of the country’s last remaining peat swamp forests,” said Attapol Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of National Parks.

Kritsana Kaewplang, director of Panthera Thailand, said the finding shows effective habitat protection can deliver conservation results once thought impossible.

“After nearly 30 years without confirmed sightings, this discovery proves endangered species can recover when their habitats are effectively protected,” she said.

The flat-headed cat is among the smallest wild cats in Asia, distinguished by its elongated, flattened skull and partially webbed feet adapted for hunting aquatic prey. The nocturnal species inhabits wetlands and peat swamps but faces threats from habitat loss caused by agriculture, hunting and water pollution.

Thai authorities said the discovery will guide future conservation planning, including strengthened patrols, expanded use of SMART patrol systems and community-based intelligence networks to address threats.

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Thailand and Cambodia Sign 16-Point De-escalation Agreement to Secure Border Peace

By

Khaosod English

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27 December 2025, 12:58

Thailand Cambodia — In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha, left, stands with Thai Defense Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit, right, at the General Border Committee Meeting in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (AKP via AP)

BANGKOK — Thailand and Cambodia signed a ceasefire agreement Saturday, aimed at ending weeks of deadly border skirmishes over disputed territory. The truce officially took effect at noon local time.

Under the terms of the deal, both nations have committed to a total halt of military movements and a ban on the use of airspace for military operations. While both sides have engaged in ground combat, the Cambodian Defense Ministry reported that Thailand conducted airstrikes as recently as Saturday morning.

A key provision of the agreement hinges on a 72-hour cooling-off period. If the ceasefire remains fully intact for three days, Thailand has agreed to repatriate 18 Cambodian soldiers held as prisoners since a previous bout of fighting in July. The release of the personnel has been a central demand from Phnom Penh throughout the negotiations.

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Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC) Between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand at Prum (Pailin Province of Cambodia) – Ban Pak Kard (Chanthaburi Province of Thailand) International Point of Entry On December 27, 2025

The 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting at Prum (Pailin Province of Cambodia) – Ban Pak Kard (Chanthaburi Province of Thailand) International Point of Entry was co-chaired by H.E. General Tea Seiha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Co-Chairman of the Cambodian General Border Committee and H.E. General Nattaphon Narkphanit, Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Thailand and Co-Chairman of the Thai General Border Committee and, with the participation of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) as observer.

The Meeting:

Recognizes the importance of conducting discussions on the peaceful settlement of disputes in an atmosphere of trust, sincerity, good faith, fairness, and mutual respect in accordance with the purpose and principles of the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter and Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, paving the way for a new chapter of peace and cooperation between the two nations;

Recalls the ASEAN Chair’s Statement of the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Current Situation Between Cambodia and Thailand, held on 22 December 2025 in Kuala Lumpur;

Reiterates the firm commitment to refrain from the threat or use of force, peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for international boundary and of international law, for the promotion of peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region on the basis of mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of the respective nations;

Reaffirms the unwavering commitment to full and effective implementation of the ceasefire arrangement of 28 July 2025, all other related agreements reached thereafter, and agreements reached at the General Border Committee meetings and Joint Boundary Commission meetings, as well as other existing agreements between Cambodia and Thailand;

Reaffirms the shared determination to return to dialogue through and build up on the previous agreements as well as existing bilateral mechanisms toward the cessation of all forms of hostilities, and to establish a true and sustainable peace, with a firm commitment to confidence-building and the restoration of normalcy and lasting peace along the border;

AP25361164513317 — In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha, left, stands with Thai Defense Minister Natthaphon Narkphanit, right, at the General Border Committee Meeting in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025. (AKP via AP) g

Agrees on the following understandings and measures:

I. De-escalation Measures

Both sides agree to an immediate ceasefire after the time of signature of this Joint Statement with effect from 12:00 hours noon (local time) on 27 December 2025, involving all types of weapons, including attacks on civilians, civilian objects and infrastructures, and military objectives of either side, in all cases and all areas. Both sides must avoid unprovoked firing or advancement or movement of troops towards the other side’s positions or troops. This agreement must not be violated under any circumstances.
Both sides agree to maintain current troop deployments without further movement. There shall be no troop movements, including patrol towards the other side’s position.
Both sides agree that all arrangements under this Joint Statement are without prejudice to the border demarcation and international boundary between the two countries. Both sides agree to refer to the Joint Boundary Commission to resume, at the earliest, the survey and demarcation works, in accordance with existing agreements between the two countries to achieve lasting peace along the border. Both sides agree to utilize Joint Boundary Commission’s existing mechanisms to ensure safety and security of the joint survey team on the ground, including its safety from landmines. Both sides agree that the Joint Boundary Commission will accord the first and foremost priority for the immediate survey and demarcation works in the affected border areas where the civilians resided.
Both sides agree to allow civilians residing in the affected border areas to return at the earliest, without obstruction and in safety and dignity, to their homes and normal livelihoods in areas within their own side.
Both sides agree not to increase forces along the entire Cambodia-Thailand border. Any reinforcement would heighten tensions and negatively affect long-term efforts to resolve the situation.
Both sides agree not to undertake provocative actions that may escalate tensions. This includes military activities to enter the other side’s air space and territory or positions as of ceasefire. Both sides agree to refrain from constructing or enhancing any military infrastructure or fortifications beyond their own side.
Both sides agree not to use any kind of forces against civilians and civilian objects in all circumstances. Such actions would not only endanger communities in the border areas but also violate international law and tarnish the global image of the non-compliant side.
Both sides agree to refrain from disseminating false information or fake news in order to de-escalate tensions, mitigate negative public sentiment, and foster an environment conducive to peaceful dialogue.
Both sides reaffirm their obligations under the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mine and on Their Destruction (Ottawa Convention). Both sides will work together through the Joint Coordinating Task Force (JCTF) on Humanitarian Demining in accordance with the agreed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to make timely progress on demining efforts along the border.
Both sides agree to adhere to the Action Plan for Cooperation on the Prevention and Suppression of Transnational Crimes, including Cyber Scams and Human Trafficking, between the Cambodian National Police and the Royal Thai Police, and reaffirm the commitment to enhance cooperation aimed at preventing online scams, addressing the misuse of digital platforms, and promoting responsible and accurate information in a manner that contributes to trust, stability, and good neighbourly relations.

11.In the spirit of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration on 26 October 2025, the 18 Cambodian soldiers will be returned to Cambodia after the ceasefire has been fully maintained for 72 hours.

II. Mechanisms for the Implementation and Verification of De-escalation Measures

12. Both sides recognize the important role of ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) and agree to strengthen the roles of the AOT, in consultation with both the ASEAN Chair and the AOT, in verifying and ensuring the effective implementation of all the measures in this Joint Statement.

13. To ensure effective implementation, both sides agree to utilize the Cambodia-Thailand and Thailand-Cambodia Border Coordination Units to ensure that the ceasefire is sustained, manage situations on the ground, address incidents in a timely manner, and prevent miscalculation under the observation and verification of the ASEAN Observer Team.

14. Both sides will maintain regular and direct lines of communication between their Ministers of Defence and Chiefs of Defence Forces for prompt response to urgent situations that cannot be addressed at the local level. If required, high-level representatives from both sides will meet to effectively resolve any issues on the ground.

15. The JCTF will notify respective local authorities of its own side as well as the JCTF of another side to be aware of and to facilitate the Humanitarian Demining operations in the agreed priority border areas according to the Action Plans agreed by both sides for smooth operation without any obstructions or misunderstanding.

16. Official media teams from both sides will maintain regular and direct communication to ensure the effective prevention and management of misinformation and disinformation. They will also ensure transparency and accuracy of news and reports to enhance mutual trust.

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Foreign Man Injured After Jumping from Bangkok Expressway

By

Khaosod English

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27 December 2025, 11:58

Uae — The location where a foreign man jumped from an expressway in Bangkok on Dec. 26, 2025.

BANGKOK — A foreign man suffered serious injuries after jumping from an elevated expressway in Bangkok late Friday, police said.

The man jumped from the Sirat Expressway near Rama 9 around 9:35 p.m. on December 26, according to Pol. Lt. Col. Pongjinda Wiriyaprakob of Makkasan Police Station.

Rescue workers said the man had been walking back and forth on the expressway when they approached to help. Upon seeing the rescue team, he jumped from the elevated road, landing on the parallel street below.

1766808701443 scaled — Rescue workers provide first aid to a foreign man who jumped from the Sirat Expressway in Bangkok on Dec. 26, 2025.

The man, who had both legs fractured, was conscious when taken to Rajavithi Hospital, police said.

Authorities have not identified him. He carried no documents but had about 5,500 UAE dirhams (approximately $1,500) and 10,400 Thai baht (about $330) in cash.

Pol. Lt. Col. Prasert Wongcharoen, deputy superintendent of Makkasan Police Station, said the investigation is ongoing. The man remains hospitalized with serious injuries.

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Ex-Miss Universe Owner Sentenced to 2 Years in Thai Fraud Case

By

Khaosod English

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27 December 2025, 02:58

Ann Jakkaphong12 — FILE - Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, the CEO of JKN Global Group

BANGKOK — A Thai court on Friday sentenced the former co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, to two years in prison without suspension after convicting her of fraud involving 30 million baht (about $930,000). She did not appear in court for the verdict, after reports previously said she had fled to Mexico, where she was known to have close ties with a business partner.

The Bangkok South District Court read the ruling on December 26 in a case filed against JKN Global Group Pcl and Jakkaphong, also known as a prominent transgender businesswoman and media executive. The court found both defendants guilty of joint fraud under Thailand’s Criminal Code.

The court fined JKN Global Group, the first defendant, 40,000 baht (about $1,290) and sentenced Jakkaphong, the second defendant, to two years in prison with no suspended sentence.

According to court documents, the case was filed by Dr. Raweewat Maschamadol, who accused the defendants of fraud through false representation and concealment of facts. Between July 24 and Aug. 8, 2023, the defendants persuaded the plaintiff to invest in corporate bonds despite allegedly knowing that the company’s financial condition made repayment impossible.

The court ruled that the defendants obtained 30 million baht from the plaintiff through deception.

Jakkaphong did not attend the verdict reading. A warrant for her arrest had previously been issued on Nov. 25, 2025, after she failed to appear for a scheduled ruling at the South Bangkok Criminal Court on Charoen Krung Road. The court said her absence indicated an intent to evade justice and ordered her arrest.

Jakkaphong rose to international prominence after acquiring the Miss Universe Organization but has faced mounting legal and financial troubles in recent years.

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Russian Scam Ring Leader Arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport

By

Khaosod English

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27 December 2025, 02:23

russian scam2 — Thai cybercrime police arrest a 31-year-old Russian man, suspected of leading an online scam ring, at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok on Dec. 26, 2025.

SUVARNABHUMI — Thai cybercrime police arrested a 31-year-old Russian man at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Friday evening, accusing him of leading an online investment scam that defrauded a Thai businessman two years ago, authorities said.

The suspect, identified by police as Gabriel, was detained as he arrived at the airport. Investigators said he had been living in Chonburi province on a student visa and had repeatedly entered and exited Thailand since 2023 while allegedly carrying out fraud operations targeting victims in the country.

The case stems from a complaint filed by a businessman from Nakhon Sawan province, who told police he was deceived in 2023 by scammers posing as an attractive woman who built a romantic relationship with him online. The scammer later persuaded him to invest in short-term gold trading through a fraudulent platform called “ATFX,” falsely claiming the investment offered fast and high returns with minimal capital.

Police said the victim initially received small withdrawals that appeared to be profits, prompting him to transfer increasingly larger sums of money. He later became unable to withdraw his funds and realized he had been defrauded, after which he filed a police report.

Investigators said the scam ring used a complex network of nominee bank accounts to move the stolen money. Funds were transferred through 10 accounts — eight belonging to Thai nationals and two held by the Russian suspect, whom police described as the ultimate beneficiary. Thai account holders allegedly withdrew cash from ATMs before converting the money into digital currency and transferring it to other members of the group.

Authorities said arrest warrants were issued by the Nakhon Sawan Provincial Court for 10 suspects. Seven have now been arrested, and about 2 million baht ($64,500) has been frozen in related bank accounts.

russian scam4 — Thai cybercrime police question a 31-year-old Russian man, suspected of leading an online scam ring, after his arrest at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok on Dec. 26, 2025.

Gabriel has denied the allegations, but police said financial records show extensive transactions consistent with money laundering through digital currency linked to the scam network.

He has been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by impersonation and with opening or allowing others to use bank accounts while knowing or having reason to believe they would be used for technology-related crimes.

Police warned the public to remain vigilant against romance scams that lure victims into unrealistic investment schemes and advised people to invest only through credible and verifiable financial institutions.

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Dutch Man Taken Into Custody in Chiang Mai Disturbance Case

By

Khaosod English

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27 December 2025, 01:46

CHIANG MAI — Thai immigration and police officers arrested a 54-year-old Dutch man on Friday following a series of complaints accusing him of harassing customers and staff at convenience stores in Chiang Mai province, authorities said.

The suspect was taken into custody on December 26 at a residence in San Klang subdistrict of San Kamphaeng district under a warrant issued by the Chiang Mai Provincial Court. The arrest was carried out by Chiang Mai immigration police, local police from Doi Saket district and tourist police.

The investigation began after a convenience store employee in Doi Saket district reported that the foreign man caused a disturbance inside the shop at about 7 p.m. on December 23. The employee told reporters that the man confronted her and forcibly grabbed her collar, leaving her frightened.

dutch convenience2 — Convenience store employees reported to police that they were harassed by a Dutch man inside a shop in Doi Saket district, Chiang Mai province, on Dec. 26, 2025.

After the incident was reported publicly, several other residents came forward to police, saying they had been harassed or threatened by the same man. One complainant said the suspect assaulted him while he was stopped at a red traffic light.

Authorities said the growing number of complaints raised concerns that the suspect could pose an ongoing threat, prompting police to accelerate efforts to locate and arrest him.

The suspect was taken to Doi Saket police station for questioning and was initially charged with nighttime theft. Police said investigators will interview all victims and witnesses and determine whether additional charges should be filed.

Under Thai law, nighttime theft carries a penalty of one to five years in prison and a fine ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 baht (approximately $645 to $3,220).

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