Thai Cabinet Approves $160 Million for Military Operations

By

-

23 December 2025, 16:25

88888 — Anutin Charnvirakul, Thai Prime Minister

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Cabinet has approved more than 5 billion baht ($160 million) in additional funding for the Defense Ministry to support military operations aimed at protecting the country’s sovereignty, a government spokesman said Tuesday.

Siripong Angkasakulkiat, spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office, said the Cabinet authorized 5.05 billion baht from the central budget for the Thai armed forces, including the army, navy and air force. Details of the spending were classified, he said.

The Cabinet also approved an additional 206 million baht ($6.6 million) requested by the Royal Thai Army to procure military equipment to strengthen troop capabilities. Specific details of the equipment were not disclosed.

The funding was approved during the Cabinet meeting at Government House, Siripong said.

Thai Military Says Cambodia Fired Nearly 200 Rockets Into Border Province

By

Khaosod English

-

23 December 2025, 16:05

BANGKOK — Cambodia fired nearly 200 rounds of BM-21 rockets into Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province, damaging dozens of homes and injuring civilians, the Thai military said Tuesday.

Rear Adm. Surasant Kongsiri, a Defense Ministry spokesperson, said Cambodian forces launched heavy weapons at multiple targets along the border, with some strikes hitting civilian areas. He said the situation remained volatile and could not be taken lightly.

Army deputy spokesman Col. Ritcha Suksuwanon said the heaviest attacks occurred from Monday evening into Tuesday morning, with 51 locations affected. Forty homes were damaged, at least seven civilians were injured, and agricultural land and livestock were also hit, he said.

Thai forces in the First Army Area are conducting intensive operations to reclaim three contested areas — Ban Khlong Paeng, Ban Nong Ya Kaew and Ban Nong Chan — amid continued clashes, the army said.

In the Second Army Area, Thai forces have largely secured the situation, though Cambodian forces continue to shell key locations, including Phu Makuea, Huai Ta Marien, Ta Kwai Temple and Ta Muen Temple, according to the army.

The military said fighting has continued despite discussions on a possible ceasefire roadmap, adding that Thai forces are acting in self-defense and responding to deter further attacks.

Thailand Seizes 2,500 Drones After Reports of Suspicious Flights Near Airport

By

Khaosod English

-

23 December 2025, 15:33

BANGKOK — Thai authorities have seized more than 2,500 suspicious drones as part of a security operation after unidentified drones were detected flying near Suvarnabhumi Airport, officials said Tuesday.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission said it had received reports of suspicious drone activity near the airport, with the devices appearing similar to swarm models used in Ukraine’s attacks on Russian military targets.

The discovery prompted coordination with security agencies to assess potential risks. Authorities said the drones may have been smuggled into Thailand by land and later assembled or deployed domestically, raising concerns about a new form of security threat.

Security agencies later seized more than 2,500 drones during the operation. Officials said the seized drones are under examination and did not confirm whether they were directly linked to the devices previously seen flying near the airport or to the conflict with Cambodia.

Further details will be released after the investigation, authorities said.

CPF Signs Partnership with the National Hanwoo Association and Reborn Agency to Promote Premium Corn Silage and Elevate South Korea’s Hanwoo Beef Industry

By

MC Marketing

-

23 December 2025, 14:30

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for exporting of premium-quality CP corn silage to South Korea, in partnership with the National Hanwoo Association and Reborn Agency Inc. The signing ceremony was held on 3 December at True Digital Park, Thailand. The collaboration aims to enhance the quality of Hanwoo beef cattle farming, open international opportunities for Thailand’s high-quality corn silage, and strengthen the sustainability of the livestock industries in both South Korea and Thailand.

Under this collaboration, CPF will serve as the producer and supplier of premium corn silage, with development spanning from corn variety selection, cultivation methods, harvesting, and fermentation, all supported by the company’s research and advanced feed production technologies. CPF is also committed to ensuring a sufficient and consistent supply that meets the demands of the South Korean market.

The National Hanwoo Association, as the end user, will utilize CPF’s premium corn silage in Hanwoo beef cattle farming to enhance meat quality, consistency, and overall production efficiency. The Association will also cooperate in monitoring, data collection, and performance evaluation, with the goal of further improving and developing corn silage products in the future.

Meanwhile, Reborn Agency Inc. will act as the import and distribution partner, responsible for importing corn silage from Thailand and distributing it to beef and dairy cattle farmers across South Korea, ensuring efficient logistics and broad coverage of target user groups.

Regarding the key strengths of CP Corn Silage, CPF has selected and developed special corn varieties specifically suited for animal feed. The cultivation process is conducted under strict safety standards, with harvesting carefully controlled at optimal maturity stages featuring a high milk line and appropriate moisture levels. The silage is packed in airtight, UV-protective packaging to ensure optimal fermentation. Produced from whole-plant corn including ears, CP Corn Silage is a premium-grade product that delivers consistent nutritional value and is suitable for both dairy and beef cattle, supporting improved feeding efficiency and sustainable livestock performance.

Mr. Min Gyeong-cheon, President of the National Hanwoo Association, stated :

“Hanwoo cattle are a breed with a long heritage of more than 5,000 years. The Association aims to continuously enhance their nutritional value, as well as improve quality and taste, in order to build global recognition for Hanwoo beef. After personally visiting and observing CPF’s corn silage production process, we gained strong confidence in this partnership and decided to sign the MOU, as CP Corn Silage is safe and truly well suited for Hanwoo cattle. When Hanwoo cattle are fed with high-quality corn silage, it naturally leads to high-quality Hanwoo beef.”

Reflecting strong confidence in the quality and potential of CP Corn Silage, the National Hanwoo Association has indicated an initial annual demand of approximately 4,000 tons, with plans to increase procurement volumes continuously each year to support the growth of the Hanwoo beef industry and the rising demand for high-quality animal feed in South Korea.

This three-party collaboration underscores a shared commitment to integrating expertise in feed production, technology, and market management to advance the Hanwoo beef industry through high-quality feed solutions at the upstream level, while fostering sustainable agricultural and economic cooperation between Thailand and South Korea.

Bangkok’s MRT Extend Service Until 2 a.m. On New Year’s Eve

By

Khaosod English

-

23 December 2025, 14:30

Bangkok’s MRT Extend Service Until 2 a.m. On New Year’s Eve

Bangkok’s MRT To Extend Service Until 2 a.m. On New Year’s Eve

Bangkok’s Mass Rapid Transit Authority will extend operating hours on four MRT lines until 2 a.m. on New Year’s Eve to accommodate revelers heading home after countdown celebrations, officials said.

Kardpoj Udomthamphakdi, governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, said the Transport Ministry and the MRTA are working with private operators to offer the late-night service as a New Year gift to commuters.

On the night of Dec. 31, 2025, the Purple, Blue, Yellow and Pink MRT lines will run until 2 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026, instead of the usual midnight closing. The last trains will depart from terminal stations at 2 a.m., he said.

The four lines are operated by Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc., which runs the Blue and Purple lines; Eastern Bangkok Monorail Co., operator of the Yellow Line; and Northern Bangkok Monorail Co., operator of the Pink Line.

Park-And-Ride Facilities Open Around the Clock

Several MRT park-and-ride facilities will also remain open during the holiday period.

On the Purple Line, four parking buildings — Khlong Bang Phai, Sam Yaek Bang Yai, Bang Rak Noi Tha It and Yaek Nonthaburi 1 stations — will operate 24 hours a day.

On the Blue Line, four parking buildings at Lat Phrao, Thailand Cultural Centre and Lak Song stations (two buildings) will be open around the clock, along with 11 parking lots at Kamphaeng Phet, Ratchadaphisek, Huai Khwang, Thailand Cultural Centre (two lots), Phra Ram 9, Phetchaburi, Sukhumvit, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (two lots) and Sam Yan stations.

The Orange Line project between Thailand Cultural Centre and Min Buri (Suwinthawong) will keep one parking building at Khlong Ban Ma station and one parking lot at MRTA station open 24 hours a day.

On the Green Line, one parking lot at Kheha Samut Prakan station on the Bearing–Samut Prakan section and two parking buildings at Khu Khot and Royal Thai Air Force Museum stations on the Mo Chit–Saphan Mai–Khu Khot section will operate from 5 a.m. on Dec. 31, 2025, until 3 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026.

The Yellow Line will offer free parking at its Sri Iam station from 5 a.m. on Dec. 31, 2025, until 1 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2026. The Pink Line will provide free parking at Min Buri station from 5 a.m. on Dec. 31, 2025, until 2 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2026.

Extra Trains and Tighter Safety Measures

Kardpoj said MRT operators have been instructed to prepare additional trains during peak demand to prevent passengers from being stranded, step up public communication on operating hours and last-train schedules, and deploy extra staff at busy stations. Special ticketing counters will also be set up where heavy crowds are expected.

Security measures will be increased at stations and park-and-ride facilities to ensure commuters can travel safely and smoothly during the New Year holiday, he said.

Frost Forms on Doi Inthanon as Cold Weather Continues

By

Khaosod English

-

23 December 2025, 14:05

news97513_6ww3N1Rd3Q1766455239 — Frost Returns at Thailand’s Highest Peak, Doi Inthanon

CHIANG MAI — Cold weather continues in northern Thailand, with frost still reported at Doi Inthanon National Park despite a slight rise in temperatures, park officials said Monday.

The lowest temperature at the summit of Thailand’s highest peak was recorded at 6 degrees Celsius, while ground-level grass temperatures dropped to 0.8 degrees Celsius, causing frost to form on grass and flowers.

Doi Inthanon National Park chief Jeeraniti Cheungsaat said skies were clear early Monday, with good air quality at the summit and the Kew Mae Pan nature trail. Temperatures measured 6 degrees Celsius at the summit, 8 degrees at Kew Mae Pan and 12 degrees at park headquarters.

Tourists were able to experience cold weather, morning sunshine, sea of mist and winter flowers, including blooming Himalayan cherry blossoms, within the park, officials said.

Man Shot Dead in Suspected Road Rage Incident Near Bangkok Expressway

By

Khaosod English

-

23 December 2025, 13:24

messageImage_1766470937044 — Police search for a suspect after a driver was fatally shot near a Bangkok expressway toll plaza.

BANGKOK — A 34-year-old man was shot dead early Monday in a suspected road rage incident near an expressway toll plaza in northern Bangkok, police said.

Officers from Prachachuen police station responded at about 4:50 a.m. to reports of a shooting inside a car just past the Si Rat Expressway toll gate at Prachachuen, inbound lanes, in the Bang Sue district.

Police found a Toyota Corolla Altis registered in Sa Kaeo province stopped about 200 meters from the toll plaza. The driver, identified only as Anuwat, 34, was found dead in the driver’s seat with a gunshot wound to the neck.

The victim’s girlfriend told police the couple had been traveling on the expressway when a white Toyota Alphard attempted to cut into their lane near the toll booths. After passing through separate toll lanes, the Alphard slowed and later pulled alongside their car on an overpass. A gunman fired three to four shots before fleeing toward the Mo Chit area.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom said investigators believe the vehicles had been cutting in front of each other for several hundred meters before the toll plaza. The suspect used a 9mm handgun, firing three rounds, striking the victim in the neck and arm.

After the shooting, the victim’s car lost control and struck the roadside barrier. The girlfriend was able to steer the vehicle to a stop, police said.

Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and searching for the white Alphard, which fled southbound via Phutthamonthon Sai 7 road. Police said the suspect is believed to be a private individual and that the incident appears to have been a spontaneous confrontation. The investigation remains ongoing.

Foreign Minister Says Thailand Never Initiated Aggression

By

Khaosod English

-

23 December 2025, 11:24

Foreign Minister Says Thailand Never Initiated Aggression

Thai Foreign Minister Says Thailand Has Never Initiated Aggression, Urges Cambodia To Commit to Genuine Cease-Fire

Thailand has never initiated aggression against another country and remains committed to peace, but any cease-fire with Cambodia must be genuine and based on direct talks, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Monday.

Speaking at Government House at 10:05 a.m., Sihasak addressed an upcoming meeting of the General Border Committee scheduled for Tuesday in Chanthaburi province. He said Cambodia has publicly declared it is ready for a cease-fire, a move that has generated international pressure on Thailand to do the same.

“A cease-fire does not happen just by making an announcement.” Sihasak said. “It happens through discussions on concrete measures, and it must be a real cease-fire.”

He said Cambodia’s approach has been to tell the international community it is ready to halt fighting, leading other countries to question why Thailand has not followed suit. Thailand has explained that a cease-fire is important but must be agreed upon by both sides through direct negotiations, he said.

Sihasak added that during recent regional meetings, including ASEAN gatherings, there was no direct pressure on Thailand. Instead, there were calls for both countries to talk to each other directly.

“Cambodia should come and talk with us,” he said. “They should not speak to the world and then have the world come and tell us.”

Asked about comments by Defense Minister Gen. Natthaphon Narkphanit that foreign countries tend to believe Cambodia more than Thailand, Sihasak said Thailand must continue to explain its position clearly.

“If others do not understand us, we must at least understand ourselves,” he said. “We must have a clear stance.”

Sihasak reiterated that Thailand does not initiate aggression and seeks peace, which he defined as a genuine cease-fire. He said Thailand should remain confident in its position and trust that friendly nations will listen and understand.

“We should not be overly concerned,” he said. “We will do our part, remain confident in our stance, and believe in ourselves.”

On Anwar, the Philippines, Sweden, and the Roles of the U.S. and China in the Thailand–Cambodia War

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

-

23 December 2025, 10:38

Thailand Cambodia ASEAN — ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting convenes Monday, Dec. 22, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to resume ceasefire talks after deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. (Thai MFA via AP)

T he GBC talks scheduled beteeen Thailand and Cambodia for tomorrow (24 Dec), in Thailand’s Chanthaburi province, include the possibility of a ceasefire. I hope both sides will show restraint and be as flexible as possible, because foot soldiers and civilians living along the border on both sides of the border are the ones who suffer the most if the war prolonged.

Even before the second round of the war this month, Thai hyper-nationalists had already predicted on social media that if anything happened, since they do not trust ASEAN Chair and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim to be impartial, they would wait instead for the Philippines to become ASEAN chair on 1 January 2026 (or in 9 days from now).

Some Filipinos are not too happy with Cambodia because whenever the Philippines tries to push the issue of its territorial disputes with China in South China Sea within ASEAN, Cambodia often sides with and defends China due to its close ties with Beijing, limiting what the Philippines can do at the ASEAN level on this issue.

In addition, at yesterday’s meeting in Kuala Lumpur, it was clear that both the United States and China were trying to play a role in pressing for a ceasefire. On another level, this reflects competition between the world’s two superpowers for influence in the ASEAN region, and especially in Cambodia and Thailand.

In the first round of the war, a ceasefire was reached after Donald Trump flew in to jointly sign as a witness to the ceasefire agreement in KL, Malaysia. This was seen as a surprise move that undercut China, which has close ties with Cambodia, or which some observers see as being in a quasi–Chinese client-state. Cambodia was so appreciative that Prime Minister Hun Manet proposed Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, and the government announced plans to rename a street after Trump in his honour. (President Xi Jinping had already received such recognition in 2024, when a major section of the Third Ring Road was named Xi Jinping Boulevard.)

We don’t do that here in Thailand. Most major roads are named after Thai kings with an exception of a very few politicians or statesmen.

At the same time, although Thailand used both U.S.-made and Swedish-made fighter jets to strike targets in Cambodia, Cambodian citizens during the first round of the border war in July criticized only Sweden for selling military aircrafts to Thailand but did not attack the United States. This can be seen as selective and strategic criticism.

Some Cambodians were already unhappy with Sweden because Sweden closed its embassy in Phnom Penh in late 2024, citing severe restrictions of democratic space and deteriorating human rights situations.

As for Thailand, in addition to PM Anutin Charnvirakul having resisted pressure from US President Donald Trump twice, after the second round of the war—which is now entering the 16th day—yesterday we also saw Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow criticize the US role in the signing of the ceasefire agreement in Kuala Lumpur, saying perhaps one factor behind the eventual failure to achieve a lasting ceasefire, was because Thailand was “rushed.” At present, it can be concluded that the United States has lost a fair amount of soft power or goodwill among hyper-nationalist or ultra-nationalist Thais, while the US has been gaining ground against China in Cambodia.

China, meanwhile, has been especially cautious, especially after the Chinese envoy in Phnom Penh appeared to openly side with Cambodia during the first round of the war. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs quickly adjusted its stance following strong backlash from Thai public opinion. Regarding Chinese weapons reportedly seized by Thai soldiers in this round of fighting, China was quick to deny that they were newly supplied weapons.

And although yesterday the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reiterated that China is actively trying to mediate a ceasefire between both sides, it remains unclear how this conflict between Thailand and Cambodia will ultimately affect relations with China and perceptions of China in both Thailand and Cambodia.

___

2 Arrested in Israeli Tourist Pickpocketing on Pattaya Walking Street

By

Khaosod English

-

23 December 2025, 09:33

pickpock israel1 — Officers bring a transgender woman (wearing a blonde wig) who was arguing with an Israeli tourist to the tourist police booth on Walking Street for questioning after the tourist accused her of pickpocketing him on Monday night, Dec. 22, 2025.

PATTAYA — Tourist Police arrested two transgender suspects for pickpocketing an Israeli tourist after one dropped stolen cash while attempting to retrieve it, authorities said Tuesday.

Officers detained Chanayut, 25, from Nakhon Ratchasima province, and Kritsana, 27, from Roi Et province, after responding to a disturbance near a currency exchange booth on Walking Street.

The victim, identified only as Mr. Chamam, 52, of Israel, reported the theft of 1,200 baht ($38.50), $300 and 160 Israeli shekels ($50) — a total of $388.50.

pickpck israel2 — Two transgender women are charged with nighttime theft at Pattaya City Police Station after confessing to pickpocketing an Israeli tourist on Monday night, December 22, 2025.

Police found the second suspect collecting dropped money behind the exchange booth. Both suspects confessed to the theft, police said.

Authorities charged the pair with nighttime theft, which carries penalties of one to five years in prison and fines ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 baht ($640-$3,210) under Thai law — harsher than daytime theft charges.

Tourist police urged visitors to remain vigilant with valuables in crowded areas, particularly at night and during festivals.

__

Bangkok’s MRT To Extend Service Until 2 a.m. On New Year’s Eve

Park-And-Ride Facilities Open Around the Clock

Extra Trains and Tighter Safety Measures

Thai Foreign Minister Says Thailand Has Never Initiated Aggression, Urges Cambodia To Commit to Genuine Cease-Fire

Hot News

LATEST NEWS