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Jayden Adams, South Africa midfielder and World Cup player, dies aged 25

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams, who played at the World Cup, has died. He was 25.

His death was confirmed by Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, in a statement on Saturday.

“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25,” McKenzie posted on X.

“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters.”

Adams helped South Africa reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.

Further details of his death were not given.

“The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed,” McKenzie said. “I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation.”

A moment of silence in honor of Adams was held ahead of the World Cup quarterfinal between Norway and England in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday.

Adams started in South Africa’s first Group A games against Mexico and Czech Republic. McKenzie said Adams played the second game only hours after learning that his grandmother had died. He came on as a second-half substitute in the third game against South Korea.

Adams played several seasons for Stellenbosch before joining Mamelodi Sundowns last year. He helped the club win the CAF (African) Champions League this year.

“Death has cruelly stolen one of our own. It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer,” the South African Football Players Union posted on X. “We will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa. Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten.”

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Federation of Trade Unions also expressed their condolences.

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Typhoon Bavi hits eastern China after more than 2 million evacuated

BEIJING — 12 July 2026, Typhoon Bavi weakened to a severe tropical storm on Sunday after striking China’s eastern Zhejiang province, but continued to bring powerful winds and heavy rain after authorities evacuated more than 2 million people.

The storm first made landfall in Yuhuan, a coastal city administered by Taizhou, at about 23:20 on Saturday, with maximum sustained winds of around 144 kilometres per hour. It later made a second landfall in Yueqing, near Wenzhou.

Bavi’s rain bands stretched as far as 1,000 kilometres from end to end — roughly equivalent to the length of France — raising fears of widespread flooding and landslides as the slow-moving storm pushed inland.

Although Bavi weakened after reaching land, authorities warned that the enormous amount of moisture carried by the storm could produce several days of intense rainfall across eastern China.

More than 2.2 million people were evacuated in Zhejiang province, while over 180,000 were moved from vulnerable areas in neighbouring Fujian and more than 290,000 in Shanghai, according to official figures.

Schools, workplaces, tourist attractions and outdoor activities were suspended across affected areas. Hundreds of flights were cancelled at Shanghai’s Pudong and Hongqiao airports, while dozens of train and ferry services were also halted.

In Yueqing, strong winds uprooted more than 1,300 trees, while streets were flooded and emergency crews used heavy machinery to clear fallen branches and debris.

Bavi had previously strengthened into a super typhoon over the Pacific, with winds reaching around 290 kilometres per hour, before affecting the Northern Mariana Islands, Japan’s southern islands and Taiwan.

At least 134 people were injured in Taiwan, mainly in accidents involving wind-blown debris and slippery roads. The storm did not make landfall there but brought strong winds, heavy rain and widespread transport disruption.

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A person walks in a rain caused by Typhoon Bavi in Taichung, Taiwan, Saturday, July 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

Bavi is the second major storm to affect China within a week. Earlier flooding associated with Tropical Storm Maysak killed at least 39 people in southern parts of the country.

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Sea snake found on Kamala Beach safely returned to sea by lifeguards

Sea snake found on Kamala Beach safely returned to sea by lifeguards

PHUKET — 11 July 2026, Lifeguards at Kamala Beach safely captured and released a sea snake after it slithered ashore, startling tourists and local residents.

The incident occurred on Friday and was shared on Facebook by user, whose video showed the sea snake moving near the shoreline at Kamala Beach in Kathu district.

After being alerted, lifeguards responded to the scene and carefully captured the snake before releasing it back into the sea, preventing potential danger to both beachgoers and the animal.

Officials believe the snake may have been washed closer to shore by strong waves and rough sea conditions, which have affected Phuket’s coastline in recent days.

Authorities reminded visitors not to approach, touch or attempt to catch sea snakes or other potentially dangerous marine animals. Anyone spotting such wildlife is advised to notify lifeguards or relevant officials so the animals can be handled safely.

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

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.

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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.

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

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.

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Road collapse closes two lanes near Mega Plaza bridge in Bangkok

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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Thai Airways cancels flights due to Typhoon Bavi

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.

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Typhoon Bavi strengthens monsoon, heavy rain and floods warned

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.

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