Suntory Takes Thai “Mizuiku Water Model School” Winners to Japan

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25 December 2025, 17:36

Suntory Beverage & Food Thailand Co., Ltd., a leader in health enrichment products under the BRAND’s trademark in Thailand and Indochina, together with Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a manufacturer and distributor of beverages under the Suntory and PepsiCo brands in Thailand, reaffirmed their commitment to growing their business while creating sustainable and positive impact on society and the environment. In line with the corporate values of “Growing for Good” and “Giving Back to Society,” the companies continued the “One Suntory Mizuiku Program 2025” for the second consecutive year to foster awareness and provide Thai youth with knowledge on water conservation. The program offered learning experiences to 34 students and teachers from the winning Mizuiku Water Model Schools, Ban Nong Samsak School in Chonburi Province and Wat Khao Noi School in Rayong Province, through an educational trip to Japan, aiming to broaden participants’ horizons and empower them to further develop water conservation initiatives in their schools and communities.

Mrs. Mathuvalee Stithyudhakarn, Vice President – Corporate Affairs, Thailand and Indochina, Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said “over the past two years, the program has delivered both theoretical and practical learning under the concept of “No Water – No Life,” enabling students to apply their knowledge through the Mizuiku Water Hero Camp, the Mizuiku Water Model School contest, and the establishment of Mizuiku Clubs to sustainably drive water conservation projects within schools.”

Ms. Wipawan Tasanapreechachai, Vice President – Corporate Affairs, Suntory PepsiCo Beverage (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said “the educational trip to Japan served as both recognition for the students’ dedication as “water heroes” and an opportunity to learn about the origins, philosophy, and sustainability practices of the Mizuiku program, inspiring them to further develop their schools and communities.”

Japanese Man Crying at Temple, Claiming to Seek ‘Atonement’

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Khaosod English

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25 December 2025, 17:17

Japanese Man Crying at Temple, Claiming to Seek ‘Atonement’ — A Japanese man bows to monks at Wat Ban Lao, Udon Thani, weeping and saying he came to cleanse his sins, Dec. 25, 2025.

UDON THANI — A Japanese man was detained by police in northeastern Thailand after he was found crying inside a Buddhist temple, claiming he had come to atone for his sins while awaiting trial in a theft case, police said on Thursday.

At about 2:40 p.m. on December 25, Udon Thani police received a report of a suspicious foreign man sitting and crying inside Wat Srikunmuang, also known as Wat Ban Lao, in a residential area of Udon Thani municipality. Tourist police and local officers were dispatched to investigate.

At the temple, officers were directed by a 71-year-old resident monk to the man, who was wearing a black suit with insignia resembling military symbols. A search of his shoulder bag revealed documents identifying him as Yamaguchi, 37, a Japanese man.

Police also found a court appointment notice from Udon Thani Provincial Court dated January 30, 2025, related to a night-time theft case, along with a small bag of dried cannabis and smoking paraphernalia.

During questioning, Yamaguchi told officers he had come to the temple to cleanse himself of wrongdoing because he had a criminal case pending. He knelt on the floor, paid respect to the monk and appeared remorseful for an extended period.

news98248 M6Hf9OfdkN1766656389 1 — Police detain Japanese man Mr. Yamaguchi, reportedly intoxicated from cannabis, after he entered Wat Ban Lao temple in tears claiming he came to cleanse his sins, Udon Thani, Dec. 25, 2025.

Through an interpreter, the monk advised him not to commit further offences and to take responsibility for his actions. He also encouraged Yamaguchi to explain his circumstances to the court at his upcoming hearing.

The monk later told police that the man had visited the temple on three consecutive days, often sitting beneath a large sacred tree, sometimes kneeling or crying, and occasionally following monks around the grounds. Initially, the behaviour was not considered alarming, but concerns grew as the man appeared distressed and refused to leave, prompting a call to police.

Police said Yamaguchi had previously been arrested on December 11, 2025 for allegedly stealing 100 baht in cash and a JBL Bluetooth speaker worth more than 5,000 baht from a dormitory in Udon Thani during the early morning hours.

He was taken to immigration authorities for further questioning to verify his passport and length of stay in Thailand, which was found to be within the permitted period. The cannabis and related items were seized, and he was later transferred to Udon Thani police station for further legal proceedings. Police also warned him against causing further disturbances in public places.

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German Tourists Arrested Over $6,250 Chiang Mai Hotel Damage

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Khaosod English

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25 December 2025, 16:14

german-damage3 — Thai police question two German tourists at Phuping Ratchanivet Police Station in Chiang Mai on Dec. 25, 2025, after they were accused of damaging hotel property.

CHIANG MAI — Thai police have arrested two German tourists accused of vandalizing a hotel room in Chiang Mai and fleeing without paying, causing damage estimated at more than 200,000 baht ($6,250).

Police said the suspects, a 21-year-old woman identified as Linda and a 38-year-old man identified as Nikita, checked into Room 509 of a condominium on Nimmanhaemin Road on December 18 for a three-night stay through December 21.

german damage1 — Damage is seen inside a hotel room in Chiang Mai after two German tourists allegedly vandalized the accommodation, causing losses estimated at $6,250, police said.

german damage2 — Thai police arrest two German tourists in Chiang Mai on Dec. 25, 2025, in connection with the vandalism of a hotel room that caused an estimated 200,000 baht ($6,250) in damage.

After becoming dissatisfied with the hotel’s services, they argued with staff and damaged property inside the room before leaving the premises, authorities said.

The hotel later filed a complaint with Phuping Ratchanivet Police Station. Arrest warrants were issued by the Chiang Mai Kwaeng Court, and investigators tracked the suspects to another hotel in Wat Ket subdistrict, where they were arrested, police said.

Both suspects face charges of property damage and were transferred to Phuping Ratchanivet Police Station for further legal proceedings, according to police.

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Unidentified Man Detained in Khao Yai for Questioning

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Khaosod English

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25 December 2025, 13:37

umaky — Authorities detain unidentified man found in Khao Yai National Park without permission, Dec 25, 2025.

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — Authorities in Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park have detained a man of unknown nationality after he was found inside the protected area without identification or permission, police said on Christmas Day.

At about 8.30 a.m. on December 25, police at Mu Si station in Pak Chong district were notified by Khao Yai National Park officials that a man who could not communicate in Thai and carried no identification documents had been taken into custody. The man was found near the Noi Waterfall area, between the park checkpoint at the San Chao Pho Khao Yai shrine and the kilometre 30 viewpoint.

Park officials said the man had entered the national park without authorisation and was initially held at the checkpoint before police, military personnel and security officials carried out further checks. Officers found no documents confirming his identity or nationality.

He was later taken to Mu Si police station for questioning and background checks. Police said security measures had been tightened for foreign nationals due to the current international situation, and unfamiliar individuals were being treated with particular caution.

khao yai unidentify scaled — Authorities inspect unidentified man found in Khao Yai National Park without permission, Dec 25, 2025.

Chaiya Huaihongthong, head of Khao Yai National Park, said the same man had been seen on the evening of December 24th attempting to enter the park through the San Chao Pho Khao Yai checkpoint. Officials prevented him from entering, and he walked back along Thanarat Road towards the Kut Khla area.

However, at about 7 a.m., the man was spotted entering the park through a forested area near Noi Waterfall at kilometre 27, bypassing the official checkpoint. He was then detained as a suspicious individual, park officials said.

Chaiya also dismissed reports by some social media pages and news outlets claiming that documents had been found on the suspect. He said officials had thoroughly searched the man from the outset and confirmed that no identification or documents were found.

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Is Thailand “War-Drunk”? Demolishing a Giant Cambodian Hindu Statue

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Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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25 December 2025, 12:36

hindu statue — A screenshot from a video posted on the “Army Military Force” page shows Thai Army combat engineers dismantling a Hindu deity statue in the Chong An Ma area of Ubon Ratchathani province on Dec. 23, 2025.

Could Thailand be so “war-drunk” at the moment to the point where she is losing her self-awareness?
I’m afraid so.

Thailand is so “war-drunk” at present that it has provoked frustration from a third-party country not involved in the Thailand–Cambodia conflict.

Supporters of the war are even defending the shameful actions of crudely dismantling a giant Hindu deity statue in an area Thailand claims Cambodia encroached upon. Last night, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson publicly condemned the act, calling it a “disrespectful” act “that hurts the sentiments of followers around the world.”
This comment has been reported in the Indian media and is likely to affect Indians’ perception of Thailand.

Here is the full statement from the Indian External Affairs Ministry posted on its Facebook page late last night.
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“In response to media queries regarding the demolition of Hindu deity statue, the Official Spokesperson, Shri Randhir Jaiswal said:

”We have seen reports on the demolition of a statue of a Hindu religious deity, built in recent times, and located in an area affected by the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border dispute.

Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, as part of our shared civilizational heritage.

“Notwithstanding territorial claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world and should not take place.

”We once again urge the two sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy, to resume peace and avoid any further loss of lives and damage to property and heritage.”
24 December 2025
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Nevertheless, the war-drunk people in Thailand no longer seem to care how the world views our country—a sign of the recklessness that war fever has produced.

P.S. Even many Thai media outlets are ‘celebrating the news’, using words like “jubilation” and similar expressions. They seem unaware that foreigners are dismayed. Many Thai media appear “war-drunk” themselves, wearing the #TeamThailand hat so tightly that they forget their role as both mirror and lantern for public understanding.

P.S. 2 This may affect the number of Indian tourists visiting Thailand. I strongly urge the Thai government to issue a formal apology and express regret promptly before the situation escalates in Indian media and Indian social media platforms.

In reality, after securing a disputed territory, there was no need to destroy the giant deity statue. Thailand could have waited for hostilities to subside, then invited Brahmins to respectfully handle the site and gradually relocate the statue, either keeping it or returning it to Cambodia later.

But the Thai military, intoxicated by war fever and eager to show their power, acted recklessly, oblivious to how the world—especially Hindus and the Indian government—would perceive it.

The Thai Foreign Ministry did nothing to prevent this regrettable act. Many Thai media and citizens, also caught up in war fever, cheered on these actions.

P.S.2 Even AI data recognises that Indian tourists in Thailand are important and rapidly increasing. Thailand’s war-driven recklessness may end up harming its own economic interests.

According to AI analysis:

In 2025, the number of Indian tourists visiting Thailand rose significantly, targeting 2.3–2.5 million. The figure had already surpassed 1 million by mid-year, ranking India as the third-largest source of foreign tourists to Thailand over the first ten months. This growth is driven by India’s fast-growing economy, visa facilitation (excluding 60-day visas), and Thailand’s diverse tourist offerings. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has focused on promoting this market, expecting high numbers, especially during the second half of the year and the year-end high season.

P.S. 3 The Thai military today explained the reason for destroying the Hindu statue in the border area, expressing regret if it caused any discomfort. They emphasized that the action was not related to religion or beliefs.

Note: Just before the article was published, PM Anutin Charnvirakul reacted to the Indian government’s remarks.

He said that when weighed against the lives of soldiers—those who have lost limbs or suffered severe injuries—the matter should be put into perspective.

“A statue that was destroyed, when compared with the legs and limbs our soldiers have lost, and then equated with disrespect or desecration—this is not something I would compare,” Anutin said.

This is a fallacious argument by Anutin who seems intoxicated by war, because there was absolutely no necessity for Thai soldiers to destroy the Hindu giant deity statue that the Khmer built like that, to the point that the Indian government came out to criticize it as a display of disrespect toward religion.

It was completely unnecessary. Just wait until the fighting is over, then invite Brahmins to conduct a ceremony to move it into storage, or return it to Cambodia, and that would be the end of it. It has nothing to do with the loss of Thai soldiers’ arms or legs at all.

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Elderly Foreign Man Dies After Fall at Home in Chiang Mai

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Khaosod English

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25 December 2025, 12:20

Elderly Foreign Man Dies After Fall at Home in Chiang Mai.

CHIANG MAI – An elderly foreign man has died after apparently slipping while getting dressed and striking his head on a bed at his home, local authorities said.

The incident was reported at about 4.50 p.m. on December 24 in Ban Pang Hai village, Nong Bua subdistrict, Chai Prakan district, Chiang Mai. Officials from the local disaster prevention and mitigation centre responded along with police investigators and an ambulance from Chai Prakan Hospital.

At the scene, authorities found the body of a 75-year-old man lying beside a bed inside the house. He had suffered a head wound, with significant bleeding visible, officials said.

Preliminary information indicated that the man had lived in the area for nearly 20 years with his Thai wife, who had two children from a previous relationship. His wife died several years ago, and the two children have since moved away, leaving him living alone.

news98119 1JJqjnl19s1766637235 — Officers arrived at the house with blood seeping through doorway.

Investigators believe the man slipped while putting on his trousers in the bedroom, lost his balance and fell, hitting his head against the bed. The injury caused heavy bleeding, and he was unable to call for help before dying, police said.

Concern was raised when his adopted child attempted to contact him by phone but received no answer. Fearing something was wrong, they went to the house and noticed blood seeping from the doorway before alerting authorities.

The body was taken to Chai Prakan Hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Police said the case appeared to be an accident, pending further investigation.

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Drunken Christmas Brawl Leaves Foreigner Injured in Pattaya

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Khaosod English

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25 December 2025, 11:08

Drunken Christmas Brawl Leaves Foreigner Injured in Pattaya

PATTAYA — A foreign tourist was injured in a drunken brawl early on Christmas Day after a confrontation outside a beer bar in Pattaya, police said.

The incident occurred at about 2 a.m. on December 25 outside Apple Bar 2 in the Rompho Market area of Jomtien, in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi. Pattaya City Police received a report of a brawl with injuries and responded along with rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation.

At the scene, a popular beer bar area, large numbers of Thai and foreign tourists gathered to watch. The injured man was identified as Jonathan, 52, a foreigner whose nationality was not immediately confirmed. He was intoxicated and had suffered an injury to his right ankle, police said.

Rescue workers provided first aid before taking him to hospital. During treatment, the man appeared cheerful despite his injuries, moving and dancing to music playing nearby, rescue workers said.

pattaya hurt — Rescuers provide first aid for an injured tourist after a confrontation outside a beer bar in Pattaya on Dec.25, 2025.

A bar employee, who declined to be named, told police that Jonathan and a group of foreign tourists had been drinking and celebrating Christmas inside the bar when a heated argument broke out with another man. The dispute escalated, and Jonathan allegedly challenged the other party to a one-on-one fistfight outside the bar.

According to witnesses, Jonathan was unable to continue fighting and a scuffle ensued, prompting tourists and bar staff to intervene. The other man took advantage of the confusion to flee the area.

Investigators from Pattaya City Police later inspected the scene and said they were reviewing closed-circuit television footage from the bar and nearby locations to gather evidence. Police said they would seek to identify and question the suspect and proceed with legal action.

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Spanish Family Escapes as Rental Car Explodes in Mae Hong Son

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Khaosod English

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25 December 2025, 10:00

spanish hybrid explode2 — A Spanish family's rental hybrid stands completely charred after a sudden fire on a mountain road in Mae Hong Son province on Dec. 24, 2025.

MAE HONG SON — A Spanish family of four narrowly escaped a life-threatening ordeal Tuesday afternoon when their rental vehicle burst into flames on a winding mountain road in northern Thailand.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Highway 1095, the primary route connecting the popular tourist destinations of Mae Hong Son and Pai. According to Mae Hong Son City Police, the family was traveling through the Huai Pha sub-district, about 30 kilometers from the city center, when the vehicle—a Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid—began to malfunction.

The driver, identified as the father of the family, told investigators he noticed thick smoke billowing from the engine compartment. He managed to pull the car over to the shoulder of the road and immediately evacuated his wife and two children.

Moments after the family exited the vehicle, a loud explosion was heard. The fire rapidly engulfed the entire car, causing it to slide off the road and down an embankment.

“The occupants were in a state of shock but are physically unharmed,” said Pol. Lt. Natthnaphat Wanitcharoenkan, the lead investigator on the case. “However, all of their belongings, including luggage and travel documents, were destroyed in the fire.”

Firefighting units from the Na Pu Pom and Huai Pha Subdistrict Administrative Organizations responded to the scene, but the vehicle was already a total loss by the time the blaze was extinguished.

spanish hybrid — First responders work to extinguish a burning hybrid vehicle in Mae Hong Son on Christmas Eve. The Spanish family traveling inside escaped just moments before the car exploded.

The SUV had been rented from a service in Chiang Mai for a road trip through the region’s notoriously steep and curvy terrain. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, the incident comes amid recent global recalls for certain Toyota hybrid models involving potential fire risks related to inverter components.

Local authorities are assisting the Spanish embassy in coordinating emergency documentation for the family.

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Bangkok, Chulalongkorn Deploy 3-Minute Earthquake Warning System

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Khaosod English

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25 December 2025, 08:37

bma quake1 — Chulalongkorn University researcher explains how the RUGON sensor system can provide up to three minutes of advance warning before tremors reach Bangkok, on Dec 24, 2025.

BANGKOK — BMA officials received 10 earthquake early warning sensors Tuesday as part of a partnership with Chulalongkorn University to better prepare the Thai capital for seismic disasters.

Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt accepted the “RUGON” sensors from Anatee Ruangrassamee, director of the Center of Excellence in Earthquake Engineering and Vibration at Chulalongkorn’s Faculty of Engineering, during a meeting at Bangkok City Hall.

The sensors can provide up to three minutes of advance warning before tremors reach Bangkok, officials said. That window could extend to four or five minutes when linked with monitoring networks in Myanmar, giving authorities time to halt elevators, construction cranes and surgeries before shaking begins.

bma quake2 — Chart showing the RUGON sensor system that provides up to three minutes of earthquake warning for Bangkok.

“This system will help Bangkok manage disasters more efficiently, especially by accessing data through API to connect with warning systems, which will reduce panic and increase public safety,” Chadchart said.

The city plans to install the 10 sensors initially in Bangkok Metropolitan Administration schools, where they will serve as both protective equipment and educational tools for students about earthquake safety.

The sensors are part of a “Sense then Share” system that provides real-time ground motion data through a Live ShakeMap accessible via website, with historical data available for up to 24 hours. The compact devices weigh about 100 grams, operate on low power using NB-IoT communication, and have a nine-year lifespan.

bma quake3 — Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt attends RUGON earthquake warning system briefing, Dec 24, 2025.

Bangkok has already installed earthquake sensors at Thanee Noparat Building, Bangkok General Hospital and Vajira Hospital, with plans to complete installations at all city hospitals by fiscal year 2026.

The RUGON network currently has more than 50 monitoring points nationwide and is expanding toward 100 locations.

The initiative follows a major earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, 2025, whose tremors reached Bangkok and caused the collapse of the under-construction Office of the Auditor General building. The disaster killed 95 people, mostly construction workers, at the 2.136 billion baht ($69 million) project and prompted authorities to launch prosecutions and conduct citywide building inspections.

RUGON was developed by Chulalongkorn University’s spin-off company RUGON Co., Ltd.

AP25090224726694 — Rescuers work at the site of an under-construction high-rise building that collapsed after an earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, March, 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

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Consumer Caution Limits New Year Travel and Spending in Thailand

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Khaosod English

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24 December 2025, 21:16

christmas spending — Bangkok residents come out to shop for Christmas decorations at roadside stores in Soi Phahonyothin 18/1 on Dec. 23, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Yokin Charoenying)

BANGKOK — More than 80% of Thais remain undecided or have no plans to travel during the New Year holiday period, reflecting continued caution amid economic uncertainty, according to a survey released by a Thai business research center.

Thanavath Phonvichai, president of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and chairman of its Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, said the survey showed subdued sentiment ahead of the New Year 2026 period.

The survey, conducted from Dec. 16 to 21 among 1,300 respondents nationwide, found that 58.8% do not plan to travel outside their local areas, while 20.5% remain undecided. Only 20.7% said they plan to travel.

Among those planning trips between Dec. 30, 2025, and Jan. 4, 2026, most said they would return to their home provinces. Others said they would travel for leisure or combine travel with family visits. Trips are increasingly short-distance, mainly within central Thailand, followed by the North, Northeast, Bangkok and surrounding areas, and the South.

More than half of respondents said they plan to visit mountainous destinations, while 61% said they would travel with family members.

inthanon2025 — Visitors flock to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak, to enjoy cold weather on Dec. 19, 2025.

Spending patterns showed a shift toward social activities and entertainment. Overall, 73.9% of respondents said their spending would go toward socializing and parties, followed by religious merit-making and purchases of alcohol and wine. Among younger respondents, more than 70% said they planned to spend money on themselves.

Thanavath said the return of alcohol and entertainment to the top spending categories likely reflects rising stress levels and a desire to socialize.

Gift baskets were the most popular New Year gifts, followed by cash or gift cards and dietary supplements. More than 70% of respondents said they expect to spend about the same amount as last year, citing a weak economic outlook, higher prices and the need to save money.

The survey found that 58.4% expect the New Year atmosphere to be about as lively as last year, while those anticipating a very lively period fell to 12.9%, down from 26% previously. About 28% expect a more subdued holiday season.

christmas centralworld — The Giant Christmas Tree 2025” at CentralWorld in Bangkok comes this year in an irresistibly cute Disneyland theme. (KHAOSOD Photo/Yokin Charoenying)

Total New Year spending in 2026 is estimated at 111.6 billion baht ($3.5billion), up 2.1% from a year earlier — the slowest growth rate in four years but the highest spending level since 2019, the center said.

Thanavath said social activities are expected to account for 16.2 billion baht ($522 million) in spending, exceeding religious merit-making at 10.5 billion baht ($338 million). Overseas travel is expected to focus on nearby countries to reduce costs.

He said government measures such as the Khon La Krueng Plus co-payment scheme have helped support year-end spending, but caution remains high and concerns about economic prospects persist. Most respondents expect economic growth in 2025–2026 to be limited to 1.5% to 2%.

Thanavath said the first quarter of 2026 will be critical in determining whether Thailand’s economy can grow above 2%. He cited election-related spending of 40–60 billion baht ($1.3-1.9 billion) and easing global risks as potential support factors.

He added that businesses view an exchange rate of 34–35 baht per U.S. dollar as optimal for exports, warning against excessive volatility. Politically, he said confidence must be restored through the swift formation of a new government and prompt implementation of stimulus measures.

Thanavath also said competition among political parties over cash-handout policies is expected to intensify, with the private sector calling for economic stimulus, workforce upskilling and measures to curb currency risks and improve governance credibility.

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