When Most Thai Media Turn Into Military Mouthpieces Under #TeamThailand

By

-

24 December 2025, 11:15

Thai soldiers pose for photographs in front of the damaged Ta Kwai or Ta Krabey Temple after fighting between Thailand and Cambodia, following Thailand’s seizure of the disputed area in Surin province on Dec.20, 2025.

When most Thai media put on the #TeamThailand hat, they become mouthpieces for the state and the Thai military in times of war.

I t has been painfully slow. More than two weeks have passed, with Thai media largely reporting in a pro-war, cheerleading manner, before a media scholar has only just begun to express concern and gently ask whether Thai media are “reporting the truth or manufacturing conflict”.

This should not be surprising. More than 99% of Thai media are products of a nationalist education system that drills into people from childhood the idea that Thailand is the protagonist of this region, while neighbouring countries take turns being the ‘villains’ throughout history—whether as invaders (Burma sacked Ayutthaya twice) or as traitors (Cambodia during the era of King Preah Ramathibodi or King of Lavak), etc. This is taught without acknowledging that the other side interprets history differently. Even the Thai national anthem reinforces this mindset from a very young age, as it partly states: “Thailand loves peace, but is not cowardly in war.”

So how could Thailand ever be the villain?

Noted philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951), once said, in essence, that no one can truly think of themselves as evil, because if he did, he would be unable to live with that reality.

This idea reflects a deep psychological and philosophical insight: human beings—and societies—have self-defence mechanisms. Humans possess an instinct to protect the ego, the sense of self.

If we fully accepted that we were evil, our minds would collapse to the point where we could no longer go on living. Rationalisation is therefore crucial. When we do something wrong, we tend to create explanations that make our actions seem “necessary” or “reasonable”, in order to preserve the image that we are still good people.

For Wittgenstein, the hardest thing in life is not understanding the world, but accepting the complex truth about oneself.

Returning to the Thai press: Thai media have chosen to become part of “Team Thailand” from Day 1 of the war. Over the past two weeks, it has been almost impossible to distinguish mainstream mass media from state and military mouthpieces. They have effectively become semi-propaganda tools. There has been little serious questioning of key facts—for example, who actually fired first, which still cannot be conclusively proven.

In many areas that Thai troops have “reclaimed”, even though Thai authorities claim these are “Thai sovereign territories”, the Cambodian side has also long claimed overlapping rights to these areas and temples as well. Thai press conveniently forget the term “disputed territories”, however.

This shows that during wartime, Thai media have abandoned their duty to act as both a mirror and a lamp for society:

a mirror that reflects complex, diverse, and sometimes contradictory facts and realities; and
a lamp that illuminates, guides society, and questions whether information provided by the state is truly credible.

Instead, they report state claims as unquestionable truths. For example, if the Thai government says Cambodia attacked first, or claims that a Cambodian casino building housed scammers and/or Cambodian troops, Thai media should report that this is what the Thai state claims, while clearly stating to the public that the media cannot independently verify these facts beyond reasonable doubt. They should not present such claims as established truth without scepticism.

They have also failed to act as a lamp by proposing third or fourth alternatives for society, beyond the simplistic idea that the war must continue until one side is destroyed or accept defeat. (One possible alternative that comes to mind is designating disputed areas as zones owned by no single nation, or jointly owned and jointly administered by both countries.)

It is deeply tragic that for the past two and a half weeks, Thai media have performed little differently from the Public Relations Department or the Second Army Region’s Facebook page. (State media already exist to do this job—they do not need to duplicate it or compete with them.)

Worse still, many seem satisfied and intoxicated by their role as cheerleaders for continued war with Cambodia, despite the fact that those who suffer most are low-ranking soldiers on both sides and more than 700,000 civilians on both sides of the border who have been forced to evacuate.

Most Thai media have lost their way—far removed from serving the public. They can no longer distinguish between the interests of public and the interests of the state, which do not always align. They have abandoned their role as watchdogs, barking warnings to alert and remind the public.

They have strayed so far that they may no longer hear the voices of s media scholar who are shouting warnings, trying to bring them back to their senses. We may have to wait for history itself to judge the role of Thai media today—in the distant future.

Note: A Cambodian Facebook user who read the draft on Facebook comment to me saying:

“Thank you for your brave and thoughtful words, Mr. Pravit. I fully support your call for media to return to their core duty: to inform with integrity, not inflame with nationalism.

“I also want to add that this issue isn’t unique to Thailand. In Cambodia as well, many media outlets have fallen into the same trap—reporting only one side, amplifying nationalist sentiment, and abandoning journalistic professionalism. This pattern on both sides only deepens the divide and prolongs the suffering.

“We need more voices like yours—on both sides of the border—to remind us that truth and humanity must come before politics.”

My reply to him was: “ខេម ជិន Noted with thanks and your message is well taken. Cambodians will have to take the primary role in reminding the Cambodian press tghst gey role is to serve the Cambodian public. Let’s start by seeing them asking the Cambodian government why the total number of Cambodian soldiers killed and injured have yet to be disclosed. It’s Day 17 of the war now!”

____

Chinese Gold Mine Owner Wanted Over Fatal Accident Arrested in Phuket

By

Khaosod English

-

24 December 2025, 01:06

chinese gold mine — A 56-year-old Chinese fugitive wanted in connection with a gold mine flooding that killed dozens is arrested at a hospital in Phuket on Dec. 23, 2025, after overstaying his visa by 113 days while hiding in Thailand.

PHUKET — Thai police have arrested a Chinese national wanted by authorities in China over a fatal mining accident, detaining him at a hospital in Phuket after he overstayed his visa by more than three months, officials said on Tuesday.

Phuket provincial investigators, working with Thailand’s Immigration Bureau, arrested Liu Hongbo, 56, on December 23 after receiving information that a Chinese man sought by Chinese authorities was seeking medical treatment at a major hospital in central Phuket.

Police said Liu had overstayed his visa by 113 days.

Thai authorities said Chinese law enforcement had asked for assistance in locating Liu, who is wanted in connection with a gold mine flooding incident in China that killed dozens of people. Investigators said Liu, a former mine owner, fled China with his wife and went into hiding in Phuket after the incident.

Following his arrest, Liu was charged with remaining in Thailand after his permitted stay had expired and was transferred to investigators at Wichit Police Station for legal proceedings.

Thai police said Liu will be deported to China to face charges related to the mining case once immigration procedures are completed.

____

Drunk German Man Detained After Rampage at Thai Market

By

Khaosod English

-

23 December 2025, 23:30

german drunk1 — Police detain a German man to calm him down after he went on a drunken rampage and damaged vendors’ property at Bang Sare market in Sattahip district, Chonburi province, on Dec. 23, 2025.

CHONBURI — Thai police detained a German man after he went on a drunken rampage at a local market in Chonburi province early Tuesday, damaging vendors’ property and injuring himself, authorities said.

Police at Sattahip station said they received reports of a foreign man behaving violently while intoxicated at a market in Bang Sare, a coastal subdistrict of Sattahip district. Officers rushed to the scene and found the man, whose name was not released, in a state of extreme intoxication.

The man was lying on a sofa inside the market area and had smashed items belonging to local vendors, police said. He also harmed himself, sustaining injuries, and caused fear among residents and shop owners in the area.

german drunk2 — Belongings lie scattered outside a row of shop houses following a rampage by a German man at Bang Sare market in Sattahip district, Chonburi province, on Dec. 23, 2025.

Witnesses told police the German national had caused similar disturbances several times in the past when drunk. According to locals, he becomes aggressive and self-harming after consuming alcohol but later calms down, compensates victims for damages and returns to normal behavior once sober.

Before Tuesday’s incident, residents said they heard loud noises resembling objects being thrown and property being ransacked. When they checked, they found the same man involved again and alerted police to prevent further danger.

Police took the man into custody to calm him down and conducted an immigration check, which found he had not overstayed his visa. Authorities are considering charging him with public drunken misconduct, an offense punishable by a fine of up to 5,000 baht ($160).

Police said the man would also be required to compensate those affected for property damage, with officers documenting the losses as part of the case.

___

Thai Auto Industry Pins 2026 Hopes on Exports as Uncertainty Clouds 2025

By

Khaosod English

-

23 December 2025, 18:48

Cover photo - 1 — Toyota unveils the Toyota Hilux Travo and Hilux Travo-e electric pickup trucks in November 2025.

BANGKOK — After a year marked by weakening exports and political uncertainty, Thailand’s auto industry expects 2026 to bring more stability, setting a production target of 1.45 million vehicles pending clarity on trade policy and the post-election landscape.

Surapong Paisitpattanapong, an adviser to the FTI chairman and spokesperson for its Automotive Industry Club, said total vehicle production in the first 11 months of 2025 fell 1.64% from a year earlier to 1,341,714 units.

Production for export dropped more sharply, falling 8.39% to 862,886 units between January and November. Finished vehicle exports declined 9.77% to 850,787 units over the same period.

EV sept2025 1 — Surapong Paisitpattanapong, advisor to the chairman and spokesperson of the Automotive Industry Club at the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI)

In contrast, production for domestic sales rose 13.42% to 478,828 units, while domestic vehicle sales increased 5.28% to 546,045 units, he said.

Uncertainty Remains

Surapong said the industry is closely watching Thailand’s post-election political landscape, including which parties will form the next government and how this will affect deliberations on the fiscal 2027 budget. Uncertainty remains over whether the budget will be approved in time to take effect on October 1 and what economic stimulus measures may be introduced. Greater clarity is expected by mid-2026, he said.

Export prospects also remain uncertain, with December 2025 figures still unavailable and questions lingering over U.S. tariff measures. A clearer picture is expected in the first or second quarter of next year.

car — Bangkok International Motor Show press day is held at Impact Muang Thong Thani on March 24, 2025. The event runs from March 26 until April 3, 2025. (KHAOSOD/Yingyos Akmanachai)

As a result, the FTI is concerned that vehicle production for export in 2025 may fall short of the target of 950,000 units, which could drag overall output below the full-year goal of 1.45 million vehicles. The domestic production target for 2025 stands at 500,000 units.

Production and Sales Grow in Nov.

In November, vehicle production totaled 130,222 units, up 11.06% from a year earlier, driven by a 57.49% surge in production for domestic sales to 58,633 units.

The increase was partly due to a requirement for automakers to produce battery electric vehicles to offset earlier EV imports. As a result, BEV production jumped nearly twentyfold to 9,624 units in November.

Pickup truck production rose 7.34% to 76,022 units, supported by a 44.31% increase in pickup production for domestic sales. Overall production for the domestic market in November climbed 57.49% year-on-year.

Vehicle sales also returned to growth in November, totaling 51,044 units, up 20.65% from a year earlier and 8.53% from October. Surapong attributed the rebound to interest rate cuts and measures by the Bank of Thailand to encourage lending, improving access to credit.

toyota ev2 — Toyota began delivering the Hilux Travo-e to customers on Dec. 10, 2025.

Sales of passenger electric vehicles increased as prices became more affordable, while new models — including modified pickup-based passenger vehicles and electric and extended-range electric pickup trucks — also supported demand. Stronger financial documentation among pickup buyers helped prevent a further decline in pickup sales, marking the first month without a drop.

2026 Production Outlook

However, production for export in November fell 10.54% to 71,589 units, in line with a 12.22% decline in finished vehicle exports to 78,692 units. The drop followed the discontinuation of certain internal combustion engine passenger car models for export, leading to a sharp fall in ICE passenger car exports and a decline in pickup exports.

Export growth was recorded only in Asia, Australia and Oceania, while shipments of electric pickup trucks and electric passenger cars continued after being introduced earlier in the year.

Looking ahead, the FTI has set a vehicle production target of 1.45 million units for 2026, including 950,000 units for export, unchanged from 2025. Surapong said the outlook will again depend on clarity over U.S. trade measures and the outcome of next year’s election.

_____

Pet-Friendly Gone Too Far? Thai Restaurant Defends Dogs Dining at Tables

By

Khaosod English

-

23 December 2025, 18:22

Thai restaurant responds to criticism over dogs eating at dining tables.

BANGKOK — A pet-friendly restaurant in Thailand has defended its policy after a video showing dogs dining at tables with customers sparked criticism online over hygiene concerns.

The clip, shared on Facebook on December 23, showed a dog eating from a plate placed on a dining table alongside people, prompting questions about cleanliness and food safety.

The restaurant, Ko-Ya, said it allows pets as part of its concept and uses separate plates and utensils exclusively for animals, which are washed separately using high-temperature dishwashers. It added that pet food is prepared to the same quality standards as food for customers.

Ko-Ya stressed that dining with pets is optional and that customers can choose whether to use the service. The restaurant also said it disinfects the premises weekly and cleans tables thoroughly after each use.

The owner said the policy was introduced after customer requests and reflects a belief that pets are part of the family, adding that the restaurant respects those who prefer not to dine alongside animals.

CKPower Achieves Highest AAA Rating in SET ESG Ratings 2025

By

Mc Marketing

-

23 December 2025, 17:41

CK Power Public Company Limited or CKPower (SET: CKP), one of the region’s largest producers of electricity from renewables with one of the lowest carbon footprints, has received a “SET ESG Rating” at the AAA level for the third consecutive year, the highest rating in Thailand, in the Resources industry group for 2025, as assessed by the Stock Exchange of Thailand. CKPower is among 265 listed companies that met the criteria and were included in the SET ESG Ratings, and one of 102 listed companies awarded the AAA rating. This achievement reflects the Company’scommitment to driving business growth in parallel with the creation of tangible value across Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) dimensions. CKPower’s sustainability performance is driven by its “C-K-P” sustainability strategy, aligned with its five-year sustainable development roadmap (2022–2026).

The achievement of an AAA rating in the SET ESG Ratings further strengthens investor confidence in CKPower’s capabilities and standards in sustainability performance. The Company remains committed to continuously enhancing its sustainability practices across all dimensions, from goal setting and action plan monitoring with measurable performance outcomes, to verification and comprehensive disclosure in line with international standards.. This recognition also serves as a solid foundation for advancing CKPower’s operations toward global standards.

Thai Cabinet Approves $160 Million for Military Operations

By

Khaosod English

-

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.

When most Thai media put on the #TeamThailand hat, they become mouthpieces for the state and the Thai military in times of war.

Hot News

LATEST NEWS