GULF Continues ‘GULF Care’ Flood Relief Efforts Across Thailand

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5 October 2026, 17:38

Gulf Development Public Company Limited or GULF continues to stand alongside the Thai people amid the ongoing flood situation, providing an additional 15,000 relief kits under the ‘GULF Care’ initiative to help ease the hardship faced by flood-affected communities across 16 provinces in four regions of Thailand.

Representing GULF, Mr. Tanon Tantisunthorn, Chief Public Affairs Officer, and Mr. Sitamon Ratanavadi, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, delivered a total of 6,000 relief kits to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and Saraburi provinces. The handover took place on 5 October 2026 at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Hall, where Mr. Chawanin Wongsatitjirakarl, Governor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, and Mrs. Somsong Phancharoenworakul, President of the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Administrative Organization, received the relief kits on behalf of local communities.

Mr. Chawanin Wongsatitjirakarl, Governor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, said, “At present, flooding has affected all 16 districts of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, covering approximately 1,200 villages and impacting more than 50,000 households, with 14 districts already declared disaster-affected areas. The floods have disrupted people’s livelihoods, daily routines, and transportation. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to GULF for extending its support through the donation of relief kits and other essential supplies. The province will coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure that the assistance reaches affected communities as widely as possible. We would also like to extend our thoughts and encouragement to everyone impacted by the floods. Together, we will get through this difficult time.”

Mr. Tanon Tantisunthorn, Chief Public Affairs Officer of GULF, stated “Continuous heavy rainfall and rising water levels in many areas have caused flooding across several provinces, leaving many people facing hardship and in need of essential daily supplies. GULF has therefore been working closely with relevant authorities to deliver ‘GULF Care’ relief kits to affected communities as quickly as possible, helping to ease their immediate hardship while showing our care and support during this difficult time. This support is also intended to reinforce the ongoing efforts of government agencies, provincial administrations, local authorities, and other relevant organizations that are working tirelessly to assist affected communities, so that together we can help Thai people get through this difficult situation.”

Mr. Sitamon Ratanavadi, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, GULF, said, “During the recent flooding in several areas of Bangkok, the ‘GULF Asa’ volunteer team, comprising employees from GULF’s headquarters and power plants across the group, worked together to prepare 650 ‘GULF Care’ relief kits for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), along with 6,000 bottles of drinking water and 16,000 freshly prepared meals to support affected communities throughout the past week.”

“As we learned that heavy rainfall was continuing across the country and could lead to flooding in additional provinces across different regions, the GULF Asa team and I immediately began preparing another 15,000 relief kits. Each kit contains essential supplies for flood-affected residents, including milk, canned food, instant noodles, and basic medicines, so that assistance can reach communities in need as quickly as possible.”

“GULF will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide support where appropriate until flood conditions improve, recovery efforts begin, and people are able to safely return to their normal lives.”

The additional 15,000 ‘GULF Care’ relief kits are being distributed to flood-affected communities across 16 provinces in four regions, including:

Central Region (7 provinces): Nakhon Sawan, Phetchabun, Chai Nat, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, and Suphan Buri.
Eastern Region (4 provinces): Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, and Rayong.
Northeastern Region (3 provinces): Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Buri Ram.
Western Region (2 provinces): Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi.

Flash flood hits Chiang Mai waterfall, visitors warned

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5 October 2026, 17:21

CHIANG MAI — 5 October 2026, A flash flood swept through Mae Sa Noi Waterfall inside the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in Mae Rim district, prompting warnings for people in the waterway to take immediate precautions.

The incident was reported at around 16:00 as heavy rain continued across Chiang Mai. A large volume of fast-moving water was seen rushing through the waterfall area.

People who are currently in or near the waterfall’s waterway have been warned to move to a safe location and remain alert to rapidly changing water levels.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is monitoring the situation following instructions from the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command.

Authorities have warned that thunderstorms and continued rainfall are expected across the area from 5–7 October.

People affected by a disaster can contact the DDPM’s 1784 emergency hotline 24 hours a day.

Two foreigners caught at Suvarnabhumi with around $1.7 million hidden US cash

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5 October 2026, 17:17

BANGKOK — 4 October 2026, Customs officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport have detained two foreign passengers arriving from Jakarta after finding about $1.7 million (about 56 million baht) hidden in their luggage.

Customs Department Director-General Phanthong Loykulnant and Nuntita Sirikup, an adviser on customs control-system development, instructed officers to intensify searches and interception efforts, particularly for cash concealed by air passengers.

Santhanee Pairattanakorn, director of the Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Customs Office, said the two foreign passengers were searched on 30 September after arriving from Jakarta, Indonesia. Officers found US dollar banknotes worth more than 56 million baht concealed in their baggage.

The passengers are accused of violating Finance Ministry regulations on foreign-exchange controls, as well as rules governing the transfer or transport of Thai currency, foreign currency and negotiable instruments into or out of Thailand. The case also involves the Currency Act, the Customs Act and other related laws.

The seizure followed an order from Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas for Customs Department officers to step up checks on Thai and foreign currency, as well as negotiable instruments, entering or leaving the country. The measures are intended to prevent cross-border cash smuggling and possible international money laundering.

The Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Customs Office said it has stepped up monitoring and inspections of high-risk passengers to prevent the continued smuggling of cash across borders.

The department reminded travellers carrying Thai currency, foreign currency or negotiable instruments into or out of Thailand to comply fully with the relevant rules and laws. Further information is available from Customs Department offices nationwide or its hotline, 1164.

Last missing man found in Tham Luang National Park after three-day search

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5 October 2026, 16:42

CHIANG RAI — 5 October 2026, The final missing man has been found in Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park in Chiang Rai, officials said on Sunday.

Thanong Boonyod, 39, of Mae Sai district, went missing in the forest on Doi Chong mountain on 3 October after entering the area with two relatives to collect bamboo caterpillars, locally known as rot duan.

Park officials found Thanong at 13:07 on 5 October and were bringing him down the mountain. He appeared exhausted after going without food and was given water and basic food at the scene.

The search operation began after three men became stranded in the forest. Boonsueb Chaihang, 57, and Saranyu Boonyod, 32, were found and safely brought out on 4 October.

Before entering the forest, the group had encountered patrol officers, who warned them to leave the protected area. Authorities have now called off the search after locating all three men. Thanong will undergo a medical examination once he is out of the park.

2 found — Photo from 4 October, when the first two missing men were found safe.

Crash flips car in narrow Bangkok soi, injuring two

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5 October 2026, 16:13

Crash flips car in narrow Bangkok soi, injuring two

ฺBANGKOK — 5 October 2026, Two people were injured after a vehicle was involved in a collision and overturned in Soi Thung Mangkon in Bangkok’s Taling Chan district on the afternoon of 5 October 2026.

JS100 Radio reported receiving information from rescue personnel, including units Than.68-21 Rom Sai 026 and Taling Chan 115, about the crash.

The two injured people were taken to hospital for treatment. Further details about their conditions were not immediately available.

The crash has prompted questions among people at the scene about how fast the vehicle may have been traveling before the collision, as Soi Thung Mangkon is a relatively narrow two-lane road where vehicles travel in opposite directions.

The circumstances leading to the crash, including the vehicles’ speed and how the collision occurred, remain under investigation.

Source: JS100 Radio

Power pole crashes down as strong winds and heavy rain hit Bangkok

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5 October 2026, 14:25

Power pole crashes down as strong winds and heavy rain hit Bangkok

BANGKOK — 5 October 2026, A power pole and two trees were knocked down in Bangkok’s Suan Phlu area after heavy rain and strong winds swept through the area.

The incident occurred in Soi Suan Phlu, where the fallen power pole and trees caused loud explosive-like sounds and sparks. The incident also knocked out electricity in the surrounding area.

Police have arrived at the scene and blocked off the area, leaving traffic unable to pass through the soi.

Authorities are working to secure the area and address the power outage.

ICONPHUKET: Siam Piwat’s 10 billion baht push beyond Bangkok

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5 October 2026, 14:04

Icon Phuket featured — Retail and property developer Siam Piwat says its first project outside Bangkok will open in 2029 as part of the 50 billion baht Synthesis Ark Phuket development.

PHUKET — Siam Piwat has announced plans to invest 10 billion baht in ICONPHUKET, a retail, entertainment and tourism destination scheduled to open in 2029 in Thalang district.

Map — An overhead map showing the master plan for Synthesis Ark

The project will form the centrepiece of Synthesis Ark Phuket, a 50-billion-baht mixed-use development by CV Group in Si Sunthon subdistrict, the companies said on Sunday.

Siam Piwat described ICONPHUKET as a “hybrid retail-attraction and entertainment destination” featuring 12 attractions, though it has not yet disclosed their individual details. The developer said a third of the project would be devoted to entertainment and attractions, while more than 40% would be green and outdoor space.

Chief executive Chadatip Chutrakul said ICONPHUKET was Siam Piwat’s first development outside Bangkok. The group operates Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery, and is a joint-venture partner in ICONSIAM.

The project is part of Synthesis Ark Phuket, a 491-rai development on Thepkrasattri Road between Phuket International Airport and Phuket Town. CV Group’s masterplan includes housing, offices, hotels, retail, education, wellness and lifestyle facilities.

Siam Piwat said the development was intended to draw 80,000 to 100,000 visitors a day after opening and generate 50,000 to 80,000 jobs from construction through full operation. Those figures are company projections.

3snapshot — Construction progress for The Nexus. September 2026. Via Synthesis Ark

The company said it had consulted local communities, government agencies and business associations, and planned to incorporate the identity, culture and products of southern Thailand’s 14 provinces into the development.

CV Group has previously presented Synthesis Ark as a “15-minute neighbourhood,” with the first district, Nexus, planned to include offices, a hotel, retail and lifestyle space, and wellness facilities. The broader project’s first phase is due for completion by 2032.

Further details of ICONPHUKET are expected to be announced later.

poster web EN — Graphic Translated from Thai by Khaosod English

American tourist found dead alone in Patong hotel room

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5 October 2026, 12:48

American tourist found dead alone in Patong hotel room

PHUKET — 4 October 2026, An American tourist, 35, was found dead alone on a bed inside his hotel room in Patong, Phuket. Police are investigating the cause of death.

At around 14:00, Pol. Lt. Sakwanat Damcha-om, a deputy investigation inspector at Patong Police Station, was notified that a foreign tourist had been found dead inside a hotel room on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road in Patong, Kathu district.

Police and investigators went to the hotel after informing Patong Police Station chief Pol. Col. Korakrit Khankrue.

The deceased was identified as Smith Gray Allen, 35, an American national. He was found lying on the bed inside the room.

Initial checks found no signs that the room had been ransacked, and no other person was found inside.

Police said Allen had been staying at the hotel alone and was scheduled to check out on 4 October, the day his body was discovered.

Investigators worked with an on-duty doctor to examine the body and document the scene, including photographs and a crime-scene map. The body was later transported by Kusoldharm Phuket rescue workers from the Patong unit to the mortuary at Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Authorities have contacted the US Embassy to notify the deceased’s relatives and arrange the necessary procedures for the body.

The cause of death remains under investigation.

Rain bomb alert for Pattaya as Thailand braces for more rain

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5 October 2026, 11:46

Rain bomb alert for Pattaya as Thailand braces for more rain

BANGKOK — 5 October 2026, Thailand’s Joint Information and Coordination Center (JICC) has warned residents in Pattaya, Chonburi, to watch for potentially intense “rain bomb” conditions on the afternoon, while several provinces remain under close flood monitoring.

Government spokesman Ekkaphop Pheanspecial said the Meteorological Department forecast scattered thunderstorms and lightning across Thailand from 5-7 October, with rainfall moving from the Northeast toward the Central and Western regions.

Another period of rain is expected from 10-13 October, with heavy rainfall forecast in the North. Water from the Ping and Nan rivers is expected to flow into the Chao Phraya River, although reservoirs in the area still have capacity to receive additional water.

In the West, rainfall is expected to affect Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan. Southern provinces are expected to see increased rainfall during this period.

The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center has instructed southern provinces, governors and the Fourth Army Region to prepare disaster response measures and equipment. Residents in the South have also been urged to closely monitor official announcements.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed authorities to begin the relief process in areas where floodwaters have already receded rather than waiting for all affected areas to dry out.

Water levels show signs of improvement

Ekkaphop said water levels from the North remained manageable, with no significant additional inflows reported at Sirikit and Bhumibol dams.

Water flowing from Nakhon Sawan toward the Central region has also decreased. Releases from the Chao Phraya Dam have remained at about 2,500 cubic meters per second over the past two to three days.

Combined with declining water levels from the North, this has resulted in water levels reaching Nonthaburi and Bangkok remaining about 1 meter below the riverbank level.

In the West, water flowing from the Mae Klong River through Mueang, Bang Khon Thi and Amphawa districts in Samut Songkhram has fallen by about 1 meter, which officials described as a positive sign.

Three Chachoengsao districts on alert

In eastern Thailand, water from Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri has begun to decline and is flowing toward Chachoengsao and the Bang Pakong River.

Residents in Bang Khla, Ratchasan and Mueang Chachoengsao districts have been urged to closely monitor the situation.

Meanwhile, southern provinces are expected to face continued heavy rain next week, raising the risk of flash floods and runoff from mountainous areas.

Ekkaphop also issued a specific warning for Pattaya, saying the city could experience a “rain bomb” during the afternoon, potentially causing localized flooding.

Authorities are also closely monitoring Chachoengsao and Pathum Thani, where some areas are receiving water from Nakhon Nayok, as well as areas from Phetchaburi through the upper and lower South next week.

Thai Airways CEO denies corruption allegations over 860,000-bottle wine purchase

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5 October 2026, 10:53

BANGKOK — 5 October 2026, Suspended Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri has denied allegations that he interfered in the airline’s procurement of wine and that the purchase was linked to corruption.

Chai was suspended from his duties as CEO on 2 October. He said he had expected his removal but was not given a specific reason. He was replaced by board director Sumrid Sumneing as acting CEO.

Chai addressed the allegations in a post on his personal Facebook page around 11:00 on 4 October, saying he normally does not like to write on social media but felt compelled to respond to claims circulating online.

The allegations concern the reported procurement of 860,000 bottles of wine worth more than 800 million baht. Prachachat reported on 2 October that the wine procurement was among previous allegations being scrutinised in connection with Chai.

Chai said he had been accused of “interfering” in the procurement process, taking over the matter himself, and being linked to corruption through reports by some media outlets.

He rejected the claims, saying the wine procurement had gone through detailed procedures in accordance with regulations and could be investigated at any time.

“If there were grounds for concern, the internal audit department and audit committee have a duty to investigate,” Chai said.

He also pointed to his 41-year career at Thai Airways, saying he had never previously had a blemish involving corruption.

Chai acknowledged that some media had argued that having no previous record of wrongdoing did not mean he could not commit wrongdoing later. He said such questions should be determined through a proper investigation rather than speculation.

“I can listen to criticism about other matters, but I genuinely cannot accept allegations that I am corrupt,” he wrote.

Chai said he was willing to have any agency in Thailand investigate his conduct.

Thai Airways’ own procurement records show that the airline issued a request for proposals for “Red Wine, White Wine and some other Wine: 2026” in October 2025, with bids accepted from 10 October to 21 November 2025.

Chai’s comments did not identify the media outlets he was referring to or provide further details about the allegations.

He ended his post by asking followers to avoid what he described as unnecessary drama and disrespectful comments on his Facebook page.

“If that happens, I will not accept any gift baskets,” he wrote.

Water levels show signs of improvement

Three Chachoengsao districts on alert

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