Deepening green cooperation: Building a shared ecological future for China and Thailand

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2 August 2026, 13:46

Editor’s note: This article was written by Meng Dong, a special commentator for CGTN and an observer on international affairs.

China and Thailand are close friendly neighbors and important partners working hand in hand to advance green development and pursue a sustainable future. In recent years, guided by the principles of mutual benefit, win-win results and collaborative governance, the two countries have steadily deepened practical cooperation in ecological environment and climate change. Focusing on key areas including environmental governance, ecological conservation, low-carbon transition and people-to-people bond, they have advanced policy alignment, technology sharing, capacity building and industrial collaboration, delivering fruitful outcomes. These efforts have injected strong green impetus into the building of a more stable, prosperous and sustainable China-Thailand community with a shared future, and contributed wisdom and strength to ecological governance and climate resilience across Southeast Asia.

Two-way Exchange of Governance Experience Forges Consensus on Environmental and Climate Cooperation

Building on their respective needs in ecological governance and climate action, China and Thailand have deepened experience sharing in environmental and climate governance practices. The environmental authorities of the two countries have established regular, professional channels for personnel exchanges and mutual learning under bilateral and multilateral frameworks. Thailand has actively shared its practices in the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy model, while China has systematically introduced the development path of the Beautiful China initiative. Through in-depth interactions, the two sides have built consensus, learned from each other’s strengths, and fostered a sound pattern of coordinated progress.

Targeted Environmental Governance Delivers Regional Cooperation Benchmarks

To address the shared challenge of haze pollution in Southeast Asia, China and Thailand have joined forces to advance technology empowerment and experience sharing. The two sides jointly launched the Bangkok Clean Air project and built an atmospheric environment super observation station, which provides data support for the formulation and implementation of pollution control policies in Bangkok, and helps the city establish a more scientific air quality monitoring, assessment and early warning system. Meanwhile, the two countries co-hosted the International Symposium on Haze Governance in Northern Thailand, where participants shared practical experience on core topics such as agricultural straw burning control and agricultural waste recycling, jointly advancing regional atmospheric governance.

Deep Integration of Low-Carbon Industries Powers High-Quality Green Transition

Aligned with carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, China and Thailand have deepened cooperation in clean energy, low-carbon technologies, green finance and green value chains, expanding ecological cooperation from environmental governance to industrial green upgrading and fostering a sustainable green economic growth model. Chinese enterprises have played an active role in Thailand’s photovoltaic sector, supporting floating PV projects at the Sirindhorn Dam and Srinagarind Dam. The 180 MW floating PV facility at Srinagarind Dam, once fully operational, will cut carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 180,000 tonnes annually, helping optimize Thailand’s clean energy mix. In addition, seven Chinese automakers have set up manufacturing bases in Thailand with cumulative investment exceeding 3 billion US dollars, and Chinese new energy firms have built EV battery plants in the country, supporting the upgrading of Thailand’s new energy industrial chain.

Coordinated Land and Marine Conservation Reinforces Regional Biodiversity Shield

Putting ecological protection first, China and Thailand have carried out all-round joint conservation efforts covering coastal ecological restoration, marine ecological monitoring and biodiversity protection. The two countries have established the Joint Laboratory on Climate and Marine Ecosystems and deployed Thailand’s first in-situ real-time video monitoring system for coral reefs. The system has successfully captured footage of critically endangered marine species including hawksbill turtles, providing continuous data support for regional coral reef protection and marine biodiversity monitoring. The two sides have also jointly built coastal land-sea integrated monitoring stations and deployed self-developed monitoring equipment, providing solid technical support for coastal vulnerability management and marine ecological restoration.

Integrated Livelihood and Ecological Progress Boosts Sustainable Community Resilience

China-Thailand ecological cooperation always puts people at the center and delivers tangible benefits to the public, with a focus on strengthening community-level capacity to address climate risks and adapt to climate change. Under the joint climate-resilient community demonstration project, 800 Thai households have received household emergency supply kits to prepare for extreme weather events such as rainstorms and floods. Complementary climate adaptation training has also been provided to improve communities’ practical capabilities in emergency evacuation and climate risk self-rescue. This people-centered, warm-hearted cooperation has consolidated the popular foundation of China-Thailand friendship.

In July 2026, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul paid an official visit to China. The two governments issued the Joint Statement towards a China-Thailand Community with a Shared Prosperous Future, under which both sides will strengthen cooperation in climate change, low-carbon economy, marine resources and environment, air and water pollution governance, and clean energy technologies, to deliver more practical outcomes in the building of the China-Thailand community with a shared future over the next 50 years.

To Deepen Regional Collaboration in Key Areas. The two countries will focus on priority areas including air pollution control, watershed ecological protection and climate change adaptation, and continue to deepen technical exchanges and experience sharing. As current co-chairs of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) mechanism, China and Thailand will work closely with other member states to jointly address regional environmental and climate challenges, build a green economic development belt in the Lancang-Mekong basin, and strengthen the green driving force of “LMC 2.0”. The two countries will also work together to advance the ASEAN-China Beautiful Homeland initiative, elevate the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and build an even closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future.

To Strengthen Convention Implementation and Green Transition Support. Centering on international conventions on climate action, biodiversity conservation, ozone layer protection, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and mercury pollution prevention and control, the two sides will deepen tripartite collaboration among governments, research institutions and industries. They will continue to explore innovative models of green finance enabling ecological governance, and support the green and low-carbon transformation of industries and infrastructure in both countries.

To Upgrade Green Value Chain and Low-Carbon Industrial Cooperation. The two countries will deepen green economic cooperation under the framework of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0 upgrade protocol, promote the R&D and application of low-carbon technologies, and share good practices in low-carbon development to facilitate green and sustainable trade connectivity. They will jointly implement the Initiative on International Economic and Trade Cooperation Framework for Digital Economy and Green Development, advance digital and green transformation, and jointly foster a resilient and dynamic green economic growth model.

To Build a Long-term Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building System. The two sides will continue to pool quality practices and technical achievements of China and Thailand in green development, climate governance and ecological protection, and carry out policy exchanges, talent training and joint research for developing countries at large, jointly contributing wisdom to building an inclusive, resilient and sustainable green future for the region and the world.

Connected by mountains and rivers, China and Thailand walk side by side on the path of green development. Looking ahead, the two countries will take ecology as a bond and win-win progress as the direction, continue to deepen practical green cooperation, jointly safeguard regional ecological security, advance green and low-carbon transition, and share the fruits of sustainable development. These efforts will further enrich the green foundation of the China-Thailand community with a shared future, and contribute to global ecological governance and climate action.

Thai tourist’s graceful curtsy to King’s Guard goes viral with over 4 million views

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Khaosod English

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2 August 2026, 11:48

A Thai tourist has won widespread praise online after a video of her performing a graceful curtsy while visiting the King’s Guard in London attracted more than 4 million views.

The clip was shared by the official Facebook page London Kings Guards, which captioned the video: “Thai Tourist Show HUGE RESPECT for the King’s Guard.”

In the video, the woman, dressed in an elegant traditional Thai outfit, performs a graceful curtsy as she passes the King’s Guard.

The clip quickly went viral, amassing more than 4 million views and drawing praise from both Thai and international viewers.

Many commenters applauded the tourist for showcasing Thai grace and etiquette, saying her gesture reflected the elegance of Thai culture and left a positive impression on audiences around the world.

Farmer killed after tractor overturns into Ayutthaya canal

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Khaosod English

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1 August 2026, 19:04

PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA — 1 August 2026, A 61-year-old farmer was killed after his tractor overturned into an irrigation canal and trapped him underwater in Bang Ban district on Saturday.

Police were alerted to the accident at about 14:00 along an irrigation canal road in Moo 1, Kop Chao subdistrict.

Officers and rescue workers arriving at the scene found the tractor overturned in the canal, with its wheels pointing upwards and about half of the vehicle submerged.

The driver, identified as 61-year-old Samran Charitkhuan, was found trapped beneath the tractor. A crane was brought in to lift the vehicle from the water before rescuers recovered his body.

Relatives and family members gathered at the scene as the recovery operation was carried out.

Neighbour Sangwan Buaprasert, 61, said Samran would normally leave home early in the morning to work in his rice fields and return home for lunch.

When he failed to return at midday, his family became concerned and began searching for him.

Samran’s wife later found the tractor submerged in the canal and alerted relatives and neighbours. One relative entered the water to investigate and discovered that Samran was trapped beneath the vehicle, but he could not be rescued in time.

Police said it was not immediately clear when the accident occurred.

Investigators initially believe Samran was driving down from the canal-side road towards a rice field when the tractor lost control on a bend, overturned and fell into the canal.

He was apparently pinned beneath the vehicle and drowned.

Police documented the scene and said further inquiries would be conducted to establish the exact cause of the accident.

The body was taken to Bang Ban Hospital for a post-mortem examination before being released to the family for religious rites.

Former Japanese idol leaves group and launches career on adult platform

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Khaosod English

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1 August 2026, 18:22

A former member of the Japanese underground idol group Magic Palette has left the group and begun releasing content on an adult subscription platform, saying internal conflict and the exposure of private material contributed to her decision.

Hana Kanade Moka, who performed with Magic Palette under the name MOKA, began publishing content on the Japanese platform MyFans on 7 July.

Her move marked a sharp departure from the wholesome image she cultivated as an idol, where performers are typically marketed to fans through carefully managed public personas.

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According to reports, MOKA said relations between her and other members of the group had steadily deteriorated during the year following her debut.

The dispute reportedly reached a breaking point one day before a scheduled performance, when another member shared sensitive material from MOKA’s private Instagram account publicly.

MOKA said the incident caused her significant emotional distress and prompted her to reconsider her future with the group.

She later announced her departure from Magic Palette and began working independently under the name MOKA on MyFans.

MOKA said the career change was not solely a personal decision, but also reflected her experiences within the idol industry and her desire to choose her own path.

Reports about her departure and new career initially emerged in Japanese and Chinese-language entertainment media before being picked up by Khaosod.

Announcement on Changes to the Nominees for the Popular Awards FEED x KHAOSOD AWARDS

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Khaosod English

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1 August 2026, 17:59

The organisers of the FEED x KHAOSOD AWARDS would like to inform members of the media, partners and fans of changes to the nominees in the Popular Male Actor, Best Chemistry and Popular Series/Drama categories.

Due to miscommunication between the organisers and the nominees’ agencies, as well as certain eligibility restrictions, the organisers have found it necessary to revise the list of nominees in these categories.

To ensure that all fans have an equal opportunity to participate in the voting process and to ensure that the voting system runs as smoothly as possible, the organisers hereby announce that the voting period will be postponed from 3 August to 7 August.

The organisers of the FEED x KHAOSOD AWARDS would like to thank everyone for your continued love, interest and support. Further details and announcements can be followed through the official FEED and Khaosod channels.

Announcement dated 1 August 2026

The Organisers of the FEED x KHAOSOD AWARDS

Pattaya court denies bail for suspects in five Chonburi killings

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Khaosod English

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1 August 2026, 17:21

PATTAYA — 1 August 2026, The Pattaya Provincial Court on Saturday denied bail for two men accused in the killings of five people whose bodies were buried in Chonburi, citing the seriousness of the alleged crimes, the severe potential penalties, and the risk that they could flee.

Police from Huai Yai Police Station brought Thana, 43, also known as Pong, and Thongchai, 39, also known as Thong, before the court for their first detention hearing.

The men are accused of killing a 22-year-old Russian woman and her 17-year-old brother after the siblings disappeared with a motorcycle in Chonburi. Their bodies were later found buried.

Police said the suspects also confessed during questioning to killing a family of three — a father, mother and child — and burying their bodies in a nearby area.

In the case involving the Russian siblings, the suspects face charges including jointly committing premeditated murder to obtain or retain benefits from another offence and to conceal another crime, committing robbery at night while dressed as police officers, and jointly possessing firearms and ammunition without permission.

The court rejected their bail applications, noting that they had been arrested under court warrants, faced serious charges carrying heavy penalties and were considered a flight risk. Investigators also opposed their temporary release.

The court separately denied bail in the case involving the family of three, Pattaya Provincial Court case No. 597/2569.

The charges in that case include jointly committing premeditated murder to obtain or retain benefits arising from another offence and to conceal another crime, committing robbery at night while impersonating police officers, and jointly possessing firearms and ammunition.

The court again cited the severity of the alleged offences, the potential punishment, investigators’ objections and concerns that the suspects could flee.

Corrections Department officers later transferred both men to Pattaya Remand Prison.

Anutin vows no leniency for suspects in Chonburi killings of five

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Khaosod English

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1 August 2026, 16:35

CHONBURI — 1 August 2026. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited two sites in Bang Lamung district on Saturday where the bodies of five murder victims, including two Russian siblings, were discovered.

Anutin arrived at about 13:00 with national police chief Pol. Gen. Kitrat Phanphet and Chonburi Governor Naris Niramaiwong to review the investigation into the killings, which have raised concerns over public and tourist safety.

The delegation travelled by helicopter to the Viharn Sien helipad before visiting a forested area in Huai Yai subdistrict where the bodies of the two Russian victims were found buried.

Police and rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation briefed the prime minister on the discovery and the investigation.

The delegation then travelled about two kilometres to a coconut plantation where the bodies of three Thai family members, a father, mother and child, had been buried.

Anutin said the government would not support sentence reductions for those convicted of particularly serious crimes that damage public confidence and Thailand’s reputation among tourists.

The two Russian victims were siblings who had been living and studying in Pattaya.

Anutin instructed authorities to strengthen security measures and increase patrols to prevent similar crimes.

The prime minister expressed condolences to the victims’ families and apologised to Russian tourists and the Russian public.

He stressed that the killings were allegedly committed by a specific criminal group and should not be viewed as evidence that Thailand as a whole was unsafe.

Anutin said the government and the Royal Thai Police would pursue everyone allegedly involved and ensure that the cases were prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Addressing reports that some suspects had previously served prison sentences before allegedly reoffending, Anutin said law enforcement measures may need to be reviewed.

He also instructed investigators to prepare thorough and complete case files so that prosecutors and the courts would have sufficient evidence when considering charges and sentences.

Asked about calls for the suspects to face capital punishment, Anutin noted that the death penalty remains available under Thai law but said sentencing was a matter for the courts.

The government’s responsibility, he said, was to pursue the cases fully through the justice system and ensure that those responsible received appropriate punishment.

After visiting the two burial sites, Anutin travelled to Huai Yai Police Station for a briefing on the investigation and the arrests made in connection with the five deaths.

Four suspects, including Thana “Pong” Koetthong and Thongchai “Thong” Srinil, were taken to court for detention on Saturday. Police have been instructed to expand the investigation and take decisive legal action against everyone found to have been involved.

Woman arrested after allegedly killing and decapitating mother-in-law in Phuket

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Khaosod English

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1 August 2026, 15:22

PHUKET — 1 August 2026, A 36-year-old woman was arrested after allegedly killing and decapitating her 74-year-old mother-in-law during a dispute at a home in Phuket on Saturday morning.

Chalong Police Station was alerted to the killing at a house in Chalong subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district, at about 09:15.

Police and other officials found the body of the victim inside the house. She had suffered severe wounds from a bladed weapon, and a large amount of blood was found on the floor.

According to the preliminary police investigation, the victim had been inside the house with her 36-year-old daughter-in-law before the pair became involved in a heated argument.

Police allege that the younger woman assaulted the victim, causing her to fall, before attacking her with a knife and striking her repeatedly on the body and face. She then allegedly used the knife to decapitate her.

A neighbour who witnessed the incident alerted police.

Officers arriving at the house found the suspect hiding inside a bathroom and took her into custody. She was later brought to the police station for legal proceedings.

Investigators, forensic officers and a duty doctor examined the scene and conducted an initial examination of the body.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the killing and the suspect’s possible motive. Charges had not yet been formally announced.

Former girlfriend claims murder suspect forced her into grave, threatened to bury her alive

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Khaosod English

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1 August 2026, 12:56

CHONBURI — 1 August 2026, A woman claiming to be a former girlfriend of a suspect linked to the killings of five people has alleged that he repeatedly abused and threatened her, once forcing her to lie inside a freshly dug grave while threatening to bury her alive.

The allegations were published by the popular Facebook page Sor Pao – Rueang Nee Tong Sai Jai (ซ้อเปา – เรื่องนี้ต้องใส่ใจ), which shared messages said to have been exchanged with the woman, along with documents showing that she had filed a police report.

The woman claimed she previously dated and lived closely with a man identified as “Pong,” one of the suspects in the killings of two Russian siblings whose bodies were found buried in Chonburi.

Police said Pong and another suspect, identified as “Thong,” later confessed to killing a family of three in June and burying their bodies near the location where the Russian siblings were found.

According to the woman, Pong controlled, threatened and physically assaulted her on several occasions, leaving her constantly fearful for her safety.

She alleged that he was fascinated by violence and regularly forced her to watch videos involving murder cases and simulated attacks. She also claimed he had previously told her about killing and burying other people in incidents separate from the two cases currently under investigation.

According to the page’s account, Pong allegedly dug a hole, forced the woman to lie inside it and threatened to bury her alive “like the others.”

She said she cried and pleaded for her life before he eventually allowed her to leave the hole.

The woman claimed the threats and harassment continued after the incident but said she had been afraid to speak publicly because she believed people might not trust her and feared that doing so could place her in further danger.

She has now filed a police report to document her allegations and said she is willing to provide investigators with further information or testify as a witness if her evidence could assist investigations in Chonburi or nearby provinces.

The claims have not been independently verified, and police have not publicly confirmed whether they are investigating the additional alleged incidents described by the woman.

Chiang Mai Buddhist authorities warn monks over alleged temple parties during Khao Phansa

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Khaosod English

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1 August 2026, 12:06

CHIANG MAI — 1 August 2026, Buddhist authorities in Chiang Mai have warned monks to stop allegedly holding private parties at temples during Khao Phansa after receiving reports that entertainment workers, alcohol and groups of monks were being brought together inside monks’ quarters.

Khao Phansa is the traditional three-month rains retreat during which Buddhist monks remain at their temples and devote more time to religious practice.

At 08:50 on Saturday, a source from an inspection committee under the Chiang Mai Provincial Ecclesiastical Office said authorities had received reports, photographs and a list of monks allegedly involved in gatherings at temples across the province.

The allegations involve monks ranging from junior temple residents to abbots, according to the source.

The monks were reportedly arranging late-night parties inside their living quarters and inviting entertainment workers to attend. Alcohol, including beer and spirits, was allegedly stored in refrigerators and ice boxes at the venues.

The source said members of the group had shared photographs from the gatherings in private Line chats, with some images later reaching provincial ecclesiastical authorities.

Some monks allegedly drove their own cars or used ride-hailing services to reach meeting points at different temples. They reportedly avoided using temple drivers because they feared information about the gatherings would be leaked.

The report included detailed descriptions of vehicles allegedly used by monks from several temples. Khaosod English is withholding the names of the temples and individuals because the allegations have not been independently verified and no formal disciplinary findings have been announced.

The source also alleged that an entertainment worker previously sought medical testing after becoming concerned about possible exposure to an infection following an encounter with members of the group.

The worker reportedly threatened to file a complaint if the test returned a positive result. No infection was detected, however, and the matter did not proceed further.

Wallop Namwongphrom, a member of the Chiang Mai Provincial Cultural Council and an adviser to the provincial monastic authorities, said Khao Phansa was traditionally a period when monks remained at their temples during the rainy season.

He said some monks had nevertheless been accused of secretly leaving their temples or gathering inside monks’ quarters to hold parties.

Wallop said such behaviour could amount to a minor monastic offence but remained inappropriate and damaging to public confidence.

“I would like to warn monks who regularly organise parties to stop, regardless of the date or month,” he said. “If they are caught or the matter becomes public, it will cause widespread damage.”

He added that Buddhism and temples were not inherently damaged by such incidents, but that individual monks brought disrepute upon themselves through their conduct.

“During Khao Phansa, please stop for the sake of Buddhism,” he said.

The Chiang Mai Provincial Ecclesiastical Office has not publicly released the names of the monks or temples allegedly involved. It remains unclear whether a formal investigation or disciplinary proceedings have begun.

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