Saudi Crown Prince Gets Warm Embrace from Trump, US Business

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19 November 2025, 02:09

APTOPIX Trump Saudi Arabia — President Donald Trump meets Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump welcomed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington on Tuesday as the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia makes his first White House visit since the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents.

Trump warmly received Prince Mohammed when he arrived at the White House Tuesday morning for a pomp-filled arrival ceremony that included a military flyover and a thundering greeting from the U.S. Marine band.

The U.S.-Saudi relationship had been sent into a tailspin by the operation targeting Khashoggi, a fierce critic of the kingdom, that U.S. intelligence agencies later determined Prince Mohammed likely directed the agents to carry out.

But seven years later, the dark clouds over the relationship have been cleared away. And Trump has tightened his embrace of the 40-year-old crown prince he views as an indispensable player in shaping the Middle East in the decades to come. Prince Mohammed, for his part, denies involvement in the killing of Khashoggi, a Saudi citizen and Virginia resident.

Khashoggi was an afterthought as the two leaders unveil billions of dollars in deals and huddle with aides to discuss the tricky path ahead in a volatile Middle East. They’ll end their day with an evening White House soiree, organized by first lady Melania Trump, to honor the prince.

The president dismissed questions to the crown prince about the journalist’s killing.

“Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen,” Trump said of the international incident.

Trump, during an Oval Office meeting with the prince by his side, commended the Saudi leader for strides made by the kingdom on human rights without providing any specific detail.

“I’m very proud of the job he’s done,” Trump said. “What’s he done is incredible in terms of human rights and everything else.”

The crown prince for his part announced Saudi Arabia was increasing its planned investments in the U.S. to $1 trillion, up from $600 billion that the Saudis said they planned to invest in the United States when Trump visited the kingdom in May.

AP25322596483133 — President Donald Trump welcomes Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump’s family has a strong personal interest in the kingdom. In September, London real estate developer Dar Global announced that it plans to launch Trump Plaza in the Red Sea city of Jeddah.

It’s Dar Global’s second collaboration with the Trump Organization, the collection of companies controlled by the U.S. president’s children, in Saudi Arabia. Last year, the two companies announced the launch of Trump Tower Jeddah.

Trump pushed back on the notion Tuesday that there was a conflict of interest.

“I have nothing to do with the family business,” said Trump on Tuesday, adding that his family has relatively little interest in the kingdom.

Rolling out the red carpet

Technically, it’s not a state visit, because the crown prince is not the head of state. But Prince Mohammed has taken charge of the day-to-day governing for his father, King Salman, 89, who has endured health problems in recent years.

Most foreign leaders who come to meet with Trump are driven up to the doors of the West Wing, where the president often greets them. But Prince Mohammed, accompanied by the Saudi prime minister, was welcomed with a formal arrival ceremony on the South Lawn.

Trump then showed the prince the newly-installed Presidential Walk of Fame that features gold-framed images of past presidents along the West Wing colonnade and a photo of an autopen signing the name of former President Joe Biden in place of the Democrat’s official portrait.

An Oval Office meeting and luncheon in the Cabinet Room will follow.

Trump will then see the crown prince off in the afternoon but he’s expected to return to the South Lawn, with the first lady, to welcome the crown prince when he returns for the evening East Room dinner.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese soccer great who is playing in the Saudi Pro League, is also expected to be at the White House on Tuesday during the crown prince’s visit, according to a White House official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

In addition to White House pomp, the two nations are also planning an investment summit at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday that will include the heads of Salesforce, Qualcomm, Pfizer, the Cleveland Clinic, Chevron and Aramco, Saudi Arabia’s national oil and natural gas company, where even more deals with the Saudis could be announced.

AP25322643585729 — President Donald Trump meets Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Fighter jets and business deals

Ahead of Prince Mohammed’s arrival, Trump announced he has agreed to sell the Saudis F-35 fighter jets despite some concerns within the administration that the sale could lead to China gaining access to the U.S. technology behind the advanced weapon system.

Trump’s announcement is also surprising because some in the Republican administration have been wary about upsetting Israel’s qualitative military edge over its neighbors, especially at a time when Trump is depending on Israeli support for the success of his Gaza peace plan.

But the unexpected move comes at a moment when Trump is trying to nudge the Saudis toward normalizing relations with Israel.

The president in his first term had helped forge commercial and diplomatic ties between Israel and Bahrain, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates through an effort dubbed the Abraham Accords.

Trump sees expansion of the accords as essential to his broader efforts to build stability in the Middle East after the two-year Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

And getting Saudi Arabia — the largest Arab economy and the birthplace of Islam — to sign on would spur a domino effect, he argues. The president in recent weeks has even predicted that once Saudi Arabia signs on to the accords, “everybody” in the Arab world “goes in.”

But the Saudis have maintained that a clear path toward Palestinian statehood must first be established before normalizing relations with Israel can be considered. The Israelis, meanwhile, remain steadfastly opposed to the creation of a Palestinian state.

The U.N. Security Council on Monday approved a U.S. plan for Gaza that authorizes an international stabilization force to provide security in the devastated territory and envisions a possible future path to an independent Palestinian state.

Assurances on US military support

The leaders certainly will have plenty to talk about including maintaining the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, mutual concerns about Iran’s malign behavior, and a brutal civil war in Sudan.

And the Saudis are looking to receive formal assurances from Trump defining the scope of U.S. military protection for the kingdom, even though anything not ratified by Congress can be undone by the next president.

Prince Mohammed, 40, who has stayed away from the West after the Khashoggi killing, is also looking to reestablish his position as a global player and a leader determined to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil by investing in sectors like mining, technology and tourism.

To that end, Saudi Arabia is expected to announce a multi-billion dollar investment in U.S. artificial intelligence infrastructure, and the two countries will lay out details about new cooperation in the civil nuclear energy sector, according to a senior Trump administration official who was not authorized to comment publicly ahead of the formal announcement.

A coalition of 11 human rights groups ahead of the crown prince’s visit called on the Trump administration to use its leverage to press Saudi authorities, who badly want to broaden its business and defense connections with the U.S., to make concrete commitments on human rights and press freedom during the visit.

The activists say Saudi authorities continue to harshly repress dissent, including by arresting human rights defenders, journalists, and political dissidents for criticism against the kingdom. Human rights organizations have also documented a surge in executions in Saudi Arabia that they connect to an effort to suppress internal dissent.

“Saudi Arabia’s crown prince is trying to rebrand himself as a global statesman, but the reality at home is mass repression, record numbers of executions, and zero tolerance for dissent,” Sarah Yager, Washington director at the group Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. “U.S. officials should be pressing for change, not posing for photos.”

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Thai Tourism Gets Major Lift From Royal Visit to China

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Khaosod English

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19 November 2025, 00:22

king queen china palace — Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida of Thailand tour the Forbidden City in Beijing on the concluding day of their official state visit to China, November 13-17, 2025.

BANGKOK — Thailand’s tourism industry is seeing a surge in confidence following the state visit of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida to China, which drew “100% positive” feedback from Chinese partners, a senior Tourism Authority of Thailand official said Tuesday.

Phattaranong Na Chiangmai, TAT’s deputy governor for Asia and South Pacific markets, said the royal visit helped reinforce long-standing ties between the two countries and boosted goodwill at both the government and public levels.

Chinese travel agencies have reported stronger sales of Thailand tour packages and a rise in inquiries, she said. Negative news about Thailand circulating in China early this year has largely disappeared, and officials expect the trend to continue, especially as Chinese leaders prepare to visit Thailand — a development that has helped lift sentiment on Chinese social media.

AP25318182175065 — A national flag of Thailand flutters near a Chinese national flag and a Chinese national emblem during a welcoming ceremony for Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. (Tingshu Wang/Pool Photo via AP)

TAT plans to build on the momentum through campaigns highlighting Thai-Chinese cultural ties under the theme “Not Distant, Like Siblings.” The agency will promote cultural tourism routes, Thai-Chinese communities, Thai cuisine with Chinese roots and Thai textiles, while developing new tour packages in partnership with online travel agencies.

Tourism operators also met with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to discuss ways to strengthen the sector, after data showed a slowdown in arrivals from some countries.

Anutin said the drop was not due to problems with Thailand’s readiness or tourism quality but to internal policies in certain countries that have affected outbound travel.

anutin tourism — Tourism Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn and industry leaders present “Restoring Trust & Quick Win” proposals to PM Anutin Charnvirakul to strengthen Thai tourism at Government House, Nov 18, 2025.

Tourism and Sports Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn said the industry faces multiple challenges in 2025, including rising regional competition. While domestic and long-haul markets remain strong, short-haul travel from East Asia and ASEAN has weakened despite Thailand’s status as one of Asia’s top destinations.

He said Thailand’s strengths — its value for money, diverse experiences and welcoming reputation — are increasingly affected by higher costs and structural hurdles. Meanwhile, neighboring countries are moving quickly to innovate and improve their tourism infrastructure.

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Thai PM Softens Stance on Cambodia, Cites Trump’s Tariff Pledge

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Khaosod English

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18 November 2025, 20:49

anutin 18-11-2025-1 — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul attends an event at Government House on November 18, 2025.

BANGKOK — Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has softened his recent aggressive rhetoric toward Cambodia, following heavy criticism that his nationalist posturing could jeopardize trade negotiations with the United States.

Simultaneously, he insisted that U.S. President Donald Trump has promised a minor reduction in import tariffs for Thailand if the kingdom rapidly clears landmines along its border with Cambodia.

Anutin made the remarks in his first interview with the media on November 18, after returning from a trip to China. During his time away, he spoke by telephone with both President Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This coincided with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) formally notifying Thailand that trade talks had been suspended until Thailand complies with the peace declaration witnessed by Trump and concerning Cambodia.

anutin 18 11 2025 2 — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addresses the media at Government House on November 18, 2025.

The prime minister said President Trump was direct and transparent in their conversation, stating the U.S. was concerned about landmine clearance.

“The U.S. wants to see something, as he said to me,” Anutin stated, adding that there was “no negotiation whatsoever.”

The U.S. concern stems from the possibility that if Cambodia violates the declaration, Thailand would be forced to suspend its own compliance, which includes landmine clearance. Anutin stressed that “suspend is not cancel” and reaffirmed that mine clearance is a Thai decision now aligned with the principle of Humanitarian Demining, which Cambodia has requested Thailand follow.

“This aligns with what President Trump wants, so it is considered clear. The U.S. is happy,” Anutin said. “The U.S. will talk to the Cambodian side to ensure there are no obstructions and to expedite the mine clearance.” Anutin then quoted the president, saying that if the clearance is done quickly, “he will chop few percentage of tariffs.”

AP25299192053261 — President Donald Trump and Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul exchange a document during a signing ceremony on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

“I don’t know if he was joking or not,” Anutin added, “but when someone of this level talks to us, we must speed up our part.”

The prime minister maintained that the USTR letter suspending talks was issued before his conversation with Trump, and that once the situation was clarified, the suspension was lifted. He defended his shifting public statements as necessary to achieve the greatest benefit for the country and its citizens, stressing that trade negotiations aim to reduce the cost of living for Thais, while international conflict resolution must prioritize national security.

Addressing public concern that Cambodia might not comply with the U.S., Anutin noted that the U.S. is a witness to the peace pact, and Thailand has already submitted 11 statements detailing violations. He said Cambodia has since expressed regret, with only a formal apology remaining.

When asked if Thailand would still engage with Cambodia should it continue to act hostile, Anutin referenced the military’s position: shaking hands is a matter of courtesy, just as he greets opposition politicians with a smile and a wai. However, he stressed that principles dictate full compliance with the peace declaration can only resume when Cambodia’s hostile actions cease to pose a threat to Thailand’s national security.

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Foreign Assets Pose Challenge as Thailand Collects $542M from Thaksin

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Khaosod English

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18 November 2025, 18:28

CORRECTION Thailand Politics — FILE - Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, center, and his daughter and former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, right, arrive at Supreme Court in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

BANGKOK — Thailand’s ability to collect $542 million in taxes from former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra could be severely limited if his assets are abroad, as Thai enforcement officers lack authority beyond the kingdom’s borders in civil cases, officials said Tuesday.

Penrawee Masang, Deputy Director-General of the Legal Execution Department, stated on November 18 that the Revenue Department, acting as the creditor, must first petition the court for an enforcement order to collect the debt.

Once the order is secured, officials are required to locate Thaksin’s assets and then notify the Legal Execution Department to seize and auction them through the standard legal process. Enforcement, however, must be carried out within Thailand’s borders, unlike in criminal matters where international cooperation is more feasible. The government has 10 years from the date the Supreme Court judgment becomes final to collect the debt.

If Thaksin fails to pay voluntarily, the Revenue Department must petition the court for a writ of execution, then identify his assets and inform the Legal Execution Department to proceed with seizure, Penrawee said.

The Supreme Court ruled that shares in the 2006 Shin Corporation sale were held on Thaksin’s behalf and that the low-priced transactions constituted taxable income with no grounds to reduce penalties.

Pakorn Nilprapunt, secretary-general of the Council of State, said the Finance Ministry’s role is now limited to requesting a writ of execution through routine legal process. Once recovered, the assets automatically become state property.

The tax case comes as the Attorney-General’s Office filed an appeal Monday in a separate lese majeste case against Thaksin stemming from a 2015 interview with South Korean media. A lower court acquitted him in August.

Thaksin Chosong — A scene from Thaksin Shinawatra’s interview with the Chosun Ilbo newspaper in 2015.

Thaksin is serving a one-year sentence reduced through royal pardon for abuse of power during his time as prime minister. He returned to Thailand in 2023 after 15 years in self-exile following a 2006 military coup that ousted him from power.

Pheu Thai Party leader Cholnan Srikaew said the party does not wish to politicize the issue but acknowledged concerns about the timing coinciding with the election cycle.

“We must accept that the Pheu Thai Party has close ties with Mr. Thaksin,” Cholnan said. “Ultimately, fairness in society must be transparent, and every individual must be treated equally.”

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Thai Influencer Criticized for Mt. Fuji Car-Top Dance, Sparks Visa-Free Concerns

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Khaosod English

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18 November 2025, 17:03

jack-pap-ho-1 — Screenshots from a video show Thai influencer Jack-Pap-Ho dancing on the roof of a car outside a Lawson convenience store in Fujikawaguchiko, Japan, a stunt that has drawn heavy criticism for disrespectful behavior.

BANGKOK — A Thai influencer, Jack-Pap-Ho, has drawn heavy criticism after filming himself shirtless and dancing on the roof of a car parked outside a Lawson convenience store in Fujikawaguchiko, a well-known photo spot with views of Mt. Fuji. The stunt has triggered widespread concern among Thai social media users, who worry it could damage Thailand’s reputation and jeopardize the country’s visa-free access to Japan.

The location — the Lawson Kawaguchiko-Ekimae branch in Yamanashi prefecture — is a popular stop for international tourists, including Thais. Local officials have previously taken steps such as posting warning signs and installing barriers to curb unsafe or illegal behavior, including jaywalking and trespassing onto private property.

fuji hole — Mt. Fuji is seen on May 24, 2024, through a hole opened on a black screen set up by Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture. (Kyodo)

The YouTuber’s actions quickly went viral in Thailand, with many calling them disrespectful and harmful to the image of Thai travelers. The Facebook page of the Embassy of Japan in Thailand has since been inundated with comments, some demanding the influencer be permanently banned from entering Japan. Others apologized to Japanese citizens and urged both governments to take legal action.

More than 815,800 Thai travelers visited Japan between January and September this year, an 8.5% increase from 2024, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. Thailand remains Japan’s sixth-largest inbound market, and the largest among Southeast Asian countries.

AP24121262209188 — Visitors take a photo in front of a convenient store at Fujikawaguchiko town, Yamanashi prefecture, Japan, with a backdrop of Mr. Fuji on April 28, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow told reporters before Tuesday’s weekly Cabinet meeting that tourists must respect local laws and customs, adding that Japan is a rule-oriented society where inappropriate behavior can damage Thailand’s image. “We don’t want this to affect Thai travelers,” he said.

Asked about calls online for the influencer’s passport to be revoked, Sihasak said the matter should be handled by Japanese authorities according to their laws.

Tourism and Sports Minister Attakorn Sirilatthayakon said authorities cannot restrict individuals from posting online but have continually urged Thais abroad to follow local cultural norms. “Every negative action affects the country’s image,” he said, adding that he hopes more Thais will consider traveling domestically.

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Thai Police Arrest Israeli Fugitive Accused of Online Ticket Scam

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Khaosod English

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18 November 2025, 15:19

israel scam concert1 — Thai immigration officers detain an Israeli fugitive at a hotel in Chaweng, Koh Samui, on November 16, 2025 after tracking him through Thailand’s biometric lodging-report system.

SURAT THANI — Thai immigration police have arrested a 30-year-old Israeli man wanted in his home country for running an online scam selling fake concert and sports tickets, authorities said.

Surat Thani immigration officers detained the suspect, identified as Abudyan, on Koh Samui following a joint operation with Israeli security agencies. He is the subject of an Israeli arrest warrant on fraud charges involving the sale of bogus tickets to fellow Israelis, causing losses worth tens of millions of baht, police said.

Israeli authorities had asked Thailand to help track down the fugitive, who allegedly continued deceiving victims through online platforms, offering nonexistent concert passes and tickets to major football matches. Thai police moved to revoke his visa and monitor his movements through the national biometric lodging-report system.

israel scam concert3 — An immigration officer reviews images of alleged fake concert and sports tickets found on the suspect’s mobile phone during questioning, evidence on November 16, 2025.

Investigators learned the suspect had checked into a hotel in Chaweng, Koh Samui, on November 10 and was due to stay until November 16. Immigration Police Commander Pol. Col. Naruwat Phuttawiro ordered the arrest team to take him into custody the same day his visa was canceled.

Police said Abudyan admitted selling fake tickets online and fleeing to Thailand more than a year ago to avoid prosecution. He allegedly moved between tourist hubs—including Samui, Phuket and Pattaya—to evade detection.

A search of his mobile phone uncovered images of additional fake tickets for upcoming concerts in Israel, which officers believe he planned to use in further scams. He is now being held for deportation to face charges in Israel.

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BRAND’S Unveils Reusable Gift Collection in ARISTOTLE Partnership

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Mc Marketing

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18 November 2025, 15:00

Five distinctive designs deliver thoughtful gifting that creates value for givers and receivers alike.

BRAND’S Gifting by Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the leader of health enrichment products in Thailand and Indochina under the BRAND’S trademark, has launched an innovative gift hamper collection with the concept that “BRAND’S Can Be More Than a Gift.” Combining health-conscious products with reusable packaging designed for everyday use, this collection offers five distinctive designs catering to diverse recipients, highlighting an exclusive limited-edition design by renowned bag brand ARISTOTLE. Reinforcing BRAND’S commitment to gifting that is meaningful to both givers and receivers.

This practical, reusable gift hamper collection features five designs, with prices starting from 385 baht:

BRAND’S Hamper x ARISTOTLE is a limited-edition design that transforms into a fashion bag, specially created by renowned Thai bag brand ARISTOTLE with its signature rose design. Available exclusively with BRAND’S products in limited quantities.
BRAND’S Bird’s Nest Hamper converts into a premium everyday handbag that stylishly complements any occasion, work or leisure. Available in red and brown.
BRAND’S VETA Vitamin A Berry and BRAND’S VETA Fiber Prune Hampers transform into versatile fashion tote bags with three adjustable carrying styles and vibrant colors. Available in pink and purple.
BRAND’S Essence of Chicken Hamper can be repurposed as a multipurpose storage box with lid or shelving organizer, ideal for daily essentials or keepsakes. Available in green and red.
BRAND’S New Year Exclusive Hamper converts into a generous cooler bag for beverages, food, and fresh produce, perfect for home use or outdoor activities. Available in green and red.

“BRAND’S Bird’s Nest” and “Vibhavadi Hospital” Co-Launch “Be The Best Version of You”

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Mc Marketing

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18 November 2025, 14:56

On World Pneumonia Day, “BRAND’S Bird’s Nest” by Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a leader in health enrichment products under the BRAND’S trademark in Thailand and Indochina, has partnered with “Vibhavadi Hospital,” a leading hospital in Thailand, to launch the “Be The Best Version of You” campaign. This initiative encourages Thais to embrace holistic health care—especially preventative healthcare for vital organs such as the lungs—promoting long-term well-being through comprehensive awareness activities. These include raising awareness about respiratory diseases, providing advice on preventive lung care, offering free mobile lung health check-up services, and distributing BRAND’S Bird’s Nest products to support health care from within one’s body. The campaign will begin on November 15, 2025 and continue the collaboration throughout 2026, providing Thais with access to preventive lung health care and improving their quality of life from the inside out.

The ‘Be The Best Version of You’ campaign is set to launch various promotional activities to promote lung health care from November 15, 2025 to December 2026. Key activities for this year include:

Donation of 900 bottles of BRAND’S Bird’s Nest products to patients in the respiratory department of Vibhavadi Hospital from November 15, 2025 to December 31, 2025.
Free mobile lung health check-up service at Vachirabenjatas Park (Rot Fai Park) on November 30, 2025, from 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM, along with the distribution of 200 bottles of BRAND’S Bird’s Nest.
Donation of 200 bottles of BRAND’S Bird’s Nest products to consumers and office workers

In addition, BRAND’S Bird’s Nest and Vibhavadi Hospital will continue to organize ongoing preventive lung health promotion activities throughout 2026. These include providing knowledge about self-care and distributing products for consumers to try.

Walailak University Develops Low-Cost AIoT Landslide Warning System

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Contributor

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18 November 2025, 12:12

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT — Researchers at Walailak University have developed a low-cost landslide early warning system that continues operating even when power or internet service is disrupted, aiming to improve safety in disaster-prone communities in Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

The project, funded by the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ajalawit Chantaveerod of the School of Engineering and Technology, with a team of colleagues from the School of Science.

Ajalawit said the Theppharat and Si Khit areas of Sichon district have long faced recurring landslides that threaten more than 1,000 households, while traditional monitoring tools often fail to provide accurate or timely warnings.

The new system uses AIoT technology that combines sensors with AI-driven data analysis to identify risks and issue alerts more precisely and in real time. Five solar-powered sensor nodes track vibrations, soil moisture, rainfall, ground tilt and location data, feeding information to a central gateway for risk assessment.

A dual-layer communication network is designed to keep alerts active in emergencies. Under normal conditions, the system pushes warnings through the LINE app and a web dashboard. If electricity or internet service fails, a LoRaWAN backup network relays alerts directly to administrators, who can then warn residents by radio.

All gateways and sensors run on solar power, enabling continuous 24-hour operation.

Ajalawit thanked APNIC and research assistants for supporting the project, saying their contributions were crucial to completing the system.

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Blacklisted Chinese Engineer Caught Illegally Re-entering Thailand

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Khaosod English

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17 November 2025, 23:32

chinese engineer2 — Immigration officers in Nong Khai arrest a blacklisted Chinese engineer and two accomplices after he allegedly crossed the border illegally to return for construction work, Nov. 17, 2025.

NONG KHAI — Immigration police in Nong Khai have arrested a Chinese engineer who allegedly slipped into Thailand through a natural border crossing after being blacklisted, along with two accomplices who came to pick him up.

The arrest took place around 12:30 p.m. on November 17 along the Mekong riverside road in front of a hotel in Nong Khai municipality. Immigration investigators stopped a Chon Buri–registered car driven by Wang Tao, 43, a Chinese national, accompanied by Vaewmani, 29, a Lao national. The pair had arrived to collect Qu Yuanyuan, 38, a Chinese citizen who had illegally crossed the border into Nong Khai.

Police say the group planned to travel to Prachin Buri, where Qu intended to take on a construction subcontract for a factory project.

chinese engineer1 — Immigration officers in Nong Khai arrest a blacklisted Chinese engineer and two accomplices after he allegedly crossed the border illegally to return for construction work, Nov. 17, 2025.

A background check revealed that Qu had been banned from entering Thailand for one year, until September 30, 2026, due to a previous overstay violation. He had been deported but allegedly attempted to return to resume work in the country.

During questioning, Vaewmani told officers that Wang invited her to Nong Khai to help pick up Qu, a close friend, who was fully aware of his blacklist status. Qu allegedly arranged to cross into Thailand through a natural border route before meeting them at the agreed spot by the Mekong.

Shortly after Qu entered the vehicle, officers moved in and detained all three suspects.

Police have charged Vaewmani and Wang with aiding and harboring an illegal entrant, while Qu has been charged with illegally entering and residing in the kingdom. All three have been handed over to Nong Khai city police investigators for legal proceedings.

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Rolling out the red carpet

Fighter jets and business deals

Assurances on US military support

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