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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 — 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.
An Epic Production Filmed Across Thailand – Conquering More Than 3,000 Hairpin Turns to Capture the Perfect Shot
Interview compiled by Benjarong Kotchanawong
Get ready for a heart-pounding survival thriller with The Devil’s Mouth, the story of five young adventurers who embark on a journey along Thailand’s breathtaking coastline. Their expedition leads them to a remote cave known as “The Devil’s Mouth,” where they join a cave-diving tour, only to discover that something is stalking them beneath the water. Swift. Silent. Deadly.
Photo credit: The Devil’s Mouth.
The film was shot across several stunning locations throughout Thailand, including Bangkok, Krabi, Mae Hong Son, and Samut Prakan.
The cast features a talented lineup of rising stars, including Kathryn Newton, Lana Condor, Gavin Casalegno, Nico Hiraga, and Tommi Rose, alongside internationally recognized Thai actor Tayme Thapthimthong. The Devil’s Mouth is now streaming on Prime Video.
Today, we bring you an exclusive interview with the film’s cast and director.
Tayme Thapthimthong (Photo credit: Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages for Prime Video.)
Exclusive Interview: Tayme Thapthimthong
What was your first reaction after reading the script and joining The Devil’s Mouth?
First of all, I felt incredibly proud to be part of this film because it was shot entirely in Thailand, both in the north and the south of the country. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase the beauty of Thailand to audiences around the world.
In the film, I play a tour guide who leads foreign tourists into an underwater cave. I was especially excited when I learned there would be numerous underwater scenes, so I actually looked forward to the diving training long before filming even began.
Tell us about your role as the tour guide.
I play a cave-diving guide who takes a group of international tourists into a cave called “The Devil’s Mouth.”
When I spoke with Jeff, the director, he wanted my performance to feel as natural as possible. My character is a local guide who knows the cave inside and out. At first, he doesn’t suspect that anything is wrong. But once disaster strikes, his only goal becomes getting every member of the group out alive.
It wasn’t a particularly difficult role because authenticity and realism were the most important aspects of the character.
Photo credit: The Devil’s Mouth.
The film involves cave exploration, climbing, and extensive underwater sequences. How did you prepare physically before filming?
About a month before principal photography began, all six main cast members attended a workshop together in a two-meter-deep swimming pool.
Professional diving instructors trained us in freediving—holding our breath while diving without oxygen tanks—as well as the basics of scuba diving.
We trained in the pool almost every day for nearly a month. We also practiced breath-holding because many of the scenes required us to stay underwater for extended periods during filming.
Fortunately, I’ve always enjoyed swimming, so the training wasn’t too difficult for me. It was a fun experience, and it also helped all of us become much closer before production officially started.
Photo credit: The Devil’s Mouth.
Was there a particular scene that was especially challenging or memorable?
One of the first locations we filmed at was a cave entrance in Mae Hong Son, where we shot a canoe sequence. After that, we moved to a cave in Krabi.
Everyone was excited because we had to film in real water. The cave water was cold, murky, and filled with branches and leaves. Fortunately, professional divers always inspected the area beforehand to ensure everything was safe.
There was one scene where the tourists had to jump into water that was about 30 meters deep. Naturally, everyone was a little nervous.
At one point, I had to float alone in the middle of the water while waiting for the next take. I couldn’t help imagining whether a fish—or something else—might suddenly appear beneath me. (Laughs.) But thankfully, everything was completely safe.
Another cave we filmed in was nearly 70 meters deep and incredibly dark. During one scene, someone accidentally kicked another actor with a diving fin, which startled everyone. Looking back, though, it’s something we can all laugh about now.
After that, we continued filming in a studio in Bangkok. The production design team did an outstanding job building two full-scale cave sets.
One was a five-meter-deep underwater cave specifically designed for underwater scenes, while the other featured water approximately 1.6 meters deep so actors could stand comfortably during dialogue scenes instead of floating the entire time.
The set was designed like a maze, allowing us to swim through interconnected chambers. It was truly impressive.
Photo credit: The Devil’s Mouth.
The film was shot in several provinces across Thailand. Which location was the most challenging?
For me, Mae Hong Son was definitely the most challenging—not because of the filming itself, but because of the journey to get there.
We had to drive through more than 3,000 winding mountain curves to reach the location.
Many of the international cast members had only just arrived in Thailand. They weren’t yet accustomed to the climate or the long, winding mountain roads, so the crew asked me to help take care of them.
I ended up becoming a real-life tour guide as well. I handed out motion sickness medicine, asked the driver to stop whenever someone needed a restroom break, and helped everyone get through the trip as comfortably as possible. Sometimes stopping wasn’t even possible because it would block the narrow mountain road for the vehicles following behind us.
Some of the cast members felt carsick, while others desperately needed a restroom. Looking back now, it was quite a chaotic experience—but also a funny one.
It wasn’t just the cast making the journey. Every department—from the makeup team and equipment trucks to the crane operators—had to travel the same mountain route.
On top of that, we had to wake up at 4:00 a.m. every day to make sure we were ready to capture the first light of sunrise.
What was it like working with the international cast in Thailand?
Everyone absolutely loved Thailand.
While we were filming in Krabi, we stayed at a beachfront hotel with a swimming pool, and all of us were staying close to one another. It created a warm, relaxed atmosphere that made working together even more enjoyable.
We would have dinner together, go swimming, enjoy cocktails, and watch the sunset after filming.
I felt proud to introduce them to experiences they had never had before because, for many of them, it was their first visit to Thailand.
I took them to local restaurants in Ao Nang, introduced them to authentic Thai cuisine, and showed them how local people live so they could experience more than just the hotel.
Those moments remain some of my favorite memories from the entire production.
What was it like working with director Jeff Wadlow?
Working with Jeff was an incredible experience.
He’s an exceptionally talented director, easy to talk to, and a genuinely fun person to work with.
I’d been a fan of his films for years, especially Kick-Ass 2 and Never Back Down, which I loved growing up. So when I found out I’d be working with him, I was thrilled.
Jeff later told me that he had seen my performance in The White Lotus and liked my work, which is why he reached out and offered me the role directly.
This was actually the first acting job I’ve ever received without having to audition.
Knowing that the film would also be shot in Thailand made it an even easier decision to accept, since it gave me the chance to come home and spend time with my family.
Working with Jeff was smooth from beginning to end. He’s straightforward, clear in his direction, and after production wrapped, we’ve remained good friends and still keep in touch regularly.
Lana Condor (Photo credit: Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages for Prime Video.)
Exclusive Interview: Lana Condor
How did you feel when you were first offered a role in The Devil’s Mouth?
Honestly, my first thought after reading the script was, “Whoever agrees to star in this movie has to be completely crazy.” Then, almost immediately, I thought, “Well, I must be just as crazy if I turn it down.”
The script was simply that good.
One of the things that excited me the most was the opportunity to film in Thailand. I’d wanted to visit Thailand for a very long time, so that was one of the biggest reasons I decided to join the project.
Another reason was that I was looking for a role that would truly challenge me as an actress. I absolutely love romantic comedies and have enjoyed working in that genre, but I also wanted to see how far I could push myself by taking on something completely different.
The chance to collaborate with Jeff, the producers, the cast, and to work with such a strong script made the decision even easier.
Photo credit: The Devil’s Mouth.
This film demanded a great deal physically. How did you prepare for such an intense role?
Without a doubt, this was an incredibly demanding film from a physical standpoint.
One thing I rediscovered while returning to a more action-oriented project is that I genuinely enjoy roles that push me to my physical limits.
When my body is under real stress and pressure, my performance naturally becomes more authentic. It becomes easier to believe in the situation my character is experiencing, and I think that authenticity helps the audience believe in it as well.
That said, this film was unlike anything I’d done before.
Most of my previous action projects revolved around fight choreography, but The Devil’s Mouth isn’t about fighting—it’s about survival.
The challenge wasn’t defeating an enemy; it was simply staying alive.
Even while the crew was resetting cameras or preparing for the next take, we couldn’t just relax. We had to keep swimming or tread water continuously so we wouldn’t sink.
Because of that, this film delivers action through survival rather than combat. Every moment demands physical endurance, making it a very different kind of action thriller.
Much of the film takes place underwater. What was the most difficult aspect of filming those scenes?
The biggest challenge was undoubtedly spending so much time in the water.
Filming underwater is already difficult enough, but doing it inside caves made everything even more demanding.
There were times when we had to remain submerged for extended periods, repeatedly performing the same scenes while conserving our energy.
The water was cold, visibility was often poor, and we had to stay focused on both our performances and our safety at the same time.
Fortunately, we had an incredible team of professional divers and safety specialists looking after us throughout the entire production, which gave us the confidence to fully commit to every scene.
What was it like working alongside the rest of the cast?
One of the best parts of making this film was the people.
Everyone was incredibly supportive of one another from day one.
Because we went through diving training together before filming began, we built trust and formed genuine friendships long before the cameras started rolling.
During production, we spent so much time together—in the water, on set, and after work—that we became like a little family.
That bond naturally translated onto the screen and helped make our performances feel much more believable.
What was your experience filming in Thailand like?
I absolutely fell in love with Thailand.
The country is stunningly beautiful, the food is incredible, and the people are some of the warmest and kindest I’ve ever met.
I’d wanted to visit Thailand for years, and finally getting the opportunity through this film exceeded every expectation I had.
It wasn’t just another filming location—it became an unforgettable experience.
I sincerely hope I’ll have the chance to return, whether for another film or simply as a visitor.
Jeff Wadlow (Photo credit: Todd Williamson/JanuaryImages for Prime Video.)
Exclusive Interview: Director Jeff Wadlow
What inspired you to direct The Devil’s Mouth?
I think almost every filmmaker dreams of making a shark movie at least once in their career. I mean, why wouldn’t you? Shark films have become a genre all their own.
That said, audiences today are always looking for something fresh and different, so I knew that if I were going to make a shark movie, it had to offer something unique.
What immediately drew me to The Devil’s Mouth was that, while it’s undeniably a shark film, it’s also a claustrophobic survival horror story. That’s a genre I’ve wanted to explore for a long time.
As I continued reading the script, I became even more impressed. Every character felt layered and complex, especially the relationships between the female characters, which form the emotional heart of the story. Their dynamic was written with remarkable depth and nuance.
I was hooked almost immediately and didn’t hesitate to say yes.
The film was shot in several locations across Thailand. Why was Thailand the perfect place for this story, and what was your experience like filming here?
Filming in Thailand was an absolutely incredible experience.
I genuinely fell in love with the country. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime adventures that every filmmaker hopes to have.
In fact, after production wrapped, I came back to Thailand just to visit the friends I had made while working here. I’m already looking forward to returning to shoot another film in the future.
The Thai crew was exceptional, and every filming location was breathtakingly beautiful.
Honestly, I could spend hours talking about all the reasons why Thailand is such an amazing place to make movies.
If you asked me to choose my favorite location in Thailand, I honestly couldn’t. It wouldn’t be fair.
Every place we visited had its own unique beauty and character, and every location was incredibly cinematic.
All I can really say is that my entire experience in Thailand was extraordinary.
Did you have the chance to try Thai food? Was there a particular dish you enjoyed the most?
There’s actually a funny story behind that.
I’m severely allergic to peanuts.
Originally, the script was written with Mexico as the filming location. When the studio suggested moving production to Thailand, my first reaction was, “That might not be such a great idea.”
To be honest, I’d never even dared to eat at a Thai restaurant before because I was always worried about accidentally eating peanuts.
But the Thai production team reassured me.
They told me, “Don’t worry. We’ll take good care of you. Everything will be fine.”
And they were absolutely right.
I had an amazing time, and Thai food turned out to be absolutely delicious.
Avoiding peanuts wasn’t nearly as difficult as I’d imagined. I simply learned to stay away from dishes like Massaman curry and Pad Thai.
That said, I definitely found a favorite.
Pad Kra Pao became my go-to dish. I could honestly eat it every single day and never get tired of it.
Another unforgettable experience was traveling around northern Thailand near Chiang Mai and exploring Krabi in the south while scouting filming locations.
Along the way, we stopped at countless small roadside restaurants.
Every meal was flavorful, authentic, and packed with character, and every restaurant owner welcomed us with incredible warmth and hospitality.
I truly loved every moment I spent in Thailand.
By now, you can probably tell just how much I love this country.
I honestly can’t wait to come back.
Photo credit: The Devil’s Mouth.
The film features numerous underwater sequences. From a technical standpoint, what was the biggest challenge, and was there a particular scene that proved especially difficult?
To be completely honest, this film was difficult from beginning to end.
There wasn’t a single easy day.
Most productions have lighter shooting days that allow the cast and crew to catch their breath, but The Devil’s Mouth wasn’t that kind of movie.
Every single day presented a new challenge.
Almost the entire film takes place in water, and much of it is set inside caves.
We filmed in real caves across Thailand, and we also built enormous cave sets in the studio before filling them with water.
As everyone knows, cameras and water aren’t exactly best friends.
Even shooting near water is challenging, but filming completely underwater requires highly specialized equipment and an extraordinary amount of planning.
There was nothing easy about making this film.
Yet we were fortunate to have two things that carried us through every challenge.
The first was our incredible crew—especially the Thai crew, who never backed down from any obstacle.
They were among the most dedicated, hardworking, and resilient professionals I’ve ever had the privilege of working with.
The second was our phenomenal cast.
Led by Kathryn Newton and Lana Condor, they were always willing to dive in—literally and figuratively.
Together, we tackled every challenge one step at a time and found solutions to every problem we faced.
Tell us a little about the cast. What impressed you most about working with them?
When I’m casting a film, I’m not simply looking for actors who fit the roles. I’m looking for people who are genuinely interesting.
I want actors who can bring something uniquely their own to a character—something that goes beyond what’s written on the page.
Our five lead actors, Kathryn Newton, Lana Condor, Gavin Casalegno, Nico Hiraga, and Tommi Rose, are all incredibly charismatic people in real life.
Each of them brought their own personality, life experience, and perspective to the film, which made every character feel vibrant, authentic, and deeply relatable.
They’re the kind of characters audiences will root for. They’re fun to watch together, but they’re also flawed and imperfect in ways that make them feel genuinely human.
As for Tayme Thapthimthong, who plays our local tour guide, I feel incredibly fortunate that he agreed to join the film.
He had just finished filming The White Lotus Season 3, and I thought he delivered an outstanding performance in that series.
When I found out he was not only available but also genuinely interested in playing this role, it honestly felt like a dream come true.
If you had to describe The Devil’s Mouth in just three words, what would they be?
I’d describe it with these three words:
Thrilling. Emotional. Water.
Those three words capture the spirit of the film perfectly.
Beyond the thrills of a shark movie, is there a message or feeling you hope audiences will take away from The Devil’s Mouth?
At its core, I believe this film is about survival and perseverance.
But another idea stayed with me throughout the entire filmmaking process—the importance of respecting nature.
Nature is breathtakingly beautiful, and that’s precisely what makes it so powerful and awe-inspiring.
At the same time, however, nature can also be incredibly dangerous.
Our role isn’t to conquer nature or believe we can control it.
Our role is to admire it, respect it, and recognize its power.
If we fail to show that respect, the consequences can be devastating—even fatal.
That’s exactly what some of the characters in this story experience.
Throughout their journey, they learn that nature is not something to challenge or take lightly.
It’s something that deserves our humility and respect.
A Final Message to the Audience
The Devil’s Mouth is more than just a shark thriller.
It’s a story about friendship, courage, resilience, and the instinct to survive against overwhelming odds.
Set against the breathtaking landscapes of Thailand, the film combines spectacular natural scenery with relentless suspense, delivering an adventure that’s both visually stunning and emotionally gripping.
Whether you’re drawn in by the underwater action, the survival story, or the unforgettable locations, The Devil’s Mouth promises a cinematic experience unlike any other.
Migrants cross from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, Thursday, July 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Sempere)
MADRID (AP) — Thousands of migrants have streamed into the tiny Spanish territory of Ceuta in North Africa from Morocco, with at least 18 dying in the attempt, prompting Spain to deploy its military to restore the border.
Videos and images from the frontier showed crowds of people, mainly Moroccans, walking around the breakwaters at an urban beach near a border checkpoint with Morocco onto local roads. The majority looked to be young men, though there were also families with women and children.
(AP Photo/Antonio Sempere)
The escalation at the frontier comes after a surge in migrants attempting to reach the small exclave, mainly by swimming, a day before. It was not immediately clear what prompted so many people to cross to Ceuta.
Spain’s government said it would send the Armed Forces to help the Civil Guard in Ceuta, which Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was expected to visit Friday.
Here’s what to know.
An autonomous Spanish city in continental Africa
Ceuta and the larger Spanish territory of Melilla that is some 400 kilometers (250 miles) east, are located on the northern shores of the Mediterranean coast at the tip of Africa. Both autonomous cities belong to Spain and share the European Union’s only land borders with Africa.
In Spanish possession since 1580, Ceuta is home to a mixed population of Christians and Muslims, and Spanish and Moroccan residents and day workers who live in relative harmony.
Morocco does not officially recognize Ceuta and Melilla as Spanish territory, and often refers to them as occupied lands.
A migration and diplomatic flashpoint between Spain and Morocco
The city of 85,000 has been a flashpoint in major diplomatic crises in recent memory between Madrid and Rabat.
In May 2021, the Moroccan government dropped its border controls and let some 8,000 people from Morocco and sub-Saharan countries pour into Ceuta in just two days.
The move was broadly interpreted as retaliation from Morocco for Spain’s decision to allow a pro-independence leader from the disputed Western Sahara region to receive medical treatment at a Spanish hospital.
Spain is a main point of arrival into Europe for migrants seeking better economic opportunities or an escape from violence in their home countries.
Ceuta and its sister city Melilla are heavily fortified, as the territories are seen as a destination for those trying to reach Spain from Morocco and other parts of Africa.
Many migrants who reach Ceuta or Melilla are immediately turned back, while others held in migrant shelters are processed and can apply for asylum in Spain.
To reach Ceuta, migrants often swim from the Moroccan town of Fnideq, covering about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) to reach Spanish territory. Others attempt the crossing from the nearby town of Belyounech, where the distance is shorter.
Still, migrant arrivals to Ceuta and Melilla are generally much lower than those reaching Spain through the Canary and Balearic Islands.
