Golden retrievers Tum-Meng and Jui sit on their owner's truck at home in Wang Sam Mo district, Udon Thani province—the same vehicle where they were filmed in the viral video on September 26, 2025.
UDON THANI — A video of two golden retrievers mating atop a large speaker system on a truck has exploded on social media with over 21 million views, gaining traction as an unintentional parody of the recent Phuket scandal involving a Russian man and Thai woman in a similar compromising position on a pickup truck.
Unlike the Russian tourist incident that resulted in criminal charges, the canine encounter sparked humorous reactions across social media, with users jokingly asking “Have they been arrested yet?” and “What charges should they face?”
The Accidental Viral Moment
Senior Sergeant Major Thawatchai Thamwapi, 35, a unit commander at Wang Sam Mo Police Station, captured the footage on September 26 while driving to work after his morning school drop-off. Upon spotting the pair on a six-wheeled truck, he attempted to photograph them but accidentally recorded video instead. After seeing news of the Phuket incident, he posted his footage as a lighthearted parody, never anticipating it would surpass 21 million views.
The Famous Duo
The dogs belong to Ms. Warawaan Khwaeng Chiangkhwang, 28, owner of Warawaan Sound molam music troupe in Wang Sam Mo district. The female, Tum-Meng, is over 3 years old with distinctive drawn-on eyebrows, while the male, Jui, is just over a year old.
“They always come with us to performances,” Warawaan explained. “They climb on speaker boxes, ice coolers, or the six-wheeled truck constantly.” She draws eyebrows on Tum-Meng as an identification marker, making announcements for “the dog with eyebrows” easier when she wanders off at events.
Ms. Warawaan Khwaeng Chiangkhwang poses with her golden retrievers Tum-Meng and Juay at her house in Wang Sam Mo district, Udon Thani province, on September 26, 2025.
The viral moment occurred while the troupe traveled to a retirement ceremony at Bayao Municipality.
“I don’t know exactly when the video was taken, but I’m thrilled to see them trending,” Warawaan said with a laugh. “I told them, ‘You’re as famous as the Phuket clip now!'”
BANGKOK — After revealing on social media that Thai T-shirt brand YUEDPAO generated over one billion baht ($31 million) in sales but only one million baht ($31,000) in profit, the company’s management explained their business philosophy: making quality products with slim margins to build customer relationships and bring a Thai brand to the global stage.
On September 26, YUEDPAO posted on Facebook under the headline “At YUEDPAO we sell for friends”:
“Dear beloved customers,
We can no longer hide the truth. After the viral discussion on X (Twitter) that we made a turnover of over one billion baht last year, but only one million baht in profit—yes, it’s true.
Throughout the year, we resisted constant pressure to raise prices. Our platform selling costs skyrocketed, yet we lowered prices on items where we reduced production costs. We wanted to prove that Thai fashion brands can achieve world-class quality.
We experimented with new marketing: outdoor media, brand ambassadors, billboards, bus advertising. We supported festivals and worked with charities to give young people opportunities, just like we once had. We may have overdone it so much that we almost lost money.
YUEDPAO T-shirt advertisement on a Bangkok bus. (Photo: B.V.K Bus Media)
We are proud to stand our ground—that even as everything else rises, our prices will not. This reflects our values and our commitment to developing the best products and services for customers. We want to sell more through friendship, to prove our quality, to make our products accessible and recommendable. We have this conviction: If we make good things and sell in large quantities while making lots of friends, we will eventually achieve ‘economies of scale.’ For now, we are proud of our ‘economy of friends’—through reaching a billion in sales, through loyal employees, and through friends we’ve helped with various projects.
We want to remain the naive kid who is bad at math but good at making quality products, low profits but lots of friends, and we hope that one day we can bring a Thai brand to the world stage. Thank you for your love and support.”
From Crisis to Opportunity
Tanongsak Sae-eaw, YUEDPAO’s founder, shared at the PRACHACHAT FORUM: NEXT MOVE Thailand 2025 that shifting from reselling to building their own brand in 2013 brought major challenges. High production costs made competitive pricing impossible, causing sales to plummet 95% and nearly halting the business.
The turning point came from lowering production costs by using surplus fabric—material ordered by factories to replace defects, often resold at 50% discounts—and grade B fabric with minor defects sold at half price. This allowed YUEDPAO to regain competitive pricing.
Tanongsak Sae-eaw, YUEDPAO’s founder
The Winning Strategy
YUEDPAO’s business model focused on three key elements: shape-retaining T-shirts priced at 100 baht, a simplified product line offering only T-shirts, and 100% domestic production. This lean approach enabled better inventory management and tighter cost control, allowing the brand to remain competitive while keeping prices low.
During COVID-19, YUEDPAO increased marketing spending and focused on Facebook and TikTok while physical stores struggled. During the 2021-2022 retail recovery, the brand expanded into shopping centers when rents remained low post-pandemic.
Today, YUEDPAO operates in major shopping centers and has built strong customer trust through distinctive quality and affordable prices.
“The most important thing when starting a business is not to give up, to turn crises into opportunities and recognize your competitive strengths. Listening to customers and developing products according to market demand ensures sustainable growth,” said Tanongsak.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds up a map while speaking at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Surrounded by critics and protesters at the United Nations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told fellow world leaders on Friday that his nation “must finish the job” against Hamas in Gaza, giving a defiant speech despite growing international isolation over his refusal to end the devastating war. “Western leaders may have buckled under the pressure,” he said. “And I guarantee you one thing: Israel won’t.”
Netanyahu’s speech, aimed as much at his increasingly divided domestic audience as the global one, began after dozens of delegates from multiple nations walked out of the U.N. General Assembly hall en masse Friday morning as he began.
Responding to countries’ recent decisions to recognize Palestinian statehood, Netanyahu said: “Your disgraceful decision will encourage terrorism against Jews and against innocent people everywhere.”
As the Israeli leader spoke, unintelligible shouts echoed around the hall, while applause came from supporters in the gallery. Seats allotted to the United States — which has backed Netanyahu in his campaign against Hamas — and the United Kingdom were filled by low-level diplomats instead of senior ambassadors or officials. Many seats were vacant; by Iran’s empty chairs stood a compilation of photos of children that Tehran said were killed during Israel’s war there in June.
“Antisemitism dies hard. In fact, it doesn’t die at all,” said Netanyahu, who routinely accuses critics of antisemitism.
Netanyahu faces international isolation, accusations of war crimes and growing pressure to end a conflict he has continued to escalate. Friday’s speech was his chance to push back on the international community’s biggest platform.
He used it to cast Gaza as the lone remaining front in a wider war, listing recent military missions by Israel to target its enemies and contain threats to its security in Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.
Those efforts have “opened up possibilities for peace,” he said, noting that Israel has begun negotiations with Syria to reach security arrangements with the new government in Damascus. The final challenge, Netanyahu said, is to root out what he called the “final remnants of Hamas.”
He frequently praised U.S. President Donald Trump, his chief ally in his political and military approach in the region.
Delegates leave the General Assembly hall as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu steps up to the podium to speak at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)
Visual aids and loudspeakers deployed
As he has often in the past at the United Nations, Netanyahu held up visual aids — including a map of the region titled “THE CURSE,” which chronicles Israel’s challenges in its neighborhood. He marked it up with a large marker. He wore — and pointed out — a pin with a QR code to a site about the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack that led to the war and about the Israeli hostages taken by the militants.
In what Netanyahu cast as an effort to reach captives still being held in Gaza, the Israeli government set up loudspeakers to blast the speech into the territory, though the military has pushed Palestinians away from its borders. The prime minister’s office also claimed that the Israeli army had taken over mobile phones in Gaza to broadcast his message, though AP journalists inside Gaza saw no immediate evidence of such a broadcast.
In Wadi Gaza — near Gaza City, where Israel launched another major ground operation earlier this month — Palestinians who followed the speech responded with a mix of exhaustion and enduring commitment to their long-sought state.
“Whether he likes it or not, sooner or later, the Palestinian people will gain independence,” said Moneir Talib, who has been displaced from Gaza City.
Amjad Abdel Daiym expressed similar feelings but added: “We are psychologically, physically, morally and financially tired from everything…. When he says that he wants to continue the war to eradicate Hamas members, or Hamas movement or the Hamas government, I only see that the war is continuing against poor people like us.”
Hamas, meanwhile, accused Netanyahu of making false justifications to continue the war. “If he were truly concerned about his captives, he would have stopped his brutal bombardment, genocidal massacres and the destruction of Gaza City,” Hamas said in a statement on its website. “Instead, he lies and continues to endanger their lives.”
A closely watched speech
Netanyahu’s annual speech to the U.N. General Assembly is always closely watched, often protested, reliably emphatic and sometimes a venue for dramatic allegations. But this time, the stakes were higher than ever for the Israeli leader.
The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant accusing Netanyahu of crimes against humanity, which he denies. And the U.N.’s highest court is weighing South Africa’s allegation that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, which it vehemently refutes.
As Netanyahu spoke Friday, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered a few blocks from the heavily secured United Nations.
“Israel has chosen a war against every conscientious human being in this world,” said Nidaa Lafi, an organizer with Palestinian Youth Movement, prompting chants of “shame” from the growing crowd.
Netanyahu’s message was simultaneously applauded by UN Watch, a non-governmental group long supportive of Israel. “His address had a dual tone: defiance in the face of terror, but also a vision for peace with Arab neighbors, and even with a free Iran one day,” the group’s executive director, Hillel Neuer, said in a statement.
Opposition to Netanyahu’s approach is growing
At a special session of the U.N. Security Council this week, nation after nation expressed horror at the 2023 attack by Hamas militants that killed about 1,200 people in Israel, saw 251 taken hostage and triggered the war. Many of the representatives went on to criticize the response by Israel and call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and influx of aid.
Israel’s sweeping offensive has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians in Gaza and displaced 90% of its population, with an increasing number now starving.
Israel hasn’t announced such a move, but several leading members in Netanyahu’s government have advocated for doing so. Officials recently approved a controversial settlement project that would effectively cut the West Bank in two, a move critics say could doom chances for a Palestinian state. Trump and Netanyahu are scheduled to meet Monday, and Trump said on social media Friday that “very inspired and productive discussions” and “intense negotiations” about Gaza are ongoing with countries in the region.
Later Friday, Netanyahu met with the Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has signaled any Israeli annexation of the West Bank could impact the Emirates’ diplomatic recognition deal with Israel known as the Abraham Accords.
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas addressed the General Assembly via video on Thursday, welcoming the recent announcements of recognition but calling on the world to do more. Abbas leads the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority, which administers portions of the West Bank.
Israel captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 Mideast war, then withdrew from Gaza in 2005. The Palestinians want all three territories to form their envisioned state — a process known as the two-state solution. Netanyahu maintains that creating a Palestinian state would reward Hamas.
In his speech, Netanyahu insisted that Israel is battling radical Islam on behalf of all nations.
“You know deep down,” he said, “that Israel is fighting your fight.”
Patong police question British man, 44, after viral video shows him dancing naked on Bangla Road on September 26, 2025.
PHUKET — Patong police have arrested a 44-year-old British national after a viral video showed him dancing naked on Bangla Road’s walking street in the early hours of Friday morning.
The 21-second clip shows the man dancing naked to music on the popular nightlife strip in Patong sub-district, Kathu district, before putting his pants back on, grabbing his shirt from the ground, and running away. The incident occurred at 12:12 a.m.
On September 26, Patong police apprehended Mr. Aidan, 44, a British citizen. During questioning, officers found 0.89 grams of psilocybin mushrooms (magic mushrooms) in his possession, which may have contributed to his behavior. Authorities are awaiting drug test results.
The suspect faces multiple charges including public indecency and obscene behavior, punishable by a fine not exceeding 500 baht. More serious charges include unauthorized possession of Category 5 narcotics (psilocybin mushrooms) and overstaying his visa by 162 days.
The arrest follows another high-profile case involving a Russian man who filmed explicit content with a Thai woman on a pickup truck on Bypass Road in Rassada sub-district, Mueang district. That incident prompted Phuket City police to recommend immigration authorities blacklist the offender.
Police arrest Singaporean man and Thai girlfriend at Din Daeng condominium with 130 "zombie vape" cartridges and cash, on September 26, 2025.
BANGKOK — Police have arrested a Singaporean man and three Thai women for trafficking ‘zombie vapes’—e-cigarette cartridges containing Etomidate, a controlled anesthetic popular among wealthy clients and influencers.
The Women and Children Welfare Protection Division and ONCB Bangkok conducted raids at two luxury condominiums in Huai Khwang and Din Daeng districts, seizing 150 Etomidate vape cartridges, ketamine, and assets worth over 8.3 million baht ($257,500).
Officers first apprehended Ms. Atchariya, 22, and Ms. Khanapich, 27, at a Huai Khwang condominium as they delivered products to customers. The women confessed to selling cartridges at 1,800-2,000 baht ($60-62) each, moving 50-100 units daily to hi-so clients and online celebrities.
Police seize luxury vehicles from 27-year-old suspect arrested for trafficking zombie vape cartridges to wealthy clients and influencers, on September 26, 2025.
Following leads, police conducted a sting operation at a Din Daeng luxury condominium, arresting Singaporean national Mr. Kingley (Tommy), 33, and his Thai girlfriend Ms. Lalita (Ann), 24, with 130 cartridges and over 1 million baht in cash.
All four face charges of trafficking Category 2 narcotics. The Singaporean also faces charges for overstaying his visa.
Etomidate is a medical anesthetic that Thailand reclassified as a Category 2 narcotic in July 2025 after its abuse in vape products. Side effects include euphoria and drowsiness, but overdoses can cause loss of consciousness, zombie-like behavior, oxygen deprivation, and death.
Police seize luxury vehicles from 22-year-old suspect arrested for trafficking zombie vape cartridges to wealthy clients and influencers, on September 26, 2025.
Mr. Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CPF, and Ms. Pimolrat Reepattanavijitkul, Chief People Officer of CP Group and CPF
BANGKOK — Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) and Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) joined the Thailand-China Cooperation Expo 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China.
The event highlights opportunities for trade and investment between the two nations and underlines CPF’s role in driving food security as a producer of high-quality, safe, and sustainable food under the theme “Quality through Sustainovation.” The expo takes place at Challenger Hall, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani during 26-28 September 2025.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Gen Surayud Chulanont, Chairman of the Privy Council, and Mr. Zhang Jianwei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a keynote speech, while Suphajee Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce, also attended the event.
Gen Surayud Chulanont, Chairman of the Privy CouncilZhang Jianwei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand and Suphajee Suthumpun, Minister of Commerce, attended the event.
Distinguished hosts of the event, including Dr. Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, and Mr. Narongsak Phutthaprommongkol, Chairman of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, visited the CPF booth. They were welcomed by Mr. Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CPF, and Ms. Pimolrat Reepattanavijitkul, Chief People Officer of CP Group and CPF, along with the CPF executive team.
A major highlight at CPF’s booth is the success story of “Thai chicken to space”—the first-ever Thai food selected for space missions through Axiom Mission 4. The project reinforces Thailand’s global food safety standards, which meet NASA’s strict requirements for astronaut meals. Visitors can also experience a giant astronaut figure, and walk through a space tunnel simulation, offering an immersive experience of Thailand’s food innovation journey to space.
CPF brings premium, safe, and hygienic products under the CP brand at special prices, including Shrimp Dumplings, Tom Yum Shrimp Dumplings, Pork Bologna, Spicy Pork Bologna, and CP Kurobuta Pork Collar Steaks, etc. Popular food and beverage brands under CPF—Chester’s, Five Star, and Star Coffee—are also serving visitors throughout the event.
In addition to showcasing innovation, CP Group and CPF are co-hosting a Job Fair with over 50 leading Thai and Chinese companies, offering more than 3,600 job openings across multiple sectors. The fair provides opportunities for job seekers to apply and interviews on site.
The Thailand-China Cooperation Expo 2025, organized by the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Board of Trade of Thailand, Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and the Chinese Enterprise Association in Thailand, is being held from September 26–28, 2025, at Challenger Halls 2–3, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
BioActive+, the premium wellness supplement brand from New Zealand, has joined forces with New York skincare icon Kiehl’s to debut the “Complete Your Younger Skin” campaign in Thailand. This first-ever collaboration brings together inner and outer skincare solutions, promoting a holistic approach to beauty and wellness in response to the growing demand for integrated self-care.
This meaningful collaboration is rooted in the shared vision of both brands: that truly youthful, healthy-looking skin can only be sustained when it’s cared for from within—at the cellular level—as well as with effective external skincare. Through this campaign, BioActive+ and Kiehl’s combine their expertise to offer a comprehensive skin health solution, drawing on years of innovation and proven results in their respective products.
BioActive+ is a concentrated liquid supplement powered by AstaReal® and RiaGev®—two advanced ingredients that work synergistically to boost cellular energy, support skin elasticity, and strengthen immunity. Complementing this inner care, Kiehl’s brings its dermatological expertise with the Retinol Micro-Dose Serum, an award-winning, science-backed anti-aging formula clinically proven to visibly smooth wrinkles, firm skin and improve texture while remaining gentle on all skin types, even first-time for retinol users.
Dr. Wasana Intasang, the founder of BioActive NZ 1984 Co Ltd., said, “BioActive+ aims to inspire consumers to prioritize self-care from the inside out. This collaboration with Kiehl’s represents a shared commitment to delivering a truly holistic skincare solution—combining the unique strengths of both brands. Together, we hope to empower customers to embrace a more complete approach to beauty and well-being. Through this campaign, we especially hope to encourage younger generations to start their self-care journey early with high-quality, effective products.”
Sutthirak Subvijitra, co-founder of BioActive+, added, “At BioActive+, we place strong emphasis on research and development, as well as the use of high-quality ingredients. Our collaboration with Kiehl’s—renowned for its science-backed skincare—perfectly aligns with our mission to promote the concept of inside-out self-care to a wider audience.”
Wiphavee Thabsakul, General Manager – L’Oréal Luxe, noted, “Kiehl’s is deeply committed to developing high-performance skincare backed by science. This collaboration with BioActive+ reflects our shared belief in the power of research-driven results and our mutual vision for holistic beauty. With the launch of the Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum alongside BioActive+, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of inside-out care and help consumers understand how to achieve healthier, younger-looking skin on a deeper, more meaningful level.
To celebrate the official launch of the “Complete Your Younger Skin” campaign, BioActive+ and Kiehl’s are rolling out a series of exciting activities throughout September 2025:
“BioActive+ Paint the Town Red” | September 4–10 at RED AREA
Kick off the campaign with a week-long wellness pop-up where visitors can enjoy complimentary skin health checks using Kiehl’s cutting-edge Derma Reader Pro, along with free samples of BioActive+ Slurpy—a fun and refreshing way to support beauty from within.
TikTok Shop Mystery Box Giveaway | September 4–30
BioActive+ and Kiehl’s take the excitement online with a month-long giveaway on their TikTok Shops. Fans can receive exclusive mystery boxes packed with premium BioActive+ supplements and Kiehl’s signature Routine Kits—designed to surprise and delight.
Kiehl’s The Youth Lab Event | September 25–October 1 at Central Ladprao, Zone A Experience skincare innovation firsthand at this interactive event. Guests will receive a deep skin analysis using the Derma Reader Pro and enjoy access to exclusive offers, personalized consultations, and special gifts.
The “Complete Your Younger Skin” campaign is an invitation for consumers to embrace a new, science-backed approach to beauty. By combining the strengths of inner wellness and outer care, BioActive+ and Kiehl’s aim to raise awareness about holistic skincare and inspire a deeper understanding of anti-aging solutions from the inside out.
Krabi Province has reinforced its commitment to creating safe, drug-free communities through the “No Drugs, No Dealers” campaign.
Governor Angkura Siladhewakul announced that the province is driving forward anti-drug operations with a three-pronged approach: prevention, suppression, and rehabilitation. These measures are being implemented in close collaboration with government agencies and related organizations, with progress reported directly to the Provincial Center for Drug Prevention and Suppression.
In recognition of outstanding contributions in 2025, Krabi received national awards for excellence in anti-drug efforts. Honorees include Dr. Wirayut Sonthimuang, Acting Director of Koh Lanta Hospital (Outstanding Treatment), Pol. Capt. Narong Onthong, Commander of Border Patrol Police Company 426 (Outstanding Suppression), and the Laem Sak Community Rehabilitation Center in Ao Luek District (Outstanding Treatment Organization).
On September 14, 2025, Governor Angkoon, together with district leaders and law enforcement, announced the arrest of two suspects with 186,150 methamphetamine pills seized. This follows earlier seizures of more than 1.3 million pills in Krabi this year. The governor praised the dedication of law enforcement officers and confirmed that all confiscated drugs are securely stored and destroyed after legal procedures.
“Krabi will continue strong and coordinated efforts to combat narcotics, prevent crime, and ensure safety for residents and tourists,” said Governor Angkoon. “We invite the public to support these efforts by reporting any information via the 191 hotline, available 24 hours a day.”
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister hold a press conference in front of the Thai Khu Fah Building at Government House on September 26, 2025.
BANGKOK — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul officially began his tenure as government leader on Friday with a ceremony paying respects to sacred shrines at Government House. He is expected to serve just four months before dissolving parliament, with new general elections likely in late March or early April 2026.
On September 26, Anutin personally restored the replica Narasingha lion statue to its original position on the Thai Khu Fah Building’s balcony, where it stood during Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha’s eight-year tenure. The feng shui gesture echoed Prayut’s style and signaled continuity with conservative governance.
If Anutin fulfills his promise, parliament will dissolve early—a normal occurrence in parliamentary democracies. But Thailand’s democracy remains unstable: the country has endured three military coups in 34 years and operates under a 2017 constitution that gives the Constitutional Court power to oust elected prime ministers.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul personally relocates the replica Narasingha lion statue back to the Thai Khu Fah Building’s 2nd-floor balcony on September 26, 2025.
Strategic Alliance Behind New Government
Anutin, leader of the third-place Bhumjaithai Party (69 seats), secured the premiership through an unusual deal with the first-place People’s Party (142 seats). The reformist People’s Party agreed not to join the government in exchange for early dissolution and constitutional reform efforts—rejecting Pheu Thai’s offer of immediate dissolution following their candidate’s elevation.
The alliance between the liberal People’s Party and conservative Bhumjaithai appears designed to weaken their common rival, Pheu Thai, before the next election. Bhumjaithai aims to leap from third to first by absorbing conservative coalition members from Prayut’s government, with at least eight Pheu Thai MPs already defecting.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, front row ninth from left, with his cabinet pose for photograph at the government house in Bangkok Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Pattarayoot Phukpol)
The timing favors Anutin as Pheu Thai reels from losing two prime ministers—Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra—consecutively to Constitutional Court rulings, each ousted within a year of taking office, while patriarch Thaksin Shinawatra begins his one-year prison term anew in jail, after completing one year of hospital detention under royal pardon.
Cabinet of Familiar Faces and Technocrats
Anutin’s cabinet blends recycled politicians with respected technocrats. Former ministers sidelined during Pheu Thai’s tenure returned to prominence: Thammanat Prompao as Agriculture Minister and Suchart Chomklin as Deputy PM and Natural Resources Minister. New technocrat appointments include Ekniti Nitithanprapas as Deputy PM and Finance Minister, and Suphajee Suthumphan as Commerce Minister.
Pheu Thai supporters have accused mainstream and online media of double standards, noting outlets that criticized these same individuals during Pheu Thai’s government now remain silent, and those who labeled Pheu Thai a “dynasty government” now call ministers’ children, including PM Secretary-General Traisuli Traisoranakul, “new generation political heirs.”
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister hold a press conference with Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumphan and Deputy PM and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas standing behind them at Government House on September 24, 2025.
Border Crisis and Military Power
Anutin inherits escalating tensions with Cambodia—a crisis that helped topple former PM Paetongtarn last month after leaked conversations with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen during border negotiations. The dispute has dragged on for over four months, damaging Thailand’s economy.
The prime minister has given the military carte blanche to handle the border crisis, declining to assert civilian oversight.
“That area is under martial law, so decision-making and sovereignty protection are the direct powers of the 2nd Army Commander,” Anutin said. “The military can exercise full discretion without looking back. We’re ready to give the green light all the way.”
This deference to military authority may benefit Anutin politically in the short term but cedes leverage the government might need in future negotiations.
Bhumjaithai Party MPs submit a constitutional amendment draft to establish a Constitution Drafting Assembly not directly elected by the people, to House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha at Parliament Building on September 26, 2025.
Policy Agenda: Old Programs, New Packaging
In his policy statement scheduled for September 29-30, Anutin outlined five priorities: economy, security, society, natural disasters and environment, and public administration reform. He plans to revive Prayut’s popular “็Half-Half” co-payment subsidy program while opposing casino-inclusive entertainment complexes.
Conspicuously absent was cannabis liberalization—the signature policy that built Anutin’s brand. Political observers expect it to resurface during election campaigns against Pheu Thai, with the first clash coming in a September 28 by-election in Si Sa Ket Province’s 5th district.
Whether Anutin’s brief government can achieve meaningful reforms while preparing for elections remains uncertain, but his four-month promise has set the clock ticking on Thailand’s latest political transition.
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) organized the official press conference “Together We Rise” to launch the sponsorship program for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) and the 13th ASEAN Para Games at Central Court, 1st Floor, CentralWorld, Bangkok. Dr. Gongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, joined by Mr. Chalitrat Chandrubeksa, Deputy Secretary General of the Olympic Committee of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of H.M the King, Senior Colonel Dr. Wandee Tosuwan Secretary General of Asean Para Sports Federation, Dr. Kittipong Photimu Vice President of Paralympic Committee of Thailand attended the ceremony as well as SAT executives, representatives from over 20 sponsoring organizations, honored guests, and members of the media.
Dr. Gongsak Yodmanee stated that the 33rd SEA Games, themed “Green SEA Games,” will take place from December 9–20, 2025 in Bangkok, Chonburi, and Songkhla provinces. The competitions will be followed by the 13th ASEAN Para Games, themed “Sustainable Paralympics,” from January 20–26, 2026 in Nakhon Ratchasima. Both events will showcase the capabilities of athletes from 11 ASEAN member nations while strengthening friendship, unity, and mutual understanding across the region.
He added that Thailand, as host nation, is fully committed to delivering world-class competitions in every dimension from sporting standards, facilities, and safety to hospitality. The aim is to provide athletes, officials, spectators, and tourists with a memorable experience, while also boosting tourism, trade, investment, and promoting Thai culture worldwide. The “Green SEA Games” and “Sustainable Paralympics” initiatives emphasize reducing greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging the use of eco-friendly materials, preserving natural resources, and leveraging modern communication technologies to promote public engagement and elevate the competitions to international standards.
“This success would not be possible without collaboration from all sectors, especially the more than 20 private organizations that play a vital role in funding, resources, and innovation. Today’s sponsor launch is not just a symbolic event, but a demonstration of the power of cooperation, trust, and shared pride among the Thai people and ASEAN citizens. I would like to invite all organizations and Thai citizens to unite as gracious hosts, welcoming athletes from across the region with smiles and hospitality. This will prove that ‘Together We Rise’ when we join forces, we can always achieve greatness,” the SAT Governor affirmed.
Official sponsors of the 33rd SEA Games and 13th ASEAN Para Games (to date) include: Ajinomoto (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Daikin Industries (Thailand) Co., Ltd., TikTok (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Roojai Insurance PCL, Major Cineplex Group PCL, Central Pattana PCL, Charoen Pokphand Group, CP All PCL, Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CPF), CP AXTRA PCL, TRUE Corporation PCL, Ascend Money Co., Ltd. (TrueMoney), Amaze Super App, Bangkok Packaging PCL, ThaiNamthip Corporation Ltd., Thai Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Sushiro GH (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Space Gym Co., Ltd., Nestlé (Thai) Ltd., Krungthai Bank PCL, Solid Ground Movement Co., Ltd., Canon Marketing (Thailand) Co., Ltd., TrueVisions Group Co., Ltd., Sense More Corporation Co., Ltd., KingsPack Industrial Co., Ltd., the Thai Y Content Promotion Association, and Thai Beverage PCL.
The press conference also featured a wide range of activities from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Highlights included a special talk session with Thai sports heroes, international medalists, coaches, and figures from the sporting community sharing inspiring experiences and perspectives. A poetry reading celebrated sports and athletes, expressing determination and competitive spirit through art. Exhibitions presented the history and significance of the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games, sporting disciplines, athletes, and sponsors. Sponsors also hosted stage activities, offering fun, engagement, and closer insight into the competitions.
