Wild elephant Plai Duan wanders out of Khao Yai Park again

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26 July 2026, 17:04

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 26 July 2026, Plai Duan, a wild elephant known for regularly venturing outside Khao Yai National Park in search of food, was spotted rummaging through a local resident’s home early Sunday morning.

A video posted on Facebook by Prathap Wang Lik Klang, a volunteer involved in pushing wild elephants back into Khao Yai National Park, showed Plai Duan foraging outside the park before entering a house in Mu Si subdistrict, Pak Chong district, to search for food.

The incident reportedly took place at around 06:00, as the elephant was apparently heading back into the park after spending time foraging outside its boundaries.

However, Plai Duan appeared to make a brief stop at the house to look for something to eat before continuing on its way.

The elephant is one of several wild elephants from Khao Yai National Park that regularly venture outside the park to search for food, with such sightings occurring almost daily.

The problem of wild elephants leaving the park in search of food has continued for many years. Authorities and relevant agencies are working to find sustainable solutions to reduce conflicts between local communities and wild elephants and enable people and elephants to coexist.

Thai parents say daughter was duped into carrying crystal meth

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26 July 2026, 16:21

26 July 2026, The parents of a 28-year-old Thai woman detained at Fukuoka Airport in Japan after crystal methamphetamine was allegedly found hidden in a coffee packet have appealed for authorities to investigate the person who hired her to carry the parcel.

The woman, identified as Juthathip, 28, travelled to Japan on 11 July with her 28-year-old boyfriend, Sarawut, and another friend. The three reportedly worked as freelance luggage carriers, transporting goods for Thai people living in Japan.

Upon arrival at Fukuoka Airport on 12 July at around 07:00, Japanese authorities searched their luggage and allegedly found crystal meth hidden inside a coffee packet belonging to Juthathip. She was subsequently detained.

Her parents, Thanatsak, 53, and Kanyavee, 45, said they believed their daughter may have been deceived into carrying the drugs. They also urged relevant authorities to investigate whether the person who arranged for the parcel to be transported to Japan was part of an organised operation.

Sarawut said Juthathip had created a Line group called THIENTHIEN SHOP last year to offer a luggage-carrying service for Thai people living in Japan and those wishing to send goods there.

On 10 July, a Line user named “ing ing” contacted the group and asked Juthathip to carry a parcel to Japan. The goods, weighing about 12kg, were packed in a brown box sealed tightly with tape.

Sarawut said he was unsure whether his girlfriend had opened the box to inspect its contents. The same customer had previously hired her to transport goods in May, so they did not initially suspect anything unusual.

After the group arrived in Japan, airport officials questioned all three travellers. Sarawut and his friend were questioned from around 08:00 to 19:00 before being released, while Juthathip remained in custody. They were not initially told what offence she was suspected of committing.

The following day, Sarawut contacted the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Fukuoka and was told to wait for Japanese police to provide further information as the investigation was still ongoing.

The consulate later informed the family that a stimulant substance had been detected, although it was initially unclear which item it had been found in.

On 22 July, the family received a notice from the consulate stating that crystal meth had allegedly been found hidden inside a coffee packet.

The group had carried a total of nine boxes to Japan. Customers collected all the parcels except the one sent by the Line user “ing ing”, who did not contact them to collect it and subsequently blocked their communication channels.

The customer had paid Juthathip 3,600 baht for the service. The payment was reportedly made from an account under the name HO THI MAI.

Kanyavee said the family was informed by the Thai consulate on 22 July that her daughter had been arrested at Fukuoka Airport on suspicion of importing crystal meth.

Shocked by the news, the family went to Bang Bua Thong Police Station in Nonthaburi to file a report and request CCTV footage from the housing estate where Juthathip lived, hoping to identify who had delivered the parcel.

The family said it had since obtained information and handed all available evidence to investigators at Bang Bua Thong Police Station.

Kanyavee said the family was extremely worried because they had been unable to contact Juthathip. She urged relevant agencies to provide updates on the case and investigate the person who allegedly delivered the parcel containing the drugs to her daughter.

She also asked authorities to determine whether the individual was connected to any previously reported drug-smuggling cases.

“We have to accept that our daughter was arrested because she was not careful enough and failed to properly inspect the goods inside the box,” Kanyavee said.

“However, I can confirm that from childhood until now, my daughter has never been involved with drugs. We ask the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this matter.”

JIC chief says Thailand strictly follows 27 December 2025 deal with Cambodia

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26 July 2026, 15:25

BANGKOK — Thailand is strictly adhering to the joint agreement reached on 27 December 2025, while warning that Cambodia’s use of global celebrities to amplify one-sided information could distort the international community’s understanding of the situation, a senior Thai military official said on 26 July 2026.

Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sonjaidee, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force and director of the Joint Information Centre (JIC) on the Thailand-Cambodia situation, said Thailand respected humanitarian principles and understood the international community’s concerns over people affected by the conflict.

However, he said humanitarian principles could not be fully upheld if they were based on one-sided information or unverified allegations.

Prapas reiterated that Thailand had strictly complied with the joint agreement of 27 December 2025, including the cessation of hostilities, avoiding provocations, reducing tensions and refraining from disseminating information that could worsen the situation.

At the same time, he said Thailand continued to see attempts to spread one-sided information, cite unverified figures and link humanitarian issues with political allegations and claims involving international law.

The JIC chief warned Cambodia that using global celebrities to amplify one-sided information risked turning them into unwitting tools in information operations.

“Using globally recognised figures to amplify awareness based on information from only one side risks giving the international community an incomplete picture of the situation and could unintentionally make them tools in information operations,” Prapas said.

He stressed that Thailand had never rejected humanitarian assistance or opposed efforts to care for those affected by the conflict.

“Thailand has never rejected humanitarian assistance and has never opposed caring for those affected. But we ask all sides to uphold verified facts and present information comprehensively. If we want peace, we must stop provocations, stop spreading unverified news and respect the commitments agreed upon by both sides,” he said.

Prapas added that peace could not be achieved while the situation was being fuelled by media reports and accusations.

“Peace cannot happen if one side follows the agreement while the other continues to create news narratives, make accusations through the media and undermine an atmosphere of trust,” he said.

Thailand, he said, remained ready to engage in dialogue, cooperate and provide humanitarian assistance. However, it would not accept the use of humanitarian issues as a tool for political pressure or the distortion of facts before the international community.

“Truth, responsibility and respect for the joint agreement are the only paths towards lasting peace,” the JIC chief said.

Police track drug gang, seize 9.56 million meth pills

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26 July 2026, 15:11

SARABURI — Police have arrested two men and seized 9.56 million methamphetamine pills worth more than 500 million baht from a makeshift shelter, allegedly as the suspects prepared to transport the drugs into inner areas for distribution.

Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau officers announced the arrest of two suspects, identified as Komsan, 30, and Thannawat, 45.

The pair were arrested at an unnumbered makeshift shelter in Nong Khaem subdistrict, Nong Khae district, Saraburi, where police found 9.56 million meth pills allegedly hidden inside.

The operation followed an investigation launched early this year after narcotics suppression officers arrested members of a major drug network and seized a large quantity of drugs.

Investigators found that the network allegedly transported drugs and hid them in Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

Further investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly collected drugs from a major trafficker who used a van to transport narcotics. The drugs were reportedly hidden at the Saraburi shelter to evade police detection.

Police later learned that the network would use vans to collect drugs from a major dealer in central Thailand before storing them in inner areas and distributing them.

After conducting surveillance and tracking the suspects, officers identified the shelter as a suspected drug storage site. They subsequently raided the location and arrested the two suspects.

The 9.56 million meth pills were allegedly being stored at the shelter specifically for distribution. Police are continuing to investigate the wider network and pursue other suspects.

The two men were initially charged with jointly possessing and distributing Category 1 narcotics, methamphetamine, without permission, allegedly for commercial purposes and in a manner that could cause widespread distribution and threaten public safety or state security.

Further legal proceedings are underway.

iLaw director dares Anutin, Bhumjaithai to explain Senate case

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26 July 2026, 14:53

BANGKOK — 26 July 2026, People’s Party MP and opposition whip Parit Wacharasindhu has challenged Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Bhumjaithai Party figures to explain allegations surrounding an alleged Senate election collusion case, warning that the opposition could take legal action against the Election Commission (EC) if the case is dropped.

Speaking at Parliament at 12:30 on 26 July 2026, Parit responded to Bhumjaithai Party MP Supachai Jaisamut’s claim that a defamation lawsuit against iLaw director Yingcheep Atchanont over the Senate case was ready.

Parit said those who should be preparing themselves were the people accused in the case, rather than the opposition.

He urged Anutin, Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Suksomruay Wantanayakul and former deputy House speaker Supachai Phosu to answer questions raised publicly about the alleged Senate election collusion.

Parit said he was confident that the information presented was already contained in case files held by the EC and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

He said the evidence was not limited to witness testimony but also included alleged financial trails, flight bookings and hotel reservations that could be independently verified.

He added that claims made by witnesses about meetings at specific hotels and on specific dates could also be checked through objective evidence.

Parit dismissed concerns that some witnesses were Senate candidates with vested interests, saying many were reserve senators or candidates who had already lost in the election and would not become senators even if the entire Senate were removed.

“If the information they provide is untrue, those involved should simply come out and explain it,” Parit said, arguing that the failure to respond could increase public suspicion.

He also warned the EC against selectively pursuing cases based on political affiliations, describing a potential scenario as “sacrificing light blue to protect dark blue” — a reference to allegedly protecting more powerful figures within the Bhumjaithai political network.

Parit said he expected the EC to forward the case to court so that the evidence could be examined through the judicial process.

If the EC drops charges against some or all of the 229 people involved, he said legal action could be considered against EC officials for alleged abuse of authority.

Parit also warned that if Anutin and other government figures failed to answer the opposition’s questions, the opposition could launch a no-confidence debate, while also using parliamentary questions and committee investigations.

Meanwhile, iLaw director Yingcheep Atchanont said he had access to only a small portion of the evidence contained in the EC and DSI files, which he estimated at around 90,000 pages.

Yingcheep said the information available to him represented only about 5% of the EC’s material, while the evidence he had publicly disclosed so far was only a fraction of what he possessed.

He said that if the EC brings charges, the full evidence would be presented in court through the judicial process. If suspects were acquitted despite what he described as clear evidence, he said he would have no choice but to release relevant information publicly.

Yingcheep also challenged those named in the allegations to come forward and explain the facts.

“If they come out and explain everything, then it is over,” he said, adding that the people involved knew far more about the events than he did.

Asked about claims that witness testimony was unreliable, Yingcheep said the public could decide whether to believe the witnesses, but insisted that there were numerous witnesses and financial trails connected to the case.

He said he was prepared to respond to any legal complaints filed against him and would appear to acknowledge any charges if summoned.

Yingcheep also said that if the EC dropped the case and the judicial process ended without charges, he would consider releasing additional financial trail evidence.

However, if the EC quickly brings charges, he said he would stop making public statements and allow the evidence to be presented in court.

He called on the opposition to use parliamentary mechanisms to press the prime minister, ministers and government figures to answer questions about the allegations.

Sneezing driver loses control, crashes into Chiang Mai pole

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26 July 2026, 14:27

CHIANG MAI — 25 July 2026, A pickup truck driver suffered minor injuries after reportedly losing control of his vehicle while sneezing and crashing into a construction barrier and a streetlight.

Hang Dong police received a report of an accident on the Chiang Mai–Hot Road near the Samoeng intersection, inbound towards Chiang Mai city in Hang Dong district.

Police and a rescue patrol unit were dispatched to the scene.

They found a black Chevrolet pickup truck that had reportedly lost control, crashed through a construction barrier and then struck a streetlight on the central reservation. The vehicle was heavily damaged.

The male driver told authorities that he sneezed while driving and lost control of the vehicle, resulting in the crash. He suffered minor chest injuries.

A second pickup truck travelling behind the vehicle also hit a construction barrier that had been knocked into the road. The vehicle sustained minor damage, but no one was injured.

Authorities warned that accidents can happen within seconds, even because of unexpected events such as sneezing or briefly taking one’s eyes off the road.

Motorists are urged to drive carefully, maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead and, if they are not in a condition to drive safely, stop and rest at a safe location before continuing.

Anutin says “noted” after call to sue iLaw director

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26 July 2026, 13:37

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has responded to a Facebook post supporting legal action against iLaw director Yingcheep Atchanont over the disclosure of politicians’ names in an alleged Senate election collusion case.

On 26 July 2026, Anutin reportedly confirmed that he would pursue legal action against Yingcheep, director of the Internet Dialogue on Law Reform (iLaw), after nine individuals, including the prime minister and politicians from the Bhumjaithai Party, were named in connection with the case.

The development came after the Facebook page “Raksa Phaendin” posted a message expressing support for Anutin and other relevant parties to pursue legal action against Yingcheep and iLaw “to the fullest extent.”

Anutin responded to the post with the comment: “Noted. Will act accordingly.”

Thai woman urges people to stop online attacks on Italian woman

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26 July 2026, 12:04

Sugas, the Thai woman involved in a recent incident with Italian tourists, has called on the public to stop harassing the Italian woman involved, after the two appeared to reconcile.

Sugas recently shared a photo of herself embracing the Italian woman, who was seen in a viral video during the incident involving a group of Italian tourists.

She said the woman had sincerely apologised and thanked everyone who had supported and stood by her after she was insulted and allegedly harassed.

“We truly thank everyone who protected us and stood by us when we were insulted and harassed. We felt your goodwill and will never forget the encouragement we received,” Sugas wrote.

She said she believed the tourists were now aware of how much their actions had affected others, through the legal process, public criticism and the consequences that followed.

However, Sugas said the Italian woman involved was now facing intense online harassment, including insults, threats and messages telling her to die.

“This is the same thing we once experienced, and we don’t want anyone to go through something like this, regardless of which side they are on,” she said.

Sugas thanked everyone who had supported her and hoped the incident would serve as a shared lesson that both Thai and foreign nationals deserve respect.

“No one should be insulted or harassed like what happened in this incident again,” she said.

Paetongtarn posts birthday tribute to father Thaksin

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26 July 2026, 11:52

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s 77th birthday was marked by birthday tributes from his daughter, former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and political figures and supporters on 26 July 2026.

Paetongtarn posted an Instagram Story wishing her father a happy birthday, sharing a video featuring moments from Thaksin’s life and the times he had been by her side.

On the same day, former Lampang MP Thanatorn Lorthsunthorn and his wife, Raphassorn Niyamosot, also shared photos on Facebook showing them dining with Thaksin.

Raphassorn, a former Lampang MP who resigned from the People’s Party before joining Pheu Thai for the latest election, wrote a birthday message wishing Thaksin good health and describing him as an inspirational figure for younger generations.

Thanatorn also shared his wife’s post, writing: “Happy 77th birthday, Mr Thaksin, the prime minister in our hearts.”

The posts drew numerous birthday wishes from members of the public and Thaksin supporters in Lampang. Many shared stickers and messages wishing the former prime minister well, with some describing him as their favourite prime minister.

Some supporters also said they believed Thaksin was well suited to help address Thailand’s economic difficulties and people’s cost-of-living concerns amid the current economic climate.

Nonthaburi hotel allegedly served Chinese clients only

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26 July 2026, 11:12

NONTHABURI — 26 July 2026, More than 100 police officers raided a hotel, uncovering what authorities described as a base allegedly operated by Chinese grey capital offering gambling, drug parties and prostitution services exclusively to Chinese customers.

The raid was carried out under a search warrant issued by the Criminal Court at a hotel on Ngam Wong Wan Road in Bang Khen subdistrict, Mueang district, Nonthaburi.

Police found more than 40 people staying at the hotel, most of them Chinese, Shan and Myanmar nationals. Officers seized more than 200 items, including ketamine and Happy Water, drug packaging equipment, gambling materials such as chips, cards, dice and baccarat and hi-lo tables, as well as cash, bank account records, ATM cards, mobile phones and CCTV data.

A 33-year-old Chinese man was arrested on suspicion of possessing and selling a Category 2 psychotropic substance, ketamine, for commercial purposes and in a manner that could lead to its distribution among the public.

Three Myanmar nationals, aged between 24 and 31, were also arrested for allegedly entering and staying in Thailand without permission.

The operation followed complaints to the Crime Suppression Division that Chinese nationals were entering and leaving the hotel around the clock, while the premises were not open to the general public. Residents also reported alleged illegal gambling, drug parties and regular gatherings.

Investigators found that the hotel had unusually tight security. Guards at the car park reportedly alerted staff by radio whenever customers arrived before escorting them to a key-card-controlled lift. Customers then had to walk up stairs to the seventh and eighth floors, where someone with a key would open the doors. Even cleaning staff were reportedly prohibited from entering the areas.

Investigators said a Chinese grey-capital group had allegedly rented the entire hotel to serve Chinese customers exclusively. The second to sixth floors were reportedly used as accommodation, while the seventh and eighth floors had been converted into gambling venues and drug party spaces.

The operation allegedly included airport van transfers and a range of services covering accommodation, gambling, drugs and prostitution. Most staff were reportedly Chinese, allowing the group to tightly control access and prevent outsiders from entering.

Police also found that immigration officers had raided the hotel in 2023, arresting 26 Chinese gamblers and 23 Thai nationals and seizing gambling tables, slot machines and other equipment. The hotel was subsequently closed for renovations before reopening with tighter security.

During questioning, the Chinese suspect claimed he was merely a hotel foreman whose job was to deliver drugs to customers on instructions. He allegedly said drugs were stored in hotel rooms and delivered to designated locations or collected by customers after orders were placed.

He denied ownership of the drugs and 110,000 baht in cash found inside a safe.

The three Myanmar suspects reportedly confessed to illegally entering Thailand to work in construction.

Following the raid, police handed the suspects and seized evidence over to investigators at Rattanathibet Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities will also expand the investigation to identify others allegedly involved in the Chinese grey-capital network.

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