Thailand’s Royal Irrigation Department (RID), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched a special project funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to address recurring floods and droughts. The initiative integrates Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) strategies and emphasizes community participation to enhance long-term water management and agricultural resilience through data, technology and participatory infrastructure development.
Reliable Weather and Water Data for Climate-Smart Agriculture
To support better agricultural planning, the project will provide reliable weather and water data. This will help farmers adjust their planting cycles and reduce risks from extreme weather events. Training sessions will be also held to ensure effective use of this information for improved productivity and sustainability.
Strengthening Water Infrastructure with Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) and Community Engagement
The project will construct new floodgates and upgrade existing infrastructure to improve water management and reduce flood and drought risks. Additionally, EbA approaches, such as wetland restoration and natural water retention systems, will be integrated to enhance resilience and sustainability.
Local communities will play an active role in planning and decision-making, ensuring that infrastructure improvements align with their needs. By combining engineering solutions with nature-based approaches, the project aims to create more effective and sustainable water management systems.
Supporting Agricultural Technology and Resilient Farming Practices
Farmers will receive training on modern agricultural technologies and best practices for improving water efficiency, increasing productivity, and adapting to climate variability. The project will also support access to essential tools and resources, helping communities build long-term resilience and improve market opportunities.
Promoting Inclusive Participation and Gender Equality
Recognizing the importance of inclusive development, the project ensures that both men and women farmers have equal access to resources, training, and decision-making opportunities. This approach strengthens community resilience and ensures that climate adaptation strategies benefit all members of society.
The golden Dusit Thani Hotel rises among Bangkok's towering skyscrapers.
BANGKOK — Dusit Thani Public Company Limited announced major leadership changes Friday, with the resignation of Group Chief Executive Officer Suphajee Suthumpun and the appointment of her replacement, effective immediately.
The company’s Board of Directors Meeting No. 11/2025, held on September 12, approved several significant resolutions following Suphajee’s departure from her dual roles as Director and Group CEO.
New Leadership Takes Charge
Chanin Donavanik has been appointed as the new Group Chief Executive Officer, taking over from Suphajee who cited “other commitments requiring her full-time dedication” as the reason for her resignation.
The board also approved the appointment of Pakhawat Kovithvathanaphong as Director, filling the board position vacated by Suphajee’s departure.
Suphajee Suthumpun and Chanin Donavanik pose together during the press conference announcing the CEO and Director changes at Dusit Thani on September 12, 2025.
Board Restructuring
In additional changes, Somprasong Boonyachai was appointed as Independent Director, replacing Nualphan Lamsam who had previously resigned from the position.
The leadership transition also required updates to the company’s signing authority structure. The board approved changes to reflect the new composition, with signing power now held jointly by any two of three directors: Chanin Donavanik, Sinee Thienprasiddhi, and Pakhawat Kovithvathanaphong.
Immediate Implementation
All appointments and changes to the directors’ signing authority took effect on September 12, 2025, ensuring continuity in the hotel group’s operations during the leadership transition. The announcements were made in compliance with Stock Exchange of Thailand notification requirements, reflecting the company’s commitment to transparency in corporate governance matters.
The golden Dusit Thani Hotel rises among Bangkok’s towering skyscrapers.
Corporate Battle Intensifies
The leadership changes come amid a bitter family feud within Dusit Thani’s founding dynasty. The 76-year-old hotel empire faces unprecedented turmoil as the founding family remains locked in a corporate battle, with an extraordinary shareholder meeting scheduled for September 26, 2025, that could potentially remove newly appointed CEO Chanin Donavanik from the board entirely.
Chanin, son of late founder Lady Chanut Piyaoui, has accused his two sisters of orchestrating what he calls an “unjust takeover” of the family business. The appointment of Chanin as CEO appears to be a strategic move in the ongoing power struggle, though his position remains precarious with the upcoming shareholder vote that could determine control of the luxury hotel group.
Political Appointment
Suphajee’s resignation becomes clearer in light of her acceptance of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s proposal to serve as Commerce Minister in the new administration. The former CEO’s move from corporate leadership to a cabinet position explains her cited reason of “other commitments requiring her full-time dedication.”
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul introduces Suphajee Suthumpun, who will serve as Commerce Minister, at Bhumjaithai Party headquarters on September 10, 2025.
Suphajee Suthumpun outlined her priorities during a September 12 press conference, emphasizing her intention to leverage both domestic and international experience to address Thailand’s multifaceted economic challenges.
Acknowledging the limited timeframe of just four months before the general election, Suphajee stated her commitment to fast-tracking key policies that can deliver rapid results. She specifically highlighted cost-of-living concerns and broader macroeconomic issues as priority areas requiring immediate attention.
Meanwhile, the corporate infighting at Dusit Thani has cast uncertainty over the future direction of the luxury hotel group, which operates properties across Thailand and internationally, making the leadership crisis particularly significant for the broader hospitality industry.
Chanthaburi border checkpoint remains closed on September 11, 2025, despite GBC talks in Koh Kong promising potential reopening of select checkpoints to ease economic hardship.
The Japanese Embassy in Bangkok probably didn’t see it coming.
Yesterday, 11 September, 2025, after the Embassy posted a comment from the Japan Foreign Affairs Spokesperson regarding Japan’s support for the planned reopening of some border checkpoints along the Thai-Cambodian border (which is now being opposed by some Thais, including the popular Second Army Region Commander Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang), the embassy came under fervent attack by ultra-nationalist Thais on its Facebook page.
This came after the Japanese government proposed that Thailand and Cambodia consider discussing the reopening of certain border crossings to allow for the transport of essential goods and maintain the security of the supply chain.
A large number of Thai ultra-nationalists have since commented on the Japanese Embassy in Thailand’s Facebook page. They’ve criticised the Japanese government’s stance, with many expressing disappointment and some demanding an explanation from Japan.
Thanavadee Pauw posted the following comment below the Japanese Embassy’s post in Thai; it attracted over 500 likes after 15 hours. Here is the English translation.
”Is this a great friend [of Thailand] for over 400 years? So, you see the sovereignty of Thailand as a business to line your own pockets, do you? Are you a friend or a foe? You moved your factories to Cambodia on your own, didn’t you? For cheaper labour than in Thailand. You have to be responsible for your own business, not Thailand.
”What does your business have to do with Thai sovereignty? Do you want Thai people to boycott your products? Do we Thais have to go back to singing ‘Made in Thailand’ again? … And when Thailand lost the Preah Vihear temple, one of the committee members who voted for the temple to belong to Cambodia was Japan. You never came to see the geographical conditions even once to see what kind of terrain the temple is on. The words ‘friend’ and ‘foe’ sound similar but have different meanings. Don’t interfere with the sovereignty of Thailand. Every country should respect the sovereignty of other nations. Opening the border is like supporting scammers, call centres, and casinos, giving the Hun Sen family money to buy weapons to harm the Thai people.”
Another Thai, Arisa Chatharaboontha, posted the following message in Thai on the Japanese Embassy’s Facebook page. This one attracted over 1,600 likes as of 11 am today, a day after.
”To the Government of Japan
Regarding the recent events, Cambodia has used heavy weapons, which resulted in the death of Thai people. Missiles and other heavy weapons remain in Cambodia’s possession, and they are capable of firing them at Thai communities. They may also use long-range missiles to strike military bases and industrial factories in Thailand’s eastern region, including those belonging to Japan and other countries.
”Thailand has therefore had to close the border to pressure Cambodia into ceasing its policy of military violence, bombing, and the accumulation and movement of heavy weapons near the Thai border, as well as its opportunistic and hostile military actions against Thailand. This measure is also intended to expedite successful border demarcation negotiations.
”The Japanese Ambassador is directly interfering in the conflict using trade, without understanding the security implications for the Kingdom of Thailand. This makes Thailand’s tactical operations extremely difficult and causes distress and fear among Thai people in the border areas who rely on the highest level of protection from Thailand’s security forces.
”We would like the Government of Japan and the Ambassador to exercise greater prudence in your stance and to avoid pressuring for an abrupt end to the conflict. You should use the alternative shipping routes that already exist for sending goods to Cambodia, such as seaports and airports, and take responsibility not to compromise any of Thailand’s security policies during this dangerous time.
”Furthermore, prioritising your business interests by requesting the reopening of land border crossings may come at the cost of the lives of Thai people and Thai soldiers, as well as the risk of Cambodian missiles striking your factories and those of other countries in the eastern region. Please do not forget that Cambodian military spies and illegal labourers can infiltrate the Kingdom of Thailand via cross-border cargo trucks.”
Such strong sentiments by ultra-nationalist Thais are regrettable and counter-productive. It risks alienating Japan, one of Thailand’s key allies and trade partners.
Thais need to be mindful. The fact that a third country, which is Japan, wants Thailand to reopen its border again means that the months-long closure is starting to severely affect the supply chains of Japanese companies in Thailand and Cambodia. If the new Anutin Charnveerakul administration doesn’t respond quickly and lets the Thai military and these netizens dictate the border policy, it risks impacting not just Japanese business and investment in Thailand, but Thai employees of those Japanese factories and companies.
Thais who are still not overcome by ultra-nationalism should publicly demand that the border be reopened for goods and for business people who can prove their activities are legitimate, not part of the grey economy such as call centre scammers or casinos in Cambodia. Regarding concerns that Thais might go to casinos or work for call centre gangs, any Thai person wishing to cross the land border should be required to provide evidence that they have a legitimate business or trade to do in Cambodia, and vice versa.
Anyone who cannot prove this should not be allowed to cross for now – in order to placate the Thai ultra-nationalists.
If those in Thai society who are still able to think independently and critically remain silent, the Thai economy will ultimately be hit with a massive impact.
Japanese businesses in Thailand are already suffering and being severely affected. That’s why the Japanese Foreign Ministry had to step forward and make a public request, which has caused a backlash by ultra-nationalist Thai netizens.
We should not and cannot allow petty ultra-nationalism to cloud our judgement and damage our country further.
"A British tourist receives first aid after being attacked by a group of transgender women in his condominium room on September 12, 2025.
PATTAYA — A 65-year-old British tourist was brutally attacked and left bloodied by a group of transgender women in his Pattaya condo room early Friday morning after refusing to pay exorbitant fees for services he didn’t request.
Police Lieutenant Manasak Polyiem, Deputy Investigation Inspector at Pattaya City Police Station, received the report of the assault at 5:36 a.m. on September 12 at a condominium in South Pattaya, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province.
When officers arrived at the scene, rescue volunteers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation provided first aid to the victim, identified as Mr. Duncan, age 65, from Britain. He suffered multiple deep lacerations to his head with blood covering his face before being rushed to the hospital.
Police from Pattaya Station interview the British tourist following the assault by transgender attackers in his accommodation on September 12, 2025.
Dispute Over Numbers and Payment
According to police investigation, the incident occurred inside Duncan’s 20th-floor room. The victim told authorities he had requested services from two people, but four transgender women arrived instead. When he refused the additional company, the group not only refused to leave but demanded payment of 10,000 baht each ($315), totaling 40,000 baht ($1,260).
Duncan’s refusal to pay the inflated amount led to a heated argument inside the room. The transgender women then allegedly attacked him with knives, targeting his head. The victim managed to escape and run downstairs to seek help from security staff while the attackers fled the scene.
Police Investigation Underway
Lieutenant Manasak said police will conduct a detailed interview with Duncan and coordinate with detective units to investigate the area for leads on the perpetrators. Authorities believe security cameras captured the entire incident and are currently reviewing footage to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Immersive two-day exhibition to be staged at Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit on October 4-5, 2025, showcasing world-class venues, professional partners, and exclusive offers
BANGKOK, THAILAND: September 12, 2025 – “Marry Me at Marriott”, Marriott Bonvoy’s Thai wedding & honeymoon fair, returns to Bangkok this October for two days of immersive activities that will inspire all brides and grooms to exchange their eternal vows in the “Land of Smiles.”
Staged at Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit on October 4th and 5th, 2025, this enchanting event will provide all attendees – including loving couples and professional planners – with everything they need to create truly unforgettable occasions at Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of hotels and resorts all across Thailand, from elegant urban ceremonies to stylish seafront celebrations. Staged at the spectacular 490-square meter Benchasiri Ballroom, this is a one-stop-shop for anyone organizing their special day.
At “Marry Me at Marriott,” guests can meet with representatives from 37 outstanding properties in Thailand*, spanning nine distinct destinations – Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Rayong, Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai – and discover an amazing array of venues, from glittering ballrooms to golden beaches. With attractive packages, bespoke set-ups, dazzling decorations, creative catering, dedicated support services and more, every occasion can be personalized to transform dreams into reality.
The event will also put visitors face-to-face with 11 of Marriott Bonvoy’s trusted professional partners, including wedding planners, dressmakers, jewelers, make-up artists, spa & beauty therapists, light & sound services, photographers, videographers and more.
The Center for Logistics and Healthcare Supply Chain Management (LogHealth), Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, in partnership with Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) of the Republic of China, (Taiwan), under the supervision of Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, and the Health Innovation and Technology Network, will host the “Smart Health Forum 2025”. This event is scheduled on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025, from 13.00 to 16.30 at Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel. The purposes of this forum are to exchange new findings and to foster academic and technological cooperation in smart healthcare between Thailand and Taiwan.
This seminar aims to promote the development of effective smart healthcare approaches to sustainably elevate the region’s healthcare service systems as well as the medical industry through advanced innovation and technology. The “Smart Health Forum 2025” will be honoured and officially presided over the opening by Professor Eric Chuang, Vice President and General Director of the Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories at ITRI.
Leading Experts to Share Their Knowledge – Distinguished speakers from Taiwan’s Industrial Technology and Innovation Research and Development Institute, will speak on “Taiwan: Building a Vibrant Innovation Ecosystem and Smart Healthcare”, which focusing on creating a conductive environment for smart healthcare innovation in Taiwan will be spoken by Professor Eric Chuang, Vice President and General Director of the Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories at ITRI. Following this, Mr. Daniel Lee, Chairman of the Taiwan Medical and Biotech Industry Association, will present an “Overview of Smart Health Industry in Taiwan”, considering the current status and future directions of the smart healthcare industry in Taiwan.
Thailand to Present its Visions and Potential on an International Stage – Leading experts from Thailand’s medical sectors, including public health, private, and academia, will share their knowledge and perspectives on smart healthcare. It is graced to have Dr. Adichan Chuajinda, Deputy Director, Bureau of Digital Health, Ministry of Public Health, deliver a presentation on “Smart Health Policy and Current Progress in Thailand”, providing a comprehensive overview of Thailand’s digital health policies and tangible progress.
Mr. Prasert Patcharabussarakamkul, Deputy Managing Director, RFS Co., Ltd. (Affiliated Company of Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi), Mahidol University, will share his development experiences in a presentation titled “Building Future Smart Hospitals”, from the perspective of a hospital support system service provider.
Associate Professor Dr. Norased Nasongkla, Ph.D. Director, Biopolymers and Nanoengineering for Drug Delivery and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, will present on the topic, “Smart Health Industry Opportunities in Thailand”, highlighting the potential and opportunities for developing the smart medical device industry nationally.
Exchange on Strategic Views – Professor Erie Chuang, Vice President and General Director, Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories at ITRI, Mr. Daniel Lee, Chairman, Taiwan Medical and Biotech Industry Association, Dr. Adichan Chuajinda, Deputy Director, Bureau of Digital Health, Ministry of Public Health, Mr. Prasert Patcharabussarakamkul, Deputy Managing Director, RFS Co., Ltd. (Affiliated Company of Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi), Mahidol University, Associate Professor Dr. Norased Nasongkla, Ph.D. Director, Biopolymers and Nanoengineering for Drug Delivery and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, together with Associate Professor Cdr. Sorayouth Chumnanvej, M.D., Ph.D., Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
,the experts from both countries are engaged to exchange their practical and strategic knowledge on the topic, “Smart Health Practice and Challenges: Strategic Directions for Advancing Smart Health Systems in the Digital Era”. This session will be moderated by Associate Professor Dr. Duangpun Krichanchai, Ph.D. Director, Center of Logistics Management and Healthcare Supply Chain (LogHealth), Faculty of engineering, Mahidol University.
Aims and Sustainable Future – The collaboration at the Smart Health Forum 2025 aims to build a strong and solid international innovation network among government, private, and academia sectors. This is to drive the joint development of the medical technology industry. The Smart Health Forum 2025 is expected that the exchange and the outcomes will serve as a strong starting point for elevating healthcare standards in both countries through smart technologies. Furthermore, the forum seeks to support the full-scale digitalization of public health systems as well as to strengthen the sustainable growth of the region’s medical future.
BANGKOK — Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa program has successfully attracted over 7,000 high-quality foreign professionals in its first three years, generating more than 23 billion baht ($725.5 million) in economic value, the Board of Investment (BOI) announced Wednesday.
The program, launched in September 2022, has drawn professionals primarily from Europe (42%), the United States (19%), and Asian countries including Japan (9%), China (5%), and India (4%), according to BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi.
“The economic impact comes from four main sources: visa fees, spending by visa holders within Thailand, direct foreign investment, and tax revenue from highly skilled professionals,” Narit explained during a briefing on September 11.
Targeting Four Key Categories
The LTR Visa specifically targets four groups of high-potential foreigners: highly skilled professionals, work-from-Thailand professionals, wealthy global citizens, and wealthy pensioners.
In March 2025, the Cabinet approved significant improvements to the program’s criteria and conditions, making it more attractive and accessible to a broader range of international talent. The expansion now includes foreign faculty members in educational institutions and vocational training programs across various sectors.
This enhancement aims to accelerate the development of Thai workforce capabilities to support new waves of investment in emerging industries.
Narit Therdsteerasukdi
Growing Appeal Despite Global Challenges
The program’s appeal has grown substantially following the recent adjustments. Applications from wealthy individuals have doubled compared to the same period last year, strengthening Thailand’s position as a preferred destination for global investors and skilled professionals.
“Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and changes in the global trade landscape, Thailand continues to attract strong interest from investors and talent worldwide,” Narit noted. “LTR Visa applications have increased steadily over the past three years.”
Technology Transfer Benefits
Beyond immediate economic gains, the program facilitates crucial technology transfer from foreign professionals to Thai workers. This knowledge exchange helps prepare the local workforce for new industries entering Thailand, including advanced semiconductors and electronics, data centers and artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, biotechnology, and automation and robotics.
Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa program (Photo: BOI)
Streamlined Digital Services
The BOI plans to upgrade LTR Visa services with comprehensive digital integration, connecting various government systems including e-Visa processing, electronic work permits from the Department of Employment, and e-Payment options. The system will also link with the Revenue Department for tax benefit applications and BOI-certified service providers.
New Bangkok Service Hub
To accommodate growing demand, the BOI opened the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC) in March 2025 at the One Bangkok project on Rama 4 Road. The new facility consolidates multiple services, including the One Start One Stop Investment Center and visa and work permit processing for BOI-promoted enterprises, LTR visas, and startup Smart Visas.
The centralized approach aims to provide one-stop convenience for international investors and professionals seeking to establish themselves in Thailand’s growing economy.
JerHigh unveils its latest product JerHigh Den-T Chews, featuring Korean travel YouTubers P'Jung and Cullen as brand ambassadors.
BANGKOK — International Pet Food Company Limited, manufacturer of JerHigh pet food and treats, has unveiled its latest product JerHigh Den-T Chews, dental health treats for dogs, featuring Korean travel YouTubers P’Jung and Cullen as brand ambassadors.
The product launch leverages the popularity of the Korean YouTuber duo from the Cullen HateBerry channel, who boast 2 million followers in Thailand and have served as JerHigh presenters since last year. Their significant Thai fanbase has made them attractive endorsers for various brands seeking to tap into the Korean Wave influence in Thailand.
Kitisak Limampai, Managing Director of International Pet Food Company Limited, emphasized that JerHigh Den-T Chews are designed to serve multiple purposes beyond traditional dog treats. “This isn’t just an ordinary dental chew, but a product packed with health benefits for dogs,” he stated.
Kitisak Limampai, Managing Director of International Pet Food Company Limited
The product features a sugar-free formula without artificial colors or flavors, containing 18% protein and low fat content. The treats are designed with a gentle texture that supports gum and tooth health while helping reduce tartar buildup.
JerHigh Den-T Chews are available in two sizes: 60 grams for small to medium breeds, designed for easy chewing and appropriate mouth size, particularly suitable for dogs difficult to brush; and 180 grams for larger dogs. The treats come in three flavors: tuna, milk, and bacon.
The product features a sugar-free formula without artificial colors or flavors
According to TTB Analytics forecasts, Thailand’s pet market demonstrates strong fundamentals with the 2025 market value projected at approximately 92 billion baht (US$2.905 billion), representing a 13.2% increase from the previous year. The market is expected to exceed 100 billion baht by 2026.
The robust growth projections reflect increasing pet ownership and premiumization trends in pet care products, with dental health treats representing a growing segment as pet owners become more conscious of comprehensive pet wellness beyond basic nutrition.
The launch of JerHigh Den-T Chews positions the company to capitalize on both the expanding pet care market and the influence of social media marketing through popular content creators.
Charlie Kirk hands out hats before speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP)
Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was fatally shot at an event at a Utah college.
Kirk was a top podcaster, culture warrior and ally of President Donald Trump. He led an effort to remake the GOP’s get-out-the-vote effort in the 2024 election based on the theory there were thousands of Trump supporters who rarely vote but could be persuaded to vote.
Kirk was speaking at a debate hosted by Turning Point USA at Utah Valley University when authorities said the shooter fired from a roof.
Law enforcement officials prepare to sweep a building at Utah Valley University, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. (AP Photo/Tyler Tate)
Videos posted to social media show Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone while sitting under a white tent. A single shot rings out and Kirk reaches up with his right hand as blood gushes from the left side of his neck.
Utah Valley is the state’s largest public university with an enrollment of 47,000. It’s about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of the state capital of Salt Lake City.
The hunt for Kirk’s killer
The shooter targeted one person, said Beau Mason, the commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety.
Gov. Spencer Cox called the killing a “political assassination.”
A person of interest was in custody Wednesday evening, Cox said, though no charges were immediately announced. Officials had no information indicating a second person was involved, the Republican governor said.
A well-wisher is overcome after dropping off flowers, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, at the national headquarters of Turning Point USA in Phoenix, following the shooting death of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old CEO of the organization, at a Utah college. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Officers were seen looking at a photo on their phones and showing it to people to see if they recognized a person of interest. Authorities said the shooter wore dark clothing.
Two people were detained Wednesday, but neither was determined to be connected to the shooting and both were released, public safety officials said.
The university said the campus was immediately evacuated and remained closed. Classes were canceled until further notice. Those still on campus were asked to stay in place until police officers could safely escort them off.
Investigators released two images of the person and appealed for tips to help solve the shooting of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump who played an influential role in rallying young Republican voters.
The unidentified suspect is believed to have jumped off a roof and fled into a neighborhood after firing one shot, authorities said Thursday. A high-powered, bolt-action rifle they believe was used in the attack was recovered, and video recordings of the person they believe was responsible are being reviewed.
This undated combination of images provided provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation shows a person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. (Federal Bureau of Investigation via AP)
FBI offering $100K reward for information on Charlie Kirk shooting
The FBI says it’s offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of whoever is responsible for Kirk’s death.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI. Officials also published the link for a form where people can upload videos and photos.
Earlier Thursday, law enforcement officials disseminated two photos, seeking the public’s help in identifying the “person of interest.”
Kirk’s rise from Trump aide to major conservative influencer
Kirk was 18 years old when he co-founded Turning Point in suburban Chicago in 2012 with William Montgomery, a tea party activist. They aimed to take their ideas for low taxes and limited government to college campuses.
FILE – President Donald Trump shakes hands with moderator Charlie Kirk, during a Generation Next White House forum at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington, Thursday, March 22, 2018. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
Turning Point enthusiastically backed Trump after he clinched the GOP nomination for president in 2016. Kirk served as a personal aide to the then-candidate’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., during the general election campaign.
The Trump connection helped fuel Turning Point’s rise to prominence. Soon, Kirk was a regular presence on cable TV, where he leaned into the culture wars and heaped praise on the president.
Contributions to the group doubled and then tripled — eventually climbing to $79.2 million in 2022, according to an analysis of publicly available tax filings. The group states that it now has a presence on nearly 4,000 high school and college campuses, operating as a conservative lifestyle brand that promotes hundreds of online influencers.
Kirk was known for provocative statements on race that he used to court Gen Z voters.
“I’m sorry. If I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like, ‘Boy, I hope he’s qualified,’” Kirk said during a 2024 podcast episode with fellow right-wing activist Jack Posobeic.
Kirk staunchly opposed the enactment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday. He said the move to elevate the date was motivated by “anti-American” sentiment that promoted “a neo-segregationist view” that he claimed sought to supplant Independence Day.
Trump says he will award Kirk Presidential Medal of Freedom
During remarks at the Pentagon, Trump said he would posthumously award Kirk with the honor at a later date.
The United States’ highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded by presidents to people who have made significant contributions in a variety of areas, including culture and public service.
In his first term, Trump bestowed the honor to a number of people, including conservative firebrand commentator Rush Limbaugh.
Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff and issued a presidential proclamation. The president, who sustained a minor ear injury when he was shot at a campaign event last year, said he and Kirk had a close relationship.
He described Kirk on Truth Social as a “great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!”
Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who last March hosted Kirk on his podcast, posted on X: “The attack on Charlie Kirk is disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”
BANGKOK (AP) — A suspected scam call operation and a suspicious network of companies was discovered with links to a new free trade zone in the nation of East Timor, according to a report published Thursday by the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime.
The report comes as scam centers have proliferated across Southeast Asia and spread across the world, and highlights the ability of the criminal enterprises to relocate as some governments in the region launch crackdowns.
Such centers, usually walled compounds in remote areas that conduct computer-enabled scams that are estimated to cost victims tens of billions of dollars per year, have proliferated in recent years, especially in Southeast Asia.
Scam centers in Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia have drawn global attention for running notorious romance scams, where a worker poses as an attractive young woman to lure targets into making false investments. They are also found in the Philippines and Laos, and UNODC warned in April that scam centers have appeared in Latin America and Africa.
In East Timor, police raided a suspected scam center in late August in the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse, detaining more than 30 foreigners for working without permission. The people detained came from Indonesia, Malaysia and China, but the UNODC report said it is unclear if they had been trafficked.
Oecusse is an exclave of East Timor located on the Indonesian half of the island the two countries share, and the region’s government opened a free trade zone called Oecusse Digital Centre in December 2024.
“The scale and nature of the activity we are now seeing – similar to what we were seeing at the earlier stages of Southeast Asia’s scam industry – shows how far things have progressed,” said Benedikt Hofmann, deputy regional representative at UNODC for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. “This is concerning, especially given the boost in connectivity Timor-Leste will be experiencing as part of becoming a full member of ASEAN.”
The UNODC said other companies with apparent links to scam networks were also found to be active in the region. The agency said one, an online gaming company, is connected with casino networks in Cambodia, owned by a Cambodian businessman with links Wan Kuok-koi, leader of the 14K Triad criminal gang and sanctioned by the United States.
Across countries in Southeast Asia, free trade zones or special economic zones have been exploited to facilitate cyber-enabled scams, money laundering and other crimes.
Last year, the Philippines launched a nationwide crackdown in which the government deported thousands of workers found in scam centers. In February, Thailand, Myanmar and China launched a joint action that saw thousands of workers released. However, the centers themselves have continued to operate.
