Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is Certified with the 4-Star Airport Rating for facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, food & beverages and staff service. (Photo: Skytrax)
SUVARNABHUMI — Thailand’s main international gateway has received a significant boost to its global reputation after being upgraded from a 3-star to 4-star airport by Skytrax, the world’s leading airline and airport quality rating organization.
Ms. Paveena Jariyathitiphong, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT), announced that Suvarnabhumi Airport received the upgraded rating from the UK-based consultancy on September 12, 2025.
The upgrade reflects improvements across multiple service areas, especially staff quality at all passenger touchpoints. Ground handling personnel, immigration officers, and security staff have all contributed to creating positive experiences for travelers.
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is Certified with the 4-Star Airport Rating for facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, food & beverages and staff service. (Photo: Skytrax)Paveena Jariyathitiphong
Suvarnabhumi has also embraced modern technology to enhance passenger convenience, implementing automated passport screening systems and faster check-in queue management. The airport has continuously developed facilities including upgraded restrooms, improved signage, additional electronic device charging stations, and reliable high-speed Wi-Fi.
Future infrastructure development plans include dedicated Kids and Gaming Zones, Relaxing Co-Working Space Zones, and contemporary art and cultural exhibitions to further enhance the passenger experience.
Currently handling over 60 million passengers annually, Suvarnabhumi serves as Thailand’s primary airport and plays a crucial role connecting domestic and international flight routes. The 4-star rating reinforces the airport’s service quality and standards while reflecting its ongoing commitment to continuous development.
“This recognition confirms our dedication to meeting global travelers’ needs while delivering the best possible passenger experience,” Ms. Paveena said. “It strengthens confidence in our position as the region’s important aviation hub as we work toward achieving 5-star status in the future.”
Palestinians walk through dust moments after an Israeli military strike and destroyed a building in Gaza City Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Yousef Al Zanoun)
GENEVA (AP) — A team of independent experts commissioned by the United Nations’ Human Rights Council has concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, issuing a report Tuesday that calls on the international community to end the genocide and take steps to punish those responsible for it.
The deeply-documented findings by the three-member team are the latest accusations of genocide against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government by rights advocates as Israeli carries on with its war against Hamas in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands of people. Israel rejected what it called a “distorted and false” report.
The Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, which was created four years ago, has repeatedly documented alleged human rights abuses and violations both in Gaza since the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, attacks in Israel led by Hamas, and other Palestinian areas.
While neither the commission nor the 47-member-country council that it works for within the U.N. system can take action against a country, the findings could be used by prosecutors at the International Criminal Court or the U.N.’s International Court of Justice.
Israeli soldiers work on their tanks and armored personnel carriers (APC) at a staging area on the border with Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
The report also amounts to a final message from the team headed by former U.N. rights chief Navi Pillay. All three of its members announced in July that they would resign, citing personal reasons and a need for change.
The team was commissioned by the Human Rights Council, the U.N.’s top human rights body, but it does not speak for the United Nations.
After a painstaking legal analysis, the commission said Israel had committed four of the five “genocidal acts” defined under an international convention adopted in 1948 known colloquially as the “Genocide Convention,” three years after the end of World War II and the Holocaust.
“The Commission finds that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza,” said Pillay, the commission chair. “It is clear that there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza through acts that meet the criteria set forth in the Genocide Convention.”
Palestinians examine the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli strike in Gaza City Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Yousef Al Zanoun)
Pillay, a former U.N. human rights chief, said “responsibility for the atrocity crimes lies with Israeli authorities at the highest echelons” over the nearly two-year war.
Her commission concluded that Netanyahu, as well as Israeli President Isaac Herzog and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, had incited the commission of genocide. It hasn’t assessed whether other Israeli leaders had done so too.
Israel, which was founded in the aftermath of the Holocaust, has adamantly rejected genocide allegations against it as an antisemitic “blood libel.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued an angry response Tuesday, saying it “categorically rejects this distorted and false report.”
“Three individuals serving as Hamas proxies, notorious for their openly antisemitic positions — and whose horrific statements about Jews have been condemned worldwide — released today another fake ‘report’ about Gaza,” it said.
FILE – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (not shown) hold a joint press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office, during Rubio’s visit, in Jerusalem, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. (Nathan Howard/Pool Photo via AP, File)
Genocide accusations are especially sensitive in Israel, which was founded as a haven for Jews in the wake of the Holocaust and where memories of the Holocaust still play an important role in the country’s national identity.
In coming to its conclusion of genocide, the commission said it pored over the conduct of Israeli security forces and “explicit statements” by Israeli civilian and military authorities, among other criteria.
In particular, the experts cited as factors the death toll, Israel’s “total siege” of Gaza and blockade of humanitarian aid that has led to starvation, a policy of “systematically destroying” the health care system, and direct targeting of children.
The commission urged other countries to halt weapons transfers to Israel and block individuals or companies from actions that could contribute to genocide in Gaza.
“The international community cannot stay silent on the genocidal campaign launched by Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza,” said Pillay, who is a South African jurist. “When clear signs and evidence of genocide emerge, the absence of action to stop it amounts to complicity.”
The current U.N. high commissioner for human rights, Volker Türk, has decried Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza and spoken out forcefully against alleged crimes, but has not accused Israel of carrying out genocide.
His office, alluding to international law, has argued that only an international court can make a final, formal determination of genocide. Critics counter that could take years and insist that thousands of people, many of them civilians, are being systematically killed in Gaza in the meantime.
The International Court of Justice is hearing a genocide case filed by South Africa against Israel.
Layers of 13-million-year-old freshwater snail fossils at the Mae Moh site in Lampang Province, with a pen for scale showing the remarkable density and preservation of the ancient shells that form Thailand's newest registered fossil heritage site.
BANGKOK — Thailand has officially registered the “Mae Moh Freshwater Snail Fossil Site” in Lampang Province as the country’s 27th fossil heritage site, featuring what scientists say is the world’s thickest freshwater snail fossil layer dating back over 13 million years.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s Fossil Protection Committee approved the registration during its second meeting of 2025 on September 16. The 52-rai site showcases fossil layers up to 12 meters thick, representing an extraordinary geological treasure.
Ancient Lake Ecosystem Preserved
Dr. Chananan Paktejit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, explained that the Mae Moh fossil site contains the largest concentration of fossils discovered in any region of Thailand. The 13-million-year-old freshwater snail fossils reveal a fascinating glimpse into ancient Thailand’s climate and ecosystem.
Dr. Chananan Paktejit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
During that prehistoric period, the Mae Moh basin was a freshwater lake surrounded by tropical forests in a warm climate. The lakeshores were lined with sedge plants forming swamp-like conditions where dense communities of freshwater snails thrived. Generation after generation of these snails died naturally, creating continuous layers of shell accumulation that eventually formed the remarkable fossil beds visible today.
The fossil layers, ranging from 3 to 12 meters thick with an average of 8 meters, consist primarily of Bellamya species freshwater snails of various sizes and colors. The layers show alternating patterns between broken shell fragments and perfectly preserved specimens, tilted approximately 20 degrees toward the southeast.
Layers of 13-million-year-old freshwater snail fossils at the Mae Moh site in Lampang Province, with a pen for scale showing the remarkable density and preservation of the ancient shells that form Thailand’s newest registered fossil heritage site.Layers of 13-million-year-old freshwater snail fossils at the Mae Moh site in Lampang Province, with a pen for scale showing the remarkable density and preservation of the ancient shells that form Thailand’s newest registered fossil heritage site.
From Coal Mine to Scientific Treasure
The discovery occurred in 2003 when the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) was mining coal in the area under a permit from the Royal Forest Department. During excavation, workers uncovered the massive accumulation of ancient snail shells.
EGAT collaborated with the Department of Mineral Resources to conduct detailed geological surveys and subsequently set aside the area for conservation and development as an educational tourism destination.
The site now serves both scientific research and public education, benefiting local communities in Lampang Province while preserving one of Thailand’s most significant paleontological discoveries. The committee also approved an integrated development plan to ensure sustainable conservation and management of this national geological heritage.
Massive accumulations of 13-million-year-old freshwater snail fossils at the Mae Moh site in Lampang Province, discovered in 2003 when the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand was mining coal.
Bangkok, Thailand – Bravo BKK, “Fit by Day, Fun by Night” the lifestyle hub in the heart of Rama 9 near RCA, proudly joins hands with the 36th “Bangkok Marathon 2025” as the official venue for Bangkok Marathon Expo Day 2025. The event will be held at the Atrium and Green Space, Level 1 of Bravo BKK, from November 14–15, 2025. Runners will collect their official race shirts and BIB numbers, while enjoying a variety of activities and experiences in anticipation of Thailand’s world-class marathon on November 16, 2025.
Bravo BKK’s support in hosting Bangkok Marathon Expo Day 2025 reflects the vision of Ms. Levy Li, Chief Experience Officer of Bravo BKK Co., Ltd. With the expertise as a Wellness Guru and strong commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles, Ms. Levy Li has infused wellness and fitness into the core of Bravo BKK’s operations. This philosophy is embodied in the mall’s unique positioning as a Wellness & Creative Lifestyle Community, where health and creativity converge. Recognizing the significance of Bangkok Marathon, the largest marathon in Thailand, Bravo BKK is proud to encourage Thai people to embrace wellness through running and active living. “From day one, Bravo BKK has been driven by the vision of being a Fit and Fun Mall, putting health and fitness at the forefront while also providing an open, creative space for the community. We have consistently supported various sports events to inspire and empower people in the city to live healthier lives. Hosting Bangkok Marathon Expo Day 2025 is a meaningful opportunity for us to be part of Thailand’s most iconic running event, reinforcing our commitment to becoming a true Wellness & Creative Lifestyle Community for everyone.” Ms. Levy Li stated
ICONSIAM, a global landmark on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, reaffirms its position as a Global Experiential Destination by collaborating with HEYONE, the renowned art toy studio from China and creator of popular characters such as OZAI, MIMI, FAYA, FURFUR, and MORE THAN ARTS & TOYS, Thailand’s leading importer and distributor of toys and collectibles. Together, they bring a parade of adorable characters to “HEYDAY PLAYLAND”, featuring the largest Pop-up Store ever in Thailand. Fans can shop premium merchandise and the latest collectibles, with highlights including the world premiere of exclusive art toy editions and a variety of special activities, all in a lively, playful atmosphere that transforms the River Park area into a joyful playground for art toy lovers. The event takes place from September 12 to October 9, 2025, at River Park, G Floor, ICONSIAM.
The HEYDAY PLAYLAND event marks another large-scale initiative by ICONSIAM to showcase global pop culture trends and provide world-class art experiences to Thai audiences. Through this creative space and internationally acclaimed works by HEYONE, ICONSIAM reinforces its commitment to becoming a hub for international art collaboration and cultural exchange.
CEO of HEYONE, said “This collaboration with ICONSIAM is a true reflection of ‘Collaboration to Win.’ Together, we have transformed this space into a Creative Playground for collectors and those eager to explore new experiences from HEYONE. This event sets several firsts: the largest Pop-up Store we have ever hosted, the world premiere of multiple exclusive art toy editions, and the first full showcase of HEYONE’s new series in one place. We have also prepared our largest range of special collectibles yet, all-new series, guaranteed to excite fans with every single piece.”
FILE - Palestinians run for cover during an Israeli airstrike on a high-rise building in Gaza City, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, after the Israeli army issued a warning. (AP Photo/Yousef Al Zanoun, File)
JERUSALEM (AP) — After a night of heavy airstrikes, the Israeli military announced Tuesday that its expanded operation in Gaza City “to destroy Hamas’ military infrastructure” has begun and warned residents to move south.
Israel’s Arabic language spokesperson Avichay Adree announced the expansion of Israel’s operation on X, after a night of heavy strikes against northern Gaza that killed at least 20 people.
Israel has been warning the famine-stricken Gaza City residents to evacuate for the past month ahead of the operation but many have said they are unable to evacuate due to overcrowding in Gaza’s south and the high price of transport.
Earlier in the day, Defense Minister Israel Katz said that “Gaza is burning” as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio left Israel for Qatar, where he planned to meet with officials there still incensed over Israel’s strike last week that killed five Hamas members and a local security official.
While Arab and Muslim nations denounced the strike at a summit Monday, they stopped short of any major action targeting Israel, highlighting the challenge of diplomatically pressuring any change in Israel’s conduct in the grinding Israel-Hamas war.
An Israeli armored vehicle moves along the Israeli-Gaza border as seen from southern Israel, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Rubio, speaking to journalists before his departure, suggested the offensive on Gaza City had begun.
“We think we have a very short window of time in which a deal can happen,” Rubio said. “We don’t have months anymore, and we probably have days and maybe a few weeks so it’s a key moment — an important moment.”
“Our preference, our No. 1 choice, is that this ends through a negotiated settlement,” he added, while acknowledging the dangers an intensified military campaign posed to Gaza.
“The only thing worse than a war is a protracted one that goes on forever and ever,” Rubio said. “At some point, this has to end. At some point, Hamas has to be defanged, and we hope it can happen through a negotiation. But I think time, unfortunately, is running out.”
Intensity of strikes in Gaza City grows
After weeks of threatening an expansion of the Israeli military operation in Gaza City, Katz signaled it had begun.
“Gaza is burning,” he said early on Tuesday morning. “The (Israel military) is striking with an iron fist at the terrorist infrastructure and soldiers are fighting heroically to create the conditions for the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas. We will not relent and we will not go back — until the completion of the mission.”
The United Nations estimated on Monday that over 220,000 Palestinians have fled northern Gaza over the past month, after the Israeli military warned that all residents should leave Gaza City ahead of the operation. An estimated 1 million Palestinians were living in the region around Gaza City before the evacuation warnings.
Displaced Palestinians flee northern Gaza by foot and in vehicles, carrying their belongings along the coastal road toward southern Gaza, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
At least 20 Palestinians killed in Gaza City
Palestinian residents reported heavy strikes across Gaza City on Tuesday morning.
The city’s Shifa Hospital said it received the bodies of 20 people killed in a strike that hit multiple houses in a western neighborhood, with another 90 wounded arriving at the facility in recent hours.
“A very tough night in Gaza,” Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiyah, director of Shifa Hospital, told The Associated Press
“The bombing did not stop for a single moment,” he said. “There are still bodies under the rubble.”
The Israeli military did not respond to immediate requests for comment on the strikes but in the past has accused Hamas of building military infrastructure inside civilian areas, especially in Gaza City.
An Israeli army flare drifts over buildings destroyed during the Israeli ground and air operations in the northern Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Families of hostages beg Netanyahu to halt the operation
Overnight, families of the hostages still being held in Gaza gathered outside of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence, pleading with him to stop the Gaza City operation.
Some pitched tents and slept outside his home in protest.
“I have one interest — for this country to wake up and bring back my child along with 47 other hostages, both living and deceased, and to bring our soldiers home,” Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is being held in Gaza, shouted outside Netanyahu’s residence.
“If he stops at nothing and sends our precious, brave, heroic soldiers to fight while our hostages are being used as human shields — he is not a worthy prime minister,” Zangauker.
Israel believes around 20 of the 48 hostages still held by the militants in Gaza, including Matan, are alive.
Both Netanyahu and Rubio said on Monday that the only way to end the conflict in Gaza is through the elimination of Hamas and the release of the hostages, setting aside calls for an interim ceasefire in favor of an immediate end to the conflict.
Hamas has said it will only free remaining hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251. Most of the hostages have since been released in ceasefires brokered in part by Qatar or other deals.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 64,871 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which doesn’t say how many were civilians or combatants. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals, says women and children make up around half the dead.
A street artist creates artwork on walls and building facades along Charoen Krung Road, Bang Rak District, on September 16. (Photo: Bang Rak District Office)
Bangkok is experiencing its most vibrant cultural makeover of the year as the city becomes a living canvas for international street artists. The “Krung Thep Creative Streets” festival, running through September 21, is turning iconic neighborhoods into Instagram-worthy art destinations that locals and visitors can’t stop talking about.
Where Art Meets Daily Life
Picture this: you’re walking through the historic Charoen Krung district with your morning coffee when you stumble upon Thai artist Jayoto Lab creating a massive five-story mural right before your eyes. Just next door, a renowned French graffiti artist is transforming a government building’s blank wall into a masterpiece. This isn’t just art viewing – it’s art living.
Thai artist Jayoto Lab creates a massive five-story mural in Bangkok’s Charoen Krung district. (Photo: Pravit Rojanaphruk)
The festival spans six of Bangkok’s most character-rich neighborhoods: Charoen Krung, Talat Noi, Song Wat, South Sathorn, Surawong, and Lumphini. Fifteen talented artists from Thailand and across Europe are painting live until September 19, creating an entirely new way to experience these beloved districts.
Beyond the Brushstrokes
What makes this event special isn’t just the stunning street art – it’s the rare opportunity to peek behind usually closed doors. Over 25 historic buildings, many beautifully preserved but typically off-limits, are opening for guided tours. The exclusive French Residency tour on Saturday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) requires advance booking (before Sept.18) and promises to be this weekend’s hottest cultural ticket.
The exclusive French Residency tour
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipun has embraced the artistic transformation, with City Hall now providing color consultation services to heritage shophouse owners and turning everyday sewage covers into colorful art pieces. It’s urban beautification with a distinctly Bangkok twist.
The Perfect Weekend Plans
The festival culminates this weekend with the grand finale: a musical evening in Charoen Krung that promises to blend European flair with Bangkok’s legendary nightlife energy. Whether you’re a serious art collector or just looking for unique weekend activities, this festival offers something completely different from the typical Bangkok cultural scene.
As French Ambassador Jean-Claude Poimboeuf put it at the launch, “Street art speaks directly to people” – and right now, Bangkok’s streets are having quite the conversation with anyone willing to listen.
At IAA Mobility, MAHLE is presenting innovations for electrification and further sustainable powertrain solutions
New range extender system and thermal management module extend the range of electric vehicles and relieve customers’ range anxiety
MAHLE supplies components for efficient ethanol engines which help in leveraging the tremendous potential of biofuels for climate protection immediately and effectively
Technological diversity is and remains the strategic approach of the globally active group
MAHLE CEO Franz: “Europe needs technological diversity for climate protection, to strengthen its competitiveness and to safeguard employment in Europe.”
At this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich, MAHLE is presenting innovations for electrification and further sustainable powertrain solutions to reduce CO2 emissions in road traffic. “Our products are not just visions. They are ready for series production and offer genuine solutions to genuine challenges faced by our customers,” said Arnd Franz, Chairman of the MAHLE Management Board and CEO, speaking to an audience of journalists at the IAA. He added that MAHLE’s highly efficient new range extender system with its high-voltage generator could extend the range of battery-electric vehicles to as much as 1,350 km, making it the “motor of e-mobility”. A compact thermal management module with integrated heat pump can extend the range of electric vehicles by up to 20 percent even at low temperatures. In addition, MAHLE is showcasing components for internal combustion engines that can be operated on up to 100% ethanol, massively and immediately reducing the carbon dioxide emissions of the existing vehicle pool. “MAHLE is doing its homework and working on the decarbonization of road traffic in all areas of technology. Europe must now follow the other major world markets and allow competition between all technologies in its CO2 regulation,” said the CEO. “This is not just a matter of climate protection but also of Europe’s competitiveness and safeguarding employment.” IAA Mobility is being held from September 9 to 14, 2025. The MAHLE stand is in Hall A1.
“Efficiency in Motion” is the mission of the MAHLE Group. Under the heading of “Efficiency3”, the company is presenting at the international motor show innovations from its three strategic areas of electrification, thermal management and sustainable internal combustion engines. “Our customers expect quality, reliability, a good price-performance ratio, and efficiency,” said Arnd Franz. “And that is what MAHLE delivers.”
Range extender system – the motor of e-mobility: compact, resource-conserving drive package
In addition to pure battery-electric vehicles, MAHLE’s strategy is based on range extender technology to boost acceptance of e-mobility by relieving customers’ range anxiety. It is forecast that the market for electric vehicles with range extenders will grow by 15 percent per year up to 2030; strong demand is already evident, especially in China. The new system from MAHLE allows the cost-effective right-sizing of the battery and reduces charging times on longer trips.
Thermal management module: the efficiency and range booster
The new thermal management module from MAHLE resolves the key challenge of e-mobility – the loss of range caused by heating at low temperatures. As the central interface for the entire cooling and refrigerant cycle of the vehicle, it ensures that each component of the drive and energy storage system is maintained at the right temperature at all times under all climate conditions at the same time as ensuring a comfortable climate in the passenger compartment. The problem of the lack of waste heat in electric drive systems is elegantly solved by integrating a high-efficiency heat pump. Additional heating systems are no longer needed.
Ethanol Power cell unit: reduces CO2 emissions and saves fuel
Specially developed engine components (power cell unit – PCU) for ethanol operation underscore MAHLE’s commitment to sustainable, high-efficiency internal combustion engines. This technology can increase the share of renewable fuels in road traffic and accelerate the decarbonization of the transport sector with immediate effect.
Bionic radial blower: penguin makes for efficiency
With a view to further improving the efficiency of its products, MAHLE has repeatedly been inspired by nature. The most recent example is a revolutionary bionic radial blower for vehicle air conditioning systems. In this case, the development engineers at MAHLE took their inspiration for the design of the blower blades from penguins’ flippers. They were supported by an in-house AI tool. MAHLE refers to the process of engineers guiding AI and providing data as “superhuman engineering”. This approach allowed more than 30 million virtual designs to be generated within a very short space of time and the first prototypes were rapidly produced. The innovative blower can be used in a wide range of passenger cars and commercial vehicles and sets new standards for the sector.
Smart charging and service solutions
MAHLE is also presenting chargeBIG, its scalable charging infrastructure with the world’s smallest wallbox and a mobile solution for temporary use. MAHLE’s inductive charging system, now recognized by SAE International as a global standard, achieves over 92% efficiency.
Other highlights include the E-HEALTH Charge diagnostics unit, which measures battery performance in 15 minutes, and the Workshop Heroes Van, touring Europe to showcase new aftermarket service tools for diagnostics, calibration, and air conditioning.
“Efficiency in Motion” is the mission of the MAHLE Group. Under Efficiency³ – electrification, thermal management, and sustainable combustion – the company delivers quality, reliability, and efficiency for the mobility of tomorrow.
Note for journalists: This press release and the accompanying photo material can be found at https://newsroom.mahle.com/press/en/
This satellite photo provided by Planet Labs PBC shows a compound targeted on Tuesday Sept. 9 by an Israeli airstrike, in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday Sept. 10, 2025.(Planet Labs PBC via AP)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Qatar hosted a summit of Arab and Islamic nations Monday in the hopes of presenting a united response to Israel’s attack on Hamas leaders last week in Doha. But leaders offered different views about what to do, and the group agreed to take only minimal action.
Israel, which launched its invasion of Gaza in response to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack, has retaliated against the militant group and other members of Iran’s so-called Axis of Resistance elsewhere, including in Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and now Qatar. That’s fueled wider anger among Mideast nations already enraged by the deaths of more than 64,000 Palestinians during the war in Gaza and contributed to growing concern that the U.S. commitment to protect Gulf Arab states may not be strong enough.
However, significant differences among the nations likely blunted any attempt at cooperation.
Condemnations came from countries that Israel considers enemies, like Iran. Meanwhile, the nations that have diplomatic recognition deals with Israel were reluctant to sever those ties. Monday was the fifth anniversary of the signing by Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates of the Abraham Accords that marked their formal recognition of Israel.
“Condemnations will not stop the missiles. Declarations will not free Palestine,” Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said. “Severe, punitive actions must be put in place.”
Qatar’s ruler offers fiery speech
Qatar’s ruling emir opened the summit by accusing Israel of not caring about its hostages in Gaza and instead working to ”ensure Gaza is no longer livable.” Israel has said the goals of its war include bringing all the hostages back and defeating Hamas.
Damage is seen after an Israeli strike targeted a compound that hosted Hamas’ political leadership in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)
“If Israel wishes to assassinate the Hamas leaders, why then engage in negotiations?” Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani asked. “If you wish to insist on the liberation of hostages, why then do they assassinate all negotiators?”
The speech was unusually fiery for the 45-year-old ruler of Qatar, which has served as key mediator in ceasefire talks.
“There is no room to deal with such a party that’s cowardly and treacherous,” he added. “Those who work consistently to assassinate the party in these negotiations will certainly do everything to ensure the failure of these negotiations. When they claim that they seek the liberation of hostages, that’s a mere lie.”
Sheikh Tamim also denounced Israel over what he called the “genocide” it is committing in Gaza — an assessment offered by multiple others at the summit. Israel vehemently denies it is committing genocide. It says Hamas is prolonging the war by not surrendering and releasing the hostages.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Israel “should also be squeezed economically, as previous experience shows that such steps yield results.”
Iran, which hit a base in Qatar in June, is attending the summit
After the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites in June, Iran struck Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a major hub for American forces — a move that angered Qatar. Nevertheless, Iran sent President Masoud Pezeshkian to attend Monday’s meeting, where he urged other nations to “isolate the aggressor.”
Pezeshkian did not touch on Iran’s attack on Qatar but did mention Israel’s war on Iran in June. He also warned that any country in the region could be next.
“The attack on Doha changed lots of miscalculations and wrong ideas,” he said. “It showed that no Arab or Muslim country is safe from the aggression of the regime in Tel Aviv. Tomorrow it can be any Arab or Muslim capital’s turn.”
Before the summit, analysts floated possibly closing airspace to Israeli flights or downgrading ties with Israel. A final statement from the meeting, however, only called on states to “take all possible legal and effective measures to prevent Israel from continuing its actions against the Palestinian people.”
The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, held its own meeting on the sidelines of the summit. Its members decided to take steps “to activate the mechanisms of joint defense and the Gulf deterrence capabilities,” they said in a statement, without elaborating.
Smoke rises from an explosion, allegedly caused by an Israeli strike, in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. (UGC via AP)
Qatar has been key in Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks
Qatar, an energy-rich nation on the Arabian Peninsula that hosted the 2022 World Cup, long has served as an intermediary in conflicts. For years, it has hosted Hamas’ political leadership at the request of the U.S., providing a channel for Israel to negotiate with the militant group that has controlled Gaza for years.
But as the Israel-Hamas war has raged on, Qatar increasingly has been criticized by hard-liners within Netanyahu’s government. Netanyahu himself has vowed to strike all those who organized the Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023. And since last week’s strike, the Israeli leader has doubled down on saying Qatar remains a possible target if Hamas leaders are there.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in Israel on Monday for meetings with Netanyahu and other Israeli officials to express America’s concern over the attack on Qatar and talk about Israel’s planned new offensive on Gaza City.
Rubio declined to address Israel’s strike while speaking to journalists in Jerusalem, but he said America wanted to work with all its partners in the region to stop Hamas and reach a ceasefire in the war.
“We’re going to continue to encourage Qatar to play a constructive role in that regard,” Rubio said.
Netanyahu again added that Israel’s decision to attack Qatar “was a wholly independent decision by us.”
Netanyahu faces increasing pressure from the Israeli public to end the war and bring home the 48 hostages still held in Gaza, whom 20 are believed by Israel to still be alive.
The Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and led to the abduction of 251.
Israel’s ensuing offensives in Gaza have killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many were civilians or combatants. It says around half of those killed were women and children.
The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. The U.N. and independent experts view its figures as the most reliable estimate of war casualties. Israel disputes them but has not provided its own.
Market vendors in Surin province continue accepting QR code payments despite worries about account freezes, as most customers no longer carry cash, September 15, 2025.
BANGKOK — Thailand’s well-intentioned crackdown on online scammers has backfired spectacularly, turning from a law enforcement success story into a bureaucratic mess that has ensnared thousands of innocent citizens in its digital dragnet.
What was supposed to be a targeted strike against criminal networks instead became an indiscriminate sweep that froze the bank accounts of ordinary merchants, small business owners, and everyday workers across the country.
The crisis became apparent over the weekend when social media exploded with complaints from ordinary people—shop owners, street vendors, and regular workers—who discovered their bank accounts had been frozen without warning. Panic spread quickly, with long queues forming at ATMs nationwide as people rushed to withdraw cash, fearing they might be next.
Citizens withdraw cash from ATMs in downtown Chanthaburi on September 15, following widespread fears of bank account freezes.
A System Cast Too Wide
The problem stems from Thailand’s aggressive approach to tracking dirty money. When authorities trace suspicious financial flows, they don’t just target the obvious criminals—they freeze every account that money has touched, hoping to recover funds for scam victims. But this shotgun approach has swept up countless innocent people whose only crime was receiving legitimate payments that somehow crossed paths with criminal money trails.
“It takes victims about 20 hours on average to realize they’ve been scammed and report it,” explained Daranee Saejoo, an assistant governor at the Bank of Thailand. “By then, criminals have had plenty of time to move money around, buy things, and create more transactions. So we have to cast a wide net to catch as much as possible for victim compensation.”
A pork satay vendor in downtown Nakhon Ratchasima displays a notice refusing money transfers due to concerns over bank account freezes on September 15, 2025.
Officials Defend the Process
Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphan, Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, explained that account suspensions can occur for various reasons. Banks temporarily freeze transactions for verification purposes when accounts are suspected of being linked to money laundering activities.
He asked for public understanding of the authorities’ work, noting that officials are urgently discussing solutions with financial institutions to resolve issues, adjust criteria, and lift account freezes. The public can file complaints through the 24-hour hotline 1441 or direct line 095-425-7478.
Damage Control Mode
Recognizing the growing public outrage, top officials held emergency meetings on Monday. The Bank of Thailand, cybercrime police, and the Digital Ministry all scrambled to announce fixes.
The central bank promised to speed up the account unfreezing process dramatically. Instead of waiting the legally allowed 72 hours or even 7 days, banks will now process appeals within just 2 hours, with three review sessions daily at 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.
A chicken rice shop in downtown Chanthaburi posts a sign informing customers it no longer accepts money transfers, amid fears of account freezes on September 15, 2025.
National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet called an urgent nationwide meeting, summoning all provincial police commanders to Bangkok for face-to-face discussions. The message was clear: find a better balance between catching criminals and protecting innocent citizens.
The Bigger Picture
Thailand’s scam problem is real and serious, with billions of baht stolen from victims annually through sophisticated online frauds. The government’s determination to fight back is understandable, but the current approach has clearly overshot its target.
Officials are now promising new criteria by the end of September that will better distinguish between criminal accounts and legitimate ones. The challenge lies in maintaining the effectiveness of anti-scam operations while avoiding the collateral damage that has sparked this public backlash.
For now, thousands of honest Thais remain in financial limbo, waiting for bureaucrats to untangle a system that was supposed to protect them but instead made them suspects in their own banking system.
