Welcome to Phuket! Hungarian Baby Boy Born on Coconut Island

By

-

5 August 2025, 19:16

baby hungary1 — Hungarian tourist successfully gives birth to baby boy on Coconut Island, Phuket Province, on August 4, 2025.

PHUKET — A pregnant Hungarian tourist visiting Phuket unexpectedly gave birth to her son on a small, beautiful Thai island with the help of a team of delighted volunteers.

The dramatic moments unfolded around 9 p.m. on Monday when the Phuket Kusoldham Foundation received a report that a foreign woman in late pregnancy was experiencing labor pains on Coconut Island in Koh Kaew subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district, and urgently requested assistance to transport her to the mainland at Laem Hin Pier.

baby hungary2 — The rescue team is transporting the Hungarian mother and newborn baby from Coconut Island to Laem Hin Pier, Phuket Province, on August 4, 2025.

Rescue volunteers took approximately 15 minutes by boat from Laem Hin Pier to reach Coconut Island, where they assessed the condition of Mrs. Ancrea, a 39-year-old Hungarian woman. They determined she wouldn’t be able to hold off delivery during transport, as she was experiencing frequent contractions, her cervix had begun to dilate, and her water had broken.

The experienced rescue team assisted the Hungarian woman until she successfully delivered a baby boy. The newborn was healthy and fully formed.

The team then called for an EMS Advanced ambulance to wait at Laem Hin Pier while they transported the Hungarian mother from Coconut Island to the pier, and safely delivered both mother and child to Bangkok Hospital Phuket.

___

ICRC Visits Cambodian Prisoners of War Held by Thai Army

By

Khaosod English

-

5 August 2025, 16:50

ICRC 1 — ICRC officials visit the detention facility under the 2nd Army Area's jurisdiction in northeastern Thailand on August 5, 2025.

BANGKOK — The International Committee of the Red Cross conducted a standard visit to 18 Cambodian prisoners of war held by Thailand’s military, amid ongoing border tensions between the two countries.

On August 5, 2025, ICRC officials from Bangkok visited the detention facility in the 2nd Army Area’s jurisdiction, facilitated by the Royal Thai Army and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visit followed standard ICRC procedures for assessing prisoner conditions and enabling family communication.

Standard Humanitarian Protocol

Thai military officials emphasized the visit was conducted under normal ICRC protocols rather than as an inspection demanded by Cambodia. The ICRC, an internationally recognized humanitarian organization, directly oversees prisoner of war matters with established standards of neutrality.

ICRC 2 — ICRC officials visit the detention facility under the 2nd Army Area’s jurisdiction in northeastern Thailand on August 5, 2025.

“This reflects Thailand’s respect for and commitment to strict adherence to international humanitarian principles,” the Royal Thai Army stated, citing obligations under the 1949 Geneva Convention to which Thailand is a signatory.

During the visit, ICRC officials met privately with prisoners without time restrictions and arranged health examinations. Thai authorities used the opportunity to refute allegations of torture or mistreatment that have appeared in some media reports, calling such claims “entirely unfounded.”

Prisoner Conditions

The Thai Army reported all 18 Cambodian prisoners are in good health with no injuries, receiving three meals daily in safe, hygienic accommodation with regular medical attention from local physicians.

Military officials briefed the ICRC delegation on the circumstances leading to the detentions and outlined care measures, including the recent repatriation of wounded prisoners and those with psychiatric conditions to Cambodia on August 1.

pow cambodia — Thai border officials at Chong Jom, Surin Province, return two detained Cambodian men to Cambodia on August 1, 2025 after providing medical treatment.

Transparency Measures

Following ICRC protocols that prohibit outside observers during prisoner interviews, Thai representatives and media were excluded from the meetings. Thai officials characterized this as demonstrating “transparency and cooperation between the Thai side and international humanitarian organizations.”

The visit comes amid heightened tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, with both countries recently experiencing military confrontations and exchanging accusations through media channels.

____________

Nan’s Handicrafts Shine at the “Thai Artisan: Sustaining Local Crafts for the Future 3” Event

By

Contributor

-

5 August 2025, 16:05

Have you ever come across a handmade item and felt the story of its maker within it? The “Thai Artisan: Sustaining Local Crafts for the Future” event is all about that vibe. It’s not just about showcasing gorgeous crafts; it’s a chance to revitalize local handicrafts that are on the verge of being forgotten.

This initiative, led by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), aims to strengthen these cultural traditions. The objective is to recognize them as valuable resources—not only because they are beautiful but also because they hold the potential for providing community members with sustainable careers.

This noble mission aligns with the long-standing dedication of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, to the preservation of national artistry.

In its third year, this event features creative works from 34 higher education institutions nationwide that have been developed over the previous three years. These efforts have resulted in numerous impressive successes across various provinces, showcasing the vital role of MHESI in leveraging traditional knowledge to foster a creative economy within local communities.

Besides the eye-catching displays, there are also several other engaging activities being conducted as well. One major highlight is the launch of an online database for Thai local artisans at www.thaiartisan.org, a website which gathers endangered skills and important craftsmanship—ranging from Lanna lacquerware and wood inlay techniques to Khid Teen Dao brocade weaving.

The database also includes Buddhist art from three regions: Pure Nan Buddhist Art featuring mural paintings found in Nan’s temples, Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Buddhist offerings, and Phetchaburi’s Buddhist art. Furthermore, a forum where scholars and master artisans from around the country can share their insights and experiences has been provided.

One standout contribution came from Nan province—a small northern town brimming with craftsmanship charm. Under the guidance of Director Phimonphan Sakitram, Nan Community College showcased a number of captivating pieces of local art that truly reflect the identity of the Nan people.

The intricate bamboo and sedge weaving is not merely about creating baskets and bags but embodies a lifestyle intertwined with nature. The carved prow of a Nan longboat represents more than just a piece of wood; it symbolizes the unity and tradition passed down through generations.

Additionally, the elegantly crafted wooden Buddha statues, meticulously shaped by skilled hands using delicate chisels, showcase local devotion. Each of these pieces of art tells a vibrant story of rich history that remains alive today while inspiring new generations to embrace and keep this legacy alive—ensuring that this wisdom thrives beyond museum walls and continues to gracefully flourish in today’s modern world.

____

Thailand Approves Major Military Purchases Amid Regional Tensions

By

Khaosod English

-

5 August 2025, 14:46

gripen cabinet — Swedish Gripen fighter jets similar to those approved for purchase by Thailand's Cabinet on August 5, 2025. (Photo: saab.com)

BANGKOK — The Thai government has approved major military purchases including Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets and a Chinese submarine amid heightened regional tensions and recent military confrontations with Cambodia.

The weapons approval comes as Thailand faces intensifying security challenges, including disinformation campaigns that previously saw Cambodian state media falsely claim Sweden had canceled the Gripen deal—prompting denials from both Swedish and Thai authorities.

On August 5, 2025, the Cabinet approved both the Royal Thai Air Force’s request for fighter aircraft and finalized a troubled submarine deal that has lingered for years. Unlike previous controversial military purchases, this acquisition faced minimal domestic opposition, reflecting broad support for defense modernization given current regional instability.

Fighter Jet Acquisition

The Cabinet authorized purchasing four Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets (models E and F) in the first phase of a comprehensive fleet replacement program, costing 19.5 billion baht ($602 million).

phumtham 5 08 2025 — Acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai speaks to media following the Cabinet meeting on August 5, 2025, which approved the purchase of Swedish-made Gripen fighter jets and one Chinese submarine. (KHAOSOD Photo/Chavalit Panyong)

Deputy Defense Minister General Nattapon Nakpanich presented the proposal to address the Air Force’s urgent modernization needs. Thailand’s aging F-16 fleet will be gradually retired between 2028-2035 after 37 years of service, creating a critical capability gap.

Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, emphasized that without replacement aircraft, national defense readiness would be compromised.

The complete program envisions acquiring 12 Gripen jets over 10 years at a total cost of 60 billion baht ($1.85 billion). The Swedish aircraft were selected from 20 competing models through a government-to-government agreement, with the first four jets scheduled for delivery by 2029.

gripen 1 — The Royal Thai Air Force organizes a press conference to present preparations for the procurement of 4 Gripen E/F aircraft as Phase 1 replacements on June 4, 2025.

Submarine Deal Resolved

The Cabinet also finalized Thailand’s long-troubled submarine contract with China, resolving complications dating back to the military government of General Prayuth Chan-ocha in 2017.

The purchase of the Yuan Class S26T submarine, for which the Royal Thai Navy signed a contract with the Chinese company CSOC in 2017, was stalled because China was unable to procure the MTU 396 German engines specified in the contract when Germany refused to supply submarine engines due to EU arms export restrictions to China. This caused construction to stop in 2021.

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai resolved the impasse by modifying the contract to use Chinese CHD620 engines instead, signing the updated agreement in June when he served as Defense Minister.

Chinese made CHD620 — Chinese-made CHD620

With Thailand having already paid 10 of 18 installments—totaling 7.7 billion baht ($238 million) or 60% of the total cost—cancellation was financially unfeasible. As one official noted, the government could not terminate the contract “both because of the money involved and not wanting to damage international relations.”

The submarine construction is currently 64% complete, with 40% of payments remaining at 5.5 billion baht ($170 million).

__________

INTERPOL-Wanted Swedish Fugitive Arrested at Thai Luxury Villa

By

Khaosod English

-

5 August 2025, 11:01

sweden drug fugitive1 — Immigration police apprehend a Swedish national wanted by INTERPOL on drug-related charges, at his luxury villa in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri Province on August 5, 2025.

CHONBURI — Immigration police conducted a targeted operation in an upscale residential area, successfully apprehending a Swedish national wanted by INTERPOL on drug-related charges.

The operation, coordinated by senior Immigration Bureau officials including Commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonyalak and Deputy Commissioners Pol. Maj. Gen. Piti Nithinonthasate and Pol. Maj. Gen. Panthana Nuchanart, resulted in the arrest of 37-year-old Toby (alias) at his luxury villa in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province on August 5.

The Swedish fugitive had been subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice issued by Swedish police for drug offenses. Following extensive investigation and surveillance, officers located his residence and executed a carefully planned raid.

sweden drug fugitive2 — Immigration police apprehend a Swedish national wanted by INTERPOL on drug-related charges, at his luxury villa in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri Province on August 5, 2025.

According to Pol. Maj. Gen. Chairit Anurit, Commander of Immigration Division 3, the suspect posed a significant threat to public safety. Swedish authorities are seeking his extradition to face drug trafficking charges.

Investigation revealed that Toby allegedly served as a “Global Moderator” for “Archetyp,” an online platform facilitating illegal drug sales across Scandinavia and other European regions.

The arrest aligns with the government’s priority crackdown on transnational crime, following directives from the Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police and Immigration Bureau leadership. Officials emphasized their commitment to preventing foreign criminals from using Thailand as a safe haven while threatening public security.

____

Thai Journalists at Wartime? Or a Mouthpiece for the Thai State?

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

-

5 August 2025, 09:59

fake attack — A screenshot from the AI generated video clip shared by Ms Vassana, showing Phnom Penh being bombed and Cambodia losing the war.

During this ongoing Thai-Cambodian conflict, some Thai journalists and the media outlets have faced considerable criticism. Some individuals and outlets were accused of becoming a mouthpiece for the Thai state, failing to verify information provided by the government and the military. They were often seen as presenting a one-sided perspective, or even acting as cheerleaders for the war.

They fanned the flames of both true and false news, which created a blanket hatred towards the Cambodian people and escalated the conflict from a state-to-state issue to one between the two nations’ people.

Why did a significant portion of the Thai media become like this?

Did these outlets love their country so much that their ultranationalist sentiments became excessive?

Or did they know that pandering to a lowbrow market would sell well and be the most gratifying? Perhaps they saw themselves as a mechanism of the Thai army and state, operating under the logic that, “If you don’t love your own country, which country will you love? Cambodia?”

The problem is that these individuals, including a number of well-known and influential journalists, effectively abandoned their journalistic role and voluntarily transformed themselves into a de facto mouthpiece for the state, particularly the military. Instead of providing a reality check and balance to society, they played a role in making society even more frantic. This happened despite the fact that the state already had its own state-owned and army-run propaganda media outlets.

Instead of scrutinizing those in power in both Thailand and Cambodia, presenting different sides of the story, raise the uneasy and complex reality which is sometimes contradictory, and fact-checking news as much as possible—and clearly stating when they couldn’t independently verify the information—they chose to abandon their duty as journalists.

Many chose to be cheerleaders for the war and conflict rather than offering a peaceful solution to reduce losses and destructiins on both sides. For example, not long before the war, a famous military-beat journalist, Ms Wassana Nanuam, shared an AI-generated video clip that imagined the Royal Thai Air Force bombing Phnom Penh. (Yesterday, Ms Vassana also shared a fake news clip about “Cambodian soldiers flying survey drone into Thailand” and upon being exposed, she said she got it from the Thai Army and didn’t think it was fake news, and that another famous Thai journalist also shared it.)

Instead of acting as a mirror reflecting complex and contradictory truths, and a lamp shedding light on society to help people think and find solutions out of darkness in a state where many were blinded by excessive ultranationalism, they did the opposite.

In summary, some Thai media outlets that quietly volunteered to be the Thai state’s mouthpiece during the undeclared war were so confident that their own country was the protagonist and on the right side of history so that they didn’t bother to verify or weigh conflicting information from the Thai and Cambodian governments. They failed to investigate crucial details, such as:

Who started the war?
Who violated the ceasefire agreement?
What fake news was being spread?
Were 20 Cambodian soldiers “captured” after the ceasefire took effect or did these soldiers “surrender” as the Thai state claimed, before the ceasefire. Or were they “abducted” as the

Cambodian state alleged?

If they really cannot independently prove, one way or the other, it is expected that they should point these out. Alas, it’s appear that it’s really not something they are concerned about.

_____

Hiker Found Dead in Chiang Mai’s Doi Suthep After Family Breakdown

By

Khaosod English

-

5 August 2025, 01:07

doi suthep found1 — Chiang Mai Authorities investigate the scene where a tourist's body was discovered in Doi Suthep National Park, August 3, 2025.

CHIANG MAI — The mysterious body found deep in Doi Suthep National Park, Chiang Mai, which police initially suspected was a foreign tourist, has been identified after the man’s wife contacted authorities. She revealed he traveled from Chonburi province and intentionally walked into the forest with no intention of coming back out.

Although official identification results have not been confirmed, Jitrarporn Kanthi, village headman of Doi Suthep, provided details about how the man was identified. After receiving the report, she posted on social media seeking relatives of the deceased. The post was widely shared, leading a woman to contact her asking about her missing husband who had disappeared from Chonburi province.

When the village headman sent photos of the backpack found in the forest, the woman confirmed it belonged to her husband and contained items she had personally bought for him. The 31-year-old man enjoyed hiking and suffered from chronic asthma. He had been experiencing family problems and his wife had requested a separation. On July 12, he traveled from Chonburi to Bangkok, leaving behind his car, mobile phone, and all personal documents.

doi suthep body2 — “A large backpack, believed to belong to the deceased tourist, found at the scene in Doi Suthep National Park, August 3, 2025.

According to the Chonburi woman’s account, her husband traveled by train and arrived in Chiang Mai on July 13. Upon arrival, he went to Chiang Mai City Police Station where he borrowed a phone from a volunteer lawyer to call her, telling her to file a missing person report. After that call, she and her family lost all contact with him.

Police revealed that the body appeared to have been dead for more than a week. The deceased was wearing black long pants and a gray long-sleeved shirt. About 10 meters from where the body was found, a black backpack was discovered containing clothing, hiking equipment, shoes, and unopened bottles of drinking water. However, no identification documents or mobile phone were found.

Initial police examination could not determine any signs of injury or cause of death due to the advanced state of decomposition. The forensic medicine department at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital is currently conducting further investigations.

________

Kuwaiti Tourists on Motorcycles Disturb Pattaya Residents Again

By

Khaosod English

-

4 August 2025, 22:26

kuwait2025-1 — Pattaya police investigate loud motorcycle tourist groups in Soi Yen Sabai, South Pattaya in the early hours of August 4, 2025.

PATTAYA — Residents of Soi Yen Sabai in South Pattaya, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province, are facing noise disturbances from young Kuwaiti tourists who ride motorcycles in circles and rev their engines loudly, causing continuous disruption that prevents locals from sleeping.

Early this morning, August 4, residents called Pattaya City Police to investigate the situation. Police were able to seize some motorcycles and big bikes with loud exhaust systems, but after officers left, the youth motorcycle group continued riding and making noise as before, showing no fear of the law.

kuwait2025 3 — Tourists gather with their motorcycles in Soi Yen Sabai, South Pattaya, which residents have complained about, saying the loud riding keeps them awake at night, August 4, 2025.

Local residents report that this problem occurs repeatedly without any serious resolution. Some families have decided to move away from the area because they cannot tolerate the noise disturbances. They are asking police authorities to take decisive action to resolve the issue and restore peace to the community as quickly as possible.

Officials noted that over the past two to three years, young Kuwaitis have chosen Pattaya as their preferred destination during their summer high school break, staying from July to August. They often gather to race in South Pattaya, leading to frequent complaints from residents and tourists about reckless driving and loud exhaust noise.

Last year, tensions escalated into clashes between local Thai motorcyclists and the Kuwaiti groups. Following that, police set up checkpoints to prevent and warn foreign groups who ride motorcycles repeatedly, honk horns, and rev engines loudly, disturbing local residents.

_______

Cambodian and Thai Officials Meet in Malaysia to Iron Out Ceasefire Details

By

Associated Press

-

4 August 2025, 20:23

Malaysia Armed Forces on Aug 4, 2025, show Cambodian Maj Gen Sin Sokha, forth from left, Malaysian Chief of Defence Forces General Mohamad Nizam Jaffar, center, Thailand Lt. Gen Nuttapong Praokaew, fourth from right, poses for a picture at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. (Malaysia Armed Forces via AP)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Thai and Cambodian officials met in Malaysia on Monday for the first round of cross-border committee talks since a tense ceasefire was brokered last week after five days of deadly armed border clashes that killed dozens and displaced over 260,000 people.

The four-day General Border Committee meetings were initially due to be hosted by Cambodia, but both sides later agreed to a neutral venue in Malaysia, the annual chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which has mediated the halt in hostilities last month.

The July 28 ceasefire followed economic pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who had warned the two warring nations that the U.S. would not conclude trade deals with them if the fighting persisted. Washington lowered tariffs on goods from the two countries from 36% to 19% on Aug. 1 following the truce.

Monday’s talks focused on ironing out details to avoid further clashes. Discussions of the decades-long competing territorial claims over the pockets of land near the shared border are not on the agenda.

Thailand and Cambodia have been feuding neighbors for centuries, since both were mighty empires. In modern times, a 1962 ruling by the International Court of Justice awarding Cambodia the land on which the ancient Preah Vihear temple stands marked a new low point in relations, and other border territory remained claimed by both countries.

AP25213356560001 — In this photo released by the Government Spokesman Office, Military attaches from various countries visit a convenience store at a gas station damaged after Cambodia fired artillery shells in Sisaket province, Thailand, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. (The Government Spokesman Office via AP)

Fighting erupted in 2011 at Preah Vihaer, after which the International Court of Justice in 2013 reaffirmed its earlier ruling, rankling Thailand. Relations deteriorated again sharply in May this year, when a Cambodian soldier was shot dead in a brief fracas in one of the disputed border zones, setting off diplomatic and trade sanctions, one against the other.

Soon after two incidents last month in which Thai soldiers were wounded by land mines in disputed territory, for which Thailand blamed Cambodia, the two sides downgraded diplomatic relations and fighting broke out, each side blaming the other for starting the armed clashes.

The talks this week will include finalizing details and scope of reference for an ASEAN monitoring team, Malaysian Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Mohamad Nizam Jaffar said Monday.

Despite some reports of attacks after the ceasefire came into effect, Nizam said such incidents were typical spillover violence and both sides showed strong committment during Monday’s talks to uphold the ceasefire.

The main session of the General Border Committee on Thursday will be led by Thai Deputy Defense Minister Gen. Natthaphon Nakpanit and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister cum Defense Minister Tea Seih and include observers from Malaysia, the United States and China, officials said.

Despite the truce, tensions have persisted as both countries organized tours of the former battle areas for foreign diplomats and other observers to highlight damage allegedly caused by the other side. The two countries also continue to accuse each other of having violated international humanitarian laws with attacks on civilians and the use of illegal weapons.

___

Reimagined Zbar Brings Beachside Bliss to The Naka Island, Phuket

By

Contributor

-

4 August 2025, 18:40

Signature beachfront bar emerges from a complete transformation with an extended terrace, revitalized design, Japanese-inspired menu, serene Sunset Ceremony, and creative cocktails by acclaimed mixologist Jane Kaew-yod

Phuket, Thailand – The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, the secluded five-star sanctuary nestled on an island in the Andaman Sea, is inviting guests to step into tropical tranquility, culinary creativity, and mesmerizing mixology at Zbar, its newly-reimagined social venue nestled on the tip of the island, overlooking Phang Nga Bay.

Zbar unveils a new era of elegance and allure, following a masterful transformation that redefines the art of refined relaxation. Reimagined to perfection, this sophisticated lounge now offers an exquisite retreat for both couples and families seeking tranquil afternoons and captivating evenings. The ambiance is elevated by a bold yet graceful palette of deep crimson and celestial blue, echoing the mesmerizing interplay of sea and sky at dusk. The open-air terrace, now generously expanded, invites guests to unwind in unparalleled comfort while savoring panoramic vistas. Whether indulging in meaningful conversation or simply basking in the beauty of the moment, Zbar promises a sanctuary where luxury meets serenity.

From sunlit mornings to golden dusks, Zbar offers a serene escape where guests sip tropical juices, smoothies, and chilled brews with their feet in the sand and eyes on the sea.

Whether families seek a tranquil daytime escape or couples long for romantic evenings beneath the stars, the reimagined Zbar promises to elevate every moment in this secluded paradise.

Hot News

LATEST NEWS