Shinawatras Deny Thai-Cambodia Clash Is Family Feud with Hun Family

By

-

26 July 2025, 23:58

paetongtarn-thaksin hun — Combination photo of Paetongtarn (left) and Thaksin Shinawatra speaking to media on July 26, 2025, both rejecting attacks claiming the Thai-Cambodia fighting stems from conflict between the Shinawatra and Hun families.

BANGKOK — As fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces enters its third day, with nationalist groups from both sides clashing fiercely on social media, anti-Thaksin groups continue their daily attacks on the Shinawatra family without letup.

During former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s visit to Ubon Ratchathani province on July 26 – his 76th birthday – to boost morale among residents affected by the Thai-Cambodia border clashes, a woman in Det Udom municipality shouted accusations at him, claiming he was friends with Hun Sen and questioning why he allowed Hun Sen to treat Thai people this way.

While Thaksin didn’t witness the woman’s outburst directly, he addressed the issue with media, stating the observation was completely untrue. “This incident is not a conflict between two families at all, but because he [Hun Sen] is dissatisfied with our country,” Thaksin said.

thaksin ubon1 — Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra greets displaced residents from the fighting in Ubon Ratchathani Province at Det Udom Municipality, Det Udom District, on July 26, 2025, which coincided with his birthday.

“What happened occurred because he’s going crazy alone, sitting on social media all day like a zombie, getting frustrated and looking for trouble when we’ve done nothing wrong. This isn’t about personal conflict at all – there is none. I’ve never had any conflict with him. He’s someone who started with suspicion and created more nationalist sentiment within his country,” Thaksin explained.

Timeline of Events

The former prime minister outlined the sequence of events from June: When he received reports on Friday (June 6) that Cambodia had moved 12,000 troops to the Thai border, he called Hun Sen through an interpreter to protest, asking why this was happening when their children were leaders of both countries – were they going to war? He emphasized they should negotiate at all levels.

On Sunday (June 8), Cambodia withdrew forces without notice. At that point, Thai military had already decided to implement new checkpoint operating hours – a non-aggressive measure. When the new schedule began Monday (June 9), Hun Sen became angry and made inappropriate comments on social media.

trench cambodia — The photos provided by the Army on Sunday afternoon, June 8, 2025, showed that Cambodia has filled in trenches and restored the area to its original condition.

“When our Prime Minister Paetongtarn criticized him for being unprofessional, he planned to record that conversation. That’s where the problem lies – not because we created problems, but because he was suspicious and wanted to execute his planned actions,” Thaksin said.

Scam Network Interests

Thaksin explained that the new measures conflicted with benefits Hun Sen received from scammer networks, but these were interests Thailand needed to protect. He referenced his previous directive for police to inspect the 25-story buildings on the Cambodian side, later discovering the building owners were Hun Sen’s associates, who are now wanted in Thailand.

Regarding international calls for ceasefire, Thaksin noted that major powers like China have appealed more to the opposing side to negotiate with Thailand. However, decisions on what should or shouldn’t be done are made by the National Security Council.

He emphasized he wasn’t lobbying, the government never interfered with military operations, and let them proceed according to strategy. He believed the situation wouldn’t be prolonged, as Thailand was simply reclaiming territory where sovereignty was invaded.

scam sakaeo1 — Thai authorities identify three suspicious communication towers near the Thai-Cambodian border allegedly transmitting signals to the 25-story building on Dec. 28, 2024.

Prime Minister’s Response

Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn addressed the issue at the Ministry of Culture, acknowledging various accusations aimed at inciting hatred by claiming the conflict arose from a feud between two families. She asked people to look back at recent months’ serious crackdowns on scammer call centers, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar formed partnerships that visibly reduced these crimes.

She revealed that Cambodia later contacted them, expressing dissatisfaction at not being invited to join the partnership. When she offered to include Cambodia, they declined but requested separate bilateral cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia only. In retrospect, this showed their dissatisfaction from that point.

“I never thought any country would be displeased when people are being deceived and the government steps in to help. Whether the government is Shinawatra family or not, this needs to be suppressed because it’s good, right? This made me realize we might have disrupted certain interests,” Paetongtarn said.

paetongtarn hun — Prime Minister and Minister of Culture Paetongtarn addresses Thai-Cambodia border clash issues at the Ministry of Culture on July 26, 2025.

Media War

When asked about Cambodian media portraying her and Lt. Gen. Bunshin Padklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Region, as the cause of war, Paetongtarn questioned how long they would believe Cambodia’s narratives, citing the case where Cambodia released her conversation recording but then denied doing so.

Asked if this incident dealt a heavy blow to the “Shinawatra” name, the Prime Minister insisted she didn’t think so, as they acted for the country but were politically twisted and falsely accused. She wanted such actions to stop.

“Since Thaksin Shinawatra was Prime Minister, personal relationships were very good, but when problems arose, Mr. Thaksin put national interests first. There was no talk of being friends who wouldn’t harm each other – national interests must come first,” she concluded.

Recent tensions escalated in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation, creating diplomatic friction and stirring domestic politics.

In the June call, Paetongtarn called former Cambodian PM Hun Sen “uncle” while criticizing Thai military leadership – remarks critics deemed disrespectful to national sovereignty.

Paetongtarn was suspended July 1 for an ethics investigation into her border dispute handling after the leaked phone call surfaced.

_____________

Romanian Tourist Caught with 3.5kg Heroin at Suvarnabhumi Airport

By

Khaosod English

-

26 July 2025, 20:13

romania drug2 — Thai customs arrest a 50-year-old Romanian woman attempting to smuggle heroin worth over 1 million baht (approximately $30,000) out of the country at Suvarnabhumi Airport on July 26, 2025.

SUVARNABHUMI — Thai customs officials arrested a 50-year-old Romanian woman attempting to smuggle heroin worth over 1 million baht (approximately $30,000) out of the country, authorities announced Saturday.

The Customs Department, working with multiple law enforcement agencies, intercepted the suspect at Suvarnabhumi Airport as she prepared to board a Vietnam Airlines flight bound for Taiwan via Hanoi.

Department spokesman Phanthong Loykulnan said the operation was part of ongoing intensive efforts to combat drug trafficking through Thailand’s borders. The arrest involved collaboration between the Customs Department’s Investigation and Suppression Division, Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Inspection Office, the Airport Interdiction Task Force (AITF), and narcotics suppression police.

Officials had been monitoring the suspect based on intelligence reports and spotted her at the Vietnam Airlines check-in counter. When her luggage passed through X-ray screening, authorities detected suspicious anomalies in a black hard-shell suitcase.

romania drug1 — Packages of white powder hidden inside a backpack and bedding set within a black hard-shell suitcase.

A detailed search revealed white powder hidden inside a backpack and bedding set within the luggage. Field testing using ONCB051 MARQUIS REAGENT confirmed the substance was heroin when it turned purple upon contact with the chemical. The total seizure weighed 3.56 kilograms with an estimated street value of 1,068,000 baht (approximately $30,000).

The woman faces charges under Thailand’s Customs Act of 2017 for attempting to smuggle Category 1 narcotics (heroin) out of the kingdom and for possession of the controlled substance.

The arrest highlights Thailand’s strategic position as both a transit route and target for international drug trafficking networks, with Suvarnabhumi Airport serving as a critical checkpoint for interdiction efforts.

According to customs department data, authorities have seized various narcotics including methamphetamine (ice), heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine pills in 187 cases during the current fiscal year (October 1, 2024 – July 24, 2025), with a combined value exceeding 1.157 billion baht.

__________

Thailand-Cambodia Border Violence: Conflicting Accounts Presented at UNSC

By

Khaosod English

-

26 July 2025, 11:13

NEW YORK — Cambodia and Thailand exchanged accusations at the United Nations Friday while both expressing desire to end a deadly two-day border conflict that has claimed multiple lives and created a humanitarian crisis along their disputed frontier.

Cambodia’s UN Ambassador Chhea Keo called for an “immediate ceasefire” following closed Security Council consultations, saying his country sought an “unconditional” end to hostilities and a “peaceful solution of the dispute.” Meanwhile, Thailand‘s representative urged Cambodia to “immediately cease all hostilities” and resume good-faith dialogue.

The escalating conflict centers around the Ta Muen Thom Temple area, where fighting erupted July 24 and has involved artillery, ground troops, and military aircraft in one of the most serious border incidents between the Southeast Asian neighbors in recent years.

Competing Narratives of Conflict Origins

The two nations presented fundamentally different accounts of how the violence began, each blaming the other for initiating the deadly exchanges.

Thailand’s UN Ambassador Cherdchai Chaivaivid provided detailed testimony alleging that Cambodian forces launched unprovoked attacks starting at 8:20 a.m. on July 24, targeting a Thai military outpost with heavy artillery before expanding strikes across four Thai provinces. He displayed photographs of civilian casualties to emphasize the human cost.

“Cambodian troops launched indiscriminate attacks on Thai territory,” Chaivaivid told the Council, reporting 14 deaths and 46 injuries as of Friday morning, including four children killed and civilian infrastructure damaged.

khmer war1 — Artillery fire from Cambodian forces strikes a PTT gas station in Sisaket province, about 20 km from the border, killing 8 people on July 24, 2025.

Cambodia’s envoy strongly disputed this version, questioning how his country – described as smaller and less militarily developed than Thailand – could have initiated conflict with its more powerful neighbor. Ambassador Chhea Keo characterized Thailand’s claims as unfounded, though he did not provide detailed counter-allegations about Thai actions.

Thailand dismissed Cambodia’s position as “baseless” and “disinformation,” while Cambodia appeared to focus its diplomatic efforts on calling for immediate de-escalation rather than detailed rebuttals.

Humanitarian Impact and Military Response

Both sides acknowledged the severe humanitarian consequences of the fighting. Thailand reported that over 130,000 residents have been evacuated from border areas, with civilian infrastructure including hospitals, schools, and homes sustaining damage.

Thai officials described tragic civilian casualties, including a family where a mother and three children were killed while shopping for groceries. Thailand accused Cambodia of violating Geneva Conventions through attacks on protected civilian facilities.

Cambodia has not publicly released casualty figures from its side, though the cross-border nature of the conflict suggests both nations have likely suffered military and potentially civilian losses.

Thailand defended its military response as following international principles of “distinction, proportionality, and military necessity,” stating that any cluster munitions targeted only military objectives. Cambodia has not detailed its military tactics or provided its account of the tactical situation.

AP25206186102686 — Cambodians who fled their villages line up to register for receiving donations as they take refuge in Wat Tham Kambar in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia, Friday, July 25, 2025, as Thai and Cambodian soldiers have clashed along the border between their countries in a major escalation. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Regional and International Responses

The conflict has prompted urgent international attention, with the UN Security Council holding emergency consultations. Both nations are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), currently chaired by Malaysia, which emphasizes diplomatic solutions to regional disputes.

Thailand called on Cambodia to stop “disseminating false or misleading information” about cultural heritage sites in the disputed area, while Cambodia’s focus on seeking immediate ceasefire suggests prioritizing de-escalation over historical grievances.

The dispute highlights long-standing tensions over border demarcation and cultural sites that have periodically flared between the neighbors, though previous incidents have typically been resolved through diplomatic channels.

Path Forward Uncertain

While both countries expressed willingness to end the violence, their conflicting accounts of responsibility may complicate peace efforts. Cambodia’s call for unconditional ceasefire contrasts with Thailand’s demand that Cambodia cease what it characterizes as aggressive actions.

The international community, including ASEAN partners, will likely play a crucial role in facilitating dialogue between the two nations as they seek to prevent further escalation of Southeast Asia’s first major interstate conflict in years.

Both countries’ emphasis on eventual dialogue, despite their current disagreements, offers hope for diplomatic resolution of a crisis that has already exacted a significant human toll on both sides of the contested border.

______

Thai Police Arrest French Men in Separate Cases: Child Abuse, Drug Crime

By

Khaosod English

-

25 July 2025, 23:57

french abuse1 — Police arrest a 40-year-old French national suspected of sexually abusing children in Bangkok on July 25, 2025.

BANGKOK/PHUKET — Immigration police have arrested two French nationals in separate serious criminal cases. The first involves a man who allegedly lured Thai women to facilitate child abuse, while the second is a suspected drug trafficker fleeing charges in France.

Child Abuse Case

Immigration Office 1 investigated a tip from a TikTok reviewer who reported suspicious behavior by a 40-year-old French national named Jean Andre, suspected of sexually abusing children.

The suspect allegedly used popular dating applications in Thailand to target Thai women, specifically focusing on Western-oriented single mothers with young daughters. After establishing relationships, he would arrange meetings at luxury condominiums in Bangkok and Pattaya.

During these encounters, Jean Andre allegedly exploited opportunities when alone with the children to commit sexual abuse, remove clothing, take photographs, and record videos, storing the material in private photo applications on his devices. Multiple victims have been identified.

french abuse3 — Police arrest a 40-year-old French national suspected of sexually abusing children in Bangkok on July 25, 2025.

Arrest and Evidence

Following intelligence reports about the suspect’s location, officers conducted surveillance and arrested Jean Andre, who was found without proper identification documents. A search of his accommodation revealed two mobile phones containing hundreds of files showing child abuse images involving girls aged 6-13 years, including both Thai and foreign children.

Biometric system checks revealed that Andre had entered Thailand in 2022 but was currently staying illegally after his permitted stay expired.

Jean Andre has been charged with possessing child pornography for sexual purposes and illegal overstay. He was transferred to Thonglor Police Station and denied bail due to being considered a serious public threat with no valid visa or permanent address.

Investigators have identified some victims from the videos and are expanding the investigation to determine if others were involved in procuring victims or if additional accomplices exist.

Drug Trafficking Case

The Royal Thai Police and Immigration Office received coordination from the French Embassy regarding a French national who is a key member of a drug trafficking gang wanted by French authorities for drug possession and unauthorized trafficking.

french drugs — Thai immigration police arrest a 22-year-old French fugitive who is a key member of a drug trafficking gang wanted by French authorities, in Phuket on July 25, 2025.

The suspect, 22-year-old Mr. Bachir, fled to Phuket Province to evade arrest. Upon capture, Bachir confessed to serving as a drug courier, smuggling narcotics to customers in France.

Authorities are coordinating with the French Embassy to proceed with extradition under the bilateral treaty for transferring criminal suspects.

Both cases highlight Thailand’s ongoing efforts to combat international crimes involving foreign nationals and protect vulnerable victims.

_____________

French Tourist Dies at Phi Phi Police Station After Heavy Drinking

By

Khaosod English

-

25 July 2025, 21:26

KOH PHI PHI — A 55-year-old French tourist was found dead on a sofa at Phi Phi Police Station early Friday morning after being brought there the previous night due to severe intoxication.

Police officers at Phi Phi Police Station were shocked to discover that Mr. David, the French national who had been too drunk to return to his accommodation, had died overnight at the station.

The incident began late on July 24 when Mr. David was found heavily intoxicated after drinking near Slinky Beach. His condition was so severe that he could barely maintain consciousness. Officers initially took him to World Med Hospital on Slinky Soi, but the hospital later contacted police requesting that patrol officers escort him back to his accommodation.

However, the tourist remained unconscious from alcohol consumption, making it impossible for officers to return him to his lodging. Police decided to let David rest at the police station at 10:00 p.m., waiting for him to regain consciousness. The French tourist fell asleep on a sofa in the front area of the station.

phi phi french2 — The body of a French tourist is found on a sofa at Phi Phi Police Station in Krabi Province on July 25, 2025.

At approximately 5:50 a,m. on July 25, Deputy Inspector Lieutenant Aphilak Suwanlikit of Phi Phi Police Station went to check on the man’s condition and ask if he was ready to return to his accommodation. Instead, he discovered that David had stopped breathing.

Police immediately notified the hospital, commanding officers, and relevant authorities to conduct a preliminary autopsy.

The body was transferred to Phi Phi Hospital where investigators and medical staff conducted an initial examination. No signs of foul play were found, but officials are awaiting a detailed medical examination. The French embassy has been contacted to notify the deceased’s relatives.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about tourist safety and alcohol consumption on Thailand’s popular resort islands.

___________

Ex-Beckham Villa Among Properties Raided in Koh Samui Crackdown

By

Khaosod English

-

25 July 2025, 17:24

samui villa — One of the luxury villas on Koh Samui's steep hillside that authorities found in violation of building regulations during the July 24, 2025 raid.

KOH SAMUI — Thai authorities conducted raids on luxury properties in Koh Samui on July 24, discovering multiple building violations at villas constructed on protected steep terrain, including one formerly owned by football star David Beckham.

The joint task force, operating under the “Samui Model” initiative, targeted developments at Khao Laem Yai in Surat Thani province as part of a broader crackdown on illegal construction and environmental violations on state land.

Multiple Violations Uncovered

The investigation revealed breaches of several laws, including the Hotel Act, Building Control Act, and Environmental Quality Promotion and Conservation Act. Authorities are also examining potential violations of the Foreign Business Act related to nominee ownership arrangements, tax evasion, and employment of undocumented workers.

The multi-agency operation involved the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Forest Protection Unit, Immigration Police, and local Koh Samui officials.

samui beckham3 — One of the luxury villas on Koh Samui’s steep hillside that authorities found in violation of building regulations during the July 24, 2025 raid.

Two Investigation Sites

At the first location in Ban Tai, Maenam sub-district, officials inspected six villas owned by Thai, Chinese, and Russian nationals. The properties, built on slopes ranging from 35-50% gradient at elevations of 50-140 meters above sea level, exceeded the permitted six-meter height limit and violated approved building plans.

The second site featured two villas, including the property previously owned by Beckham, now owned by a French citizen. Both structures exceeded height restrictions and were constructed on slopes steeper than 50%, violating regulations that require at least 75% of such terrain to remain undeveloped.

samui beckham2 — One of the luxury villas on Koh Samui’s steep hillside that authorities found in violation of building regulations during the July 24, 2025 raid.

Legal Action Expected

Colonel Dusit Kasornkaew, leading the inspection team, confirmed that authorities have documented violations and begun evidence collection for prosecution. The case will be referred to Surat Thani Provincial Police for criminal investigation.

If government officials are found complicit in the violations, the matter will be forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for potential legal action.

The raids represent Thailand’s intensified efforts to combat illegal development in environmentally sensitive areas, particularly targeting luxury properties that cater to wealthy foreign buyers.

__________

ROCTEC: Hello LED Deal Amendment Approved, THB 0.0165 Dividend Declared

By

MC Marketing

-

25 July 2025, 17:02

Bangkok – 25 July 2025 – ROCTEC Global Public Company Limited (“ROCTEC”) announced the resolutions of its 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on 24 July 2025. All agenda items were duly acknowledged and approved, including a key resolution to amend the share purchase agreement of Hello Bangkok LED Co., Ltd. (“Hello LED”) between ROCTEC and Plan B Media Public Company Limited (“PLANB”), which constitutes a connected transaction. Shareholders also approved the dividend payment from the Company’s operating results for the fiscal year 2024/25.

Key amendments to the agreement include the extension of the transaction period and the introduction of a non-refundable deposit condition. The long-stop date has been extended to 13 August 2027. Under the revised terms, PLANB is required to place a non-refundable deposit of up to THB 240mn, which will be deducted from the purchase price upon completion of the transaction. However, if the agreed conditions are not met, ROCTEC reserves the right to retain the deposit. The transaction value remains unchanged at THB 2,000mn as stipulated in the original agreement.

ROCTEC maintains a strong financial position, with cash on hand exceeding THB 1,800mn as of the end of the first quarter of 2025 (31 March 2025) and remains a debt-free company. This reflects the Company’s effective liquidity management and provides the flexibility to pursue investments or business expansion without reliance on external financing.

Strategically, ROCTEC continues to focus on its core ICT business, aiming to deliver stable and sustainable regional growth to reward long-term shareholder confidence.

The Company also announced a dividend payment of THB 0.0165 per share, totalling up to THB 134mn. This represents a 50% payout ratio of net profit after corporate income tax and legal reserves, reflecting confidence in the Company’s strong financial position and resilient performance. The record date for determining shareholders eligible to receive the dividend is set for 6 August 2025, with the dividend payment scheduled for 22 August 2025. This marks another important milestone in the Company’s vision to deliver “stable and sustainable returns” alongside continued growth in the ICT sector.

Mr. Wei Sam Lam, Chief Executive Officer of ROCTEC, stated:

“The amendment to the Hello LED transaction is a technical adjustment that has limited implications and does not interfere with our core business strategy, which continues to prioritise ICT solutions expansion in both Thailand and Hong Kong. We remain committed to delivering stable and sustainable returns to our shareholders.”

Tens of Thousands Flee Their Homes As Thailand and Cambodia Clash

By

Associated Press

-

25 July 2025, 16:00

Cambodia Thailand — Cambodians sit on a tractor as they take refuge in Wat Tham Kambar in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia, Friday, July 25, 2025, as Thai and Cambodian soldiers have clashed along the border between their countries in a major escalation. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

By JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI and SOPHENG CHEANG

SURIN, Thailand (AP) — Tens of thousands of people sought refuge on Friday as border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia entered a second day, heightening fears of a broader conflict.

The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on the crisis later Friday in New York, while Malaysia, which chairs a regional bloc that includes both countries, called for an end to hostilities and offered to mediate.

The Health Ministry on Friday said more than 58,000 have fled from villages to temporary shelters in four affected Thai border provinces, while Cambodian authorities said more than 4,000 people have evacuated from areas near the border.

The fighting has killed at least 14 people in Thailand, while Cambodia confirmed its first fatality on Friday.

Tensions over a disputed border area erupted into fighting after a land mine explosion along the border on wounded five Thai soldiers on Wednesday.

Clashes break out across border areas

The Thai military reported clashes early Friday in multiple areas, including along the border at Chong Bok and Phu Makhuea in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province, at Phanom Dong Rak in Surin province, and near the ancient Ta Muen Thom temple. Associated Press reporters near the border could hear sounds of artillery from early morning hours.

The Thai army said Cambodian forces had used heavy artillery and Russian-made BM-21 rocket launchers, prompting what Thai officials described as “appropriate supporting fire” in return.

Thailand said one soldier and 13 civilians were killed, including children, while 15 soldiers and 30 civilians were wounded.

AP25206023584397 — A Cambodian military vehicle carries rocket launcher in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia, Friday, July 25, 2025, as Thai and Cambodian soldiers have clashed along the border between their countries in a major escalation. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Cambodia’s chief official in Oddar Meanchey province, Gen. Khov Ly, said a man died instantly Thurday after a Thai rocket hit a Buddhist pagoda where he was hiding. At least four civilians were also wounded in Thursday’s fighting there.

Thailand’s army on Friday denied it targeted civilian sites in Cambodia, and accused Cambodia of using “human shields” by positioning their weapons near residential areas.

Thousands flee villages near the border

As the fighting intensified, villagers on both sides have been caught in the crossfire, leading many to flee.

Around 600 people took shelter at a gymnasium in a university in Surin, Thailand, about 80 kilometers from the border. Evacuees sat in groups, on mats and blankets, and queued for food and drinks.

Seamstress Pornpan Sooksai was accompanied by four cats in two fabric cages. She said she was doing laundry at her home near Ta Muen Thom temple when shelling began Thursday.

“I just heard, boom, boom. We already prepared the cages, clothes and everything, so we ran and carried our things to the car. I was frightened, scared,” she recalled.

Rattana Meeying, another evacuee, said she had also lived through the 2011 clashes between the two countries but described this flare-up as worse.

“Children, old people, were hit out of the blue,” she said. “I never imagined it would be this violent.”

AP25206028225474 — Pornpan Sooksai holds her cat named Kung Fu as residents who fled homes following clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers rest at an evacuation center in Surin province, Thailand, Friday, July 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

At the nearby Phanom Dong Rak hospital, periodic explosions could be heard Friday, and a military truck arrived with three injured Thai soldiers, including one who had both legs severed. Thursday’s shelling shattered windows at one of the hospital’s buildings and damaged its roof.

In the neighboring Sisaket province, more villagers took their belongings and left homes in a stream of cars, trucks and motorbikes after they received an evacuation order on Friday.

Across the border in Cambodia, villages on the outskirts of Oddar Meanchey province were largely deserted. Homes stood locked, while chickens and dogs roamed outside.

Some villagers earlier dug holes to create makeshift underground bunkers, covering them with wood, tarpaulin and zinc sheets to shield themselves from shelling. Families with children were seen packing their belongings on home-made tractors to evacuate, though a few men refused to leave.

Several hundred Cambodian villagers have evacuated to a remote Buddhist temple surrounded by rice fields. Women rest in hammocks, some cradle babies, while children run about. Makeshift plastic tents are being set up under the trees.

Veng Chin, 74, pleaded with both governments to negotiate a settlement “so that I can return to my home and work on the farm.”

ASEAN chair calls for calm

The conflict marks a rare instance of armed confrontation between member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation, though Thailand has tangled with Cambodia before over the border and has had sporadic skirmishes with western neighbor Myanmar.

Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair, expressed concern.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Thursday he spoke to both Cambodian leader Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and urged them to open space for “peaceful dialogue and diplomatic resolution.” Malaysia is willing to facilitate talks, he said.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for restraint and urged both countries to resolve disputes through dialogue, according to U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq.

A longstanding border problem

Border tensions between the two nations are not new. Their 800-kilometer (500-mile) frontier has been disputed for decades, with past confrontations typically limited and brief. The last major flare-up in 2011 left 20 dead.

The current tensions broke out in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation. The two countries said afterwards they agreed to de-escalate the situation, but both continued to implement or threaten measures including trade and travel restrictions, keeping tensions high.

But things got worse when a land mine wounded five Thai soldiers on Wednesday. That led Bangkok to withdraw its ambassador from Cambodia and expel Cambodia’s envoy to Thailand. Thailand also sealed all land border crossings and urged its citizens to leave Cambodia. Officials said all seven Thai airlines were willing to help evacuate nationals.

Cambodia retaliated by downgrading diplomatic ties and recalling all Cambodian staff from its embassy in Bangkok.

On Thursday, clashes broke out along the border.

Both militaries accused the other of using drones before escalating to artillery and rockets. Thailand said it responded with airstrikes after Cambodian forces launched truck-mounted rockets. The Thai air force said F-16 jets carried out two bombing runs on Cambodian positions.

Cambodia claimed those bombs landed near the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been at the center of past disputes. Authorities in Phnom Penh released photos they said showed damage to the site and pledged to seek international justice.

The border dispute has also roiled Thailand’s domestic politics. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, under scrutiny over a phone call with Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen, still a power broker in his country, was suspended from office on July 1 pending an investigation into possible ethics violations over the matter.

___

Cheang reported from Oddar Meanchey Province, Cambodia. Associated Press writer Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report.

XPCL’s Green Debenture Sale Exceeds Expectations

By

MC Marketing

-

25 July 2025, 14:42

XPCL forges ahead in strengthening Thailand’s renewable energy stability, supporting the national energy transition, and advancing the country toward
a low-carbon economy.

Mr. Vorapote Uchoepaiboonvong, Managing Director of Xayaburi Power Company Limited (XPCL), an associate company of CK Power Public Company Limited (SET: CKP), which is one of the region’s largest producers of electricity from renewables with one of the lowest carbon footprints, and the operator of the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant, announced the highly successful closing of its latest Thai baht-denominated green debenture offering. The offering comprised two series: the Unsubordinated and Unsecured Thai baht-denominated Green Debentures No. 1/2025 with a debentureholders’ representative, and the Unsubordinated and Guaranteed Green Debentures No. 2/2025 with a debentureholders’ representative. The debentures were offered for subscription by institutional and/or high-net-worth investors on July 18, 21, and 22, 2025. The offering was met with overwhelming demand, reflecting strong investors’ confidence in XPCL’s potential and its pivotal role in strengthening Thailand’s energy security and accelerating the nation’s transition to renewable energy.

Mr. Vorapote stated, “We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all institutional and high-net-worth investors for their trust and confidence in our resilient business operations. Their overwhelming interest resulted in the offering being oversubscribed. The proceeds from this issuance will be used to refinance debentures issued in 2022 that are due to mature in July 2025 and to fortify and support the transition toward a more sustainable energy future.”

The issuance consisted of two series:

The THB 3 billion Green Debentures No: 1/2025 (BBB+/Stable by TRIS Rating), comprising:
- Tranche 1 debentures with a tenor of 3 years and an interest rate of 4.85% per annum;
- Tranche 2 debentures with a tenor of 4 years and an interest rate of 5.00% per annum; and
- Tranche 3 debentures with a tenor of 5 years and an interest rate of 5.15% per annum.
The THB 1 billion Guaranteed Green Debentures No: 2/2025 with a tenor of 5 years and an interest rate of [2.80%]. (AAA/Stable by TRIS Rating)

XPCL’s green debentures were issued and managed under the Green Financing Framework, which aligns with the Green Bond Principles 2021, Green Loan Principles 2021, and ASEAN Green Bond Standards 2018. The framework has been independently verified by DNV, a leading global assurance provider, serving as an independent external reviewer. The offering was jointly arranged by six financial institutions: Bangkok Bank, Krungthai Bank, Siam Commercial Bank, Kiatnakin Phatra Securities, Krungthai XSpring Securities, and Asia Plus Securities.

XPCL was granted a concession from the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to design, develop, construct, and operate the 1,285 MW Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant. Almost all of electricity generated by the plant is sold to EGAT under a 29-year PPA from the plant’s commercial operation date of October 29, 2019. XPCL generates an average of over 7,000 GWh of renewable energy annually, helping Thailand avoid approximately 3.8 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) emissions per year.

Bodies Recovered from Destroyed Si Sa Ket Store After Rocket Strike

By

Khaosod English

-

25 July 2025, 14:27

sisaket attack1 — Thai authorities recover bodies from the convenience store destroyed by Cambodian military strikes in Ban Phue, Kantharalak District, Si Sa Ket Province, July 25, 2025.

SI SAKET — Thai authorities have recovered bodies from a convenience store in Si Sa Ket province that was destroyed in the most devastating attack during the first day of fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces on Thursday.

The PTT gas station convenience store in Ban Phue, Kantharalak District, Si Sa Ket Province was struck by a BM-21 rocket, killing 8 people inside and nearby areas and injuring 13 others.

Initially, relatives and villagers could not retrieve the bodies from the building wreckage as explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) experts needed to clear unexploded ordnance first.

On July 25, EOD personnel began clearing explosives in the morning but had to temporarily halt operations when Cambodia launched a new wave of rockets near the incident site, forcing a temporary evacuation before completing the clearance operation.

Rescue workers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation subsequently recovered 5 bodies, including store employees, and handed them over to forensic officials.

sisaket attack2 — Recovery operations at the convenience store in Ban Phue, Kantharalak District, Si Sa Ket Province, where Thai officials retrieved victims’ bodies following the Cambodian military bombardment on July 25, 2025.

Mother and Two Children Among Victims

Among the casualties at the convenience store were a mother and her two children whose deaths have deeply saddened the community. The woman, identified as Rung, and her two children named Pakbung and Fee, were killed at 10:50 a.m. on July 24.

Before the incident at 9:30 a.m., Rung had posted on Facebook: “Loud thundering sound, even the glass is shaking. My heart is trembling too.” This became her final social media post.

It is believed that after posting the message, she went to pick up her children from school, which had released students early due to the border clashes. On their way home, they stopped at the gas station convenience store and encountered the fatal attack, despite being 30 kilometers from the border.

Deadliest Single Attack

This location suffered the highest casualties in the fighting between the two military forces. According to Emergency Operations Center (EOC) data, Thai civilian deaths total 13, with 6 severely injured, 14 moderately injured, and 11 with minor injuries.

The border conflict has affected 11 hospitals and medical facilities across four provinces: Si Saket, Surin, Buriram, and Ubon Ratchathani, with 7 completely shut down, 429 patients evacuated from affected hospitals, and 83,170 civilians evacuated from the area.

_______

Clashes break out across border areas

Thousands flee villages near the border

ASEAN chair calls for calm

A longstanding border problem

Hot News

LATEST NEWS