“Don’t Fear Losing Face” – Thai Govt Urged to Normalize Cambodia Border

By

-

21 July 2025, 20:07

sa kaeo silent3 — The road in front of the Thai-Cambodia border checkpoint stands empty and quiet after Thailand implemented relaxation measures allowing cross-border vehicle movement for 5 days, but Cambodia continues to reject the proposal, July 21, 2025.

SA KAEO — The standoff between Thailand and Cambodia remains unresolved while the Sa Kaeo Provincial Chamber of Commerce president has called on the government to reopen checkpoints to normal operations without fearing losing face to Cambodia.

On July 21, the Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation Management Center and the First Army Region issued Army Region 1 Order No. 944 regarding the control of opening and closing all types of border crossing points along the Thai-Cambodia border in Sa Kaeo Province, dated June 23, 2025, effective from July 17, 2025 onwards. However, this has received no response from the Cambodian side.

Reporters found that at three checkpoints – the permanent Thai-Cambodia Friendship Bridge checkpoint (Nong Ian-Stueng Bot), the permanent Ban Khao Din checkpoint, and the Ban Nong Prue trade facilitation point – no transport operators have been able to cross the border, despite this being the fifth day since the relaxation measures were announced.

Cambodia’s Position

Thai Customs officials said transport operators have attempted to coordinate with the Cambodian side, but Cambodian officials claim they must await orders solely from Prime Minister Hun Manet, so no checkpoint dares to grant permission.

Hun Manet has consistently maintained the condition that Cambodia wants Thailand to open checkpoints normally from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. If this is done, Cambodia will reopen within 5 hours, citing that Thailand was the party that closed the checkpoints first without notification.

sa kaeo silent2 — The Cambodian side of the checkpoint remains closed, not responding to Thailand’s relaxation measures allowing cross-border transport vehicles, July 21, 2025.

Transport Operators Stranded

Small-scale Thai transport operators at the Thaweeporn Agricultural Market near the Khao Din checkpoint in Khlong Hat district, Sa Kaeo province – a gathering point for trucks hired to transport goods both into and out of Cambodia-Thailand – reported attempting to coordinate with Cambodian officials, but Cambodia refuses unless Thailand opens the checkpoints normally, leaving them unable to do anything.

Currently, approximately 70 trailers are waiting to cross – 20 trailers for imports from Cambodia and about 50 trailers to transport goods into Cambodia – but nothing can be done because Cambodia won’t open the checkpoint gates.

Chamber of Commerce Appeal

Meanwhile, Bamrung Lorcharoenwatchai, President of the Sa Kaeo Provincial Chamber of Commerce and President of the Sa Kaeo Exporters Association, said that after Thailand implemented checkpoint opening-closing measures for over a month, people are now suffering tremendously.

Even though 3-4 days ago, relaxation measures were announced allowing cross-border vehicles on humanitarian grounds, requiring operators to coordinate with Cambodia themselves, this is already impossible, as it’s clear Cambodia won’t accept it.

sa kaeo silent1 — The road in front of the Thai-Cambodia border checkpoint stands empty and quiet after Thailand implemented relaxation measures allowing cross-border vehicle movement for 5 days, but Cambodia continues to reject the proposal, July 21, 2025.

“I call for this measure to be cancelled now. Let’s not play the blame game anymore – it’s not beneficial. Please consider reopening the checkpoints. Separate them by case – land routes should be land routes. The eastern Sa Kaeo-Chanthaburi-Trat area should return to normal. You won’t lose face – you’ll gain merit with border residents instead,” he said.

Please Help Local People

The Sa Kaeo Provincial Chamber of Commerce president also said the government should try helping local people, and they will receive support from residents. Even if some people criticize, let them be, because they’re groups that don’t understand border problems and mostly live comfortably in the cities, while local residents here are already facing hardship.

“If we open 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. as before, Cambodia will be ready to open immediately. This will end the problem right here. Now we must not blame anyone about who’s right or wrong – we must put local people first. In the past month without trade, we’ve already lost tens of billions of baht.”

Call for Separation of Issues

Bamrung added that their voice here is small, people don’t know how much damage has occurred. But anyone who wants to know should look at Rong Klua Market, Aranyaprathet Market, Sa Kaeo Market, Watthana Nakhon Market – all silent. Tourism problems are affecting everyone.

“Previously, our economy thrived without issues because of border trade. Now, with border commerce at a standstill, we’re suffering. The government should separate security concerns from trade and commerce – don’t let economic activity be collateral damage.”

____________

Chinese Tourist Killed by Falling Tree During Storm on Phuket Beach

By

Khaosod English

-

21 July 2025, 17:01

tree kill phuket3 — The scene where a tree collapsed onto a beach chair on Koh Hey, Phuket, killing a Chinese female tourist on July 20, 2025.

PHUKET — A Chinese tourist was killed and her husband injured when a tree collapsed onto their beach chairs on Koh Hey (Coral Island) during a sudden windstorm Sunday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on July 20 while the couple was relaxing under a tree on the beach amid strong winds brought by tropical storm “WIPHA.” According to officers from Chalong Police Station, a powerful gust of wind uprooted a tree, which fell directly onto Mrs. Wang, 53, causing severe injuries to her neck, chest, and torso. Her husband sustained only minor injuries from falling branches.

Local tour staff and witnesses quickly transported the couple by boat to Chalong Pier, and they were rushed to Chalong Hospital. However, Mrs. Wang was pronounced dead at 4:30 p.m. Her body was later transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital for an autopsy.

tree kill phuket1 — Officials work to clear a fallen tree that collapsed onto beach chairs, resulting in the death of a Chinese female tourist on July 20, 2025.

The tragedy unfolded as the Thai Meteorological Department had issued a weather warning for the influence of tropical storm WIPHA, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds across many parts of the country from July 21–24.

The advisory warned of potential flash floods and water overflows, especially in foothill areas and low-lying regions, and noted that waves in the Andaman Sea could reach 2–4 meters, exceeding 4 meters during thunderstorms.

In response, the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office has been on high alert for flash floods, forest runoff, waterlogging, and rough seas from July 19–24. District emergency centers and local disaster response units were ordered to closely monitor conditions and provide immediate assistance to affected residents.

_____________

Japanese Tourist Warns Of Theft Attempt on Pattaya Walking Street

By

Khaosod English

-

21 July 2025, 14:21

japanese warn pattaya1 — A Japanese tourist and his friends seek help from a tourist police officer after a transgender woman allegedly attempted to snatch his necklace while getting close to him on South Pattaya’s Walking Street, July 21, 2025.

PATTAYA – A Japanese tourist has issued a warning to fellow travelers after transgender women attempted to steal his gold necklace on Pattaya’s famous Walking Street early Monday morning.

At 4:46 a.m. on July 21, 2025, Pattaya Tourist Police received a request for assistance from a Japanese visitor who reported an attempted theft by transgender women on Walking Street in South Pattaya, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province.

The incident occurred in the popular nighttime entertainment district frequented by many tourists. The Japanese man, approximately 30 years old who declined to give his name, told police that while sightseeing along the pedestrian street, a group of transgender women approached him offering services.

japanese warn pattaya2 — A Japanese tourist and his friends seek help from a tourist police officer after a transgender woman allegedly attempted to snatch his necklace while getting close to him on South Pattaya’s Walking Street, July 21, 2025.

“Even though I refused, the transgender women didn’t back away. One came very close, pretending to be affectionate by hugging and touching me all over my body, then moved her hand up around my neck trying to remove my gold necklace. But I realized what was happening and quickly pushed her away,” he said.

He then sought help from nearby police officers, causing the group of transgender women to flee quickly into the crowd of tourists.

However, the Japanese tourist did not file a formal complaint, saying he only wanted to warn other travelers to be cautious of this group, as they might target others. He requested that police review CCTV footage to monitor these criminal groups.

Similar Incident Injures American Tourist

This incident mirrors a recent case involving an American tourist who filed a complaint after being robbed by transgender women in a similar manner, though he was also injured when caught the perpetrator stealing his wallet.

american trans — American tourist reports to Pattaya Police Station showing his head injury after being robbed and assaulted by transgender women on July 10, 2025.

Mr. H. filed a complaint with Deputy Inspector Lieutenant Colonel Chanan Kasornbua at Pattaya City Police Station at 5 AM on July 15, after criminals identified as transgender women stole cash from him in Pattaya Beach Road Soi 6/1.

He reported that while walking in the alley, a transgender woman approached offering services, then pretended to be affectionate while pickpocketing 3,000 baht ($92.60) from his pants pocket. When he caught her, she struck him in the head with a hard object, causing injury, before fleeing the scene.

______

Taiwan Collaborates with Thailand to Promote Wellness through ‘Go Healthy with Taiwan 2025’

By

Contributor

-

21 July 2025, 13:22

Taiwan has taken a bold step in driving regional wellness innovation with the launch of the ‘2025 Go Healthy with Taiwan’ campaign in Thailand. Spearheaded by the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and executed by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), this campaign encourages Thai public institutions, enterprises, and SMEs to propose pioneering ways to apply Taiwan’s health-focused technologies to local community needs.

The campaign is structured as an open call for proposals across three strategic sectors: Fitness & Sports Technology, Cycling, and Smart Healthcare. Participants will vie for three US$30,000 cash prizes, awarded to the most impactful and innovative proposals. In addition, the top six teams will be invited to Taiwan for an exclusive “Go Healthy Tour”—a curated, immersive experience offering direct access to Taiwan’s dynamic health technology ecosystem. This tour will feature hands-on demonstrations, site visits, and networking opportunities with leading Taiwanese companies, enabling participants to explore collaboration, product integration, and market expansion opportunities firsthand.

The response in Thailand has been extraordinary,” said Ms. Mia Liang, Director of TAITRA Bangkok. “Through this campaign, we are fostering deep, cross-border collaboration that empowers Thai communities with Taiwan’s most innovative wellness solutions—setting a new benchmark for healthier societies in Asia.”

Sectoral Focus Areas:

Fitness & Sports Technology: From AI-enabled training systems to connected workout equipment, Taiwan’s smart fitness innovations are designed to boost personal and population-wide wellness outcomes.
Cycling: As a global manufacturing hub for high-performance bicycles and a leader in urban cycling infrastructure, Taiwan champions cycling as a sustainable, health-positive mode of transport.
Smart Healthcare: Taiwan’s Medtech sector offers advanced diagnostic platforms, telemedicine capabilities, and wearable technologies that are reshaping healthcare delivery and preventive care models.

Participation is made simple via the SurveyCake platform, designed for ease of submission. Detailed guidelines and case examples—such as Acer’s wearable health monitors already adopted by leading hospitals worldwide—are available on the official campaign website to support proposal development.

Proposal Deadline: August 14, 2025

Campaign Website: https://gohealthy.taiwanexcellence.org/

Press Conference video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnLEOf0iqyk

Join Taiwan in creating a healthier, more resilient future—through innovation, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Thai Monk Crisis: Jealous Woman Exposes 15-Year Affair With Abbot

By

Khaosod English

-

21 July 2025, 00:36

scandal monk2 — Phra Dhammawachiratheerakun wears white clothes after disrobing ceremony at the ordination hall of Luang Pho Sri Sawan, Wat Nakhon Sawan, on July 19, 2025.

BANGKOK — A high-ranking Buddhist monk has stepped down from his leadership positions and subsequently disrobed following allegations of a 15-year relationship with a woman, marking the third major scandal to rock Thailand’s monastic community this year.

Phra Dhammawachiratheerakun, who served as abbot of Wat Nakhon Sawan and provincial ecclesiastical head of Nakhon Sawan province, submitted his resignation just before midnight on July 19, citing health reasons and negative media coverage that had damaged the monastic community. The resignation took effect from July 18, 2025.

Police Investigation Reveals Long-Term Relationship

Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, Pol. Lt. Gen. Charoonkiat Pankeo, confirmed that the monk is under investigation for allegedly living with a woman “as husband and wife” for over 15 years. The case came to light when the woman became jealous after discovering the monk had become involved with another woman in recent years.

According to investigative sources, the woman’s jealousy led her to openly display her displeasure and share details of their relationship with others in the community. Local residents became aware of the inappropriate behavior, prompting complaints to the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Prevention Division and the Buddhism Promotion Center of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).

Evidence Includes Chat Messages and Photos

Investigators have obtained chat message conversations between the former monk (now using the civilian name Tidsarit) and the woman as evidence of their relationship. While no intimate videos or photos of them sleeping together have been found, other evidence suggests serious violations of monastic discipline.

The evidence includes:

Screenshots of late-night video calls between the pair
Close-up photos of them together alone in rooms
Images showing the former monk wearing civilian clothes and a wig to disguise his identity
Photos of the monk shirtless while the woman embraces him

These images, captured when both were younger, support claims of their long-term relationship despite his monastic status.

scandal monk1 — Comparison photos of Phra Dhammawachiratheerakun with the woman he secretly had a relationship with for 15 years. Left: wearing a wig and polo shirt in civilian disguise. Right: in his monastic robes.

Financial Misconduct Under Investigation

Beyond the relationship allegations, the former monk faces potential charges related to financial corruption involving a Buddhist park construction project. The project, ongoing for over 10 years, remained incomplete as hundreds of millions of baht went missing. The renowned Luang Pho Phat, former abbot of Wat Huai Duan, eventually intervened to help complete the construction before his death.

Substantial Assets Under Scrutiny

Authorities are examining the woman’s assets, which include:

Two large houses in Nakhon Sawan’s city district
Multiple vehicles: a white Honda Accord Hybrid, white Toyota Fortuner, and black Toyota Hilux Vigo pickup truck
Expensive jewelry including gold necklaces, diamond necklaces, and rings
Land in Wiang Pa Pao district, Chiang Rai province (reportedly transferred to a famous fortune teller in Lamphun)

Part of Broader Monastic Crisis

This case represents the third major scandal involving senior Thai monks this year. The first involved Phra Khun Yaem, abbot of Wat Rai Khing in Nakhon Pathom province, who was defrocked over his relationship with a 28-year-old woman named Gen, linked to an online gambling network worth over 800 million baht.

The second major case, known as the “Miss Golf” scandal, involved sexual and financial misconduct by multiple monks and has already resulted in the defrocking of at least 13 individuals.

Multiple Relationships Suspected

Investigators believe the former monk may have had relationships with several other women during his time in the monastic order, potentially using temple funds to support these relationships. The investigation into additional individuals involved is ongoing.

The series of scandals has raised serious concerns about oversight and accountability within Thailand’s Buddhist monastic community, traditionally held in high regard by the Thai public.

_______

Foreign Tourist Boat Capsizes in Surat Thani Dam, Thai Guide Dies

By

Khaosod English

-

20 July 2025, 22:37

boat accident3 — Officials help Dutch and Belgian tourists board a rescue boat to return to the tourist pier following the boat capsizing incident at Ratchaprapha Dam, Surat Thani Province, on July 20, 2025.

SURAT THANI – A tourist boat carrying 18 people capsized in Ratchaprapha Dam reservoir (Cheow Lan Dam) on Sunday morning, killing a Thai tour guide despite rescue efforts.

The accident occurred just before noon at Moo 3, Khao Phang Subdistrict, Ban Ta Khun District, when strong winds struck the vessel in the popular tourist destination. The boat carried 16 foreign tourists – 5 Belgian and 11 Dutch nationals – along with 2 Thai crew members: a boat driver and tour guide.

All passengers wore life jackets, enabling successful rescue of 17 people who were safely brought to the tourist pier for further assistance. However, tour guide Ms. Tassawan, 44, nearly drowned during the incident and received immediate first aid before transport to Ban Ta Khun Hospital.

boat accident1 — Officials assist Dutch and Belgian tourists from the boat capsizing incident at Ratchaprapha Dam, Surat Thani Province, bringing them to temporary shore safety. All 16 tourists were rescued safely on July 20, 2025.

boat accident2 — Rescue teams bring all 16 tourists safely to shore after the boat capsizing at Ratchaprapha Dam, Surat Thani Province, though the female guide later died from drowning on July 20.

At 12:30 p.m., Ms. Tassawan, who held a valid tour guide license, died from pulmonary edema caused by drowning. Preliminary investigations indicate the capsizing resulted from unexpected strong winds that struck the vessel while navigating the reservoir.

Ratchaprapha Dam, also known as Cheow Lan Dam, attracts visitors worldwide for its scenic limestone cliffs and emerald waters. However, the incident site, locally known as “the mountain pass in the reservoir,” is notorious for powerful storm winds believed responsible for the boat overturning.

_______

Thailand Condemns Cambodia Over Border Landmines, Rejects Allegations

By

Khaosod English

-

20 July 2025, 21:13

BANGKOK – Thai government condemned Cambodia’s use of anti-personnel landmines as a serious violation of international law, while the Royal Thai Army rejected Cambodian accusations as distorted facts during separate press conferences Sunday.

Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information and Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, announced Thailand’s formal protest regarding the landmine incident on the evening of July 20.

“On July 16, 2025, three soldiers from Thailand’s Infantry Company 6021 stepped on a landmine while conducting routine patrol within Thai territory near Chong Bok, Ubon Ratchathani Province,” Nikorndej stated.

“Investigations confirm the landmines were anti-personnel mines not employed or stockpiled by Thailand and were recently laid. This constitutes a blatant violation of international law.”

landmine nikorndej — Nikorndej Balankura, Director-General of the Department of Information and Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, announces Thailand’s condemnation of Cambodia’s use of anti-personnel landmines at the Foreign Ministry on July 20, 2025.

The Foreign Ministry condemned the act as a clear violation of Thai sovereignty and territorial integrity, breaching fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the UN Charter and the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.

“Thailand will take action in accordance with the Convention while continuing to resolve differences with Cambodia through bilateral channels,” he added, calling for Cambodian cooperation in humanitarian demining efforts as agreed by both Prime Ministers.

Nikorndej urged public restraint during this sensitive period: “Online communications may cause misunderstandings or unintentional divisions. We ask society to trust government and security officials for national unity, which is most important at this time.”

landmine new5 — The Royal Thai Army releases images of landmines cleared by engineers from the 2nd Army Region in suspected areas along the Thai-Cambodia border on July 20, 2025, following the injury of three Thai soldiers who stepped on landmines on July 16.

Army Response to Allegations

Earlier, Lt. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, Royal Thai Army spokesperson, addressed accusations by Heng Ratana, Director of Cambodia’s National Mine Action Authority (CMAA), who claimed Thai soldiers planted new landmines along the border.

“The landmines discovered are PMN-2 anti-personnel mines manufactured in Russia. The Royal Thai Army does not possess, has never procured, or used this type of explosive in any border operations,” Winthai stated firmly.

He dismissed photos and videos published by Cambodia’s Fresh News as evidence of Thai mine-laying: “Investigation reveals these images show humanitarian mine clearance training or personnel rest periods, not mine placement. This misrepresentation seriously damages Thailand’s reputation.”

landmine new3 — Images published by Cambodia’s Fresh News media accompanying allegations by Heng Ratana, Director of Cambodia’s National Mine Action Authority, claiming Thailand planted the landmines. Lt. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, Royal Thai Army spokesperson, stated investigations revealed these were past images from Humanitarian Mine Action Center (T-MAC) training exercises or personnel rest periods, not mine-laying activities.

Winthai noted contradictions in Cambodian statements, pointing out that while Heng Ratana claimed mines were in Thai territory making Thailand responsible under the Ottawa Treaty, Lt. Gen. Mali Soejiata, Cambodia’s Defense Ministry spokesperson, simultaneously claimed the incident occurred in Cambodian territory at Ban Techor Kot village.

“These contradictory statements reveal attempts to distort information,” Winthai observed.

Official Position

“Thailand and the Royal Thai Army strictly comply with international humanitarian law obligations,” Winthai concluded. “We demand Cambodia cease spreading false information that may impact bilateral relations and create international misunderstandings.”

The incident has heightened tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, with both sides maintaining their positions while calling for resolution through diplomatic channels.

________

Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Koh Mak Drive Trat’s Tourism Boom

By

Khaosod English

-

20 July 2025, 20:03

koh chang kood — Tourists heading to Koh Kud board boats at Laem Sok Pier in Mueang District, Trat Province, on June 28, 2025.

TRAT — Trat province is experiencing a tourism renaissance in 2025, with three Gulf of Thailand islands leading the charge toward an ambitious 20 billion baht ($617 million) revenue target. Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak have become magnets for both domestic and international visitors seeking alternatives to Thailand’s busier Andaman destinations.

Strong Performance and Full Bookings

Acting Sub. Lt. Karakot Opas, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Trat office, reports robust tourism from January through May, with peak periods generating 200-400 million baht in revenue. The province’s 410 registered hotels and resorts, offering 11,299 rooms total, are operating at full capacity during high season.

International tourists are increasingly choosing Trat’s eastern islands over Andaman coast destinations, driven by concerns about natural disasters and overcrowding. The 2004 tsunami continues to influence European travelers’ choices, with many now consistently favoring the perceived safety of the Gulf coast.

1000 1 16 — Blue water lines the coast of Koh Chang island, Trat Province, southern Thailand. (AP Photo/Phusit wirutthanatporn)

Aggressive International Marketing

TAT has launched comprehensive campaigns positioning Trat as a “must-visit destination” across multiple markets. Recent initiatives include:

Europe: The “Amazing Thailand Responsible Fam Trip 2025” brought tour operators from Norway, Poland, Belgium, Austria, and Russia to experience eastern Thailand
Australia/New Zealand: The “Offbeat Thailand” campaign with Thai Airways promotes unique experiences under the “Meaningful Experience” concept
ASEAN Markets: Media representatives from Singapore explored tourism products across Chanthaburi, Trat, and Rayong

Revenue Targets and Projections

Building on 2024’s recovery that generated 18.256 billion baht ($567.5 million), Trat aims for a 5% increase in 2025. Targets include:

Domestic tourists: 1.89 million visitors generating 15.75 billion baht ($418 million)
International tourists: Average spending of 8,333 baht ($257) per trip
Total projected revenue: Over 20 billion baht ($617 million)

koh kood3 — Koh Kood is a beautiful tourism attraction.

Border Tensions Pose Risk

Despite the positive outlook, Thai-Cambodian border tensions threaten cross-border tourism along the Had Lek-Koh Kong route. Atthaphon Klinthap of Boonsiri High-Speed Ferries warns that uncertainty could cost Thailand 100-200 tourists daily during high season, representing over 1 million baht in daily losses.

A 500-600 person French tour group has already canceled plans due to border concerns. Industry experts worry that prolonged tensions could drive tourists to competing destinations like Vietnam, Singapore, or Indonesia. If unresolved by October’s high season, confidence restoration could take 3-6 months or longer.

The challenge for Trat now lies in maintaining its momentum while navigating regional uncertainties that could impact its ambitious growth targets.

checkpoint trat2 — Traffic at Ban Hat Lek, Khlong Yai district, Trat province, on June 9, 2025, the second day after Thailand implemented new border checkpoint opening-closing hours. More than 20 cargo trucks including container trucks, cement trucks, and fruit trucks queued for over 200 meters waiting to cross the border into Cambodia.

____________

Thailand Creates Fast-Track Immigration Lanes for Visiting Students

By

Khaosod English

-

20 July 2025, 14:22

int family lanes3 — Immigration officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport guide foreign families with children to special lanes for immigration processing.

SUVARNABHUMI — Thailand’s airport immigration police have extended the initiative, creating dedicated lanes for international students and parent groups beyond Chinese family groups visiting Thailand during the July-September school holiday period.

Police Major General Choengron Rimpadee, Commander of Immigration Division 2, announced on July 20 that the special channels were established following government policies to facilitate foreign student groups traveling to Thailand during the low tourism season.

Rising Summer Travel Numbers

Statistics show a clear increase in tourists from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada during this period, coinciding with summer holidays. While the proportion remains smaller than Chinese student and parent groups, the combined numbers are approaching levels comparable to the Chinese visitor segment.

Chinese students and their guardians average approximately 1,300 arrivals daily, with around 600 being students under 12 years old, while the remainder consists of parents and grandparents. Students and guardians of other nationalities account for roughly 1,000 daily arrivals, including about 500 children under 12.

Streamlined Processing

The special channels separate tourist-oriented foreign visitors from those requiring enhanced security screening. Student and family groups are identified by four key characteristics:

Traveling as families
Having clear tourism itineraries
Possessing confirmed return travel and accommodation plans
No history of visa-run abuse

The initiative reduces waiting times during peak flight periods from a maximum of 40 minutes to approximately 15 minutes. Priority lanes are also provided for elderly visitors, pregnant women, and disabled travelers.

Positive Feedback and Improvements

Post-implementation surveys revealed positive responses from travelers and improved perceptions of Thailand’s tourism image. However, visitors requested easier advance registration for the TDAC system, which immigration authorities will address with the technology center.

Thai passport holders of all ages and genders receive priority treatment through automated passport control and dedicated Thai passport lanes, with waiting times of approximately five minutes maximum.

Security Measures Maintained

Despite the facilitation measures, Major General Choengron emphasized that airport immigration continues intensive screening of high-risk foreign nationals and gray-listed individuals. Since January 2025, authorities have denied entry to over 10,000 people.

The program aims to boost tourism during the traditionally slower summer months while maintaining Thailand’s security standards and improving visitor experience.

_______

How We Lost a Generation of Thais and Cambodians to Mutual Animosity

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

-

20 July 2025, 13:41

propaganda ta thom — An image circulated on Thai social media on July 20 mocking Cambodian visits to Prasat Ta Muean Thom and Prasat Ta Kwai temples, with the message: "Unite Thai hearts, wear Thai clothes, welcome Cambodian tourists with smiles and friendship from the real hosts."

As both the Thai Army Chief and the ‘popular’ Commander of the Second Army Region, Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang, announced yesterday that Thailand is making preparations for military retaliation against Cambodia for the injuries a ‘Cambodian’ landmine caused to three patrolling Thai soldiers along the border earlier this week, both nations inch closer towards a military confrontation.

In fact, since the landmine explosion incident on 16 July, with one officer losing his left lower leg, more Thai netizens are calling for the Thai military to launch a military offensive against Cambodia in order to punish the neighbouring state.

To make the situation more precarious, Boonsin stated yesterday that “there is no need to wait for government orders on tactical matters.” This suggests that either the civilian government of PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra is no longer in charge of the matter, or she, and acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai, have decided to let the army decide on the matter, which could affect the bilateral relations between the two nations for another decade, if not longer.

And the Pheu Thai government has been conspicuously silent on the possible military strike against Cambodia, hours after Boonsin said there’s no need to wait for the government’s orders.

Formal G2G, or government-to-government, relations aside (in which the two governments briefly marked what soon became a disastrous 75 years of formal diplomatic relations), the relations between some Thais and Cambodians have been at their lowest point in decades – partly due to the fact that wide access to social media enables them to post hate speech and derogatory remarks against one another’s nation, 24/7.

It’s unsurprising but depressing that some Cambodian netizens posted congratulatory messages upon learning about the news of the landmine explosion incident. (The Cambodian side insists it either didn’t belong to them or they were old landmines, and that it’s proof that Thai soldiers ventured into Cambodian territory, while the Thai army insists 80 per cent of the landmines in the Chong Bok area were newly planted and placed on the Thai side of the border.) Likewise, when Cambodian Deputy Defence Minister Gen Sok Peap died after cancer treatment in Thailand, hours after the landmine explosion, ultranationalist Thai netizens didn’t fail to express schadenfreude on social media.

It’s fair to say that nearly two months after the border conflicts flared up, where one Cambodian soldier was killed in the border fire exchanges, we have lost a generation of Thais and Cambodians to mutual hatred and animosity. More Thais are now literally impatient and want to see a punitive military strike launched against Cambodia. One must ask ‘to what end’ and ‘at what price’, however. More deaths and injuries on both sides will not solve anything because, in the end, both nations will have to meet and end the military conflict anyhow. War will only satisfies the base feeling in us.

It’s fair to say that many Thais and Cambodians can no longer sleep peacefully at night because we have a next-door neighbour who curses us, wishes us ill, and takes delight in seeing us fail and suffer.

Sensible Thais and Cambodians have failed to convince their respective societies to de-escalate the situation, to limit the border disagreement and confine it to appropriate channels. Instead, it has now been blown out of proportion and even some Thai and Cambodian media are playing ultranationalist propagandist roles, spreading hate, building walls instead of building bridges for peaceful and neighbourly co-existence.

Many Thais and Cambodians do not recognise that the current conflict is mutually counter-productive, destructive even, as they are now possessed by ultranationalist rhetoric. That’s a tragedy.

Hot News

LATEST NEWS