FILE - Ta'ang National Liberation army officers march during a function to mark 52nd Ta'ang revolution day in Mar-Wong, Ta'ang self-governing area, northern Shan state, Myanmar, Jan. 12, 2015. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe, File)
BANGKOK (AP) — An airstrike by Myanmar’s military on the town of Mogok, the center of the Southeast Asian country’s lucrative gem-mining industry, has killed at least 21 people including a pregnant woman, an armed opposition group, local residents and Myanmar’s online media said Saturday.
The incident was the latest in a series of frequent and deadly military airstrikes, often causing civilian casualties, that have intensified in a bid to reclaim territory from resistance groups amid the ongoing civil war that erupted after the army seized power in February 2021.
The attack occurred Thursday at 8:30 p.m. in Shwegu ward in Mogok township, about 115 kilometers (70 miles) northeast of Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, said Lway Yay Oo, a spokesperson for the the Ta’ang National Liberation Army. The TNLA is one of the powerful ethnic militias fighting against the army near the Chinese border.
“About 21 civilians were killed. Seven others were injured. Homes and Buddhist monastery buildings were also damaged,” Lway Yay Oo said.
Mogok, the ruby-mining center in the upper Mandalay region, was seized in July 2024 by the TNLA, a member of an alliance of ethnic militias that seized a large swath of territory in northeastern Myanmar in an offensive that began in late 2023.
The group’s statement released Friday night on its Telegram social media channel said 16 women were among the victims killed in the airstrike that appeared to target a Buddhist monastery in Mogok’s Shwegu ward.
It said 15 houses were also damaged when a jet fighter dropped a bomb.
Two Mogok residents told The Associated Press on Saturday that the death toll had risen to nearly 30, though the exact casualties could not be independently confirmed. The residents, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were afraid of being arrested by the military, said the death toll was high because one of the bombed houses had been hosting visitors to the pregnant woman.
Independent online media, including Myanmar Now and Democratic Voice of Burma, released pictures and videos said to be of debris in the aftermath of the airstrike.
The military did not comment on the incident in Mogok.
In the past, the army has said it only attacks legitimate targets of war, accusing the resistance forces of being terrorists.
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the army seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021. After peaceful demonstrations were put down with lethal force, many opponents of military rule took up arms, and large parts of the country are now embroiled in conflict.
The military government has stepped up airstrikes against the armed pro-democracy People’s Defense Force and ethnic militias that have been fighting for greater autonomy for decades. The resistance forces have no defense against air attacks.
The TNLA’s statement said that another 17 people including two Buddhist monks had been killed and 20 others were injured in the first two weeks of August by airstrikes in areas controlled by the group.
About 16 people, mostly truck drivers, were killed in airstrikes last Monday on a convoy of trucks that were parked on the road due to heavy fighting near the town of Sagaing in central Myanmar, according to independent Myanmar media reports.
Opponents and independent analysts estimate the army now controls less than half the country while maintaining a tenacious grip on much of central Myanmar, including the capital, Naypyidaw. It has accelerated counter-offensives ahead of the election it has promised to hold at the end of this year in order to retake areas controlled by opposition forces.
Critics say the elections won’t be democratic because there is no free media and most leaders of Suu Kyi’s party have been arrested. The plan is widely seen as an attempt to legitimize and maintain the military’s rule.
Several opposition groups have said they would seek to derail the election.
Thai Cyber Police arrest 10 Vietnamese suspects in scamming operation at a popular shopping mall in Bangkok on August 15, 2025.
BANGKOK — The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) announced the arrest of 10 Vietnamese suspects at a popular shopping mall after they collaborated with Thai nationals in a comprehensive mule account operation.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, Commander of CCIB, revealed that police had learned of a Vietnamese group comprising executives of a scammer gang who opened corporate accounts for victims to transfer money into. They then contacted Thai brokers to arrange one-day mule accounts, paying 3,000-5,000 baht ($93-155) per person to transfer money to these mule accounts and quickly withdraw cash from bank counters or ATMs, with Vietnamese nationals monitoring and controlling the operations.
Police later discovered that the Vietnamese group had arranged to meet with brokers to bring mule account owners to the basement food court of a famous department store in Bangkok’s Lat Phrao area. Officers planned to track them before making arrests during the money handover.
However, one Vietnamese man responsible for collecting cash fled toward the front of the mall carrying a black shoulder bag containing 400,000 baht ($12,320), crossing Phahon Yothin Road to the opposite side.
Thai Cyber Police question 10 Vietnamese suspects at CCIB headquarters following mall arrests on August 15, 2025.
However, he dropped his mobile phone and black bag on the road and was eventually caught by officers from the Suppression Division who were riding motorcycles and noticed his suspicious behavior. He was later identified as Mr. Nguyen Xuan Tung, a Vietnamese national. Police then brought him along with the other 9 suspects arrested at the mall for questioning at CCIB headquarters.
The arrested scammer gang consisted of 6 Vietnamese nationals, with Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thuc, also Vietnamese, as the operation’s leader. Another member was responsible for receiving money from Thai brokers to convert to Vietnamese dong before transferring to criminals in Vietnam, while 4 others served as team members.
The Thai suspects included 2 mule account brokers and 2 mule account owners. Investigation revealed that over 30-40 victim cases were linked to this Vietnamese gang, with police believing several other accomplices remain at large. Further investigations will continue.
Thai Cyber Police arrest 10 Vietnamese suspects in scamming operation at a popular shopping mall in Bangkok on August 15, 2025.
Cyber police noted that current criminal gangs continuously change mule accounts, using them for only one day to avoid detection by authorities. They recruit mule accounts for both individuals and corporations through social media posts in open and closed groups, or through networks of former scammer gang associates.
“I want to warn Thai people willing to open mule accounts that if officers find evidence linking to these accounts, they will be considered guilty of participating in transnational criminal organizations,” Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong said.
Thai authorities raid an illegally operating entertainment venue in Soi Pracha Uthit 11, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok on August 16, 2025.
BANGKOK — More than 50 officers from multiple agencies raided an illegally operating entertainment venue in Soi Pracha Uthit 11, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok at 12:30 a.m. on August 16. The establishment was popular among foreign tourists, particularly Chinese nationals.
Authorities found 328 patrons inside – 122 Thais and 206 foreigners – partying when the raid began. Officers immediately shut down all activities. While the main hall showed no illegal substances, drugs were discovered on 2 Vietnamese tourists.
In the mezzanine level’s four VIP rooms, officers made significant drug seizures: 17 tourists (10 Chinese men, 6 Chinese women, 1 Vietnamese) with methamphetamine found on 2 people, ketamine on 2 others, plus 4 packets of “happy water” near a glass cabinet.
Thai officers conduct drug tests on Thai and foreign tourists at an illegally operating entertainment venue in Huai Khwang District, Bangkok on August 16, 2025.
When questioned, no one claimed ownership of the drugs. Forensic teams collected DNA evidence from the tourists.
Police Colonel Prasopchok Aiampinij, Huai Khwang Police Station Chief, said the raid followed reports of an illegally operating venue popular with tourists, especially Chinese nationals. Intelligence suggested it might be a drug distribution hub.
The joint operation included Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Child and Women Welfare Division, Immigration Police, and the Office of Prevention and Suppression of Narcotics. Immigration authorities will investigate the foreigners’ entry and exit records.
Thai authorities raid an illegally operating entertainment venue in Soi Pracha Uthit 11, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok on August 16, 2025.
Investigators discovered the venue operated without proper licenses for entertainment services or alcohol sales. The manager was arrested and charged, with authorities recommending a 5-year closure order.
Police urged citizens to report locations where large groups of foreigners gather, enabling authorities to investigate and prevent potential criminal activities.
President Donald Trump greets Russia's President Vladimir Putin Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
U.S. President Donald Trump said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin did not reach a deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine after talks in Alaska on Friday, as the two leaders offered scant details on what was discussed but heaped praise on one another.
“There’s no deal until there’s a deal,” the U.S. president said, after Putin claimed they had hammered out an “understanding” on Ukraine and warned Europe not to “torpedo the nascent progress.” Trump said he would call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders to brief them on the talks.
The high-profile summit ended without an agreement to end, or even pause, the brutal conflict — the largest land war in Europe since 1945 — which has raged for more than three years.
Trump, who for years has balked at American support for Ukraine and expressed admiration for Putin, had pledged confidently to bring about an end to the war on his first day back in the White House. Seven months later, after berating Zelenskyy in the Oval Office and stanching the flow of some U.S. military assistance to Kyiv, Trump could not bring Putin even to pause the fighting, as his forces make gains on the battlefield.
President Donald Trump greets Russia’s President Vladimir Putin Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Trump says it’s now up to Zelenskyy ‘to get it done’
Trump is passing the buck to the Ukrainian president, saying he will need to agree to do anything discussed today with Putin.
“Now it’s really up to President Zelenskyy to get it done,” Trump told Sean Hannity of the Fox News Channel in a post-summit interview.
Trump said he expects a meeting to take place between Putin and Zelenskyy and that he will perhaps join them.
He declined to discuss what he and Putin had agreed to and what remained outstanding, repeating that “it’s not a done deal at all.”
Putin has previously said he’s not against meeting Zelenskyy but that “certain conditions” must first be met. The Kremlin has said the two should only meet when there’s a peace agreement on the table ready to be signed.
Trump had offered Putin both a carrot and a stick, issuing threats of punishing economic sanctions on Russia while also extending a warm welcome at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, but he appeared to walk away without any concrete result on ending the war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.
Instead, he handed Putin long-sought recognition on the international stage, after years of Western efforts to make him a pariah over the war and his crackdown on dissent, and forestalled for Putin the threat of additional U.S. sanctions.
In a sign that the conversations did not yield Trump’s preferred result, the two leaders ended what was supposed to be a joint news conference without taking questions from reporters.
During a subsequent interview with Fox News Channel before leaving Alaska, Trump called it a “very warm meeting” but declined to give details about what he and Putin discussed. He said, “It’s not a done deal at all.”
President Donald Trump greets Russia’s President Vladimir Putin Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
“A lot of points were negotiated,” Trump said, but added, “As far as I’m concerned there’s no deal until there’s a deal. But we did make a lot of progress.”
Trump also insisted that the onus going forward might be somehow on Zelenskyy “to get it done” but said there would also be some involvement from European nations.
The U.S. president had wanted to show off his deal-making skills, while Putin wanted to negotiate a deal that would cement Russia’s gains, block Kyiv’s bid to join the NATO military alliance and eventually pull Ukraine back into Moscow’s orbit.
“We had an extremely productive meeting, and many points were agreed to,” Trump said during their joint appearance. “And there are just a very few that are left. Some are not that significant. One is probably the most significant, but we have a very good chance of getting there.”
He continued: “We didn’t get there.”
Excluded from Trump and Putin’s discussions, Zelenskyy was left posting a video address before the meeting in which he expressed his hope for a “strong position from the U.S.”
Putin thanks Trump for his ‘friendly tone’
For Putin, just being on U.S. soil for the first time in more than a decade was validation after his ostracization following his invasion of Ukraine.
His meeting with Trump may stall the economic sanctions that the U.S. president had promised unless Moscow worked harder to bring fighting to a close. It may now simply lead to more meetings, giving his forces more time to make progress on the battlefield.
Putin thanked Trump for the “friendly” tone of their conversation and said Russia and the United States should “turn the page and go back to cooperation.”
He praised Trump as someone who “has a clear idea of what he wants to achieve and sincerely cares about the prosperity of his country, and at the same time shows understanding that Russia has its own national interests.”
“I expect that today’s agreements will become a reference point not only for solving the Ukrainian problem, but will also mark the beginning of the restoration of businesslike, pragmatic relations between Russia and the U.S.,” Putin said.
Despite not reaching any major breakthrough, Trump ended his remarks by thanking Putin and saying, “we’ll speak to you very soon and probably see you again very soon.”
When Putin smiled and offered, “next time in Moscow,” Trump said “that’s an interesting one” and said he might face criticism but “I could see it possibly happening.”
President Donald Trump and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin speak during a news conference at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Trump and Putin had greeted each other with warm handshake, chatting almost like they were old friends., and gripped hands for an extended period of time on a red carpet rolled out at the military base. As they chatted, Putin grinned and pointed skyward, where B-2s and F-22s — military aircraft designed to oppose Russia during the Cold War — flew overhead. The two then shared the U.S. presidential limo known as “The Beast” for a short ride to their meeting site, with Putin offering a broad smile as the vehicle rolled past the cameras.
It was the kind of reception typically reserved for close U.S. allies and belied the bloodshed and suffering in the war Putin started in Ukraine. Although not altogether surprising considering their longtime friendly relationship, such outward friendliness before hours of closed-door meetings likely raised concerns from Zelenskyy and European leaders, who fear that Trump is primarily focusing on furthering U.S. interests and not pressing hard enough for Ukraine’s.
Not a one-on-one meeting
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said shortly before Air Force One touched down that the previously planned one-on-one meeting between Trump and Putin would be a three-on-three discussion including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff. Putin was joined by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov.
The change seemed to indicate that the White House was taking a more guarded approach than it did during a 2018 meeting in Helsinki, where Trump and Putin met privately with their interpreters and Trump then shocked the world by siding with the Russian leader over U.S. intelligence officials on whether Russia meddled in the 2016 campaign.
Zelenskyy’s exclusion was also a heavy blow to the West’s policy of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine” and invites the possibility that Trump could agree to a deal that Ukraine does not want.
War still raging
Russia and Ukraine remain far apart in their demands for peace. Putin has long resisted any temporary ceasefire, linking it to a halt in Western arms supplies and a freeze on Ukraine’s mobilization efforts, which are conditions rejected by Kyiv and its Western allies.
The meeting comes as the war has caused heavy losses on both sides and drained resources. Ukraine has held on far longer than some initially expected since the February 2022 invasion, but it is straining to hold off Russia’s much larger army, grappling with bombardments of its cities and fighting for every inch on the over 600-mile (1,000-kilometer) front line.
Alaska is separated from Russia at its closest point by just 3 miles (less than 5 kilometers) and the international date line.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson was crucial to countering the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It continues to play a role today, as planes from the base still intercept Russian aircraft that regularly fly into U.S. airspace.
Private Ratthaphum's father weeps upon learning his son took his own life after fleeing from shooting two civilians in Kab Choeng District, Surin Province on August 15, 2025.
SURIN — A tragic incident unfolded in Surin Province on Friday when a Thai soldier from the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict zone shot and wounded two Thai civilians before taking his own life, highlighting the mounting psychological toll of ongoing border tensions that have claimed at least 16 Thai military lives and left 5 soldiers disabled by landmines.
The Shooting Incident
According to the Royal Thai Army, the shooting occurred in Kab Choeng District, Surin Province on August 15, 2025. At 12:45 a.m., troops from the 1623rd Infantry Company heard 10 gunshots near a road by Wat Ban Khuean Kaew temple, followed by 2 more shots at 12:54 a.m.
Upon checking personnel and weapons, officials discovered that Private Ratthaphum had left his post without authorization, taking his service rifle and ammunition. The shooting left two civilians wounded: Anuwat, 32, who sustained a critical gunshot wound to his right lung but remained conscious and was transferred to Surin Hospital, and Wutthana, 35, who suffered minor glass fragment injuries to his left foot and was in stable condition. Both victims initially received emergency treatment at Kab Choeng Hospital and were reported out of danger.
The Search and Tragic End
Police Colonel Sukhon Sri-arun, Surin Provincial Police Commander, revealed that during the manhunt for the soldier, they believed he was still alive after technical equipment detected signals around 5 a.m. within a 2-kilometer radius. The soldier’s father and family were brought in to help negotiate his surrender, but tragically, search teams found that Private Ratthaphum had used his service weapon to take his own life.
Police Captain Khamphon Nonuch, Kab Choeng Police Station Chief, said the soldier had secretly left his base with his weapon. Initial information from relatives revealed that the soldier had been stationed at Prasat Ta Kway during combat operations and returned to base on August 3, having not been home for two months.
Officials carry the body of Private Ratthaphum, 25, who was found dead by suicide after shooting two civilians, from overgrown forest area near the incident site on August 15, 2025.
Family’s Grief
Prayoon, 51, the soldier’s father, along with family members who had been closely following the situation, wept in grief upon learning the tragic news. Prayoon insisted his son never had mental health problems, was unmarried, and never shared personal troubles, but suspected stress from combat in the Prasat Ta Kway border area in Bak Dai subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak district.
The Contested Border Zone
Prasat Ta Kway is one of 11 points along the Thai-Cambodia border where Thai forces maintain positions, but it’s the only area where Thailand cannot claim 100% control due to Cambodian-planted landmines and ongoing confrontations between both sides’ forces. Thai troops are positioned 30 meters from the temple structure.
Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Area, had just reaffirmed on August 14 that Prasat Ta Kway belongs to Thailand and must be reclaimed “by any means necessary, both internationally and domestically.”
Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Area
Witness Accounts
Wilaiporn Praphasphong, 50, owner of the shop where the shooting occurred in Ban Khuean Kaew, said she closed around 9:30 p.m. after young people had been drinking to celebrate a new car purchase. Less than an hour after they left, she heard a burst of gunfire, then found bullet holes through her door and injured people crying out. Within 10 minutes, she heard two more shots from an unknown direction and called an ambulance.
Around 10:35 a.m., military personnel patrolling along an irrigation canal about 120 meters east of the shop found Private Ratthaphum’s body.
A local villager revealed that the two shot men regularly drank at the location, having started drinking from 2 p.m. that day until 10 p.m. The soldier, who was on patrol, likely came to warn them about the noise. After a brief quiet period, the noise resumed. The villager believed the soldier was stressed and provoked, expressing more sympathy for the soldier than the victims.
Another tearful village woman said she truly felt sorry – the soldier had survived Prasat Ta Kway and made it through the battlefield, only to end his life over the words of people who looked down on him. As a military family member herself, she understood his feelings. Instead of returning to live with his parents, he died behind her house.
Combination image of Ta Kwai Temple in Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province — left: archival photo by the Fine Arts Department; right: present-day photo taken on June 19, showing public health volunteers from Chaiyaphum Municipality posing in front of the temple. The sandstone structure remains largely well-preserved.
Military Response
The Royal Thai Army issued a statement expressing condolences and confirming full cooperation with all agencies in the legal investigation process, while rushing to provide the best possible assistance to the injured.
Lieutenant General Boonsin also expressed regret over the incident, noting that wartime conditions create battlefield stress factors. The army therefore needs to monitor frontline personnel’s mental health.
“We have sent medical teams to care for personnel, especially those in combat zones, to assess which personnel may be at risk. Certainly, combat and violent incidents have psychological impacts – this is something we are already monitoring,” Lieutenant General Boonsin stated.
“We have sent medical teams to care for personnel, especially those in combat zones, to assess which personnel may be at risk. Certainly, combat and violent incidents have psychological impacts – this is something we are already monitoring,” Lieutenant General Boonsin stated.
The “Xue Long 2” Icebreaker for A Journey to the Antarctic Experience
Celebrating 50 Years of Thai-Chinese Relations with Inspiring Exhibitions at the National Science and Technology Fair 2025 Featuring the “Xue Long 2” Icebreaker for A Journey to the Antarctic Experience
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) is hosting the “MHESI Fair 2025” and the “National Science and Technology Fair 2025 (NST Fair 2025)” from August 9–17, 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The event showcases science, technology, and innovation exhibitions and activities from both domestic and international organizations.
A major highlight is the participation of the People’s Republic of China, which brings a series of special exhibitions to inspire Thai youths to explore the world of science. This event also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the People’s Republic of China.
One of the must-see attractions is the “INSPIRED ARENA” in Zone A, featuring the “Xue Long 2” Polar Research Icebreaker Exhibition.
Mr. Suwarong Wongsiri, Acting President of the National Science Museum Thailand (NSM), said that “NST Fair 2025 will be held from August 9–17, 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. This event is recognized as a major platform for showcasing exhibitions and activities in science, made possible through collaboration with both public and private sector organizations from Thailand and abroad. A key highlight of this year’s fair is international cooperation, with participation from over 41 organizations across 8 countries.
Among these, the People’s Republic of China stands out for its long-standing partnership with Thailand. China is bringing a range of special exhibitions and activities to both the MHESI Fair 2025 and the National Science and Technology Fair, offering Thai audiences a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge scientific content.
This collaboration is especially meaningful as it commemorates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, reflecting the deep and ongoing cooperation between the two nations in the exchange of scientific knowledge, research, and museum-related initiatives. The exhibitions serve not only to educate but also to inspire, reinforcing the shared commitment to advancing science and innovation through international partnership.
Exhibition Highlights
One of the must-see attractions is the “INSPIRED ARENA” in Zone A, featuring the “Xue Long 2” Polar Research Icebreaker Exhibition. This exhibit tells the story of Thai and Chinese polar researchers aboard China’s most advanced icebreaker, on a mission to explore the Antarctic, the coldest place on Earth.
The initiative stems from the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s IT Project Foundation and her royal initiative to promote Thai participation in polar science research. This exhibition not only offers valuable scientific insights but also aims to inspire Thai youth to dream big, pursue marine science, and explore future career paths. The international collaboration also strengthens Thai-Chinese ties across multiple dimensions.
Other Notable Chinese Exhibitions
China Pavilion with “Reproduction of Blue Sky and Clear Water” exhibition,
under the “Technology for Sustainable Communities in Practice” theme, this exhibit showcases China’s innovations in environmental conservation, including air and water pollution control technologies.
Beijing Association for Science and Technology (BAST) & Booster Robotics Technology Co., Ltd., exhibiting the “Booster T1” humanoid robot, known for its strength, agility, and interactive capabilities demonstrating the future potential of robotics.
Science Beijing Network featuring China’s higher education system and the “China University Sci-Tech Study Camp 2026”, which offers international students short-term learning and hands-on science and technology workshops.
Shanghai Astronomy Museum (under SSTM) The world’s largest astronomy museum brings the “Walking Astronomy Museum: Astro Xplore”, an immersive XR digital experience where visitors board the “Lightseeker” spacecraft to explore galaxies and the universe through engaging scientific content.
NetDragon Websoft & EDA Thailand Co., Ltd. with the Introduction of the “Zuno” learning platform, which integrates technology into education. Visitors can also experience the “Promethean” smart board and cutting-edge AR glasses, transforming learning into a fun and interactive journey.
Interested are invited to attend the “MHESI Fair 2025” and the “NST Fair 2025”, taking place from August 9–17, 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. Both events are free of charge!
The MHESI Fair 2025 will be held in Halls 1–4, Ground Floor.
For more information, please visit the official website: www.mhesifair.com
or follow updates on Facebook: MHESIThailand
The NST Fair 2025 will be held in Halls 5–6, Lower Ground Floor.
For more details, visit: www.thailandnstfair.com
or follow on Facebook: NSTFair Thailand
BANGKOK — The Royal Household Bureau released its fourth official announcement regarding the medical condition of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha, affectionately known as Princess Bha, the eldest daughter of His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn. She has been at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital since December 2022.
Current Medical Status
According to the latest medical report on August 15, 2025, Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s treatment team continues to administer medication and utilize specialized medical equipment to support her lung and kidney function. The medical staff has been managing intermittent infections through antibiotic treatment.
A concerning development emerged on August 9, 2025, when doctors detected a severe bloodstream infection (sepsis). This condition has required aggressive treatment with multiple combination antibiotics and blood pressure support medications to maintain her vital signs. The medical team maintains round-the-clock monitoring and comprehensive care.
Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha trains her dogs for the international standard working dog competition at the Thailand Working Dog Championship by Royal Thai Army 2022.
Background of Her Illness
Princess Bajrakitiyabha has been receiving treatment at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, since December 15, 2022, following a cardiac episode that caused her to lose consciousness. The incident occurred on December 14, 2022, while she was walking her dogs during training for the Thailand Working Dog Championship 2022, organized by the Royal Thai Army.
She was initially treated at Pak Chong Nana Hospital before being transferred to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, where she remains under care. The Royal Household Bureau’s previous medical announcement was issued on January 3, 2023.
Cranes work on stacks of containers at Bangkok Port in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
BANGKOK — Thailand secured a 19% reciprocal tariff rate with the US but faces strict Rules of Origin requirements to prevent Chinese goods from being re-exported through Thailand and ensure compliance with tariff regulations.
Although the “Team Thailand” delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, concluded negotiations with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) with relief for Thai exporters, securing a reciprocal tariff rate of 19% that will allow Thailand to remain competitive, one of the most worrisome and difficult conditions remains: Rules of Origin, specifically.
Thailand has agreed to introduce a less flexible origin verification system to prevent “Chinese goods from being exported through Thailand” and to ensure that Thai goods are not used to circumvent tariffs.
A truck loaded with vehicles moves to lines of vehicles for export at a port in Yantai in eastern China’s Shandong province on Jan. 2, 2025. (Chinatopix via AP)
Concerns Over Seven Industries with Low RVC
At last week’s meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), the issue of the Regional Value Content (RVC) rule was discussed in detail. Thailand still lacks important, sector-specific data on production structures, such as the use of domestic raw materials and intermediate products, and current RVC shares. A start has now been made on surveying and collating basic data to ensure compliance with US export requirements.
The aim is to contribute to decision-making and negotiations under the new trade paradigm, strengthen Thailand’s role within ASEAN, and create opportunities for Thai companies in the global market by improving production processes throughout the supply chain and upstream industries to increase the share of local production.
Kriangkrai Thiennukul, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), said the government’s relief measures to mitigate the impact of reciprocal US tariffs, whether soft loans or measures under the BOI’s Competitiveness Enhancement Act, are all practical, straightforward, and implementable for the private sector.
Louisiana wild-caught gulf shrimp are on display at Amy’s Seafood, a vendor in the Westwego Shrimp Lot, in Westwego, La., Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
He believes that these measures will play a key role in supporting the industry. However, for any sector that needs to raise its RVC, the US is using this condition to exert pressure and speed up negotiations so that Thailand avoids a 40% tariff in cases where it is considered a transshipment hub.
Discussions with all sectors are ongoing, but so far, 17 sectors have a local share (RVC) of over 40%, including:
Over 80%: Plywood, roofing and accessories, glass and glass products
70%: Medical devices, petrochemicals
58%: Rubber, automotive, plant products, pulp and paper, automotive parts and components, gemstones and jewelry
Shoppers wait in line to check out at an Asian grocery market in Rowland Heights, Calif., Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
However, worrying industries with a local share of less than 40% are:
Pharmaceutical products: 35%
Food and beverages: 38%
Cosmetics: 15%
Electrical engineering and electronics: 22.5%
Steel: 20%
Oil refining: 7.5%
Gem and Jewellery Sector Urges Government to Negotiate
Wiboon Hongsrichinda, consultant to the FTI Group Gem and Jewelry Industry, said that almost all raw materials for this sector are imported, as Thailand does not have enough natural minerals.
Most imports come from China, Australia, and South Korea. If the US sets the RVC requirement at 60%, this would be impossible to achieve even in several decades due to raw material constraints. It would be best for the government to negotiate with each industry and clearly explain who can and cannot meet the requirements and why.
PHOTO: Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair 2024
RVC Target Seen as Hard to Reach with No Time to Adjust
Wiboon Raksasanjaroenphon, secretary general of the FTI Electrical and Electronics Industry Group, said raising the RVC was difficult, but there was no time to wait. If the US makes a requirement, Thailand must fulfill it immediately as it cannot take five years to adjust. The question is where the raw materials should be sourced from, whether domestically or abroad. Solutions are still being discussed.
The current figure of 60% is only an estimate; the official requirement is expected to be confirmed in August 2025.
Prawit Horungreung, advisor to the Association of Long Product Steel Producers using Electric Arc Furnaces, said that the local content of steel varies depending on the production stage. In smelting, the local content is already over 60%, so this is not a problem. However, for rolling mills, the local share is low, and increasing it would require sourcing more domestic billets.
The problem is that the domestic billet supply is not sufficient, so imports are required. Solutions are still being discussed.
Steel cable is for sale at employee-owned Devon Hardware, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Theeraphan Pimthong, honorary chairman of the FTI’s Aluminum Industry Group, said the share of local production varies depending on whether it is an upstream product (focusing on aluminum scrap) or a midstream product, but the average is 30–40%. Increasing this proportion to 60% would have a significant impact because:
Thailand has no upstream production such as bauxite mining, alumina refining, and smelting and relies on imports of virgin aluminum.
US import tariffs on aluminum are 50%, which undermines Thailand’s competitiveness with countries closer to the US that have shorter transport distances, greater production capacity, and lower production costs. Even with the same tariffs, Thailand would not be able to increase sales prices accordingly.
The way forward is to maximize the use of aluminum scrap, which requires advanced technology. The government should also prevent aluminum scrap from flowing out of the country. In comparison, neighboring countries such as Vietnam and Malaysia impose export duties of 22% and 10%, respectively.
The Office of the Science, Research and Innovation Promotion Commission (TSRI) invites academics and the public to experience groundbreaking innovations at the MHESI Fair 2025, taking place from 9–17 August 2025, 9:00 am – 8:00 pm, at Booth D1, Zone D: VALLEY OF GROWTH, G Floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
Under the theme “Universe of SRI: The Universe of Science, Research and Innovation”, TSRI will showcase research outcomes ready for real-world application. The exhibition aims to propel Thailand forward through science and innovation, offering fresh perspectives on technology, culture and Thai ingenuity.
Three main exhibition zones will be featured: Rice for the Future Silk to Star Smart Living Hub
Each zone presents creative works designed to strengthen knowledge and expertise across key disciplines—vital tools for driving the nation’s progress.
Innovation Highlights Ready for Immediate Use
Activewear from Thai Silk – Developed in collaboration between the Queen Sirikit Department of Sericulture and Grand Sport Co., Ltd., this innovative sportswear uses woven Thai silk with exceptional elasticity, flexibility, comfort, and breathability. It adds value to Thai silk while expanding its applications beyond traditional uses.
Low-Energy Ion Beam Technology for Rice Breeding – Pioneered by scientists from the Centre of Excellence in Physics, Chiang Mai University, this is the first and only such success in Thailand, and the second in the world. The technology enables rice strain improvement within just 2.5 years—without radioactive materials or GMOs—and reduces costs by over tenfold compared with conventional methods.
Cassava-Based Bioplastic Food Packaging – Created by Professor Dr. Natthanonai Hanjarunsit of Kasetsart University, this high-performance biodegradable plastic extends food shelf life, reduces reliance on imported technologies, and is competitively priced for the global market. It also helps tackle domestic plastic waste management.
Shaping the Future Through Science and Innovation
The MHESI Fair 2025 offers academics, students, and the wider public the chance to learn more about the transformative role of science, research, and innovation in fostering positive economic and social change in Thailand.
For more information, visit the Facebook page: Office of the Science, Research and Innovation Promotion Commission (TSRI).
Emergency responders administer CPR to a 49-year-old Thai motorcyclist who suffered critical injuries after being hit by a British tourist's motorcycle in Soi Bongkot 8, Pattaya City, on August 14, 2025.
PATTAYA — A British male tourist was attacked by an angry crowd after performing dangerous motorcycle stunts and colliding with a Thai woman riding a motorcycle, leaving her critically injured in Pattaya.
The incident occurred in Soi Bongkot 8, Pattaya City, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Pattaya City Police received reports at 5:00 PM on August 14th and found an injured woman beside an overturned pink Honda Scoopy motorcycle that had sustained damage in the middle of the road.
Rescue volunteers immediately performed CPR on the victim, later identified as 49-year-old Ms. Jurairat. She suffered severe head injuries and body abrasions and was in critical condition before being rushed to the hospital.
Pattaya police rescue a British man from being attacked by an angry crowd after he crashed his motorcycle into a Thai woman motorcyclist, causing her serious injuries, then blamed the victim for the accident on August 14, 2025.
The other party involved was riding an electric motorbike. Witnesses reported that the young British rider had been performing wheelies and crashed into the victim, but then blamed her for the accident. This angered bystanders who attacked the foreigner, injuring him as well. Police had to intervene in the chaotic scene before rescue workers provided first aid and transported him to the hospital.
Eyewitnesses stated that the foreign national had been riding his electric motorbike recklessly, performing wheelies throughout his journey and nearly hitting pedestrians on the road. When he reached the accident scene, Ms. Jurairat was riding her motorcycle normally when the foreigner performed another wheelie, lost control, and crashed into her, sending both parties flying in different directions.
The investigating officer revealed that CCTV footage from areas near the accident scene will be reviewed to determine the exact cause of this accident and ensure fairness for all parties involved.
