Wild elephant kills woman in Chonburi rubber plantation as husband watches helplessly

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4 October 2026, 16:27

Elephant Kills Woman Chonburi — (Left) The husband of the 36 year old victim describes the elephant attack to reporters. (Right) officials document the scene of the accident.

CHONBURI — 4 October 2026, A 36-year-old woman was killed by a wild elephant while collecting latex with her husband at a rubber plantation in Nong Yai district on Sunday morning. Her husband said he witnessed the attack but was unable to help her.

At about 06:00 on Sunday, Nong Yai Police Station in Chonburi was notified by residents that a person had been killed by a wild elephant at a rubber plantation in Moo 1, Khlong Phlu subdistrict, Nong Yai district.

Police coordinated with Nong Yai rescue workers and went to the scene.

They found the body of Wanna, 36, whose surname was withheld. She had injuries consistent with an elephant attack and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities secured the area and began their investigation.

Phanmongkhon, 27, the victim’s husband and the person who reported the incident, said he and his wife had gone to the plantation before dawn as usual to collect latex.

At about 06:00, his wife spotted a wild elephant entering the plantation and shouted to him: “An elephant is coming. Run!”

The couple fled in separate directions. Phanmongkhon ran uphill while his wife ran another way.

The elephant did not follow him but instead chased his wife. He later heard her scream before suddenly falling silent.

Phanmongkhon said he turned back and was shocked to see the elephant attacking his wife in front of him. He was unable to approach and help her.

After the elephant eventually left the area and the situation appeared safe, he went to check on his wife and found that she had died. He then immediately contacted police.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the attack and coordinating with agencies responsible for managing wild elephants. Officials are also inspecting the surrounding area to prevent another incident.

Authorities warned people who work or live near forest areas to exercise particular caution. Anyone encountering a wild elephant should keep their distance, avoid approaching, chasing or provoking it, and immediately notify the relevant authorities.

Army chief reshuffles 392 senior colonels overseeing border combat units

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4 October 2026, 14:15

Army commander Gen. Pana Claewplodtook has signed an order reshuffling 392 senior colonels, including commanders of combat units responsible for security along Thailand’s borders with Cambodia and Myanmar.

The order, No. 299/2569, covering promotions and transfers of officers at senior colonel level, was signed on 2 October.

Under the 1st Army Area, Col. Thotsaphon Thimsathit, commander of the 31st Infantry Regiment, King’s Guard, has been promoted to deputy commander of the 1st Infantry Division, King’s Guard, putting him in line to become the division’s next commander.

Col. Somchai Kamon, deputy chief of staff of the 1st Infantry Division, King’s Guard, will become commander of the 31st Infantry Regiment, King’s Guard.

Col. Chainarong Kasi, commander of the 12th Infantry Regiment, King’s Guard, who has overseen security operations along the Thai-Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo province throughout the two recent rounds of fighting, has been promoted to deputy commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, King’s Guard.

Col. Natthaphon Juanchareon, chief of staff of the 2nd Infantry Division, King’s Guard, will take command of the 12th Infantry Regiment, responsible for the Thai-Cambodian border in Sa Kaeo.

Col. Chalermkiat Sirisomboon, commander of the 112th Infantry Regiment, has been appointed deputy commander of the 11th Infantry Division.

Col. Thatchadet Abu-arat, commander of the 9th Infantry Regiment, becomes deputy commander of the 9th Infantry Division, while Col. Pornphisuk Boonrod, commander of the 9th Infantry Division’s Support Regiment, will take command of the 9th Infantry Regiment.

Col. Noppadon Phakha, chief of staff of the 9th Infantry Division, will become commander of the division’s Support Regiment.

Col. Phansak Priaophanich, commander of the 29th Infantry Regiment, has been appointed deputy chief of staff of the Army Corps, while Col. Natthaphat Muangklam, commander of the 1st Development Regiment, will take over the 29th Infantry Regiment.

Col. Chumchet Noppaket, commander of the 2nd Artillery Regiment, King’s Guard, becomes deputy commander of the 12th Military Circle, while Col. Chairat Terawitchanan, commander of the 9th Artillery Regiment, becomes chief of staff of the 14th Military Circle.

Under the 2nd Army Area, Col. Bodin Uphasarn, commander of the 6th Cavalry Regiment, has been appointed deputy director of a provincial Internal Security Operations Command office under the 24th Military Circle.

Col. Rewat Thamjiradet, deputy commander of the 13th Infantry Regiment, becomes commander of the regiment. Col. Phakphum Naphakat, deputy commander of the 210th Military Circle, becomes deputy commander of the 26th Military Circle, while Col. Ratthawut Krabuanrat, commander of the 3rd Artillery Regiment, becomes deputy commander of the 21st Military Circle.

Under the 3rd Army Area, Col. Weerawat Thaophim, chief of staff of the 3rd Infantry Division, becomes commander of the 3rd Infantry Regiment.

Col. Yodchai Phuangwarin, commander of the 7th Infantry Regiment, moves to a deputy director post under the Internal Security Operations Command, while Col. Sutthiphong Ngawian, deputy commander of the 7th Infantry Regiment, will take command of the regiment.

Col. Santiphong Chingduang, deputy chief of staff of the 7th Infantry Division, has been appointed director of the 3rd Army Area’s personnel division.

Col. Anuwat Panyanan, commander of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, becomes chief of staff of the 35th Military Circle, while Col. Kiat-udom Nadi, deputy chief of staff of the 1st Cavalry Division, takes command of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment.

Under the 4th Army Area, Col. Chanakan Saengson, commander of the 14th Infantry Regiment, becomes chief of staff of the 4th Infantry Division, while Col. Jiraphat Homsa-at, chief of staff of the division, takes command of the 14th Infantry Regiment.

Col. Aphichai Rueangrit, commander of the 25th Infantry Regiment, becomes chief of staff of the 5th Infantry Division, while Col. Kiattisak Neewong, commander of the 5th Artillery Regiment, becomes chief of staff of the 42nd Military Circle.

Col. Ekkawarit Chuchop, deputy commander of the 5th Artillery Regiment and spokesman for the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command, has been appointed commander of the 5th Artillery Regiment.

The report noted his role in communicating information to the public about the situation in Thailand’s three southern border provinces.

Col. Thaweephon Khanathong, commander of the 5th Infantry Regiment, has been appointed chief of staff of the 46th Military Circle, while Col. Nikhom Thong-in-kaeo, director of intelligence for the 4th Army Area, will take command of the 5th Infantry Regiment.

Within the Special Warfare Command, Col. Nimit Weeraphong, commander of the 3rd Special Forces Regiment, has been appointed chief of staff of the 1st Special Forces Division.

Col. Thanaphat Phankaew, a director under the Special Warfare Command, will take command of the 3rd Special Forces Regiment.

Col. Chaiyaset Lim-areetham, commander of the 72nd Artillery Regiment, has been appointed chief of staff of the artillery division.

Ayutthaya riverside areas warned of 10cm water rise

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4 October 2026, 13:24

AYUTTHAYA — 4 October 2026, The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has warned residents along the Chao Phraya and Noi rivers in Ayutthaya that water levels could rise by about 10 centimetres on Sunday, as runoff moves downstream from the Chao Phraya Dam.

ONWR Deputy Secretary-General Paitoon Kengkanchang said at Government House at 10:00 on Sunday that flows from the Ping and Nan rivers into the Chao Phraya basin were declining.

At 09:00, the combined flow at Nakhon Sawan stood at about 2,119 cubic metres per second, while discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam remained at 2,500 cubic metres per second because the Sakae Krang River was still carrying a large volume of water.

Paitoon said flows in the Sakae Krang River were expected to fall within two to three days, which would allow water discharge to be maintained at a more stable level.

At the Pa Sak Jolasid Dam, inflow and outflow were currently about equal, with discharge at approximately 450 cubic metres per second. This has resulted in a discharge of 655 cubic metres per second at the Rama VI Dam in Tha Ruea district, Ayutthaya.

However, areas of Ayutthaya along the Chao Phraya and Noi rivers could see water levels rise as water released from the Chao Phraya Dam reaches the province on Sunday.

Water levels could increase by around 10 centimetres, Paitoon said.

The water will then move downstream towards Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Bangkok and Samut Prakan.

Paitoon said the main protected areas in those provinces were not expected to be affected because flood embankments in Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Bangkok were generally high enough to handle the water.

However, some low-lying areas and communities outside flood embankments could still be affected.

Paitoon also said western reservoirs still had capacity to receive more water.

Vajiralongkorn Dam has capacity for about another 83 million cubic metres of water. It is currently releasing about 40 million cubic metres per day, while daily inflow is around 45 million cubic metres. He said inflow and outflow had now reached a near balance, keeping the reservoir level stable.

Srinagarind Dam is at 95.55% of capacity but can still receive more than 700 million cubic metres of water.

Downstream of the Mae Klong Dam, flows are currently above 1,100 cubic metres per second. Water levels along the Mae Klong River have returned within their banks in almost all areas.

This should allow floodwater in Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram, including Bang Khonthi and Amphawa districts, to gradually drain back into the Mae Klong River.

However, the process could take some time because the area is affected by sea tides.

Paitoon said the Meteorological Department had forecast heavy rain in Kaeng Krachan district of Phetchaburi, which could require increased releases from Kaeng Krachan Dam.

The provincial governor and the Royal Irrigation Department have established a situation management centre to provide information to residents.

In the eastern region, water levels are rising in parts of Chachoengsao. Drainage operations are also continuing in Ongkharak district, where the Lower Rangsit irrigation project is working with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to move water out of the area.

Paitoon said the process would take time.

Looking ahead, the Meteorological Department has forecast increased rainfall in several areas from 5-8 October.

However, Paitoon said the additional rain was not expected to significantly increase water volumes at the Chao Phraya Dam or reservoirs in the Mae Klong basin, adding that the overall situation remained manageable.

Puripol wins Asian Games MVP, a historic first for Thailand

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4 October 2026, 12:28

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) presented the 2026 Asian Games Most Valuable Player award to Thai sprint star Puripol “Biew” Boonson on 4 October at the media centre in Nagoya.

Puripol received the award for his outstanding performances on the track, winning two gold medals in the men’s 100 metres and 200 metres while breaking the Asian Games record in both events. He also won silver in the mixed 4×100-metre relay.

The women’s MVP award went to 13-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi.

The 2026 Asian Games MVP winners received a trophy and US$25,000 in prize money, worth about 840,000 baht.

“This award is an honour for me and my family, as well as an honour for Thailand,” Puripol said. “Today, Asian sprinters have proved that we are second to none in the world, and I will take the Thai flag to the world stage.”

“I am very happy and deeply honoured to return to Nagoya as the outstanding athlete of these Games. I would like to thank the committee, the president of the Athletics Association, my family, my coaches, as well as Thai and Asian sports fans who have always supported me.

“I will continue to train hard and improve myself so that I can help take Asian athletics to the world stage and bring recognition to Thailand. Thank you.”

Puripol is the first Thai athlete to receive the award and only the second track and field athlete to win it, following Japan’s Koji Ito, who received the same honour at the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok.

Fire spreads from workers’ quarters to garment factory in Mae Sot, injuring one

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4 October 2026, 11:36

TAK — A fire broke out at workers’ accommodation and spread to a garment factory in central Mae Sot on Sunday morning, forcing more than 70 Myanmar workers to flee. One person was injured.

Pol Col Rang Daodueng, superintendent of Mae Sot Police Station, was notified of the fire at about 09:00 on 4 October. The blaze occurred at a garment factory and adjoining workers’ accommodation near Mae Sot Hospital in the Wat Luang community of Mae Sot municipality.

Mae Sot district chief Kanphong Pipatmontrikul and Mae Sot Mayor Kul Kruewira went to the scene along with other officials. More than 10 fire engines from Mae Sot municipality and neighbouring areas were deployed to fight the blaze.

The fire occurred in an old wooden-house trading area in central Mae Sot, a densely populated community where buildings stand close together.

Officials said the fire began in a row of more than 10 single-storey workers’ rooms adjoining the garment factory. Flames rapidly engulfed the old wooden structures, sending thick black smoke into the sky that could be seen across the Thai-Myanmar border area.

Strong winds later worsened the situation, pushing the fire from the workers’ accommodation into the garment factory, where large quantities of fabric were stored.

More than 70 Myanmar workers, both men and women, were working inside the factory at the time. They rushed to escape as smoke and flames spread through the building, causing panic at the scene.

Firefighters from several local authorities used around 10 fire engines to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby homes and shops selling old wooden houses. It took more than an hour to bring the fire under control.

After the fire was extinguished, officials found that one worker had suffered a burn injury to the upper arm. No deaths were reported.

The garment factory was destroyed, while more than 10 workers’ rooms were severely damaged by the fire.

Ma Ae, 25, a worker at the garment factory who witnessed the incident, said she and many of her colleagues had been sewing clothes as usual when the fire broke out. Several other workers were preparing breakfast in rooms behind the factory.

She said a worker suddenly shouted that there was a fire. She and her colleagues tried to carry out whatever belongings they could before fleeing as the flames rapidly spread through the factory.

They managed to escape through a fire exit.

Mae Sot police said investigators were initially considering several possible causes, including a cooking fire that may not have been fully extinguished, an electrical short circuit, or another cause.

Police have sealed off the scene and coordinated with forensic officers in Tak province to inspect the damage and determine the exact cause of the fire.

Pickup driver surrenders after German couple killed in Khao Lak

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3 October 2026, 19:55

A 37-year-old pickup truck driver has surrendered to police after running a red light and hitting a German couple at a pedestrian crossing in Khao Lak, Phang Nga, killing both before fleeing the scene.

The victims were identified as Gabriela Gulden, 63, and Wilbert Schwiers, 64. They were crossing the road in the Khao Lak tourist area in Khuekkhak, Takua Pa district, on the evening of 2 October when they were hit by the pickup truck.

Khao Lak police chief Pol Col Jetsada Chanphum said the driver, a Phang Nga resident, surrendered at Khao Lak Police Station on the afternoon of 3 October and brought the pickup truck involved in the crash.

Police said CCTV footage showed the driver travelling from Takua Pa towards Thai Mueang while driving close to the road median. When he reached the crossing in a community area, he ran a red light and hit the couple as they crossed from the median towards a restaurant.

The driver then fled towards Thai Mueang without stopping to provide assistance or immediately reporting the crash to authorities.

The pickup truck had damage to its front and was seized by police as evidence.

Police have charged the driver with three offences: causing death through negligence, driving negligently or recklessly in a manner that could endanger people or property, and failing to stop and provide reasonable assistance or report the accident to authorities.

The driver confessed to the charges, police said.

Police are also testing him for drugs and substances in his bloodstream. If the tests show that he was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, additional charges will be filed.

The victims’ bodies were taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for autopsies. Police are coordinating with their relatives and the German embassy on the next steps.

Drunk driver kills Thai, German women in Bangkok crash

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3 October 2026, 19:40

Two women, including a German national, were killed after a car allegedly driven by a drunk driver struck them while they were crossing a road in Bangkok’s Thong Lor area early on 3 October.

Thong Lor police were alerted at about 03:12 to the crash near the entrance of Soi Thong Lor 3 in Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana district.

Police found two seriously injured women at the scene. They were identified as 23-year-old Thai national Thitima Yasi and 22-year-old German national Michelle Thipkan. Both were taken to hospital.

Police also found a 28-year-old man, Krit Suwanpraipattana, who identified himself as the driver of a grey MG HS PHEV. Officers said he appeared intoxicated.

A breathalyser test found his blood alcohol level at 145 milligrams per cent, above the legal limit.

Thitima later died at Sukhumvit Hospital, while Michelle died at Samitivej Hospital.

Police said the driver faces a charge of driving while intoxicated and causing the death of others. The investigation is continuing.

American Fair in Korat celebrates 250 years of US independence

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3 October 2026, 18:05

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — An American Fair in Korat is bringing American music, food, culture and activities to the public as part of the US government’s “Freedom 250” campaign celebrating the 250th anniversary of US independence.

831832962 2057999094826180 4936171353591879821 n — Ambassador Sean K. O’Neill

The free public event at Mayfair Market features live music, food booths and exhibitions highlighting American history and culture, as well as US innovations and food products.

The first day of the fair featured a range of activities for visitors, including balloon shows and rides, a chicken-crowing imitation contest, swing dancing, games and screenings of popular American films.

Food offerings include local favourites from Korat, American-style dishes and a range of US food products. One of the highlights is 3D ice cream shaped like the Statue of Liberty.

American companies are also showcasing new products and innovations at the fair, while US government agencies in Thailand are providing information about their work.

The “Freedom 250” campaign is being held to commemorate 250 years since the United States declared independence, while celebrating the longstanding friendship between the United States and Thailand.

The American Fair continues throughout the weekend, offering visitors a chance to experience American culture and learn more about US history, innovation and products.

Historic Dutch ambassador’s residence demolished

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3 October 2026, 17:45

831027591_10163786484022669_2901658887983367328_n — Photo: Henriette Jansen

A historic colonial-style residence that once served as the Dutch ambassador’s residence in Bangkok has been demolished, following the sale of the Netherlands Embassy’s former site on Wireless Road.

The residence was located on the embassy’s former compound at 15 Soi Ton Son, on a nearly 20-rai (3.2-hectare) plot connecting Wireless Road and Ploenchit Road.

Images posted on Facebook by Henriette Jansen show the former residence has now been demolished.

The building was more than 100 years old and was known for its colonial architecture and distinctive tower. It received an outstanding building conservation award from the Association of Siamese Architects in 1987.

The residence had a long history before becoming the Dutch ambassador’s residence. It was once the home of Dr. Alphonse Poix, a French royal physician who came to Siam in 1897 and served King Chulalongkorn.

The property later became a residence of Prince Boworadet, a grandson of King Mongkut. After selling part of the land and later going into political exile, the house was left vacant.

The Netherlands Embassy purchased the property, including the house, in 1949 and used it as the ambassador’s residence.

The embassy moved to Central Park Offices at Dusit Central Park in August 2026 and subsequently put the former embassy land up for sale as a freehold property.

The nearly 20-rai site is considered a rare development plot in central Bangkok, with access from both Wireless Road and Soi Ton Son. The land has been reported as potentially worth more than 20 billion baht, while reports have said an investment group has already acquired the property.

The demolition has drawn attention because of the historic significance of the former ambassador’s residence.

Thailand’s Banlung wins second straight Asian Games taekwondo gold

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3 October 2026, 15:54

Thailand’s 21-year-old Banlung Tubtimdang won the men’s 68kg taekwondo gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games on Saturday.

Banlung defeated Iran’s Mahdi Hajimousian Afuati 2-0 in the final.

The Thai fighter edged the first round 6-5 before securing another narrow 3-2 victory in the second round to complete the 2-0 win.

The gold marks Banlung’s second consecutive Asian Games title.

Thailand’s taekwondo team has now won gold medals at every Asian Games since 2010, including the 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions.

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