Chiang Mai Police Arrest Chinese Suspect in Ransom Murder

By

-

15 July 2025, 00:21

chiangmai chinese murder1 — Police examine the site where the body of Yang, a 24-year-old Chinese national reported missing nearly a week earlier, was found in Mae Raem Subdistrict, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province on July 14, 2025.

CHIANG MAI — Police in Chiang Mai have arrested a Chinese suspect in connection with the murder of a fellow Chinese national whose body was discovered in a grove, following a failed ransom attempt.

The victim, identified as Yang, 24, was found dead in a grove near Ban Pa Heo Village, Moo 8, Mae Raem Subdistrict, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province on Monday. His relatives had reported him missing and later received ransom demands from kidnappers.

Police Colonel Sitthara Khamlert, Chief of Mae Rim Police Station, revealed that the body was wrapped in black bags and bedsheets, then covered with plastic sheeting. The deceased is believed to be Yang, who went missing on July 8, 2025 after relatives filed a missing person report.

Investigation revealed that Yang had crossed the border from the Kings Romans Special Economic Zone in Laos through the Chiang Saen Immigration checkpoint in Chiang Rai, accompanied by another Chinese national named Hu.

chiangmai chinese murder2 — Hu, a Chinese national (beige shirt) who claims he was kidnapped with the murdered Yang, points to the red vehicle allegedly used by suspects to dispose of Yang’s body in Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province on July 14, 2025.

They hired a taxi to travel to Chiang Mai on July 8, where Yang disappeared. Chinese gang members subsequently contacted Yang’s family demanding 3 million baht ($92,300) in ransom, but the family lacked the funds.

Investigators located Hu at a Chiang Mai hotel on July 10. He claimed he had been held captive by the Chinese gang and paid 1.5 million baht to secure his own release. According to Hu, the kidnappers – identified as Sang and Wang – had arranged for him to bring Yang from Kings Romans under the pretext of discussing romance scam business operations.

After negotiations and a meal, the group traveled by car to Sang’s rented house in San Phak Wan Subdistrict, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai. Hu alleged that upon waking, he found himself tied up and threatened with a knife until he agreed to transfer money for his release. He claimed Yang was killed in an adjacent room for refusing to comply with the gang’s demands.

chiangmai chinese murder3 — Hu, a Chinese national who claims he was kidnapped with the murdered Yang, guides police to examine the room where Yang was detained for ransom in Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai Province on July 14, 2025.

Police charged Hu with illegal entry and remaining in the kingdom without permission before taking him for questioning.

Police Major General Krittapon Yeesakorn, Commander of Provincial Police Region 5, along with investigation teams, tracked down and arrested Sang at Kad Farang Market in Hang Dong District on July 11.

During a search of the rented house where the incident occurred, investigators found extensive bloodstains in both the garage and bedroom areas. Sang claimed that Wang, who had fled earlier, was responsible for the killing.

Police are currently awaiting autopsy results to confirm the victim’s identity and determine the exact cause of death. The manhunt continues for Wang, the suspected accomplice who remains at large.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about transnational criminal activities involving Chinese nationals operating across the Thailand-Laos border region.

___________

More Thai Monks Defrock Over ‘Miss Golf’ Sex and Money Scandal

By

Khaosod English

-

14 July 2025, 21:01

defrock galaya — Phra Pariyattithada (right), assistant abbot of Wat Kalyanamit in Bangkok's Thonburi district, performs his disrobing ceremony at Wat Ban Khai in Rayong Province on July 14, 2025.

BANGKOK — Two more Thai Buddhist monks left the religious order on Monday, bringing to nine the total number who have defrocked amid a widening sex and money scandal involving a woman known as “Miss Golf” or “Seeka Golf.”

The latest to abandon monastic life are Phra Pariyattithada, assistant abbot of Bangkok’s Wat Kalyanamit, and Phra Thepphatcharaporn, abbot of Wat Chujitthammarama in Ayutthaya Province.

Their departures follow July 9 – mockingly dubbed “Big Monk Disrobing Day” – when six monks left the order in a single day.

$395K Financial Trail Uncovered

The scandal centers on Miss Golf, who maintained relationships with multiple senior monks across Thailand. Anti-corruption investigators have traced the largest financial flow to Wat Chujitthammarama, where 12.8 million baht ($395,000) was transferred to Miss Golf between March and July 2024, with an additional 380,000 baht ($11,700) from temple accounts.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Siripong Sritula of the National Anti-Corruption Commission said the transfers constitute violations of laws governing official misconduct. In one month alone, transfers reached 10 million baht ($308,000), raising questions about financial oversight at temples.

defrock chuchit — Abbot Phra Thepphatcharaporn (left) leaves monkhood in Ayutthaya on July 14, 2025.

The former Ayutthaya abbot confessed he was “too worldly” and deceived by Miss Golf, who admitted borrowing money for business investments but repaying only 100,000 baht ($3,080) of the total amount.

Govt Implements Emergency Financial Controls

Responding to the crisis, the government is fast-tracking new financial regulations for temples. Starting October 1, 2025, new rules will require:

All temple cash must go through official accounts
Monks limited to holding 100,000 baht ($3,080) in cash
Monthly financial reporting mandatory
All accounts must be held at local banks

Minister Suchart Tancharoen, who oversees Buddhist affairs, said the National Office of Buddhism is drafting enforcement regulations with penalties for violations. The government is also reviewing 1962 laws to criminalize sexual solicitation of monks, currently not prohibited.

More Monks Under Investigation

Several senior monks remain under scrutiny despite not yet defrocking. The abbot of Wat Yai Chom Prasat in Samut Sakhon has disappeared from his temple, while Phra Thepwatchrasitthimethi, ecclesiastical chief of Phichit Province, denies involvement despite photos circulating on social media.

Previously Defrocked Monks Include:

Phra Thepwachirapamokh (Phra Kru Ard), former abbot of Wat Trithotsathep, Bangkok
Phra Thepwachirathiraporn (Phra Kru Pradit), former abbot of Wat Phra Buddha Chai Worawihan, Saraburi
Phra Thepwachirathirakun, former assistant abbot of Wat Paknam, Bangkok
Phra Maha Bunlert Inthapanyo, former temple disciple at Wat Mai Yai Paen, Bangkok
Phra Khru Siriwiriyathada, former assistant abbot of Wat Sothornwararam, Chachoengsao
Phra Khru Palad Surapon Itthitecho, former abbot of Wat Phromkeson, Phitsanulok

Former assistant abbot of Wat Sothornwararam, Chachoengsao (left), gives testimony to Police Lieutenant Colonel Charoonkiat Pankaew (center), Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, on July 12, 2025.

Buddhist Leadership Expresses Alarm

Senior members of the Supreme Sangha Council have expressed deep concern about damage to Buddhism’s reputation. They are preparing summons for monks who have disappeared to report immediately.

Minister Suchart rejected suggestions that Thailand needs more people like Miss Golf to expose corrupt monks, calling such views inappropriate solutions to the crisis.

The scandal has highlighted long-standing concerns about financial transparency and accountability within Thailand’s Buddhist temple system, prompting the most significant regulatory reforms in decades.

_____

Cambodia Will Start Military Conscription Next Year as Tensions With Thailand Persist

By

Associated Press

-

14 July 2025, 18:59

Cambodia Thailand Conscription — In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reviews his troop from a vehicle during ceremony to put in used the military building in northern Kampong Chhnang province, Monday, July 14, 2025. (AKP via AP)

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet said Monday that his country will implement military conscription starting next year, in an announcement that coincides with persistent border tensions with Thailand.

Relations between the neighbors have deteriorated sharply following an armed confrontation on May 28 in which one Cambodian soldier was killed in one of several small contested patches of land.

The sides have agreed to de-escalate their dispute to avoid further clashes, but continue to implement or threaten measures that have kept tensions high, alongside exchanging sharp words.

The dispute has also roiled Thailand’s domestic politics. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended from office after making what critics saw as a disparaging comment about her country’s military in a phone call to Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen, who leaked a recording of it.

Hun Manet, Hun Sen’s son and successor, said that starting in 2026, an existing law on conscription would be implemented to fill shortages and upgrade the military’s capabilities.

AP25195359717855 — In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), Cambodian troop perform during ceremony to put in used the military building in northern Kampong Chhnang province, Monday, July 14, 2025. (AKP via AP)

AP25195359714949 — In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet delivers a speech during ceremony to put in used the military building in northern Kampong Chhnang province, Monday, July 14, 2025. (AKP via AP)

“This is our commitment,” Hun Manet said in a speech to military forces in the northern province of Kampong Chhnang. He wore his military uniform displaying his rank of a four-star general.

Hun Manet said that soldiers joining the ranks through conscription were more effective than a voluntary force and at least as professional.

The conscription law was passed in 2006, but never activated. Cambodians of both sexes, aged 18 to 30, must serve but for women, service is voluntary.

Thailand has long implemented conscription for men reaching 20 years of age, with an annual lottery determining who among them is called up.

The CIA’s World Factbook estimates Cambodia’s armed forces total 200,000 personnel, including a large force of military police. It says Thailand has 350,000 active-duty personnel in its armed forces.

Hun Manet also called for increasing the military budget. Cambodia is one of the region’s poorer countries, with a $9.32 billion national budget for 2025, out of which the biggest share, $739 million, went for defense.

He also repeated calls for Thailand to reopen without conditions all border crossings it had closed, saying that Cambodia would reciprocate within hours.

____________

Thai Officials Urge No Violence Amid Cambodia Border Tensions

By

Khaosod English

-

14 July 2025, 16:57

ta mueun thom1 — Tourists from Thailand and Cambodia visit Ta Muen Thom Temple in Surin Province on July 14, 2025.

BANGKOK — Thai officials confirmed they will prosecute two Thai men who assaulted a Cambodian military officer in a coordination unit near Ta Muen Thom Temple in Surin Province. Police have filed preliminary charges for assault while working to maintain understanding with the attacked Cambodian officer to prevent damage to bilateral relations between the two countries.

Deputy Army spokesman Colonel Surasant Kongsiri announced after a July 14 meeting of the Thai-Cambodia Border Situation Management Task Force – TEAM THAILAND that Thai authorities do not support the use of violence by any party. The task force thanked citizens and officials from all sectors for exercising patience and restraint, requesting cooperation to create an atmosphere conducive to bilateral dialogue.

“Ultimately, Thailand and Cambodia share a border and must continue living together – they cannot be separated,” Surasant said.

Tourism Continues Despite Tensions

Despite border tensions, tourism to historical sites remains strong. Over 18,000 people visited the Ta Muen Thom temple complex in Surin Province last week, while Ta Kwai Temple attracted more than 2,800 Thai tourists. The army has deployed personnel to guide visitors through various areas, stimulating the local economy while providing opportunities for citizens to learn about Thailand’s historical heritage.

Measures to Support Businesses and Farmers

The government has introduced multiple measures to assist affected business operators and farmers in border areas, including:

Foreign Worker Permits: The Interior Ministry will grant special extensions for foreign workers whose permits expired while in Thailand, allowing them to remain until border crossings return to normal, with a seven-day departure requirement after normalization.
Work Authorization: The Labor Ministry will allow foreign workers to apply for 90-day work permits with proper documentation through authorized registrars.
Employment Flexibility: Foreign workers can change employers and work for up to three employers within their authorized provinces.

These measures will be presented to the Cabinet as urgent agenda items, with retroactive effects from June 7, 2025, if approved.

AP25175352188434 — In this photo released by Royal Thai Army, a Thai police officer talks to peoples near a border checkpoint between Thailand and Cambodia, in Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (Royal Thai Army via AP)

Thailand Requests Cambodian Coordination

Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesperson Maratee Nalita Andamo emphasized that border checkpoints remain under peaceful but strict control for security purposes. Humanitarian crossings continue for students attending school, patients requiring medical treatment, and workers.

“This is not a border closure but implementation of government policy to prevent and suppress transnational crime,” Maratee stated. “Thailand continues calling for Cambodia to coordinate border crossing schedules for the benefit of both nations’ citizens.”

International Support for Anti-Scammer Operations

At the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Malaysia (July 8-11), Thailand successfully raised transnational crime issues. Partner countries including China, Japan, South Korea, the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada expressed willingness to cooperate closely with Thailand in combating regional and global threats, particularly online scams and call center operations.

Thailand Protests Cambodia’s World Heritage Forum Actions

Thailand expressed disappointment over Cambodia’s statements regarding Phu Phra Bat Historical Park in Buriram Province at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee. Thai delegation head Sihasak Phuangketkeaw responded during the session, with Thailand subsequently filing an official protest letter.

wat phumanfah2 — Tourists visit Wat Phu Man Fah at Ban Nong Bua Rai, Village No. 7, Ban Singh Sub-district, Nang Rong District, Buriram Province, on July 11, 2025.

“Thai authorities believe cultural heritage should strengthen relationships between peoples, not create division,” Maratee said. “Thailand is ready to discuss this and other issues with Cambodia based on good neighborly relations, especially since both countries’ leaders agreed to establish a joint working group on this matter.”

Thailand maintains its position of pursuing bilateral negotiations with all neighbors to resolve current tensions through existing mechanisms, including the Joint Border Committee (JBC) scheduled for September, or through Regional Border Committee (RBC) frameworks with sincerity and good faith.

________________

ICONSIAM Marks 60 Years Thailand-Peru Ties Through Art TORITO DE PUCARÁ

By

Contributor

-

14 July 2025, 15:01

A Vibrant Art Exhibition Honoring Cultural Friendship and Artistic Exchange on the Global Stage From 12–16 July 2025 at Thara Hall, M Floor

ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, proudly joins the celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Republic of Peru. In collaboration with the Embassy of Peru in Thailand and partners from both public and private sectors, ICONSIAM presents “TORITO DE PUCARÁ: PERU AND THAILAND UNITED BY ART”—a contemporary art exhibition that celebrates the unifying power of art in bridging cultures and fostering international friendship. The exhibition showcases six sculptures of Torito de Pucará—a sacred symbol of Peru representing protection, prosperity, and cultural identity. Standing 1.5 meters tall, each sculpture has been uniquely created by five renowned Thai artists and one Peruvian artist. The exhibition will take place from 12–16 July 2025 at Thara Hall, M Floor, ICONSIAM.

The official opening ceremony of “TORITO DE PUCARÁ: PERU AND THAILAND UNITED BY ART” was held on 12 July 2025, graced by H.E. Cecilia Zunilda Galarreta Bazán, Ambassador of the Republic of Peru to Thailand; Mr. Charlie Charuvastr, Advisor of Corporate Affairs, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd.; Mr. Pairach Visessiriluk, Head of Tenant and Customer Experience Division, ICONSIAM Co., Ltd.; and Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok. The event also welcomed the six featured artists—Mr. Chira Chirapravati Na Ayudhaya, Mr. Diego Cornejo, Professor Sukumarl Sarakasetri, Mr. Nakrob Moonmanas, Mr. Wasinburee Supanichvoraparch, and Mr. Somnuek Klangnok, alongside distinguished guests, all gathered to celebrate the long-standing and dynamic friendship between Thailand and Peru.

This marks the first time all six sculptures are exhibited together in Thailand, with the showcase taking place from 12–16 July 2025 at Thara Hall, M Floor, ICONSIAM. Following the exhibition at ICONSIAM, the artworks will travel to prominent locations across Bangkok from 17 July to 10 November 2025. Additionally, one special piece by Mr. Nakrob Moonmanas will remain on display at ICONSIAM throughout the extended period.

Come and experience the beauty of art that reflects the spirit of friendship and cultural harmony at “TORITO DE PUCARÁ: PERU AND THAILAND UNITED BY ART.” And be part of the celebration marking 60 years of Thai–Peruvian diplomatic ties through this meaningful contemporary art exhibition crafted from the hearts of Thai and Peruvian artists. Visitors are also invited to join a fun and exciting activity—snap photos with all six sculptures for a chance to win a round-trip ticket to Peru. The exhibition is open to the public with free admission from 12–16 July 2025 at Thara Hall, M Floor, ICONSIAM. For more information, please call 1338 or visit us on Facebook: ICONSIAM.

SKYWORTH PV Thailand Marketing: Three-Year 10 Billion THB

By

MC Marketing

-

14 July 2025, 14:31

Bangkok – SKYWORTH is a globally recognized technology conglomerate with over 37 years of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry. Its core businesses span smart home appliances, intelligent system technologies, modern service, and renewable energy. With innovation at its core, the group operates several R&D centers and manufacturing hubs across Asia and other regions. In 2024, SKYWORTH was ranked 272nd in the Fortune China 500. With an annual revenue of nearly 70 billion RMB (approximately 350 billion Thai Baht), which emphasizes that SKYWORTH is a strong market competitor in the global market until today.

SKYWORTH extended its expertise into the renewable energy sector by establishing SKYWORTH Photovoltaic in 2020, a dedicated brand focused on solar energy solutions, including both solar products and EPC services. The company offers comprehensive end-to-end solutions, including solar panels, inverters, battery storage, mounting systems, and EPC services, catering to both residential and commercial clients to deliver reliable, high-quality clean energy solutions.

On July 4th, SKYWORTH holds an event with the theme “SAIL WITH SKYWORTH – Make Every Ray of Sunshine Counts. During the event remark, Mr. Jin Lin, Chairman of SKYWORTH Group, shared that “This event marks an important step for SKYWORTH PV in Thailand, a key market in our global clean energy vision. We’re here not only to introduce our solutions but to build lasting partnerships. With Thailand’s strong potential and shared commitment to sustainability, we believe this is the right place and the right time. As we expand our footprint in the clean energy sector, Thailand plays a key role in our journey. we believe that clean energy is not just a global trend, it is a responsibility, a necessity, and a shared vision for a better tomorrow.”

Ms. Wanfei Qu, CIO of SKYWORTH Group, Director and CEO of SKYWORTH PV, and Chairman of SKYWORTH Renewable Energy (Thai) Limited, emphasized SKYWORTH’s evolution from electronics into renewable energy, backed by over 37 years of innovation. SKYWORTH PV, established in 2020, and it is Chinese top two distributed solar brands, boasting over 25GW in installed capacity and more than 750,000 residential stations nationwide. Currently, SKYWORTH PV business expands in more than 27 countries and regions around the world.

Thailand’s 2024 Power Development Plan (PDP), unveiled by the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO), outlines a bold and ambitious strategy for the country’s power sector. Between 2024 and 2037, Thailand plans to add 43GW of new electricity generation capacity, with solar leading the charge, accounting for 24GW. This shows that Thailand is not only committed to transitioning to clean energy but is doing so with a strategic, large‑scale focus on solar power. The government’s emphasis on solar highlights its long-term vision for sustainability and energy security in the region.

“SKYWORTH has 3 manufacturing bases in China, which are a solar panel factory with 5GW production capacity in Guangzhou, an inverter factory with 6GW & 3GW battery production capacity in Suzhou, and a 10GW BC cell solar panel in Baise. In Thailand, through high-efficiency solar products, integrated energy services, and financing solutions, we are committed to driving clean energy adoption in the region,” she said. “The event’s theme, SAIL WITH SKYWORTH – Make Every Ray of Sunshine Counts, reflects our long-term vision to help power Southeast Asia’s sustainable future.”

The event also marked two significant milestones with the signing of strategic partnerships between SKYWORTH Group and ICBC (Thai) Bank Headquarters, as well as SKYWORTH Group and Olympus Capital Holding Asia, paving the way for collaborative growth in the renewable energy sector.

SKYWORTH PV has entered a core strategic partnership with ICBC (Thai). While SKYWORTH PV sees ICBC (Thai) as its main banking partner in Thailand, the bank has also named SKYWORTH PV as a key strategic client. Together, the two sides will collaborate to jointly drive the development of Thailand’s clean energy sector.

Also, SKYWORTH PV signed a long-term strategic agreement with Olympus Capital Holding Asia, launching a USD 500 million clean energy investment fund targeting the Asian market. Over the next three years, the fund will focus on Southeast Asia, investing in solar power, energy storage, and other high-quality renewable assets, catalyzing the region’s low-carbon transition.

With deep roots already established in Thailand, SKYWORTH is now taking a bold step forward to accelerate the region’s energy transformation through smart, sustainable solutions. By combining high-quality solar products with full-scale EPC services, SKYWORTH PV is poised to become a trusted clean energy partner across Southeast Asia. This event marks not just a celebration but a successful beginning for SKYWORTH PV’s business journey in Thailand, laying a strong foundation for future growth, collaboration, and innovation in the renewable energy landscape.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————

For more information & latest update about SKYWORTH PV: https://th.skyworth-pv.com

E-mail: [email protected]

American Man Rescued from Drainage Pipe Under Bangkok Condo

By

Khaosod English

-

14 July 2025, 13:50

american rage1 — Rescue teams work to extract a 28-year-old American man trapped under a drainage pipe at a condominium in Bangkok's Jom Thong district on July 14, 2025.

BANGKOK — A 28-year-old American man, identified as “Jack,” was rescued from underneath a drainage pipe at a condominium in Bangkok’s Jom Thong district on Monday morning after becoming trapped while naked and refusing assistance from rescue teams.

Police from Bang Khun Thien station responded to the incident at 8:00 a.m. on July 14 after receiving reports from condominium management on Kalpapruek Road. The man had fallen into a gap between concrete slabs used to reinforce the building’s embankment along the canal.

Jack was found lying naked in the underground space with both legs protruding from the drainage pipe opening, visible from the canal. Rescue teams from the Por Teck Tung Foundation and Bangkok’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department arrived with concrete cutting and drilling equipment to assist in the extraction.

american rage2 — Rescue teams work to extract a 28-year-old American man trapped under a drainage pipe at a condominium in Bangkok’s Jom Thong district on July 14, 2025.

Despite being clearly unable to free himself, Jack repeatedly told rescuers in English that he didn’t need help and could get out on his own. As rescue workers used various tools to cut and drill through the concrete, Jack attempted to crawl deeper into the space while shouting incoherently.

Dramatic Extraction Process

Rescue teams eventually had to crawl into the confined space and use cloth to bind the man’s torso before pulling him up from the gap. A second rescue team in the water helped push his legs from the pipe opening. During the extraction, Jack became increasingly agitated and bit the watch strap of a female rescue worker, then chewed on it.

Even after being brought to the surface, Jack continued speaking incoherently and spat at rescue workers. Officials had to place a medical mask over his mouth and secure him to a backboard for medical examination.

american rage3 — Rescue teams successfully pull a 28-year-old American man from underneath a drainage pipe at a Bangkok condominium on July 14, 2025.

Initial medical examination revealed no serious injuries, only minor abrasions. However, Jack displayed symptoms of paranoia and fear consistent with substance abuse effects. His behavior remained erratic and confused throughout the rescue operation.

A foreign resident from the condominium assisted with English translation during the incident. Jack mentioned living with a Thai girlfriend at the condominium but couldn’t coherently explain why he had entered the drainage area.

Jack was transported to Somdet Chao Phraya Hospital for treatment of his injuries and psychiatric evaluation. Authorities are working to contact relatives and the U.S. Embassy for further assistance. The condominium management is currently investigating whether Jack had previously resided at the property as he claimed.

american rage4 — Police inspect the drainage pipe site following the rescue of an American man at a Bangkok condominium, July 14, 2025.

________________

Trump Marks One-Year Anniversary of Assassination Attempt at the FIFA Club World Cup Final

By

Associated Press

-

14 July 2025, 12:45

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J (AP) — President Donald Trump on Sunday marked the one-year anniversary of a failed attempt on his life, joining family, friends and close advisers to witness Chelsea’s dominating FIFA Club World Cup final victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

The president joined the players on the field after the match to congratulate the tournament’s outstanding performers, present PSG players with their runner-up medals and hand Chelsea their championship trophy.

“It was an upset today I guess,” Trump told reporters after flying back to Washington following Chelsea’s victory. “But it was a great match.”

AP25195016230942 — President Donald Trump speaks to the media, Sunday, July 13, 2025, on arrival to Joint Base Andrews, Md., en route to Washington, after attending the Club World Cup final soccer match in New Jersey. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Trump and first lady Melania Trump were greeted with cheers as they arrived at MetLife Stadium just ahead of the pre-match performance by musical artists Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini. And the president got a smattering of boos when he was briefly shown on the stadium’s mega-screen.

The president waved to the crowd and pumped his fist as he and his entourage arrived at the stadium luxury box, where they took in the match with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his wife, Leena Al Ashqar.

Other guests spotted in the president’s suite included Attorney General Pam Bondi, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, NFL great Tom Brady and media mogul Rupert Murdoch.

MetLife in a little over a year will host the 2026 World Cup final.

AP25194800998447 — Chelsea’s Reece James holds the championship trophy as he celebrates with teammates and President Donald Trump, second right, after Chelsea won against Paris St Germain in the Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP)

Chelsea, of the English Premier League, spoiled PSG’s bid to win its fourth major title of the season, exactly 100 days after PSG clinched Ligue 1 on April 5. The Paris team added the Coupe de France by beating Reims 3-0 on May 24, then romped over Inter Milan seven days later in the Champions League Final.

Chelsea dominated throughout, racing out to a 3-0 lead in the first half behind a pair of goals from Cole Palmer and one from João Pedro.

Sunday’s match fell on the first anniversary of the assassination attempt Trump survived in Butler, Pennsylvania, while campaigning for president.

“It remains my firm conviction that God alone saved me that day for a righteous purpose: to restore our beloved Republic to greatness and to rescue our Nation from those who seek its ruin,” Trump said in a statement released Sunday night after he returned to Washington.

AP25195005913407 — People cheer and boo, as President Donald Trump, next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, takes the field to participate in the trophy ceremony after the Club World Cup final soccer match, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, July 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

AP24195806383944 — FILE – Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by U.S. Secret Service agents at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

He also hailed doctors, first responders and rallygoers who helped guide other attendees to safety, saying, “These men and women arrived at the rally grounds as ordinary Americans, but left as heroes.”

The international sporting match also offered an opportunity for Trump and aides to huddle with Qatari government officials.

Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, in a brief exchange with reporters ahead of the match, said he remained “hopeful” about Gaza ceasefire and hostage negotiations.

Witkoff, who joined Trump for the tournament finale, appeared to nod affirmatively when asked by reporters if he planned on meeting with senior officials from the Gulf nation of Qatar, which is serving as an intermediary with Hamas in the talks, during the match.

“I’ll be meeting them,” Witkoff said.

AP25194810509131 — President Donald Trump, from right, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino present Chelsea’s Cole Palmer with the golden ball trophy after Chelsea won against Paris St Germain in the Club World Cup final, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, July 13, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP)

The president, who has a warm relationship with Infantino, has said he plans to attend multiple matches of the World Cup tournament next year that will be held at stadiums in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Preparations for next year’s big soccer moment for North America are well underway. But it comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and its neighbors over proposed tariffs, immigration and Trump repeatedly saying that Canada should become the 51st state.

Trump earlier this year said the tensions will only make the tournament more “exciting.”

“ Tension’s a good thing, ” Trump said.

Sporting events have made up the bulk of Trump’s trips in the U.S. since taking office this year. In addition to his visit this weekend to the soccer tournament, he’s attended the Super Bowl in New Orleans, the Daytona 500 in Florida, UFC fights in Miami and Newark, New Jersey, and the NCAA wrestling championships in Philadelphia.

—

Malaysian Tourist Rescued from Drowning at Karon Beach

By

Khaosod English

-

13 July 2025, 21:45

PHUKET — A 31-year-old Malaysian male tourist was rescued from drowning at Karon Beach in Phuket after lifeguards and other tourists performed CPR before rushing him to Chalong Hospital. His condition is now stable.

The lifeguard on duty explained on July 13 that the incident occurred Saturday evening when the man and a female tourist entered the water at a red flag zone despite warnings. The lifeguard blew a whistle to alert them, but the pair continued swimming. Within 10 minutes, both were swept out by waves and appeared to be drowning.

malasian karon2 — Phuket rescue volunteers transport the Malaysian tourist who nearly drowned at Karon Beach to Chalong Hospital in Phuket on July 12, 2025.

The lifeguard quickly rescued the woman first, while the man eventually surfaced but had lost consciousness. Bystanders immediately began CPR until the rescue team arrived.

The lifeguard team issued a warning to tourists that the area is currently experiencing large waves and strong winds, urging visitors to observe and follow safety warnings prohibiting swimming in dangerous conditions.

The rescue comes less than a month after a tragic incident at the same beach. On June 20, a 48-year-old Russian father drowned at Karon Beach after ignoring red flag warnings and entering the water. He died in front of his wife and son in a heartbreaking scene that shocked beachgoers.

_____

Special Thai Airport Channels Welcome Chinese Summer Tourists

By

Khaosod English

-

13 July 2025, 14:16

chinese summer4 — Immigration Police officers welcome Chinese families and introduce the Happy Chinese Summer Channel service at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

SUVARNABHUMI — Thai Immigration Police have established special processing channels for Chinese tourists during the summer school break period, responding to calls from tourism operators to better welcome Chinese visitors, particularly during the 50th anniversary year of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Police Colonel Choengron Rimpadee, Commander of Immigration Division 2, announced that Police Lieutenant General Panumat Boonlaksana, Immigration Bureau Commissioner, has initiated the program to support Chinese tourism through airport immigration services, which serve as the country’s front gate.

“This period marks the beginning of China’s summer school break from July to September, providing an ideal opportunity for families to take their children on trips abroad after the strict academic term,” Police Colonel Choengron explained.

He recently attended a meeting with the Deputy Director-General of China’s Consular Affairs Department, where he learned that the Chinese government has no policy restricting Chinese citizens from traveling abroad. However, Chinese tourists increasingly prefer domestic travel due to reduced economic income.

Nevertheless, Thailand remains the top destination after Macau and Hong Kong for Chinese tourists traveling with their families, particularly to unique attractions unavailable in China’s popular domestic destinations such as Phuket and Pattaya.

Although Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand have decreased by 50% from pre-COVID 2019 peak levels, Chinese visitors still represent the highest proportion at 10% of all foreign tourists entering Thailand.

Immigration Division 2 has launched the “暑假愉快通道 – Happy Chinese Summer Channel” program, creating special lanes for Chinese students traveling with families at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, and Chiang Mai airports.

The program features designated signage and immigration officers to separate student family groups for expedited processing, reducing wait times during peak flight periods. Normal processing time from immigration hall to checkpoint is typically under 40 minutes, which will be reduced to no more than 15 minutes. The initiative is expected to process approximately 5,000 students, parents, and family members daily from the average 20,000 Chinese arrivals per day.

For children under 12 and their guardians, as well as elderly passengers, disabled individuals, and pregnant women of all nationalities, airports have established priority channels to further reduce waiting times in regular halls.

_________

Hot News

LATEST NEWS