CCTV footage shows four suspects posing as police officers dragging the Chinese national into a car on July 10, 2025.
PATTAYA — CCTV footage shows the moment a group of men posing as police officers abducted a Chinese national and forced him into a white electric SUV before robbing him and forcing him to transfer money worth over 200,000 baht ($7,000). The victim was later left on the side of the road.
The incident occurred at around 5:27 a.m. on July 10, 2025. CCTV footage shows two men dressed in black trying to forcibly drag the Chinese man into a car in front of a Chinese noodle and grocery shop on North Pattaya 3rd Road, Moo 6, Na Kluea Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.
A witness (who wished to remain anonymous told reporters on July 11 that three Chinese men came to eat noodles in the area at around 5 a.m. After they finished, they parted ways: the first drove off in a black Toyota Fortuner, the second went to a nearby alley, and the third, the victim, waited for a ride-hailing service (Bolt).
Within a minute, a white SUV pulled up next to him. A man dressed in black (wearing a black hoodie) got out and tried to push the victim into the vehicle. The victim resisted and ran into the back of the vehicle, but was forcibly dragged inside.
The witness said that nobody dared to intervene as they thought it was a legitimate police operation because he heard the man in black shouting, “I’m police! You’re a call centre scammer!”
Later, at around 9:00 a.m. on July 10, a Chinese national, identified as Mr. Lin, 52, who has been living in Thailand for a year, reported the incident to the Pattaya City police station. He told police that four men posing as police officers accused him of being involved in a call centre scam, detained him and forced him into a car.
“My hands were handcuffed behind my back and I was threatened with something I thought was a gun. While I was in the car, the gang spoke in a mixture of Thai and English that I did not understand,” Lin said.
CCTV footage shows the white SUV used in the abduction of a Chinese man who was robbed inside the vehicle before being released, on July 10, 2025.
During the journey, the suspects searched him and took an iPhone 13 Pro, an iPhone 16 Pro, 15,000 baht in cash and a pair of glasses. They later dropped him off at a shooting range on Railway Road, about 9 kilometres from the abduction site. The suspects gave him back his room key card before dropping him off.
A security guard at the shooting range said he saw the Chinese man in a state of shock and asked for help, so he quickly called the police.
Lin then asked a guard at the shooting range for help and contacted a friend. He also realised that 150,000 baht had been withdrawn from his Chinese bank account via a mobile banking app. He immediately reported the incident to the Pattaya police. In total, he lost more than 230,000 baht ($7,070) in valuables and money.
The scene where a Chinese man was abducted by four suspects and forced into a vehicle, in front of a noodle and Chinese food shop that operates only at night, surveyed by reporters on July 11, 2025.
The Pattaya police crime team’s initial investigation included reviewing CCTV footage at the scene and tracing the escape route. The footage shows the white electric SUV turning into Paniad Chang Alley before reappearing on North Pattaya Road and heading towards the shooting range on Soi Chaiyapruek 2, where the victim was released. Police are now hunting for the suspects.
Police Lieutenant General Yingyos Thepchamnong, Commander of Provincial Police Region 2, ordered a thorough and swift investigation to gather evidence. If the perpetrators are actual police officers, they must face legal prosecution and strict disciplinary action. If they are not police officers but impersonated them, causing damage to the force’s reputation, they must face decisive legal action.
He asked for public confidence in Provincial Police Region 2, stating “we work professionally.”
Pichai Chunhavajira, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, speaks after a meeting with Thailand's team and the Prime Minister's policy advisory team to address Trump's tariffs, as Thailand seeks to avoid the high 36% rate, at Ban Phitsanulok, Bangkok, July 11, 2025.
BANGKOK – Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira outlined three core conditions for Thailand’s negotiations with the United States regarding President Donald Trump’s proposed 36% import tariffs, following a nearly three-hour meeting at Ban Phitsanulok on July 11 that included former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an advisor.
The Thai negotiating team established three fundamental conditions for discussions with the U.S.:
First, domestic manufacturers must be protected from adverse impacts, particularly in agriculture and small-scale industries.
Second, Thailand may need to increase imports of U.S. goods, which would provide opportunities for adaptation. Officials discussed methods to ensure imported goods receive comprehensive oversight and maximum efficiency, essentially conducting a self-review process.
Third, and most importantly, Thailand must prepare comprehensive support measures across multiple sectors. The government will conduct detailed sector-by-sector impact assessments, with results expected by Monday, July 14, before submitting additional supplementary information by August 1.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, along with ministers, leaves Ban Phitsanulok, Bangkok, after a meeting with Thailand’s team and the Prime Minister’s policy advisory team to address Trump’s tariffs, on July 11, 2025.
Tariff Structure Analysis
According to information obtained, the U.S. has categorized goods into 2-3 major groups for tariff collection. General goods would start at 10% tariffs, with some countries like Vietnam potentially facing increases to 20%. Other product categories remain under consideration, including transshipment goods that involve imports followed by assembly or value-addition through local content.
“Thailand has strict control and monitoring systems,” Pichai stated. “The government is confident in its ability to manage effectively compared to some countries that may have higher proportions of such goods, which could result in higher tariff rates.”
Optimistic Outlook
Pichai expressed cautious optimism about Thailand’s position: “Looking at the overall picture, I believe the impact Thailand will receive from U.S. tariff measures won’t be too severe. We’ve examined details at the product level to clearly demonstrate that our operations are reasonable and correct.”
The minister emphasized that essential information was already submitted on July 6, with today’s meeting serving as a detailed review to confirm the correct direction. The government has not set specific target tariff rates, as rates above 20% – such as 25% – could disadvantage Thailand compared to competitors like Vietnam.
When asked about product categories of U.S. interest, Pichai noted that the U.S. shows particular interest in various Thai products, especially agricultural goods. Despite their relatively modest value, these products involve large numbers of people and receive special attention from the U.S. side.
File photo: Workers transport rice for export
Thaksin’s Advisory Role
The meeting included key cabinet ministers from Industry, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Commerce, Foreign Affairs, and Finance ministries, alongside former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Pichai confirmed he personally invited Thaksin, recognizing his expertise and ability to provide valuable insights and recommendations for the negotiations.
“I can confirm we haven’t reached final negotiations yet,” Pichai said. “Today’s review occurred because we still have time until August 1 to reach a broad conclusion, and we still need extensive discussions.”
The government continues intensive efforts to provide the best explanations and negotiations with U.S. authorities, with Thailand’s measures clearly explainable across all dimensions, hoping to prevent any disadvantageous position for the country.
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.
PARIS — A diplomatic row erupted at the World Heritage Committee meeting on July 10 when Cambodia’s Culture Minister accused Thailand of unethically copying Angkor Wat’s design in its Wat Phu Manfa temple.
Cambodia’s Culture Minister Pheung Sakuna told the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee that Thailand’s temple “shamelessly imitates” Angkor Wat, damaging the World Heritage site’s universal value. She called for UNESCO to investigate the alleged copying.
Thailand’s head delegate Seehasak Phuangketkaew firmly rejected the accusation, calling it politically motivated and inappropriate for the World Heritage forum. He explained that Wat Phu Man Fah is Buddhist architecture inspired by various Thai historical sites, not a copy of Cambodia’s famous temple complex.
“Cultural heritage should bring people together, not divide them,” Seehasak said, expressing surprise and disappointment at Cambodia’s claims.
Seehasak Phuangketkeaw (right) attends the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, on July 10, 2025.
The Thai representative noted that Cambodia had unsuccessfully lobbied other countries on the issue, with most viewing it as a bilateral matter rather than a UNESCO concern. Cambodia was later denied permission to make additional statements for not following proper procedures.
Both countries’ leaders had previously agreed to form a joint working group to address cultural disputes between the neighboring nations.
The spat highlights ongoing tensions over shared cultural heritage between the Southeast Asian neighbors, with Cambodia immediately posting about the accusation on social media after the meeting.
About Wat Phu Manfa
Wat Phra Phutthabat Sila, also known as Wat Phu Man Fah, under the Mahanikaya sect, began construction as a monk’s residence in 1998 at Ban Nong Bua Rai, Village No. 7, Ban Singh Sub-district, Nang Rong District, Buriram Province. The construction was led by Phra Ajarn Somsak Samvarajitto, also known as Luang Pho Daeng, who served as the head of the monk’s residence at that time.
Wat Phu Man Fah
The temple was built on a 15-rai (5.93 acres) plot of land donated by Mr. Pramoon Rattanachan, a devout Buddhist who offered the land for temple construction. Monks, novices, nuns, and lay practitioners worked together to build various structures for monastic use. The temple grounds have continuously hosted training activities for schools, local administrative organizations, and various government agencies.
The temple was officially established on May 31, 2021.
The distinctive architectural feature aims to recreate the Singha Nakhon or Lion Kingdom, demonstrating the ancient stone castle construction techniques of the past and present times. The construction style emerged from the imagination of Luang Pho Daeng.
Peerawat Chantasit, spokesperson for Wat Phu Man Fah, said the temple had previously been accused by Cambodia. However, based on studies of the temple’s construction data, there was no copying of Angkor Wat’s design. The entire construction represents the wisdom of Thai people and monks in Thailand, modeled after Phanom Rung Stone Castle in Nang Rong District, Buriram Province, and Phimai Stone Castle in Phimai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
“Cambodia’s claims may be inaccurate due to being overwhelmed by problems, making it difficult for them to think clearly,” he said.
Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with Muay Thai superstar "Buakaw" Banchamek and Olympic gold medalist "Tennis" Panipak Wongpattanakit, participate the discussion on "Rethinking Thai Sports in Disruptive Era," during the SPLASH – Soft Power Forum 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center on July 10, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Pattarayoot Phukphol)
BANGKOK — Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivered a comprehensive vision for transforming Thailand’s sports landscape along with Muay Thai superstar “Buakaw” Banchamek and Olympic gold medalist “Tennis” Panipak Wongpattanakit on Thursday.
Speaking on “Rethinking Thai Sports in Disruptive Era,” during the SPLASH – Soft Power Forum 2025, Srettha acknowledged significant progress over the past two decades. “Previously, we might have only seen football and boxing as professional sports with income, but today we have a wider variety,” he said, citing taekwondo athlete “Tennis Panipak” who has achieved fame through product endorsements.
The former PM highlighted Muay Thai as Thailand’s unique global sporting brand, crediting fighters like Buakaw for elevating the sport internationally. However, he emphasized that better access to sports science, nutrition, and training methods could further enhance athlete performance.
Funding Distribution Needs Transparency
Srettha criticized the current sports development fund allocation system, calling it “inconsistent and unclear.” He urged fund managers to establish transparent criteria for distributing budgets to various sports associations, suggesting allocations should be based on competition results and performance metrics.
“The allocation of budget to support athletes, deciding which sport should receive how much funding, and whether it’s appropriate, needs to be reviewed for true suitability,” he stated, acknowledging duplication among government agencies responsible for athlete support.
Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin delivered a comprehensive vision for transforming Thailand’s sports landscape during the SPLASH – Soft Power Forum 2025, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center on July 10, 2025.
Private Sector Partnership Essential
The former premier praised private sector involvement in sports development, citing Banthongyord’s badminton support as an example. He proposed tax reduction measures for businesses that invest in sports, arguing that government incentives could encourage more corporate sponsorship.
Srettha emphasized that Thailand stands at the beginning of a promising “Sport Economy” trend, pointing to Muay Thai’s potential beyond competition—from training camps attracting foreign tourists to business opportunities in equipment and instruction.
World Cup Dreams Require Foundation Building
Addressing Thailand’s long-held aspiration for World Cup qualification, Srettha cited Japan’s 30-year preparation as a model. “I’m unsure if Thailand has started this process yet,” he admitted, urging sports associations to begin serious foundational work.
During his tenure as Prime Minister, he supported a 50-million-baht budget specifically for lower leagues, emphasizing grassroots development including nutrition and sports science. “Without starting with the basics, going to the World Cup would remain a distant goal,” he warned.
Athletes Deserve National Artist Recognition
In a notable policy suggestion, Srettha called for athletes to be eligible for National Artist status, currently reserved for cultural figures. He argued that Olympic gold medalists or internationally acclaimed fighters like Buakaw deserve the same recognition and privileges as traditional artists.
“For athletes who have won two Olympic gold medals, or for someone like Buakaw who has propagated the art of Muay Thai internationally, no one else could do what they do,” he told the Ministry of Culture.
Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with Muay Thai superstar “Buakaw” Banchamek and Olympic gold medalist “Tennis” Panipak Wongpattanakit, join the discussion on “Rethinking Thai Sports in Disruptive Era,” during the SPLASH – Soft Power Forum 2025, at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center on July 10, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Pattarayoot Phukphol)
Balancing Global Ambitions with Local Talent
While supporting Thailand’s global sports industry ambitions, Srettha expressed concern about the increasing number of foreign athletes in Thai teams. He noted that footballer “Jay” Chanathip’s recent contract worth hundreds of millions of baht demonstrates the potential for Thai athletes, but urged continued development of domestic talent.
“We want to develop the sports industry to a more global level, but we must not forget to provide opportunities for Thai athletes to develop themselves,” he said.
Building More Muay Thai Personnel
Buakaw Banchamek
Buakaw said that as a Muay Thai athlete who has traveled to seminars and study tours in many countries, what he most wants to see develop in the Muay Thai industry in the future is support and promotion of youth, creating personnel related to Muay Thai from the grassroots level.
“I see that currently, Thai personnel entering the Muay Thai field has decreased significantly, even though the popularity of Muay Thai has increased globally. Foreigners are increasingly interested in Muay Thai, with training starting from childhood to develop skills in Muay Thai. This suggests that in the future, foreign Muay Thai personnel will increase even more,” Buakaw said.
He proposed increasing coach training, possibly having retired fighters transition to become coaches. This would not only increase the number of skilled personnel but also create ongoing career opportunities.
He also suggested increasing Muay Thai venues or bringing boxing to other provinces so that youth or people interested in Muay Thai but lacking opportunities can participate in training, helping us discover more skilled fighters.
Muay Thai is Art, Not Just Sport
When asked about his appearance showcasing Muay Thai art alongside Thai female rapper MILLI in the song “ONE PUNCH” at the “Head In The Cloud 2025” music festival in Los Angeles, USA, which went viral on social media, and whether this reflects that Muay Thai is not just a sport but an art form that can expand to other sectors like fashion and lifestyle to create business opportunities:
“At that event, I saw that watching Muay Thai sports is not just about fighting to show people we are professionals, but Muay Thai can go far on the world stage and exists in multiple dimensions,” Buakaw said.
Creating New Generation Athletes Who Are Better
“Tennis” Panipak Wongpattanakit
Tennis Panipak, former Thai national taekwondo athlete who created a legend by winning Olympic gold medals in two consecutive Games, said that the achievements she has made are already accomplished. What she most wants to do now is to create athletes who are better than herself. Opening a taekwondo gym is challenging for her and she wants to pass on knowledge to new generation athletes, molding them to be better than herself.
Panipak continued that after starting the gym, she found that one obstacle for youth in playing sports is lack of money. Even though Thai youth have great interest in sports and many sports idols, many have dreams but no money, making it difficult to access sports and training to become skilled.
Using Social Media to Teach Training
The two-time Olympic gold medalist said that becoming a skilled, capable, and excellent athlete cannot be created in a single day but requires continuous training and repetition. Consistency is therefore important. Even though there are training camps or sports facilities, these are just a few teaching sessions, resulting in insufficient skill development.
“We try to reach everyone through teaching video clips. Whether they learn something or not through online learning, it’s still passing on small amounts of energy or dreams that they can build upon. In our athletic careers, we consider it successful to have been an inspiration to many people,” Panipak said.
The four-day SPLASH forum, running through July 11, continues to explore Thailand’s soft power potential across various sectors
Hippo Moo Deng, which turned one year old, yawns at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
By TIAN MACLEOD JI and JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI
CHONBURI, Thailand (AP) — Thousands of excited fans flocked to a Thai zoo on Thursday to celebrate the first birthday of Moo Deng, the adorable baby pygmy hippo that has become a social media sensation.
The Khao Kheow Open Zoo was overrun with Moo Deng’s fans on the first of four days of activities marking the hippo’s birthday. Children under 12 years old can enter the zoo, which is about a two hour drive from the capital Bangkok, for free throughout the extravaganza.
Excited fans
Many of Moo Deng’s fans flew miles to see her.
Among them was Molly Swindall, who traveled from New York for the celebrations. She was seen handing a tray of food to a zoo keeper for Moo Deng’s breakfast, which the baby hippo and her mother Jona quickly devoured.
Mother hippo Jona and Moo Deng, which turned one year old, eat food at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
“Everything I was seeing started to be Moo Deng and I just loved her so much and decided, you know what, I have three or four days off of work,” said Swindall, “I can make it work to fly to Thailand. I will only be there for about 30 hours, but that’s enough to go see Moo Deng. And that’s exactly what I did.”
By Thursday afternoon, the number of visitors reached 12,000, zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy said. Despite the noise of visitors calling out for her attention, Moo Deng appeared peaceful as she took a dip in a pond in her enclosure.
Fans took pictures of the baby hippo on their cameras or cell phones and sang “Happy birthday” as her birthday cake, made of a variety of fruits and vegetables, was placed near the pond.
Zoo Director Narongwit Chodchoy C hodchoy, right, and Molly Swindall, a visitor from New York, prepare food for baby hippo Moo Deng’s first birthday at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
“Moo Deng is my happy pill, and she’s my energy pill, my curing pill. She’s my vitamin!” said Thea Chavez, who flew in from Houston, Texas.
Another fan from neighboring Malaysia, Jennifer Tang, leaned over the enclosure to take pictures.
“She makes me happy. Whenever I’m stressed at work I pull up photos of Moo Deng,” Tang said. “So my whole office knows that I’m here …. They let me take a week off.”
The zoo held online auctions to celebrate Moo Deng’s birthday, with photos, footprints and a food container on offer to raise funds for all the animals under their care.
They also held an auction for the honor of sponsoring her birthday cake, which went for 100,000 baht ($3,065.)
A zookeeper plays with Hippo Moo Deng, which turned one year old, at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Moo Deng’s stardom
Moo Deng soared to stardom shortly after she was born, largely thanks to her keeper Atthapon Nundee who shared adorable pictures and videos of the baby hippo on social media. Atthapon keeps Moo Deng’s fans updated with moments of her squirming as he tries to wash her, biting him as he tries to play, or calmly closing her eyes as he rubs her belly.
Moo Deng, which literally means “bouncy pork” in Thai, is a type of meatball. The name was chosen by fans via a poll on social media. It matches the names of her other siblings: Moo Toon (stewed pork) and Moo Waan (sweet pork). There is also a common hippo at the zoo named Kha Moo (stewed pork leg).
Mother hippo Jona, left and Moo Deng, which turned one year old, are seen at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
The Khao Kheow Open Zoo saw spikes of visitors since shortly after Moo Deng was born. But Narongwit said the number of visitors to the zoo has somewhat dropped since the height of Moo Deng’s fame. He said the zoo has had about 2,000 visitors during a weekday and around 5,000 during weekends over the past few months, about half the numbers it saw at its peak.
“Moo Deng is a representative of all wild animals, and she helps everyone understand the roles of zoos,” Narongwit told The Associated Press. “She speaks for all nearly extinct animals, and turns people’s attention to their conservation.”
The zoo sits on 800 hectares (almost 2,000 acres) of land and is home to more than 2,000 animals.
It runs breeder programs for many endangered species including the pygmy hippopotamus. The species is native to West Africa, where it is threatened by poaching and loss of habitat. There are only 2,000 to 3,000 left in the wild.
Baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng eats fruit presented for her first birthday celebration at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand, Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Marine researchers document blacktip reef sharks in Maya Bay, Krabi, during the July 2-8, 2025 Shark Watch Project survey. (Marine National Park Study and Research Center 3)
KRABI — Maya Bay’s remarkable ecosystem recovery reached a new milestone on July 3 when researchers counted 158 blacktip reef sharks swimming in the famous Krabi bay—the highest number ever recorded in a single survey.
The Marine National Park Study and Research Center 3 (Trang) conducted the groundbreaking survey from July 2-8 as part of their “Shark Watch Project,” using cutting-edge technology to monitor the blacktip reef shark population in Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Krabi Province.
Researchers deployed two sophisticated methods: aerial drone photography to count sharks from above, and underwater baited remote cameras (BRUVs) to observe natural behavior patterns. The morning of July 3 delivered the survey’s peak moment when all 158 blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) were simultaneously spotted in the bay.
Marine National Park Study and Research Center 3 (Trang) reveals survey footage tracking the population and behavior of blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) in Maya Bay, Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Krabi Province (Shark Watch Project) during July 2-8, 2025.
Ecosystem Health Indicator
The large shark population signals excellent marine ecosystem health in Maya Bay. Blacktip reef sharks serve as apex predators, playing a vital role in maintaining underwater food chain balance and indicating pristine environmental conditions.
“This discovery shows that Maya Bay continues to provide suitable habitat for these marine species,” the research team noted. The sharks’ presence demonstrates that ongoing conservation efforts are successfully restoring the bay’s natural balance.
Marine National Park Study and Research Center 3 (Trang) reveals survey footage tracking the population and behavior of blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) in Maya Bay, Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Krabi Province (Shark Watch Project) during July 2-8, 2025.Marine researchers document blacktip reef sharks in Maya Bay, Krabi, during the July 2-8, 2025 Shark Watch Project survey. (Marine National Park Study and Research Center 3)
Data Drives Future Conservation
The research team plans comprehensive analysis of the collected data to better understand blacktip reef shark behavior and life patterns in Maya Bay. These findings will create an essential database for sustainable conservation planning and national park management strategies.
The results will also inform eco-tourism development, helping balance visitor access with habitat protection as Maya Bay continues its recovery journey.
Maya Bay’s transformation from overtourism victim to thriving marine sanctuary showcases the power of dedicated conservation efforts. The record shark count provides tangible proof that ecosystem restoration initiatives are delivering measurable results, positioning the bay once again in the positive spotlight for all the right reasons.
Cranes work on stacks of containers at the Bangkok Port in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, April 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
BANGKOK — US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 36% tariff on Thai imports has sent shockwaves through Thailand’s export sector, prompting urgent calls for government intervention to protect the country’s $65 billion trade relationship with America.
The tariff, far higher than expected, threatens to devastate Thailand’s competitiveness in the US market. Electronics, processed food, rice, rubber products, and consumer goods face the greatest risk from the new trade barriers.
Thanakorn Kasetsuwan, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council (TNSC), warned the impact could extend beyond exporters to trigger widespread layoffs, reduced foreign investment, and economic slowdown. Agricultural sectors may see domestic crop prices plummet as export channels dry up, directly hurting farmers and rural communities.
Thanakorn Kasetsuwan, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council
Three-Point Action Plan
The TNSC has prepared comprehensive policy proposals for Thailand’s Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and Trade Minister, focusing on three key areas:
Tariff Reduction Negotiations: Thailand should eliminate import tariffs on US goods wherever possible, extend investment privileges for American companies, and increase energy purchases from the US to replace other suppliers.
Market Diversification: The government should allocate 2026-2027 budgets for trade promotion activities, including overseas trade fairs, business matching events, and trade missions. Small and medium enterprises need expanded support to access new export markets.
Economic Support Measures: Urgent discussions with the Bank of Thailand on interest rate cuts, exchange rate policies to keep the baht competitive, and postponing minimum wage increases. The government should also reduce electricity, fuel, and logistics costs for exporters while speeding up VAT refunds and allowing 200% deductions for international shipping costs.
Business groups are pushing for streamlined export procedures, full digitization of trade processes, and stronger enforcement against substandard imports. They want 100% inspections of imported goods and stricter verification requirements for foreign sellers on e-commerce platforms.
Survey Reveals Broader Economic Concerns
The Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s Q3 2025 Business Confidence Index, based on surveys of 480 business leaders, shows 52% expect Thailand’s GDP growth to slow to just 1.5-1.8% this year due to Trump’s tariff policies.
Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce
The automotive, processed food, tourism, electronics, steel, and energy sectors are expected to face the heaviest impact. Survey respondents identified three critical risks: declining Chinese tourist arrivals through 2025, potential flooding of Thai markets with Chinese goods diverted from the US, and the risk of Thailand being targeted if China uses it to circumvent tariffs.
Trade Deficit with China Grows
Despite the US tariff concerns, Thai-Chinese bilateral trade grew 18.69% in the first five months of 2025, reaching 1.953 trillion baht. However, this growth came with a significant trade imbalance—while Thai exports to China increased 10.45%, imports from China surged 22.52%, creating a 799 billion baht trade deficit.
The Thai-Chinese Chamber recommends urgent tourism promotion measures and accelerated development of new export markets to cushion the economic downturn ahead.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira
Government Mobilizes High-Level Response
Meanwhile, Thailand’s major business organizations have been coordinating their response. On July 8, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Thai Industries, Thai National Shippers’ Council, and financial associations convened emergency meetings to assess the potential impact if the 36% tariff takes effect on August 1, or if additional measures are imposed.
All sectors agreed that the 36% rate, combined with a weakening baht and intensifying global trade competition, would severely pressure Thai exports from late 2025 onward and could trigger production base relocations. Some business groups have requested the government reconsider planned minimum wage increases and expand double tax deductions for companies facing losses or significantly reduced revenues.
This Friday, July 11, Thailand’s negotiating team and all relevant ministers are scheduled to meet at Ban Phitsanulok. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, who leads the negotiating team, expressed optimism that Thailand could still secure a win-win deal with the United States before the August 1 deadline.
CCTV footage shows three foreign men hurriedly leaving the cannabis clinic on Soi Khao To Road, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, at 9:57 p.m. on July 4, 2025.
PATTAYA — A cannabis clinic owner in Chonburi Province has posted a public appeal for help identifying a group of foreign men who stole cannabis buds worth 160,000 baht ($4,900) from his clinic before fleeing the scene. He is offering a reward for information leading to their arrest.
Chuanchom Panboon, 55, owner of the cannabis clinic, revealed to reporters that the incident occurred during the late hours of July 9 at his clinic located on Soi Khao To Road, Moo 10, Nong Prue Sub-district, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.
According to Chuanchom, the incident began on July 4 when a group of foreigners speaking Russian arrived at his clinic in a blue Ford sedan. They inquired about purchasing 2 kilograms of organic dried cannabis buds (Grade A quality).
After more than 30 minutes of detailed negotiations, they agreed on a price of 160,000 baht. While Chuanchom prepared the cannabis and placed it on the counter before going to retrieve sales documents, the foreign group walked out of the store, got into their car, and sped away. Upon returning, he discovered that the 2-kilogram package of dried cannabis buds had vanished.
Security camera footage shows three foreign men entering the cannabis clinic at 9:27 p.m. At 9:57 p.m., the group hurriedly exited the store, with the last person carrying a backpack believed to contain the stolen cannabis. They then got into the blue sedan and fled toward Soi Khao To.
The clinic owner has filed a police report with Nong Prue Police Station, providing CCTV evidence. He believes the foreign group intentionally came to steal from his establishment.
“I’m asking for public assistance. If anyone has seen these individuals and can provide information leading to the arrest of this Russian group, our clinic is prepared to offer a reward of 20,000 baht ($615),” Chuanchom stated.
Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwpan, Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, ceremonially hands over a $6.58 million check to representatives of the Japanese company - funds successfully frozen from the cybercrime group - at the Technology Crime Suppression Division headquarters on July 9, 2025.
BANGKOK — Thai Cyber Crime Police have arrested six suspects – both Thai and African nationals – in connection with a sophisticated email fraud scheme that defrauded a major Japanese company of $7 million. Authorities have coordinated with the FBI to freeze $6.58 million of the stolen funds for return to Japanese representatives.
Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwpan, Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, announced the results of “Operation Money Cash Back” during a press briefing on July 9.
The case began on April 25 when Thai police received notification from a local commercial bank, which had been contacted by a Japanese bank reporting that a prominent Japanese company had fallen victim to cyber fraud through email deception, resulting in transfers totaling over 228 million baht ($7 million) to Thai accounts.
Investigations revealed that the criminal network had intercepted emails between the Japanese company and its business partners, then created sophisticated fake email domains that closely resembled legitimate ones. The fraudsters sent deceptive messages to the Japanese company’s finance department claiming that banking details for fund transfers had been changed, prompting immediate money transfers.
Swift Money Laundering Operation
After the transfer, surveillance showed rapid withdrawal activity. At 5:31 p.m., Thai suspect Weerakan withdrew 3 million baht ($91,810) from the account, followed by an additional 10 million baht ($306,030) at 6:05 PM before the bank froze the account and notified the Technology Crime Suppression Division.
The recipient company was registered in Lat Krabang District, Bangkok, ostensibly operating as a used vehicle wholesale business with 1 million baht in registered capital and three directors: Weerakan, Ms. Wilaiporn, and Mr. Anucha. All three were issued arrest warrants and apprehended by April 29.
Nigerian Mastermind Uncovered
Extended investigations identified the operation’s mastermind as Mr. Annest Onyebuchi, a Nigerian national married to Thai woman Ms. Pinyanun. She testified that she received invoice images from Annest via WhatsApp before forwarding them to other suspects for bank withdrawals. Authorities also discovered plans to deposit an additional 100 million baht ($3 million) into accounts belonging to Million Mix Company Limited, directed by Mr. Phuripat and Mr. Sumet.
Million Mix Company subsequently changed its name to “Food Cyber Limited” and operated from the 13th floor of a building on Rama IV Road in Sathorn District. During searches, officers seized crucial evidence before arresting Mr. Ibrahim, a 51-year-old Ghanaian national, on May 8 at Nonthaburi Immigration Office.
Ibrahim coordinated with company directors to receive international transfers in exchange for 5% commission and demonstrated suspicious behavior by ordering chat deletions and silencing accomplices following arrest news.
All six arrested suspects face multiple charges including conspiracy to commit fraud by impersonation, conspiracy to input fraudulent computer data, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to allow others to use personal banking accounts for technology crimes, participation in transnational criminal organizations, conspiracy to form criminal gangs, and related offenses under Thai law.
International Cooperation
Thai National Police have coordinated with the FBI to investigate the email spoofing origins and dispatched senior officers abroad to closely examine cybersecurity systems of the targeted Japanese company and its international partners.
Lieutenant General Trairong warned businesses both domestically and internationally to exercise increased caution when verifying financial information changes, particularly regarding emails and bank transfer details, to prevent falling victim to Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud, which is spreading globally.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang attends a round table discussion at the VivaTech fair dedicated to innovation and startups in Paris, Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool via AP)
NEW YORK (AP) — Chipmaker Nvidia became the first public company to top $4 trillion in value Wednesday after a two-year investor frenzy driven by the artificial intelligence boom.
Nvidia shares rose 2.5%, in early trading Wednesday, topping $164 each. At the beginning of 2023, Nvidia shares were around $14 each. The company’s rise has been meteoric.
The Santa Clara, California, company, was founded in 1993. In just over a decade, it was worth $2 trillion. In June 2024, it reached $3 trillion.
The company’s invention of the graphics processor unit, or GPU, in 1999 helped spark the growth of the PC gaming market and redefined computer graphics. Now Nvidia’s specialized chips are key components that help power different forms of artificial intelligence, including the latest generative AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.
Huang has dubbed AI “the next industrial revolution,” and Nvidia’s GPUs are designed to perform artificial intelligence tasks faster and more efficiently than general-purpose chips like CPUs. Tech giants are snapping up Nvidia chips as they wade deeper into AI — a movement that’s enabling cars to drive by themselves, and generating stories, art and music.
President and CEO of Nvidia Corporation Jensen Huang, center, cheers with Foxconn Chairman Young Liu, right, during the Computex Taipei, one of the world’s largest computer and technology expos, in Taipei, Taiwan, Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
Nvidia’s innovation powered its rise, rapidly outgrowing Microsoft, Apple, Amazon and Google parent Alphabet. The stock’s movement carries more weight on the S&P 500 than any other company.
In its most recent quarter, Nvidia overcame tariff-driven turbulence to deliver another quarter of robust growth amid feverish demand for its high-powered AI chips. Nvidia notched a profit of $18.8 billion as its revenue surged 69% to $44.1 billion.
Nvidia reports its second-quarter results next month. Wall Street is expecting another quarter of record sales and profit for the company.
Nvidia and other companies benefiting from the AI boom have been a major reason the S&P 500 has climbed to record after record recently. Their explosion of profits has helped to propel the market despite worries about stubbornly high inflation and possible pain coming for the U.S. economy from tariffs and other policies of President Donald Trump.
