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DE Warns Public of Fake AMLO-CIB Facebook Page

DE warns the public about fake claims that AMLO and the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) have opened a Facebook page called “People Protection Organization” for online scam victims to submit evidence, urging people to beware of financial losses and theft of personal information.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), through the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand (AFNC), has released the latest results of its fake news monitoring and reporting efforts. The initiative is in line with the policy of Mr.Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, to strengthen public awareness of technology-related crimes, fake news, and misinformation.

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On 14 July 2026, AFNC monitored a total of 108,813 messages and identified 5,256 messages requiring verification. The largest number of reports came from Social Listening channels, accounting for 5,255 messages, followed by one report received through the AFNC Line Official account. A total of 24 issues were investigated, with verification results received from relevant agencies for 17 cases.

Among the seven stories that attracted the greatest public attention, two were confirmed as true, three were identified as fake news, and two were classified as misleading information. These included:

Misleading Information: Thailand used barbed wire and shipping containers to block access to and occupy Cambodian villages in Banteay Meanchey Province.

Fake News: The Islamic Bank of Thailand opened a Facebook page called “Islamic Bank”.

Fake News: Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister called on Thailand to provide humanitarian treatment to Cambodian nationals suffering from Malaysian forest fever.

Fake News: AMLO and CIB allow online scam victims to submit evidence through the Facebook page “People Protection Organization”.

True News: The Government has tightened controls on beauty businesses after finding cases of people falsely claiming to be doctors.

Misleading Information: China announced a dam water release, prompting Thailand to prepare for a massive volume of water.

True News: Authorities raided and cracked down on more than 100 locations linked to transnational nominee networks on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.

One of the most notable fake stories claimed that the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), together with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), had opened a Facebook page called “People Protection Organization” for online scam victims to submit evidence. The DE Ministry coordinated with AMLO and confirmed that the claim is false.

AMLO confirmed that it has no connection with the message, which appears to be part of a scam.

The Facebook page “People Protection Organization” is a fake page created by scammers using the names of AMLO and CIB to deceive online scam victims into submitting complaints and evidence through the page.

AMLO confirmed that it does not accept complaints or provide assistance to victims through any Facebook page or social media account. Its only official Facebook page is “สำนักงานป้องกันและปราบปรามการฟอกเงิน – ปปง.”, which carries a verified blue checkmark.

AMLO provides three official channels for submitting complaints:

In person

By registered mail

Through electronic channels designated by AMLO

The DE Ministry remains concerned about the spread of fake news and misinformation across online and social media platforms. Sharing unverified information may lead to misunderstanding, financial losses, misuse of personal information, and broader impacts on society.

The public is encouraged to trust and share information only from official sources and to carefully verify facts and website links before believing or forwarding any information.

People who encounter suspicious information or possible fake news can report it or verify information through the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand via Hotline 1111 ext. 87, available 24 hours a day.

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DE and ETDA Join Consumer Council to fight against online scams

DE Deputy Minister and ETDA met with the Thailand Consumers Council to accelerate legal reforms and improve compensation measures for victims of online platform scams.

Mr.Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, assigned Ms.Nan Boontida Somchai, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society, together with the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), to meet with Ms.Saree Aongsomwang, Secretary-General of the Thailand Consumers Council, and her team to discuss solutions to online fraud conducted through social media platforms.

Ms.Nan Boontida said the Thailand Consumers Council had raised concerns about the growing number of scams targeting consumers through social media platforms. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) is ready to strengthen cooperation by integrating information across agencies. ETDA has been assigned to coordinate legal matters related to consumer protection, particularly under the Emergency Decree on Measures for the Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crimes and the Royal Decree on Digital Platform Services Subject to Notification.

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The discussion also covered the Electronic Transactions Act, which falls under the responsibility of the DE Ministry and ETDA. In addition, the ministry will coordinate with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board under the Prime Minister’s Office, which oversees the Consumer Protection Act, as well as with the Ministry of Commerce and other relevant agencies responsible for related legislation.

ETDA will also coordinate information on consumer complaints received by the Thailand Consumers Council and forward relevant cases to the Anti-Online Scam Operation Center (AOC 1441) so they can enter the financial tracking system under the Emergency Decree on Measures for the Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crimes.

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At the same time, the DE Ministry is accelerating amendments to the Emergency Decree on Measures for the Prevention and Suppression of Technology Crimes and regulations governing digital platforms. The revisions aim to strengthen platform oversight, establish clearer penalties, and introduce a shared responsibility framework to encourage greater cooperation in preventing and combating online fraud.

The ministry is also expediting the issuance of regulations governing compensation for victims, which are expected to be completed by August, in line with the Ministerial Regulation on Compensation for Victims of Technology Crimes B.E. 2569 (2026), scheduled to take effect on 12 August 2026.

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The new regulation will make compensation faster and more convenient by allowing the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) Transaction Committee to approve refunds without requiring a court order. This will reduce legal procedures and provide quicker financial relief to victims of online crime.

“Mr.Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, places great importance on data integration among relevant agencies. The DE Ministry is ready to coordinate with the Thailand Consumers Council to support victims of online platform scams. Our top priority is ensuring effective compensation for victims, and we will carefully develop measures that provide the greatest benefit to the public,” Ms.Nan Boontida said.

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DE Warns Public of Fake EXAT Payment SMS Messages

DE warns the public about fake SMS messages claiming to be from the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) requesting payment through the website mfoli.cc, urging people not to click suspicious links that may steal personal or financial information.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), through the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand (AFNC), has released the latest results of its fake news monitoring and reporting efforts. The initiative is in line with the policy of Mr.Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, to strengthen public awareness of technology-related crimes, fake news, and misinformation.

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On 6 July 2026, AFNC monitored a total of 111,503 messages and identified 4,906 messages requiring verification. The largest number of reports came from Social Listening channels, accounting for 4,894 messages, followed by 12 reports received through LINE. A total of 16 issues were investigated, with verification results received from relevant agencies for six cases.

Among the seven stories that attracted the greatest public attention, two were confirmed as true, three were identified as fake news, and two were classified as misleading information. These included:

Misleading Information: Chiang Khong and Chiang Saen districts are expected to see water levels rise by 1.5 meters after China announced water releases from Jinghong Dam in late June 2026.

Misleading Information: Thai soldiers closed the Mae Sot border crossing to block supplies to Myanmar after stray bullets hit houses in Thailand.

Fake News: The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) sent SMS messages requesting payment of outstanding toll fees through the website mfoli.cc.

True News: The Ministry of Public Health has extended the free influenza vaccination program until 31 August 2026.

Fake News: Japan has increased its import quota for Thai rice by 60,000 tons with zero import duty.

True News: Thailand’s shrimp exports to Malaysia are set to resume as normal.

Fake News: VIP vans from Cambodia can easily cross into Thailand despite border fences.

One of the most notable fake stories claimed that the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) had sent SMS messages requesting payment of outstanding toll fees through the website mfoli.cc. The DE Ministry coordinated with EXAT under the Ministry of Transport and confirmed that the claim is false.

EXAT stated that the link is a fraudulent website created by scammers. The website uses a name similar to official M-Flow payment channels to trick people into clicking malicious links.

EXAT also confirmed that it has no policy of sending SMS messages requesting payment of toll fees or fines. If a driver fails to pay a toll, EXAT will send a written notice by mail only.

The public is advised not to believe such messages, not to click any attached links, and not to provide personal or financial information. Anyone with questions can contact the EXAT Call Center 1543, available 24 hours a day.

The DE Ministry remains concerned about the spread of fake news and misinformation across online and social media platforms. Sharing unverified information may lead to misunderstanding, financial losses, misuse of personal information, and broader impacts on society.

The public is encouraged to trust and share information only from official sources and to carefully verify facts and website links before believing or forwarding any information.

People who encounter suspicious information or possible fake news can report it or verify information through the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand via Hotline 1111 ext. 87, available 24 hours a day.

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First Time in Thailand! AIS PLAY Unveils “PLAY ALL,” the Ultimate Sports & Entertainment Package for All Networks

AIS PLAY reinforces its position as Thailand’s leading video streaming service and No. 1 entertainment hub by delivering a massive lineup of world-class content, featuring premier entertainment and major sports tournaments from both Thailand and abroad. To cater to digital lifestyles, AIS PLAY introduces the new “PLAY ALL” package under the concept of the “All-in-One Sports and Entertainment Experience.” This new offering elevates the world-class sports viewing experience, covering the Bundesliga, NBA, NFL, Tennis ATP Tour, and premier global golf tournaments including the LPGA Tour, PGA Tour, and DP World Tour. It also delights football fans with exclusive content from two legendary clubs: MUTV from Manchester United featuring special programming and pre-season matches and Real Madrid TV from Real Madrid. Additionally, subscribers can enjoy the Premier Sports channel and closely cheer on the Thai national team in the 2026 Asian Games, broadcast live directly from Nagoya, Japan.

Through exclusive collaborations with global partners, AIS PLAY is ready to take entertainment to the next level, delivering the ultimate viewing experience to customers and all Thais under the concept of “Connecting Lives, Fulfilling Every Need.” Powered by the capabilities of AIS’s intelligent mobile and home broadband networks, the PLAY ALL package is designed for seamless viewing, combining top-tier sports and entertainment from leading partners into a single package for just 199 Baht per month. This breaks down price barriers, making world-class content more easily accessible and cost-effective for Thais than ever before. The package covers live broadcasts, full-match replays, and key highlights, categorized as follows:

Sports Content Lineup

  • World-Class Football & Club TV: Watch Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2, along with exclusive access to the MUTV channel for comprehensive pre-season coverage, and Real Madrid TV.
  • World-Class Golf: Enjoy leading professional men’s and women’s global golf tournaments, including the LPGA Tour, PGA Tour, and DP World Tour.
  • Basketball: Watch live NBA and WNBA basketball games.
  • American Football: Follow the thrilling NFL gridiron action from the pre-season, regular season, and playoffs, all the way to the Super Bowl.
  • World-Class Tennis: Live broadcasts and full match replays of men’s tennis from the ATP Tour, featuring a total of 59 tournaments throughout the year (ATP Masters 1000, ATP 500, ATP 250, Next Gen ATP Finals, and ATP Finals).
  • Muay Thai: Watch 5 major fight events from the Rajadamnern Stadium: RWS (Rajadamnern World Series), Palangmai Muay Thai, Petchyindee, RKO, and Kiatpetch.
  • Thai Football: Complete coverage of Thai professional football leagues across every tier, including Thai League 1, Thai League 2, Thai League 3, Chang FA Cup, Muang Thai League Cup, PEA U21 Youngster League, and Thai Women’s League
  • Asian Sports Mega-Event: Asian Games 2026 – closely cheer on Thai athletes with live broadcasts directly from Nagoya, Japan (September 19 – October 4, 2026).

Entertainment Content Lineup

  • 24 World-Class Premium TV Channels: Covering movies, series, variety shows, documentaries, news, and kids’ entertainment. Channels include Warner TV, Rock Action, Eurosport, W Sport, Premier Sports (Rugby), Discovery, Food Network, Asian Hits, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito, Nickelodeon, CNN, BBC News, Fox News, Fox Business, Bloomberg, and many more.

This move reflects AIS PLAY’s commitment to reaching a diverse customer base, ranging from sports fans to families seeking an entertainment hub that offers the utmost value. This is driven by its strong competitive advantage: an extensive variety of content paired with a more cost-effective pricing structure than competitors in the same industry.

Interested customers can subscribe to the PLAY ALL package at Early Birds price from today until September 30, 2026. Subscribers can enjoy their favorite sports and entertainment seamlessly across multiple platforms, including the AIS PLAY application (mobile/tablet), AIS PLAYBOX. Website : https://aisplay.ais.th (only on PC), Android TV, Samsung Smart TV , LG Smart TV and Apple TV

The PLAY ALL package details are as follows:

  1. AIS Mobile and AIS Fibre3 Customers: Enjoy a special monthly rate of just 199 Baht/month for 12 months (regularly 299 Baht/month) subscribe by dialing *898#, or choose the annual plan for 1,999 Baht/year (regularly 2,999 Baht/year) by dialing *898*1#. Stream in Full HD (1080p) resolution on 1
  2. General Customers : Subscribe to the monthly package for 299 Baht/month or the annual package for 2,999 Baht/year. Stream in Full HD (1080p) resolution on 1 device. Sign up at ais.th/playall.

#AIS #AISPLAY #PLAYALL #สนุกได้ทุกแนวทุกคน #199ว้าวพอยัง

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Nadech-Yaya wedding beer foam portraits wow online

Nadech-Yaya wedding beer foam portraits wow online

BANGKOK — 24 July 2026, Aside from the romantic atmosphere of the wedding of Thai stars Nadech Kugimiya and “Yaya” Urassaya Sperbund, another detail that has taken the online world by storm is the beer served to guests.

Photos widely shared on the Instagram Stories of numerous wedding guests showed the newlyweds’ portrait appearing on the foam of beer glasses, and even Nadech and Yaya themselves joined in by sharing the moment. This sparked a viral conversation, with many praising it as one of the wedding’s most creative ideas. It also left many online users wondering whether the images had been digitally edited, generated by AI or created using another special technique.

As it turns out, the foam portraits were not the result of photo editing. They were produced using German Tawandang Foam Art, a technology developed for German Tawandang fresh beer under the Carabao Group, which prints images directly onto freshly poured beer foam. The system can produce portraits, logos and greetings on the surface of the foam.

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The secret behind this technology begins with the creation of uniquely dense, stable microfoam through quality control throughout the production process, as well as temperature regulation, pressure control and precise pouring techniques. This ensures the foam’s surface is smooth enough for printing.

Food-grade edible colouring is then used to print the image onto the foam, allowing the beer to remain safe to consume without affecting the quality or safety of the drink.

While Foam Art is capturing attention with its designs, the producer’s objective goes far beyond aesthetics. It also highlights the quality of the draft beer itself. In the beer industry, foam is an important element in preserving the aromas of hops and malt, enhancing mouthfeel and serving as an indicator of properly poured draft beer.

Therefore, the detailed and long-lasting foam is the result of consistent brewing and serving standards, making printed Foam Art designs possible rather than serving as simply a decorative feature.

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Beyond printing portraits of newlyweds, the technology can also print company logos, guests’ names, facial images and personalised messages onto the beer foam. It has increasingly been used at weddings, corporate events, product launches and marketing events to create distinctive experiences and add excitement for guests.

At Nadech and Yaya’s wedding, the personalised beer glasses became one of the event’s highlights, with many guests photographing and sharing them online. The viral moment also introduced many social media users to German Tawandang Foam Art.

What many once regarded as simply a layer of beer foam has now become a miniature canvas for art, demonstrating how even the smallest serving detail can leave a lasting impression and become part of the memories of a special occasion.

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Anutin and Lisa candle figures set for Korat festival

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — The Korat Candle Festival 2026 is set to return with a blend of Buddhist art, traditional craftsmanship, technology and pop culture, featuring a drone show, Dan Kwian pottery-inspired art and candle sculptures resembling Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and global Thai pop star Lisa.

The festival, themed “Buddhist Art and the Light of Faith,” will take place from July 28-30, 2026, around the Thao Suranari Monument in Muang Nakhon Ratchasima district.

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At a press conference on July 22, Nakhon Ratchasima deputy governor Wijit Kijvirat joined Nakhon Ratchasima Mayor Dr Wannarat Chankunakul and representatives from police, tourism, sports and cultural agencies to announce preparations for the annual event.

Organisers said the festival aims to preserve the traditional Buddhist Lent candle parade, promote local candle-carving craftsmanship and boost tourism in the province.

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One of this year’s major highlights will be a drone show combining modern technology with Buddhist history. The performance will depict the Buddha delivering his first sermon to the Five Ascetics on Asalha Puja Day through lights in the night sky.

The festival will also incorporate the traditional pottery craftsmanship of Dan Kwian into candle sculptures and Buddhist artworks, creating opportunities for young people and members of the public to learn local techniques and develop them for future candle floats.

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Former deputy prime minister Suwat Liptapanlop is scheduled to preside over the opening parade, which will feature at least 13 candle floats.

The festival will also host competitions for Buddhist Lent candle floats for the royal trophy of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in categories A, B and C. A Pong Lang music competition for trophies from the prime minister and deputy prime minister will be held on July 29.

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A distinctive feature of the Korat festival is its satirical political candle sculptures. This year, Phimai district has prepared a surprise with a 1.9-metre-tall wax figure resembling Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Candle sculptor Watchara Nadee said the figure depicts Anutin standing and making a hand gesture associated with the government’s “40-60 Thai Chuay Thai Plus” economic stimulus measure.

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The figure is intended to add colour, capture current trends and attract more tourists, organisers said.

Phimai district will also hold its own “Join Merit, Join Worship: Phimai Buddhist Lent Candle Parade” on July 28-29 at Phrommathat grounds before its floats move to the provincial event for the main competition.

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Among the major contenders is Wat Derm in Phimai, a former champion of the royal trophy in Category A. Its enormous 20-metre-long, 5.15-metre-high and 4-metre-wide float uses around 8 tonnes of wax.

Candle craftsman Kiattisak “Chang Ko” Duangthong said the float has taken three months to create and is now more than 85% complete.

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The float will depict the Buddha’s journey to Tavatimsa Heaven. It will also feature the royal emblem of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, at the centre and Indra riding the three-headed Erawan elephant at the rear.

Meanwhile, Wat Burapha Phimon, a Category B contender and the 2025 champion, has prepared a 15-metre-long float using 4 tonnes of wax. The float will depict the Hindu-Buddhist legend of the Churning of the Ocean of Milk.

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Another buzzworthy entry comes from Chok Chai district, where Wat Bing has created a contemporary candle float featuring a wax figure with facial features resembling internationally acclaimed Thai singer Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal.

Village headman Sakchai Khumkrathok said the figure depicts Lisa as an angel, celestial being and mythical Himmapan creature, including a kinnari and a naga.

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The design aims to celebrate Lisa’s talent and beauty while attracting people of all ages, genders and nationalities to Thailand’s Buddhist Lent candle tradition.

Wat Bing’s candle float will be displayed at the Chok Chai subdistrict municipal grounds on July 28 before joining the main provincial festival.

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The Korat Candle Festival 2026 brings together religious devotion, traditional arts and crafts, modern technology and contemporary creativity, offering visitors a chance to experience one of Thailand’s most colourful Buddhist Lent celebrations while helping boost the local economy.

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“OIE PAVILION at Grand Halal Bangkok 2026 generates 47 million baht economic boost, drives Thai Halal expansion.”

“The Office of Industrial Economics (OIE) revealed that its recent ‘Halal Industry OIE PAVILION’ at Grand Halal Bangkok 2026 received an overwhelming response. The showcase successfully boosted international awareness of Thailand’s Halal product standards, securing 140 business matchmaking sessions with buyers from over 10 countries. The event is projected to generate at least 47 million baht in economic value over the next year, with the seasoning product sector showing high growth potential in the global Halal market.”

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Mr.Supakit Boonsiri, Director-General of the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE), stated that 38 Thai food and beverage businesses—all meeting Halal and food safety standards—participated in the recent event. The showcase covered five main categories: 13 snack vendors, 11 seasoning producers, 5 beverage brands, 5 processed agricultural product firms, and 4 processed meat and seafood suppliers. Held at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), the Halal Industry OIE Pavilion was part of a domestic market-linking initiative under the 2026 Fiscal Year Thai Halal Food Industry Development Project. Seasonings and snacks drew the most interest, with seasoning sauces and oyster sauces topping projected orders at 3.3 million baht, followed by coconut water at 2.8 million baht. Over the three-day event, 140 business matchmaking sessions were held with trade partners from over 10 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia, which is expected to generate at least 47 million baht in economic value over the next year.

“The ‘Halal Industry OIE PAVILION’ underscores the Ministry of Industry’s commitment to empowering and upgrading Thai Halal food entrepreneurs to compete globally. This initiative connects both domestic and international markets through premier trade exhibitions, featuring face-to-face Business-to-Business (B2B) matchmaking sessions with high-potential trade partners. It aims to generate business opportunities and build strategic networks for Thai Halal operators to expand internationally, while also driving trade and investment collaborations through the exchange of market data, trends, and new business insights.”

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Mr. Supakit added that the Halal food industry holds immense potential and continues to experience steady growth, driven by a global Muslim population of over 1.9 billion and the annual expansion of the worldwide Halal market. As a major global food producer and exporter, Thailand is well-equipped with raw materials, technical expertise, and internationally recognized Halal standards. This presents a prime opportunity for Thai entrepreneurs to sustainably expand their Halal products into both domestic and international markets.

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Overall, Grand Halal Bangkok 2026 featured more than 500 exhibitors from over 30 countries and drew an estimated 14,000 visitors from across the globe. The event facilitated more than 1,200 business matchmaking sessions, generating a total estimated trade value of over 1.5 billion baht.

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US imposes forced labour tariffs on 60 trading partners; Thailand faces 12.5% levy

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

WASHINGTON — The United States has announced new tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, citing concerns over forced labour in global supply chains. Thailand will face a 12.5% tariff under the new measures.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) said it is imposing the tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act, arguing that the affected countries lack sufficiently robust laws or enforcement measures to prevent the import of goods produced with forced labour. The USTR said such practices undermine supply chain integrity and create unfair competition for US manufacturers.

The measures took effect on July 24, replacing temporary tariffs previously imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act, which grants the US president emergency authority to levy import duties. The Section 122 tariffs, set at 10%, were introduced by the Trump administration after the US Supreme Court struck down the president’s broader tariff programme affecting trading partners worldwide.

Under the new framework, the USTR has divided affected trading partners into two groups.

The first group, subject to a 10% tariff, includes countries that already prohibit imports made with forced labour or have reciprocal trade agreements with the United States, such as Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Thailand has been placed in the second group, which is subject to a 12.5% tariff because it does not yet have a legal framework or cooperation mechanism that meets US requirements on forced labour enforcement.

According to the USTR, countries in this category lack import bans or equivalent legal measures targeting goods produced with forced labour. Besides Thailand, the 12.5% tariff also applies to China, Japan and India.

The move will have significant implications for Thailand, as the United States is the country’s largest export market. The USTR has previously raised concerns about labour practices in Thailand’s fishing and seafood industries, while acknowledging improvements in worker registration, vessel inspections and supply chain traceability.

Despite those reforms, the USTR said Thailand has yet to adopt legislation prohibiting the import of goods produced with forced labour, placing it in the higher tariff category under the new Section 301 measures.

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HYROX Bangkok returns with record 20,000 participants

BANGKOK — HYROX Bangkok will return to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) from 13-16 August 2026, with organisers expecting more than 20,000 participants in what is set to be the largest HYROX event ever held in Bangkok and Asia.

The fitness race drew 17,500 competitors in March, and registrations for the August event have already increased by 14%, surpassing 20,000 ahead of the closing date.

To accommodate the growing demand, organisers have expanded the competition to four days for the first time.

The Bangkok event will also serve as an official qualifier for the 2027 PUMA HYROX World Championships in Hong Kong, the first time the global championship will be hosted in the Asia-Pacific region.

HYROX combines eight 1-kilometre runs with eight functional workout stations under a standardized race format used worldwide. Competitors can enter individual, doubles and relay categories, ranging from amateur to elite athletes.

The event will also feature an Adaptive division for athletes with permanent physical disabilities, with around 20 competitors expected to take part.

An official after-party, Station 9, will be held on 16 August at Tribe Sky Beach Club for athletes, supporters and members of the fitness community.

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One Year On, Let’s Try To Build Bridges and Not Walls Between Thailand and Cambodia

This week marks one year since the beginning of the tragic and needless undeclared war between Thailand and Cambodia.

​Many have been killed—civilians and soldiers on both sides—and their loved ones will continue to miss them dearly.

How do we even begin to count the losses? Do we count only the innocent civilians killed in our country? What about the soldiers? And what about those who were displaced, including those who remain vulnerable one year on?

Nearly 150 people, including civilians and soldiers from both countries, were killed during the two rounds of fighting.

​Some may want retribution, but where will revenge end? With more death and destruction?

As I write, Cambodian authorities say tens of thousands of civilians remain displaced and are waiting to return home.

In Thailand, I learned last week from a source in the Labour Ministry that at least 100,000 migrant workers from Cambodia remain in a legal black hole as the government refuses to renew their work permits. Fearing that ultranationalist Thais would be outraged with the government, they are increasing the risk of further labour exploitation.

​Then we have the continuation of the zero-sum mentality among some on both sides of the border who refuse to accept that some form of compromise and accommodation is eventually inevitable if we are to coexist as neighbours instead of nemeses.

​Building bridges instead of walls, one step at a time, one person at a time, is imperative. You don’t need to wait for your government to come to its senses.

​Over the past year, I have maintained channels of communication and moderation with some Cambodians and non-Cambodians on the other side of the border as both nations descended into mutual hatred and destruction.

Last week, Cambodianess editor Sao Phal Niseiy sent me several questions to mark the first anniversary of the brief undeclared war between our two countries.

​I asked for his permission to reproduce our exchange below:


What does the first anniversary of the July 2025 Cambodia–Thailand border war represent for Cambodia and Thailand?

​It represents a failure by both nations to resolve border disputes peacefully. One year on, it also stands as a stark reminder to reasonable Thais and Cambodians that the unchecked conflict has damaged not only relations between the two countries, but also the economies of both nations and the goodwill between Thais and Khmers.

​Over the past year, have you observed any significant changes in Thai public opinion, political discourse, or nationalist sentiment regarding Cambodia?

​On the Thai side, anti-Cambodian sentiment was unleashed and manipulated to boost the stature of the Thai military and the conservative establishment. They have managed to exploit the conflict to accrue political capital. One year on, Thailand and Cambodia remain trapped in a Cold War mentality.

​Although a ceasefire remains in place, tensions along the border continue and mutual distrust persist. How confident are you that Cambodia and Thailand can avoid another armed confrontation in the coming years?

​I have little confidence, but I do sincerely hope that cool heads will prevail. It is apparent by now to any reasonable Thai and Cambodian that this is a lose-lose scenario for both our nations and our economies.

​What practical measures should Cambodia and Thailand take to reduce the risk of future armed clashes?

​Both governments and their people should exercise restraint and moderation when considering and discussing the conflict. We must think long-term and recognise that, in the end, it is better for both nations and their people to be good neighbours instead of sworn enemies seeking to undermine one another whenever possible.

​When your next-door neighbour wishes you ill, it is difficult for you to sleep soundly at night. This is true for both Cambodia and Thailand. If a third party, such as China or ASEAN, could act as a mediator to help resume normal ties, their impartial involvement should be welcomed. Ordinary citizens can also play a crucial part on the road towards the normalisation of our relations by refraining from excessive nationalist rhetoric and ensuring cordial relations with ordinary people from the other country.

​What would a successful Cambodia–Thailand relationship look like five years from now?

​Reopened borders and the resumption of normal trade, tourism, cultural and people-to-people exchange. Both sides accept UNCLOS results. Disputed land border territories back on negotiating table. People in both nations refrain from spreading hate speech and stereotypes, fully aware of how toxic and viral it can become.

Essentially, it would be normal, neighbourly relations, but with an acute awareness on both sides of sensitive issues and impending disputes that must be handled with tact.

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