Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) continues to gain regional and national recognition for its commitment to sustainable business practices, innovation, and stakeholder engagement. The company’s focus on “Sustainovation”—the integration of sustainability and innovation—has driven strong business performance while promoting global food security and long-term value creation.
Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CP Foods, was honored with two prestigious leadership awards: Asia’s Best CEO from Corporate Governance Asia at the 15th Asian Excellence Awards 2025 in Hong Kong, and Thailand Top CEO of the Year 2025 in the Agriculture and Agribusiness category from Business+ magazine in collaboration with the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, Thammasat University.
“These awards reflect the collective efforts of our teams across the organization,” said Prasit. “As a leading global food company, CP Foods has a responsibility to continually innovate and deliver the best for our customers. The innovation comes from teamwork—by working together, we can create better products and solutions for a sustainable future.”
In addition, CP Foods received multiple honors at the Asian Excellence Awards 2025, including:
Best Investor Relations Company in Asia, recognizing CP Foods’ transparency and fairness in information disclosure.
Sustainable Asia Award 2025, acknowledging the company’s efforts in community development, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Asia’s Best CFO awarded to Paisan Chirakitcharern, Chief Financial Officer, for his achievements in financial strategy and business planning.
Best Investor Relations Professional in Asia awarded to Kobboon Srichai, Head of Corporate Affairs & Investor Relations, for excellence in transparent communication and corporate governance.
These recognitions underscore CP Foods’ leadership in sustainable agribusiness and its continued role in strengthening Thailand’s economy while fulfilling its vision to be the Kitchen of the World.
Thai customs officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport arrest a Canadian passenger attempting to smuggle 3,235 grams of heroin on June 30, 2025.
SUVARNABHUMI — Thai customs officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport arrested a Canadian man attempting to smuggle 3,235 grams of heroin worth over 1 million baht ($30,770) to Taiwan. The drugs were cleverly concealed inside women’s handbags in his luggage.
Customs officers became suspicious of the passenger’s luggage on the morning of June 30 due to its excessive weight and unusual thickness. X-ray screening revealed suspicious items with characteristics of narcotics, prompting officials to invite the Canadian passenger for further inspection.
During the baggage search, officers discovered brown and black women’s handbags among clothing and shoes. Inside the rolling suitcase walls, they found gray cloth packages wrapped with black tape. When opened, these contained carbon paper and clear plastic bags filled with white powder that tested positive for heroin.
Customs officers discover carbon paper and clear plastic bags filled with white powder that tested positive for heroin during the Canadian passenger’s baggage search, on June 30, 2025.The Canadian man’s luggage and two women’s handbags containing a total of 3.2 kilograms of heroin.
The investigation revealed additional concealment methods in two women’s handbags, which showed fresh stitching on both sides of the walls and appeared abnormally thick. After cutting open the bag walls, officers found more gray packages hidden inside, also containing heroin. The total weight of seized heroin was 3,235 grams, valued at over 1 million baht.
The Canadian passenger was preparing to fly with China Airlines from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. He faces charges of attempting to smuggle Category 1 narcotics (heroin) out of Thailand and illegal possession of Category 1 narcotics without authorization. The case has been transferred to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for prosecution and investigation into the drug network.
A Customs Department spokesperson reported that for fiscal year 2025 (October 2024 – June 30, 2025), the department has seized heroin in 28 cases with a total weight of approximately 97.87 kilograms.
Multi-agency officials visit the home of an 8-year-old boy who was abandoned to live with dogs and never attended school in Lap Lae District, Uttaradit Province, on June 30ม 2025.
UTTARADIT — A heartbreaking case has emerged highlighting Thailand’s drug addiction crisis after an 8-year-old boy was found living with dogs and communicating through barking sounds due to his mother’s drug addiction and neglect.
The Foundation for Children and Women, led by Paveena Hongsakul, coordinated with authorities to rescue the child after a school principal in Lap Lae District, Uttaradit Province reported the disturbing situation.
Years of Educational Neglect
The boy, identified as “A” (pseudonym), never attended kindergarten but once visited the school with his mother when he reached Grade 1 age. His mother collected approximately 400 baht in government education support funds but never enrolled him in classes.
Investigations revealed the child lived in his maternal relative’s house in a drug-infested “red zone” area with three people: his 46-year-old mother, 23-year-old brother, and six dogs. School Director Sopon Siha-ampai recently visited the home and learned from neighbors that the mother regularly begged for money and food from the temple when rejected by residents.
Thai authorities talk to the mother of an 8-year-old boy who was abandoned to live with dogs and never attended school in Lap Lae District, Uttaradit Province, on June 30, 2025.
Neighbors grew tired of the mother’s behavior and prevented their children from interacting with the family. With no human playmates, the boy bonded with the dogs and began mimicking their behavior, including barking sounds for communication.
Multi-Agency Rescue Operation
After learning of the situation, Paveena coordinated with multiple agencies including Police Lieutenant Colonel Charoen Daengruang from Lap Lae Police Station, Education Ministry officials, and Social Development and Human Security Ministry personnel. The joint team visited the home on the morning of June 30 to provide immediate assistance.
A deteriorating single-story wooden house on stilts serves as home for the 8-year-old boy in Lap Lae District, Uttaradit Province, where he lives with his drug-addicted mother and brother, spending most of his time with dogs.
Lap Lae police conducted urine tests on both the mother and older brother, confirming drug use in both individuals. They were charged with drug consumption, while social workers placed the 8-year-old boy under protective care at Uttaradit Children’s Home.
Paveena has coordinated with Dr. Thir Phawangkhanant, Deputy Secretary-General of the Basic Education Commission, and Dr. Trin Kandokmai, Director of the Happiness and Safety Management Center, to ensure the boy receives continuous education. The Paveena Foundation will monitor his progress alongside the Social Development and Education ministries.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Acting Interior Minister Thirarat Samrejwanit (right) witness the presentation of national ID cards to 21 newly approved Thai citizens at Mae Chan Wittayakom School auditorium, Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai Province, on June 28, 2025.
BANGKOK — Thailand has officially launched new regulations to expedite citizenship procedures for children born to foreign parents in the country, marking the first comprehensive effort to tackle statelessness issues.
The directive, which came into force on June 30, was signed by Deputy Interior Minister Thirarat Samrejwanit, who is currently serving as Acting Minister following the Bhumjaithai Party’s withdrawal from government.
The policy was originally developed under former Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul but is now being implemented by the Pheu Thai Party-led administration.
Under the new regulations, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior oversees the directive with authority to interpret rules and remove procedural obstacles. For Bangkok residents, the Director of the Registration Administration Office handles applications, while district chiefs process applications for those living outside the capital.
A lot of people submit citizenship applications on the first day of the announced criteria to expedite nationality issue resolution at the meeting hall of Mae Hong Son District Office on June 30, 2025.
The streamlined process includes coordination between provincial administrations and local police departments, with superintendent-level officers assigned to investigate applicants’ backgrounds in their respective areas. Judicial officials are also required to provide supporting documentation.
However, the Director General retains authority to revoke citizenship if applicants engage in behavior inconsistent with criteria or pose national security risks.
Target Groups Eligible
The initiative specifically targets approximately 140,000 people from long-established ethnic minorities who are officially registered in the national civil database with biometric data. This includes:
Persons born in Thailand to ethnic minority parents who were interviewed and registered before 1999, holding 13-digit national ID numbers beginning with “6” where the sixth and seventh digits are between 50 and 72
Children whose parents have residence permits with ID numbers beginning with “5” or “8”
Persons born to parents registered as stateless under the January 18, 2005 Cabinet Decision, including Morgan Sea Nomads, who have ID numbers beginning with “0” with sixth and seventh digits labeled “89”
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Acting Interior Minister Thirarat Samrejwanit (third from right) witness the presentation of national ID cards to 21 newly approved Thai citizens at Mae Chan Wittayakom School auditorium, Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai Province, on June 28, 2025.
The framework stems from a Cabinet decision approved on October 29, 2024, during Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration. Current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government has instructed the Interior Ministry to strictly follow legal provisions.
Permanent Secretary Unsit Sampuntharat emphasized this represents the first time Thailand has addressed citizenship issues in such a concrete and accelerated manner, earning praise from international organizations.
Exclusions Apply
The new process does not cover migrant workers, refugees in shelters, or foreigners with valid passports, who must pursue citizenship through existing channels.
Chaiwat Chuntirapong, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, has signed official procedures outlining application processes and post-grant verification requirements in accordance with the Interior Ministry’s directive.
The 7th ASEAN-China Media Week focuses on “More Silk Road Cooperation, New Chapter Communication, Innovative Media Approach.” The event is organized by China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA), the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Thailand’s Ministry of Culture, and the Thai Media Fund. It runs from June 26 to July 3, 2025 in Bangkok to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Thailand-China Friendship.
H.E. Mr. Phonpoom Vipattipumiprates, Thai Vice Minister for Culture, presided over the opening ceremony as a representative of the Thai prime minister and culture minister. He was joined by several high-ranking officials: H.E. Mr. Dong Xin, Vice Minister of China’s National Radio and Television Administration; H.E. Mr. Hu Fan, Vice Governor of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; Mr. Suksit Srichomkwan, deputy secretary general to the Thai prime minister; Mrs. Rakchanok Kojaranont, Thai deputy permanent secretary for Culture; and Dr. Dhanakorn Srisooksai, chief executive officer of Thai Media Fund.
Distinguished guests and media representatives from Thailand and China attended the opening ceremony on June 26, 2025 at the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall in Bangkok.
The opening ceremony showcased cultural performances from both nations. It began with “Festive Melodies of the Silk Road,” featuring Jennifer Kim (Thai), Wei Qingqing (Chinese), and performers from SW SHOW and Guangxi University for Nationalities.
Next came “Tale of China’s Underglaze Blue Porcelain” (Sensai Laikram), a theatrical performance by the Bunditpatanasilpa Institute. This was followed by a Chinese-ASEAN medley performed by Joan Allan Anderson Sinapati (Indonesian), Yang Zhia (Chinese), Carmen Lee Jiawen (Malaysian), and Bui Huong Ngan (Vietnamese), along with SW SHOW.
The program continued with “Stars and Oceans” (Talay Moo Dao), a creative show featuring singers Huang Ying (Chinese) and Pittaya “Daou” Saechua. Performers from SW SHOW and Guangxi University for Nationalities also participated.
The ceremony included dubbing performances of the “Daughter of the Mountains” series and “Lijiang River” documentary by Napassawan Watchareewong Na Ayutthaya and Pichapop “Oh” Pattarakulniyom. The event concluded with the song “Fly Over.
H.E. Mr. Phonpoom Vipattipumiprates,, the Thai vice minister for culture, describes the “7th ASEAN-China Media Week” as an outstanding mechanism that has continuously driven media and cultural cooperation between ASEAN and China. Serving as a strategic forum, it has created spaces for ASEAN and Chinese media professionals/organizations to meet up and exchange viewpoints in a way that tangibly foster collaborations across public, private and people’s sectors.
Mr. Phonphoom emphasizes that the Thai government always places significantly importance on international media cooperation and the promotion of Thai “soft power” via media, which are powerful tools for presenting Thailand’s cultural value, creativity and identity on international stage.
H.E. Mr.Dong Xin, , Vice Ministerof the National Radio and Television Administration of China (NRTA), says the “7th ASEAN-China Media Week” is the big annual event for maintaining good ties and propagating audiovisual materials that link peoples of ASEAN and China together.
He believes the event has reaffirmed the belief that “Thailand and China are in one same family” as personnel from their radio, TV and audiovisual media industries come together with the goodwill and aspiration to collaborate and pursue further development, renewing efforts to build a beautiful future for Thai – Chinese audiovisual industries.
Mr. Suksit Srichomkwan, deputy secretary general to the Thai prime minister, adds that media organizations are crucial to promoting mutual understanding among peoples and fostering friendship in the people’s sector, which will lead to cultural, economic and social exchanges at all levels. These elements lay down the key foundation for not just international cooperation but also the region’s peace in the long run.
According to him, the Thai government has the policy to promote media cooperation between Thailand and China across various dimensions – from media-based cultural promotion to up-skilling for media production, the exchange of personnel across various media fields and the multidimensional enhancement of media-production technology – in support of the sustainable development of media professions as well as people’s quality of lie.
H.E. Mr. Hu Fan, Vice governorof the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, says his region is a border zone and a gateway of China, which opens up to and embraces ASEAN. To Guangxi Zhuang, ASEAN has been its biggest trade partner for 25 consecutive years already.
The ASEAN-China Media Week had been held six times before, resulting in nearly 50 projects, the promotion of 678 programs via 450 ASEAN/Chinese media outlets, and the co-production of 30 audiovisual series that altogether have had 50 episodes. This year, the ASEAN-China Media Week also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Thailand and China.
As a part of the celebration, Chinese President Mr. Xi Jinping paid official visits to ASEAN nations in April. He also witnessed the signing of 105 bilateral cooperation agreements between China and ASEAN nations. These agreements cover connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), culture, sports, living conditions, media and more with the aim to create a strong China-ASEAN Community.
Dr. Dhanakorn Srisooksai, chief executive officer of Thai Media Fund, says the 7th ASEAN-China Media Week has branched out to various other activities this year. For example, the ASEAN-China Audio-visual Industry Cooperation Conference 2025 was held on2 7 June 2025. The 2025 China-ASEAN (Thailand) Film Showcase then will run under the “Shared Landscapes, United Visions” theme from 27 June to 3 July 2025.
The 7th ASEAN-CHINA Audio-Visual Programs Dubbing and Broadcasting will follow, running from July to September this year via Chinese and ASEAN media outlets.
All these activities aim to promote media cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between China and ASEAN, support high-quality collaboration in the China-ASEAN radio and television industry, and contribute to building a stable and sustainable China-ASEAN community with a shared future.
Immigration officers at Don Mueang Airport arrest a Vietnamese man for using a forged visa extension stamp on June 30, 2025.
BANGKOK — Immigration officers at Don Mueang Airport arrested a Vietnamese national for using a forged visa extension stamp while attempting to board a flight to Hanoi, Vietnam on AirAsia on the morning of June 30.
Officers detained Mr. Nguyen, a 24-year-old Vietnamese citizen, at the international departure hall on the third floor of Terminal 1, along with evidence including his passport and an iPhone 11 Pro Max. A check of the immigration information system revealed that Nguyen had overstayed his visa.
The Vietnamese man entered Thailand on August 26, 2024, with a tourist visa that permitted him to stay until October 24, 2024. However, no departure record was found, indicating he had overstayed for 249 days.
Immigration officers at Don Mueang Airport arrest a Vietnamese man for using a forged visa extension stamp while attempting to board a flight to Hanoi on June 30, 2025.
When officers examined his passport, they discovered a forged stamp showing a visa type change to NON L-A, purportedly allowing him to stay until March 31, 2025, allegedly signed by an officer from Trat Immigration Office. After coordinating with Trat Immigration, authorities confirmed the document was fake, with no record of the named officer. Sample comparisons of the forged stamp versus authentic ones were sent as evidence.
During preliminary questioning, Nguyen claimed he entered Thailand in 2024 after being invited by a Vietnamese friend to work at a restaurant, though he couldn’t specify the name or location. He said his employer arranged the visa change but he was unaware of the process details.
Immigration officials noted that overstaying more than 90 days results in blacklisting from entering Thailand for 1-10 years depending on the case. They suspect the Vietnamese man forged the stamp to avoid prosecution.
However, when officers informed Nguyen of the charges, he denied all accusations throughout. Police will proceed with filing charges for the case to be fought in court.
Marriott Hotels Introduces Wonderful Hospitality To Thailand’s Vibrant Coastal City With The Opening Of Pattaya Marriott Resort And Spa
Exceptional service and enriching experiences await at this elegant beachfront resort, with world-class facilities and a sugar palm design reflecting the area’s rich coastal heritage
Pattaya, Thailand – June 30, 2025 – Marriott Hotels®, the namesake brand of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa, introducing an exciting new era of wonderful hospitality to the shores of Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard, where local culture blends seamlessly with the vibrant buzz of Pattaya allowing families and travelers to indulge and discover.
The resort commands a prime location, just steps from the golden sands of Jomtien Beach and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, yet is only minutes away from the lively resort town of Pattaya. It is surrounded by natural, cultural and lifestyle attractions, such as sandy beaches, historical temples, local villages, water parks, retail malls, golf courses and more, providing outstanding options for every style of vacation. Bangkok is just a 2-hour drive away, and the resort can be reached from a choice of three international airports: U-Tapao (30 minutes) Suvarnabhumi (1.5 hours) and Don Mueang (2.5 hours).
“Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard has become one of Asia’s most attractive destinations, with a wealth of activities for every type of traveler, all easily accessible from the Thai capital and a choice of international airports,” said Brad Edman, Market Vice President – Thailand, Cambodia & Myanmar, Marriott International. “The introduction of Marriott Hotels to Pattaya will complement our Courtyard and Renaissance branded properties in this dynamic resort town, as well as our popular Marriott Hotels branded resort in Rayong, just 70km along the coast, creating a new option for families, couples and groups to unwind in a blissful beachfront setting, while also being close to the action.”
With a design concept inspired by sugar palm trees, an iconic symbol of Jomtien, this idyllic beachfront resort invites guests to connect to the area’s coastal roots. The property features breathtaking interiors that echo the organic beauty of nature, with flowing forms and textures reminiscent of a palm canopy, seamlessly blending indoor spaces with the surrounding seascape. Sweeping sea views and captivating sunsets invite guests to fully immerse in the serene coastal ambiance, where effortless escape and elevated relaxation unfold.
This organic design narrative weaves through the resort’s 289 rooms and suites, which range from stylish 33 square meter deluxe rooms to 57 square meter family rooms with bunk beds and spacious premium suites with up to 88 square meters of modern, light-filled space. Each room is thoughtfully appointed with modern comforts and premium amenities, including a comfortable sofa and refreshing bathrooms with rain showers, providing flexible options for leisure breaks and business trips alike.
Guests can look forward to indulge in vibrant dining experiences at six restaurants and bars – from casual bites to hearty favorites, each designed to delight every taste and occasion. Goji Kitchen Grill & Bar is a dynamic all-day culinary marketplace with live kitchens serving Thai, pan-Asian and international cuisine with buffet and à la carte menu items, while La Familiare presents the authentic flavors of Italy, featuring handmade pasta and classic regional specialties, and Siam Bakery is an artisanal bakery shop offering premium coffee, tropical juices, and freshly baked pastries. The Greatroom offers a menu of familiar favorites through Marriott Hotels’ elevated and locally-inspired lens, setting the stage for memorable daytimes and evenings. The Siam Pool Bar & Lounge is a refreshing setting for cool drinks, light bites and kid-friendly treats, and Sunbird Bar, the poolside bar, is the perfect spot to sip crafted cocktails as the sun sets.
Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa also sets the stage for inspiring events, with four flexible meeting rooms for different sizes and styles of social gathering, from team-building weekends and training sessions to corporate seminars and sunset cocktail receptions.
Guests of all ages can experience facilities to inspire their imagination and stimulate their senses. Quan Spa is a haven of tranquility with six treatment rooms, including two couple’s rooms, while the 24-hour fitness center is fully equipped for invigorating workouts. Young guests will be fully engaged at The Kids Club while families can choose from three pools: a dedicated children’s pool, thrilling water slides, and a stunning infinity pool for all to enjoy.
“Situated in a prime location, our resort offers an inviting escape and appeals to a diverse range of travelers – from local residents seeking a weekend getaway, to international visitors planning a dream vacation, and meeting planners aiming to add a touch of tropical elegance to their events. We are excited to help guests craft unforgettable memories with us.” said Michael Hogan, the resort’s General Manager.
Families are invited to pack their bags for a fun-filled escape to the charm of Jomtien Beach, where every experience turns into a lasting memory. With the “Family Beach Break” package, guests can enjoy a full 24-hour getaway – from crafting and flying personalized kites along the shore to exploring the wonders of the Sugar Palm Tree. Young guests can delight in the vibrant kids’ club, while families can relax in cozy rooms boasting stunning views, take a refreshing dip in the pool with fun water slides, and savor delightful dining options. The package includes daily buffet breakfast at Goji Kitchen Grill & Bar, complimentary meals for little ones, one kids’ club activity per day, plus ice cream treats that make every day special. Unforgettable moments await now through October 31, 2025!
Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa participates in Marriott Bonvoy – the award-winning travel program from Marriott International – allowing members to earn points for their stay, and at other hotels and resorts across Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of extraordinary hotel brands. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and a contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind.
To be among the first guests to experience this new era of hospitality in Pattaya, please visit the hotel’s website and social media accounts below:
Following its recent official announcement in Thailand, Dulwich College International School Bangkok (DCBK), a prestigious British international school, has seen strong interest from local and international families.
Ahead of the campus opening in August 2026, DCBK has opened an Admissions Office on the 7th floor of True Digital Park West. Just 20 minutes away from the school site in Bangna, the office provides a welcoming space for parents wishing to learn more about the school and engage in one-on-one discussions, while construction of the main campus in Bangna is underway. The new office features an exhibition wall highlighting the heritage of Dulwich College in the UK, a scale model of the campus masterplan, a mock classroom environment, and private consultation rooms for personalised discussions.
The office opening ceremony featured a traditional Thai Buddhist blessing to mark the occasion, signifying an auspicious and prosperous start. Honoured guests and key partners were invited for an exclusive preview of the new office. Mr Adam Gibson, Founding Head of College at DCBK, together with the executive team, warmly welcomed those in attendance, including Ms Nattinee Netraumpai, Vice Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand; Ms Nantamas Chatraporn, Trade Manager for Education & Health at the British Embassy, and Mr Ross Allan, Chief Operating Officer, Education in Motion, who joined to offer their congratulations.
Parents are warmly invited to meet with the Founding Head of College, Mr Adam Gibson, to learn more about the curriculum, the school’s educational philosophy, and the admissions process. The DCBK Admissions Team is ready to welcome and assist all interested families.
For enquiries or to arrange a visit, please contact 02-118-2772-3 or via Line Official : @dulwichbangkok
Nong Khai customs and quarantine officers inspect seized packages containing cannabis buds that were being smuggled to Laos, June 30, 2025.
NONG KHAI — Police in Nong Khai rushed to inspect suspicious packages after a shipping company reported finding questionable parcels that customers requested to send abroad without specifying the recipient’s name. They discovered 72 cans of glucose products concealing cannabis buds weighing over 3 kilograms.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Jirawit Panyim, Chief of Nong Khai City Police Station, received a report from a private Thai-Laos shipping company in downtown Nong Khai on Monday requesting inspection of packages that customers wanted delivered to Laos.
Customs officials from Nong Khai, along with plant and animal quarantine officers, joined the inspection. The examination revealed three boxes containing glucose powder, with 24 cans per box totaling 72 cans. When officers opened the containers, they found plastic bags containing glucose powder on top, but underneath were plastic bags concealing cannabis buds.
All items were seized and brought to the investigation room at Nong Khai City Police Station for detailed examination.
Nong Khai customs and quarantine officers inspect seized packages containing cannabis buds that were being smuggled to Laos, June 30, 2025.
Officers weighed the cannabis buds, finding approximately 50 grams per bag across all 72 cans, with a total weight of about 3 kilograms valued at approximately 135,000 baht ($4,155). Cannabis buds are classified as controlled herbs that cannot be sold or advertised without medical prescriptions.
The Thai-Laos shipping company operator provided information to police, claiming innocence and explaining they received the three boxes from a domestic shipping company.
After receiving them, someone called to coordinate delivery to Laos without providing the recipient’s name and made regular follow-up calls about the packages, which raised suspicions of illegal contents, prompting them to contact police.
Lieutenant Colonel Jirawit stated that the discovered cannabis buds were concealed to evade inspection by police and customs officials for overseas smuggling. Following cannabis control announcements, there may be increased attempts to smuggle cannabis in and out of the country, particularly along border areas.
Police have seized the cannabis and will proceed according to legal procedures.
FILE - President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House, on April 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he is not planning to extend a 90-day pause on tariffs on most nations beyond July 9, when the negotiating period he set would expire, and his administration will notify countries that the trade penalties will take effect unless there are deals with the United States.
Letters will start going out “pretty soon” before the approaching deadline, he said.
“We’ll look at how a country treats us — are they good, are they not so good — some countries we don’t care, we’ll just send a high number out,” Trump told Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures” during a wide-ranging interview taped Friday and broadcast Sunday.
Those letters, he said, would say, “Congratulations, we’re allowing you to shop in the United States of America, you’re going to pay a 25% tariff, or a 35% or a 50% or 10%.”
Vehicles for export are parked at a port in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Trump had played down the deadline at a White House news conference Friday by noting how difficult it would be to work out separate deals with each nation. The administration had set a goal of reaching 90 trade deals in 90 days.
Negotiations continue, but “there’s 200 countries, you can’t talk to all of them,” he said in the interview.
Trump also discussed a potential TikTok deal, relations with China, the strikes on Iran and his immigration crackdown.
Here are the key takeaways:
Few details on possible TikTok deal
A group of wealthy investors will make an offer to buy TikTok, Trump said, hinting at a deal that could safeguard the future of the popular social media platform, which is owned by China’s ByteDance.
“We have a buyer for TikTok, by the way. I think I’ll need, probably, China approval, and I think President Xi (Jinping) will probably do it,” Trump said.
Trump did not offer any details about the investors, calling them “a group of very wealthy people.”
“I’ll tell you in about two weeks,” he said when asked for specifics.
FILE – The TikTok Inc. building is seen in Culver City, Calif., March 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
Earlier this month, Trump signed an executive order to keep TikTok running in the U.S. for 90 more days to give his administration more time to broker a deal to bring the social media platform under American ownership.
It is the third time Trump extended the deadline. The first one was through an executive order on Jan. 20, his first day in office, after the platform went dark briefly when a national ban — approved by Congress and upheld by the Supreme Court — took effect.
Trump insists US ‘obliterated’ Iran’s nuclear facilities
U.S. strikes on Iran “obliterated” its nuclear facilities, Trump insisted, and he said whoever leaked a preliminary intelligence assessment suggesting Tehran’s nuclear program had been set back only a few months should be prosecuted.
Trump said Iran was “weeks away” from achieving a nuclear weapon before he ordered the strikes.
“It was obliterated like nobody’s ever seen before,” Trump said. “And that meant the end to their nuclear ambitions, at least for a period of time.”
This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows the Fordo enrichment facility in Iran on Jan. 24, 2025. (Maxar Technologies via AP)
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Sunday on X that Trump “exaggerated to cover up and conceal the truth.” Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, told CBS’ “Face the Nation” that his country’s nuclear program is peaceful and that uranium “enrichment is our right, and an inalienable right and we want to implement this right” under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. “I think that enrichment will not — never stop.”
Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said on CBS that “it is clear that there has been severe damage, but it’s not total damage.”
Grossi also said the U.N. nuclear watchdog has faced pressure to report that Iran had a nuclear weapon or was close to one, but “we simply didn’t because this was not what we were seeing.”
Of the leak of the intelligence assessment, Trump said anyone found to be responsible should be prosecuted. Journalists who received it should be asked who their source was, he said: “You have to do that and I suspect we’ll be doing things like that.”
His press secretary said Thursday that the administration is investigating the matter.
A ‘temporary pass’ for immigration raids on farms and hotels?
As he played up his immigration crackdown, Trump offered a more nuanced view when it comes to farm and hotel workers.
“I’m the strongest immigration guy that there’s ever been, but I’m also the strongest farmer guy that there’s ever been,” the Republican president said.
He noted that he wants to deport criminals, but it’s a problem when farmers lose their laborers and it destroys their businesses.
Trump said his administration is working on “some kind of a temporary pass” that could give farmers and hotel owners control over immigration raids at their facilities.
Earlier this month, Trump had called for a pause on immigration raids disrupting the farming, hotel and restaurant industries, but a top Homeland Security official followed up with a seemingly contradictory statement. Tricia McLaughlin said there would be “no safe spaces for industries who harbor violent criminals or purposely try to undermine” immigration enforcement efforts.
Status of China trade talks
Trump praised a recent trade deal with Beijing over rare earth exports from China and said establishing a fairer relationship will require significant tariffs.
“I think getting along well with China is a very good thing,” Trump said. “China’s going to be paying a lot of tariffs, but we have a big (trade) deficit, they understand that.”
Trump said he would be open to removing sanctions on Iranian oil shipments to China if Iran can show “they can be peaceful and if they can show us they’re not going to do any more harm.”
But the president also indicated the U.S. isn’t afraid to retaliate against Beijing. When Fox News Channel host Maria Bartiromo noted that China has tried to hack U.S. systems and steal intellectual property, Trump replied, “You don’t think we do that to them?”
