Grateful for Strong Investor Interest and Confidence, Empowered and Ready for Sustainable Growth.
B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited (BGRIM), one of Thailand’s leading energy producers with a focus on combined cycle co-generation power and renewable power plants both domestically and internationally, has successfully completed its senior unsecured debenture issuance No. 1/2025 with a total offering size of THB 7 billion.
Dr. Harald Link, Group President of B.Grimm Power Public Company Limited, expressed appreciation to all investors for their strong support, which enabled the company to raise the full target amount of THB 7 billion, exceeding the initially targeted offering amount. The issuance received overwhelming interest from a wide range of investor types, both Institution Investor and high-net-worth individuals. The bonds were almost twice oversubscribed. Proceeds from the bond issuance will be used to repay loans from financial institutions.
The bonds were rated “A-” with a “Stable” outlook by TRIS Rating on 5 June 2025 and were offered in four tranches:
Tranche 1: 3-year zero-coupon bonds, totaling THB 2.0 billion, with an implied yield of 2.84% p.a.
Tranche 2: 4-year bonds, totaling THB 3.25 billion, with a coupon rate of 3.30% p.a.
Tranche 3: 7-year bonds, totaling THB 300 million, with a coupon rate of 3.70% p.a.
Tranche 4: 10-year bonds, totaling THB 1.45 billion, with a coupon rate of 3.90% p.a.
In addition, BGRIM operates its business under the “GreenLeap – Global and Green” strategy. The company is committed to achieving continuous growth and aims to become a global leader in sustainable and reliable energy solutions. BGRIM plans to expand its total operating capacity from 4,121 MW as of May 2025 to 10,000 MW from operating and committed projects by 2030 through investments in both domestic and international power projects. The strong demand for the bonds reflects investors’ confidence in BGRIM’s solid performance, highly experienced management team, and its leadership in power and steam generation with world-class operational standards. With its well-established presence in Thailand, B.Grimm Power remains committed to growing alongside the country’s future.
Iranian supreme leader, shows Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a televised speech, under a portrait of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, Friday, June 13, 2025. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump vetoed a plan presented by Israel to the U.S. to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter.
The Israelis informed the Trump administration in recent days that it had developed a credible plan to kill Khamanei. After being briefed on the plan, the White House made clear to Israeli officials that Trump was opposed to the Israelis making the move, according to the official who was not authorized to comment on the sensitive matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The Trump administration is desperate to keep Israel’s military operation aimed at decapitating Iran’s nuclear program from exploding into an even more expansive conflict and saw the plan to kill Khamenei as a move that would enflame the conflict and potentially destabilize the region.
Asked on Sunday about the plan during a Fox News Channel’s “Special Report with Bret Baier, Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined to comment.
“But I can tell you, I think that we do what we need to do, we’ll do what we need to do. And I think the United States knows what is good for the United States,” Netanyahu said.
Trump’s rejection of the proposal was first reported by Reuters.
President Donald Trump speaks during an event to sign a bill blocking California’s rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Trump on Sunday issued a stark warning to Iran against retaliating on U.S. targets in the Middle East while also predicting Israel and Iran would “soon” make a deal to end their escalating conflict.
Trump in an early morning social media posting said the United States “had nothing to do with the attack on Iran” as Israel and Iran traded missile attacks for the third straight day. Iran, however, has said that it would hold the U.S.—which has provided Israel with much of its deep arsenal of weaponry—for its backing of Israel.
Israel targeted Iran’s Defense Ministry headquarters in Tehran and sites it alleged were associated with Iran’s nuclear program, while Iranian missiles evaded Israeli air defenses and slammed into buildings deep inside Israel.
“If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before,” Trump said.
Hours later Trump took to social media again to predict “Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal.”
The U.S. president said he has a track record for de-escalating conflicts, and that he would get Israel and Iran to cease hostilities “just like I got India and Pakistan to make” after the two countries’ recent cross-border confrontation.
Some influential backers of Trump are him urging to keep the U.S. out of Israel’s escalating conflict with Iran.
Smoke rises up after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson are among the prominent backers of Trump who have argued voters backed Trump because he would not involve the nation in foreign conflicts.
Kirk said last week that before Israel launched the strikes on Iran that he was concerned the situation could lead to “a massive schism in MAGA and potentially disrupt our momentum and our insanely successful Presidency.”
Kentucky Republican, Sen. Rand Paul praised Trump for having shown restraint and said he hoped the president’s “instincts will prevail.”
“So, I think it’s going to be very hard to come out of this and have a negotiated settlement,” Paul said in an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” ”I see more war and more carnage. And it’s not the U.S.’s job to be involved in this war.”
Map showing the clash between Thai and Cambodian soldiers on March 28, 2025, in which one Cambodian soldier was killed.
BANGKOK — Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement late Sunday refuting Cambodian media reports that disputed border areas were part of recent bilateral boundary commission discussions in Phnom Penh.
The clarification came after the 6th Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) meeting between Thailand and Cambodia concluded on June 15. Cambodia’s Ministry of Border Affairs later issued a statement saying Cambodia had proposed submitting four disputed areas to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The statement said both sides would adhere to legal documents and the 1:200,000 scale map agreed upon in the 2000 MOU, following the 1904 and 1907 Franco-Siamese treaties for border demarcation.
Thailand Refutes Cambodian Claims
“There has been widespread misunderstanding,” Thailand’s Foreign Ministry stated, emphasizing that the JBC meeting held June 14-15 in Phnom Penh “did not discuss Cambodia’s proposal to bring the four disputed areas to the ICJ for consideration, nor was there any discussion of the 1:200,000 Siam-Indochina Commission map as claimed by Cambodia.”
Thai Ambassador Prasas Prasasvinitchai (left) and Cambodian Minister Lam Chea, co-chairs of the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission, jointly chaired the closing session of the 6th JBC meeting and signed agreed minutes in Phnom Penh on June 15, 2025.
The disputed areas include Mom Bei, Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Touch, and Ta Krabei territories along the Thai-Cambodian border.
According to Khmer Times, Cambodian Minister Lam Chea had reportedly told his Thai counterpart that Cambodia proposed jointly submitting the border disputes to the ICJ, while reaffirming Cambodia’s right to initiate legal procedures unilaterally if Thailand continues rejecting ICJ jurisdiction.
Thai Official Account Differs
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry initially described the meeting as proceeding “smoothly in a cordial setting,” with both co-chairs expressing mutual appreciation as discussions concluded successfully. The ministry emphasized the JBC’s importance as a bilateral mechanism for addressing border challenges along the approximately 800-kilometer frontier.
However, in Thailand’s latest statement, the ministry also stated that “Thailand expresses deep disappointment that Cambodia still refuses to cooperate with Thailand in resolving specific issues and reducing mutual tensions, but continues to push forward with bringing the four disputed areas to the ICJ, which reflects Cambodia’s lack of genuine intention to use the existing bilateral mechanisms based on good neighborly relations.”
Despite the tensions, Thailand confirmed it will host the next special JBC meeting in September 2025.
Thai Ambassador Prasas Prasasvinitchai (left) and Cambodian Minister Lam Chea, co-chairs of the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission, jointly chaired the closing session of the 6th JBC meeting and signed agreed minutes in Phnom Penh on June 15, 2025.
Former Minister Proposes Intensified Response
Former Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, now a Pheu Thai Party MP, recommended four additional measures to strengthen Thailand’s position:
Briefing foreign diplomatic missions in Thailand on the border dispute
Having Thai UN representatives engage with Security Council members
Establishing a legal working group to monitor Thailand-Cambodia issues
Intensifying communication efforts to match Cambodian information campaigns
“The government’s direction of adhering to bilateral negotiations under the MOU framework and rejecting ICJ jurisdiction is clear, but operational intensity must be increased,” Noppadon stated.
Energy Security Concerns
Separately, Thailand’s National Security Council called an urgent meeting for June 16 to assess potential impacts after Cambodia’s Prime Minister announced plans to generate electricity and internet services independently rather than purchasing from Thailand.
The three-tier cooperation mechanism between Thailand and Cambodia includes the JBC for technical issues, the General Border Committee for defense matters, and Regional Border Committees for local military coordination.
Cambodians walk from Thailand to Cambodia through a small gate at the border checkpoint that Cambodia allows for foot traffic, but agricultural products are still prohibited from being transported in or out. At Ban Laem checkpoint, Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province on June 15, 2025.
The Thai-Cambodian conflict is far more complex than mere border disputes that is a burning issue for both nations at the moment, driving ultranationalist groups in both Thailand and Cambodia, with their insatiable patriotism (or fanaticism), wish to escalate the conflict, and urging their respective governments to adopt extreme measures. This is now concretely impacting the economies and a segment of the populations of both countries.
On the Thai side, those affected include:
Border traders and merchants.
Exporters of Thai goods, especially consumer products and agricultural produce, the latter now banned from entering Cambodia through border passes..
The call to boycott Thai products by former Cambodian PM and Senate President Hun Sen and Cambodian ultranationalist groups.
The Thai film and drama industry, now banned, to be replaced by a TV hagiography on guess who – Hun Sen .
Thai companies organizing tours to Cambodia.
Internet service providers.
Thai hotels in Phnom Penh, among others.
Impacts on Cambodia
On the Cambodian side, impacts include:
A reduction in Thai tourists, which in 2024 was the largest group of foreign tourists to the kingdom with 2.1 million Thai tourists visited Cambodia last year, in 2024, according to the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism itself. This is followed by at very distant second of 1.3 million tourists from Vietnam and 848,000+ Chinese tourists.
The potential impact on approximately 500,000 Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand if they are forced to return to Cambodia, as suggested by Hun Sen, among other issues.
This is a lose-lose, not a win-win, scenario for both countries. However, the ultranationalists on both sides are indifferent, as “blood is in their eyes,” as we would say in Thai language, leading to an exchange of blows and utter chaos at present.
Domestic Political Factors
Furthermore, domestic political factors in both Thailand and Cambodia do not favour a compromise.
On the Thai side, anti-Thaksin groups are seizing this opportunity to attack Thaksin and his daughter’s government due to the excessively close relationship between the Hun Sen family and the Shinawatra family. There is an attempt to make the government fail and collapse, or even to call for the Thai military to seize power.
NIDA Poll on Sunday reveals survey results showing public trust in the Royal Thai Army to protect national interests in the Thai-Cambodian conflict.
The Poll research center of the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida), released the results of a survey titled “Thailand Loves Peace, But Is Not Afraid to Fight.” The survey was conducted between June 9-11, involving a total of 1,310 samples of people aged 18 and above, distributed across all regions, education levels, occupations, and incomes nationwide.
The survey focused on trust and satisfaction with the roles of various sectors in resolving the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia.
When asked about the level of trust in various sectors to protect national interests in the case of the Thai-Cambodian conflict, the survey found:
The Army: 62.52% of respondents stated they had very high trust, followed by 23.74% who had quite high trust, 8.85% who had not much trust, and 4.89% who had no trust at all.
The Thai Government: 37.48% of respondents stated they had no trust at all, followed by 31.68% who had not much trust, 18.85% who had quite high trust, and 11.99% who had very high trust.
And guess what? The Commander of the 2nd Army Region Lt Gen Boonsin Padklang who is known for his tough words about the Thai army ready for battle has emerged as a “hero”, or at least a popular figure among ultranationalist Thais.
On Saturday, Boonsin declared:”This is my land. If you want it, let’s duel.”
The fact that many Thais do not trust the current Thai government compels the government led by Paetongtarn to play a hardline role against Cambodia, making it more difficult for both sides to deescalate and find a resolution (e.g., closing border checkpoints, cutting off electricity power and the internet).
On the Cambodian side, the leaders must also perform, demonstrating that Cambodia is sovereign, not afraid of a larger nation, and has no collusions with the Shinawatra family.
That’s not all, however.
Deep-seated Hatred and Toxicity on Social Media.
While the previous two factors are already severe, there is also the factor of long-standing hatred and mutual contempt, which is highly toxic on social media. This animosity is constantly reproduced and disseminated by the so-called “keyboard warriors” from both nations, sitting in their air-conditioned rooms and perpetuating hatred against one another.
They cling to a very narrow understanding of history and culture. This includes contentious issues such as:
Whether Muay Thai originally came from Khmer boxing.
Whether border temples were originally built by Khmers and belong to Cambodia.
Whether Angkor Wat should belong to Thailand.
Whether Khmer people really built Angkor Wat.
Whether the Thai language was copied from Khmer, including some royal vocabulary.
Whether Thai numerals are copied from Khmer numerals are similar.
Calling Thailand “Thief Land” (country of thieves).
Calling Cambodia “Claimnodia” because Cambodians tend to (sometimes falsely) claim everything as originally their own.
Thailand once hosting Khmer refugees from the Khmer Rouge era, “but today, they are ungrateful.”
Claims that since eastern and central Thailand in the past was part of the Angkorian Empire, it should be a part of Cambodia now.
Accusations of Thai architecture copying Khmer. Accusations of Khmer copying Khon masked dance and Muay Thai, Khmer copying Thai female traditional attire, or vice versa, etc.
A Troubled History
Let’s not forget, the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh is the only Thai embassy in the world that has been set on fire by a foreign mob, in 2003.
Some Thais still see Angkor Wat as essentially Thai if not for France’s colonial foray into Cochin China before it took Cambodia from Siam’s control as its protectorate. Angkor Wat, meanwhile, os situated in Cambidia’s Seam Reap province, which in Khmer means the province where the Siamese were defeated. It invokes the failed attempt by Siam that make Angkor Wat a part of Thailand today. (The last attempt was during the Second World War when Thailand enlisted the help of Imperial Japan to “retake” Siem Reap, lasting 5 years, from 1941 to 1946, during Franco-Thai war.
Thais also see the map drawn by the French demarcating what became Thailand and Cambodia as essentially unfair and under duress, that’s why the Thai government insists it will not accept the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Cambodians meanwhile see Thailand as their historical agressors, therefore the won’t budge in this present conflict with such a deep historical root.
In the end, it can be said that the Thai-Cambodian relationship, which officially reaches its 75th year of diplomatic ties this year—and in reality, has a much longer shared history—is the most toxic relationship Thailand has with any foreign country.
Koh Samui remains full of tourists during the first quarter of 2025.
BANGKOK — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is accelerating efforts to boost quality markets toward “Million Market” status while restructuring the tourism sector to prioritize value over volume.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, revealed that foreign tourist trends during June – the Green Season period – show positive growth across multiple markets, particularly high-spending European markets which grew 13% overall.
Germany led European growth with a remarkable 71% increase in tourist arrivals, followed by Italy at 28% and Switzerland at 24%. The Middle East market, entering its tourism season, demonstrated exceptional growth of 55%, with Saudi Arabia up 61%, Oman increasing 54%, UAE rising 51%, and Israel growing 32.49%.
Malaysia Overtakes China as Top Source Market
A significant shift occurred in tourism rankings, with Malaysia surpassing China as Thailand’s top source of foreign visitors for the first time in 13 years since 2012.Since early June, Malaysian tourist arrivals have increased 13.22% compared to the same period last year. Emerging markets also show promise, with the Philippines growing 24%.
Malaysian tourists visit Betong, Yala Province on June 14. Malaysian visitor numbers have surpassed China in the first half of 2025.
Strong Forward Booking Signals
From Q3 onwards, TAT sees continued positive forward booking signals from airlines for July-September 2025 (Summer Slot), with growth trends in nearly all markets: Europe (+21%), Middle East (+25%), and Asia (+7%). This momentum continues into October-December 2025 (Winter Slot) with Europe (+17%), America (+12%), and Asia (+22%).
Strategic Market Development Initiatives
TAT will focus on relocation strategies to create market balance while promoting potential markets. Key initiatives include:
United Kingdom: Joint promotions with British Airways and Norse Atlantic Airways, targeting both first-time and repeat visitors, supported by new London-Bangkok flights (2-4 weekly) by Norse Atlantic Airways and increased TUI UK services to London-Bangkok and Manchester-Bangkok (2 weekly each).
Germany: Partnerships with major tour operators like Der, TUI, and Condor airline for charter flights during October-December 2025, plus celebrity familiarization trips targeting DINKs, Gen Z, and LGBTQ markets.
Russia: Joint promotions with major tour operators across primary and secondary Russian cities.
France: Collaborations with partners including Carrefour Voyages, Lastminute, and Edreams (Opodo), plus participation in events like Cannes Yachts Show and Wedding & Honeymoon Fair.
United States: “2 by 4 Global Amazing Month Campaign” via Travelstride platform and co-op sales campaigns with EVA Air through Expedia.
Green Season tourism
Strategic Restructuring for Sustainable Growth
Following recent tourism challenges, TAT is adjusting strategies to respond to changing market structures. The focus includes relocation efforts to balance global tourist markets, promoting new Thai tourism destinations, and creating geographical balance, particularly in secondary cities with lower visitor numbers.
The authority will employ creative activities and event marketing to stimulate Green Season markets while targeting quality tourists with high purchasing power and tourism spending, restructuring the tourism market for sustainable “Value over Volume” growth.
President Donald Trump salutes as attends a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington, as Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and first lady Melania Trump, watch. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The grand military parade that President Donald Trump had been wanting for years barreled down Constitution Avenue on Saturday with tanks, troops and a 21-gun salute, playing out against a counterpoint of protests around the country by those who decried the U.S. leader as a dictator and would-be king.
The Republican president, on his 79th birthday, sat on a special viewing stand south of the White House to watch the display of American military might, which began early and moved swiftly as light rain fell and clouds shrouded the Washington Monument.
The procession, with more than 6,000 soldiers and 128 Army tanks, was one Trump tried to make happen in his first term after seeing such an event in Paris in 2017, but the plans never came together until the parade was added to an event recognizing the Army’s 250th anniversary.
President Donald Trump attends a military parade commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
“Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did too,” Trump declared in brief remarks at the parade’s end.
The president praised the strength of the military’s fighting forces and said U.S. soldiers “fight, fight fight and they win, win win” — putting a new twist on a line that Trump regularly delivered during his 2024 campaign rallies after he survived an assassination attempt.
Early in the evening’s pageantry, the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team descended from overcast skies toward the reviewing stand. The team had been scheduled to appear at the end of the parade, but jumped earlier than planned in the drizzly skies above the National Mall.
A military parade commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary and coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
At times, Trump stood and saluted as troops marched past the reviewing stand. But attendance appeared to fall far short of early predictions that as many as 200,000 people would attend the festival and parade. There were large gaps between viewers near the Washington Monument on a day when steamy weather and the threat of thunderstorms could have dampened turnout.
Hours before the parade started, demonstrators turned out in streets and parks around the nation to sound off against the Republican president. They criticized Trump for using the military to respond to people protesting his deportation efforts and for the muscular military show in the U.S. capital.
Displays of military might
The daylong display of America’s Army came as Trump has shown his willingness to use the nation’s military might in ways other U.S. presidents have typically avoided. In the last week, he has activated the California National Guard over the governor’s objections and dispatched the U.S. Marines to provide security during Los Angeles protests related to immigration raids, prompting a state lawsuit to stop the deployments.
As armored vehicles rolled down the street in front of the president, on the other side of the country, the Marines who Trump deployed to Los Angeles appeared at a demonstration for the first time, standing guard outside a federal building. Dozens of Marines stood shoulder to shoulder in full combat gear beside the National Guard, Homeland Security officers and other law enforcement. Hundreds of protesters facing them jeered in English and Spanish, telling the troops to go home.
Demonstrators standoff against law enforcement on horseback during a protest Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
A previously calm demonstration in downtown Los Angeles turned chaotic when police on horseback charged at the crowd, striking some with rods and batons as they cleared the street in front of the federal building and fired tear gas and crowd control projectiles.
In Washington, hundreds protesting Trump carried signs with messages that included “Where’s the due process?” and “No to Trump’s fascist military parade” as they marched toward the White House.
A larger-than-life puppet of Trump was wheeled through the crowd, a caricature of the president wearing a crown and sitting on a golden toilet.
Other protesters waved pride flags and hoisted signs, some with pointed messages such as “I prefer crushed ICE,” referring to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Other messages included “The invasion was HERE Jan. 6th, NOT in L.A.” and “Flip me off if you’re a FASCIST.”
“No Kings” rallies unfolded in hundreds of cities, designed to counter what organizers said were Trump’s plans to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and Flag Day. Organizers said they picked the name to support democracy and speak out against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration.
President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, and other guests stand for the National Anthem, during a military parade commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Veterans, supporters and protesters
Meanwhile, on the National Mall, a display of armored vehicles, helicopters and military-grade equipment was set up to commemorate the Army’s birthday. Vendors outside the Army festival sold gear marking the military milestone. Others hawked Trump-themed merchandise.
Larry Stallard, a retired American Airlines pilot, said he traveled to Washington from Kansas City for the weekend “to see the military and see Trump.”
Stallard, who voted for Trump, said it was “hard to believe” people were upset about the cost of the event when “they blow that in 10 seconds on things that we don’t even need.”
Doug Haynes, a Navy veteran who voted for Trump, attended the daylong festival to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday, but said the parade “was a little over the top.”
Pointing at a nearby tank, Haynes said that having them roll down the street is a “very bold statement to the world, perhaps.”
The parade was added just two months ago to the long-planned celebration of the Army’s birthday and has drawn criticism for its price tag of up to $45 million and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The Army has taken a variety of steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates along the route.
About 6 in 10 Americans said Saturday’s parade was “not a good use” of government money. The vast majority of people, 78%, said they neither approve nor disapprove of the parade overall, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Fireworks burst over the Ellipse during an event to honor the Army’s 250th anniversary, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Kathy Straus traveled from Richmond, Virginia, to attend the parade, carrying a sign criticizing its cost and arguing the money could have been used to feed veterans.
“I thought that it would be more effective to come here than go to a protest with people that think similar to me,” said Straus.
The parade wound down Constitution Avenue, lined with security fencing and barriers. A flyover of military aircraft included World War II-era planes, including a B-25 Mitchell bomber, and Army helicopters flew low over the crowd, below the top of the Washington Monument. Mounted soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division made an appearance — horses once played a crucial role in warfare, but today they’re mostly used in ceremonial events like today’s parade.
Trump swore in 250 new recruits and returning soldiers into service, with soldiers repeating an oath after him.
“Welcome to the United States Army! And have a great life,” Trump said to them afterward.
Country music singer Warren Zeiders performed, as did “God Bless the U.S.A.” singer Lee Greenwood. The event was capped off by a fireworks show.
It appeared that plans to have U.S. Air Force fighter jets fly over were scrapped because of the weather.
Cambodians cross on foot with their belongings from Thailand to Cambodia at Ban Laem border crossing, Chanthaburi province, June 14, 2025.
BANGKOK — Diplomatic negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia entered their second day on June 15 in Phnom Penh, as the Joint Border Commission (JBC) works to resolve escalating tensions that have disrupted trade and strained relations between the Southeast Asian neighbors.
Despite ongoing talks, border situations remain volatile across multiple crossing points. At the Ban Laem permanent border crossing in Chanthaburi province’s Pong Nam Ron district, numerous Thai cargo trucks remain stranded on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Cambodian authorities at Koh Kong customs—opposite Thailand’s Khlong Yai Customs Checkpoint in Trat Province—announced a complete ban on Thai fruit and agricultural products entering Cambodia, effective from noon on June 14.
A meeting of the Cambodian-Thai joint commission on demarcation for land boundary is held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Contrasting Leadership Approaches
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has maintained a measured stance while awaiting official negotiation results. Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap expressed optimism, stating that “Thailand believes dialogue will reduce tensions and lead to sustainable solutions in the future.”
In stark contrast, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has escalated measures, announcing on social media that Cambodia would act preemptively to establish self-reliance in response to Thai nationalist calls to cut electricity and internet connectivity to Cambodia.
Cambodia closes border checkpoint near Chanthaburi province on June 14, 2025, despite ongoing JBC talks.
Cambodia Announces Sweeping Boycotts
According to AP News, Cambodia escalated its cold war with Thailand on Friday by announcing bans on Thai movies and TV shows, as well as boycotts of Thailand’s internet and electricity services. On Saturday, Hun Manet posted on Facebook that Cambodia is prepared to recall Cambodian migrant workers from Thailand, with government assistance for their return.
The Cambodian government has mobilized multiple ministries to support returning workers, including the Ministry of National Defense to provide transport, the Ministry of Labor to help find domestic employment, and financial institutions to assist with debt relief.
Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has urged the international community to persuade Thailand to accept International Court of Justice jurisdiction over four disputed border areas: Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Moan Tauch Temple, Ta Krabei Temple, and Mom Bei areas.
Thai military personnel station at Ta Moan Thom Temple, which is currently administered by Surin Province.
Expert Analysis Points to Political Motivations
Former Thai Foreign Minister Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, now President of Chulalongkorn University Council, suggests Cambodia’s aggressive stance may be aimed at boosting nationalist sentiment to support the government during domestic challenges.
“When Cambodia faces internal problems, economic issues, or upcoming elections, they consistently use foreign threats as justification,” Dr. Surakiart explained. He noted that Thailand’s current weak coalition government and recent cabinet reshuffles provide an opportune moment for Cambodia to apply pressure.
Historical Context and Current Complications
The current tensions stem from an armed confrontation on May 28th that resulted in one Cambodian soldier’s death, with each side blaming the other. The dispute represents what experts describe as a hybrid of traditional and modern warfare, involving both territorial border issues and economic leverage.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pays a courtesy visit to Hun Sen, President of the Senate and President of the Privy Council of the Kingdom of Cambodia in Phnom Penh on April 23, 2025. (Government House)
Domestic Political Pressure
While the Paetongtarn government attempts diplomatic solutions, hoping that historical ties between the Shinawatra and Hun families might help, domestic opposition groups have criticized the Prime Minister’s measured approach. Anti-Thaksin groups, military supporters, and opposition party backers have attacked Paetongtarn for not taking a harder stance, mockingly calling her “Hun Tongtarn” or Hun Sen’s daughter.
Thai regional experts warn that rising nationalist sentiment on both sides is making resolution increasingly difficult, complicating what should be a manageable diplomatic issue between neighboring countries.
The JBC talks continue as both nations seek to balance domestic political pressures with the need for regional stability and economic cooperation.
Police arrest a suspect who allegedly had sold drugs to an Austrian man who swallowed over 1,000 methamphetamine pills in Kalasin Province, discovering evidence including methamphetamine pills, crystal meth, and other items on June 13, 2025.
KALASIN — Tourist police have expanded their investigation and arrested members of a drug trafficking network that sold narcotics to an Austrian national who swallowed methamphetamine pills in bags, which later burst in his stomach, requiring emergency transport from Don Mueang Airport to hospital.
The incident involved Mr. Wolfgang, 43, an Austrian citizen, who suffered seizures at Don Mueang Airport on June 10. Officials rushed him to hospital where doctors discovered over 200 methamphetamine pills in his stomach. Surgeons successfully removed a total of 1,067 pills.
Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phueak-am, Commander of Tourist Police, ordered Police Colonel Ekkaphop Inthavivat, Commander of Tourist Police Division 2, to investigate and expand the case to identify the drug trafficking network that supplied Wolfgang. Coordination with Police Colonel Thananthorn Rattanasittiphak, Commander of Region 4, and related agencies led to the identification of the network operating in Thailand’s northeastern region.
Police searched the home of a suspect who allegedly had sold drugs to an Austrian man who swallowed over 1,000 methamphetamine pills in Kalasin Province, discovering evidence including methamphetamine pills, crystal meth, and other items on June 13, 2025.
Police gathered evidence and obtained search warrants from Kalasin Provincial Court to search the home of Wolfgang’s Thai wife and the residence of the alleged drug dealer named Prem. The searches yielded 244 methamphetamine pills, 1.47 grams of crystal methamphetamine, and 9 items of evidence. Urine tests confirmed the presence of illegal substances.
Officers filed charges and transported the suspect along with evidence to Huai Mek Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities will continue expanding the investigation to pursue remaining network members and proceed with legal action.
Destroyed residential buildings that was hit by a missile fired from Iran is seen in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, Israel on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes on Israel into Saturday morning, killing at least three people and wounding dozens, after a series of blistering Israeli attacks on the heart of Iran’s nuclear program and its armed forces.
A spokesperson for Beilinson Hospital in Tel Aviv said a woman was killed in an Iranian missile strike, bringing the total number of fatalities in the barrages from Iran to three.
The hospital also treated seven people who were wounded in the strike early Saturday. Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services said a projectile hit a building in the city.
Both Israel and Iran said their attacks would continue, raising the prospect of another protracted Mideast conflict. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that his objective was to eliminate any Iranian threat to Israel, but he also urged Iranians to rise up against their leaders. Israel would welcome the government’s overthrow even if it is not actively seeking it.
Israel warns ‘Tehran will burn’ if Iran continues firing missiles
Israel’s defense minister warned Saturday that “Tehran will burn” if Iran continues firing missiles on Israel after at least three people died and dozens were wounded Saturday morning, following a series of blistering Israeli attacks on the heart of Iran’s nuclear program and its armed forces.
Speaking after an assessment meeting with the army’s chief of staff, Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Iran will pay a heavy price for harming Israeli citizens.
“If (Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front — Tehran will burn,” Katz said.
Iranian state television reported online that air defenses were firing in the cities of Khorramabad, Kermanshah and Tabriz, signaling the start of what could be a new Israeli attack. Footage from Tabriz showed black smoke rising from the city. An Israeli military official said Saturday that the military was poised to carry out more strikes in Iran, saying, “This is not over.” He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with official procedures.
Israel’s assault used warplanes, as well as drones smuggled into the country in advance, to assault key facilities and kill top generals and scientists. Iran’s U.N. ambassador said 78 people were killed and more than 320 wounded in the attacks.
A residential building that was struck by a missile fired from Iran, is seen in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Israel said the barrage was necessary before Iran got any closer to building an atomic weapon, although experts and the U.S. government have assessed that Tehran was not actively working on such a weapon before the strikes. It also threw talks between the United States and Iran over an atomic accord into disarray days before the two sides were set to meet Sunday.
Satellite images confirm damage to Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal
Satellite images analyzed Saturday by The Associated Press began to confirm some of the damage sustained by Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal by the Israeli assault on the country.
Images from Planet Labs PBC taken Friday showed damage at two missile bases, one in Kermanshah and one in Tabriz, both in western Iran.
At Kermanshah, where the base is up against a mountainside, burns could be seen across a wide area after the attack. In Tabriz, images showed damage at multiple sites on the base.
The Israeli military said it carried out overnight strikes on dozens of targets, including air defenses, in the area of Iran’s capital, Tehran.
Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, the Israeli air force commander, said the strikes carried “operational and national significance.”
Trump says Iran has ‘second chance’ to come to nuclear deal
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday urged Iran to quickly reach an agreement on curbing its nuclear program as Israel vowed to continue its bombardment of the country.
Trump framed the volatile moment in the Middle East as a possible “second chance” for Iran’s leadership to avoid further destruction “before there is nothing left and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire.”
The Republican president pressed on Iran as he met his national security team in the Situation Room to discuss the tricky path forward following Israel’s devastating strikes, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to keep up for “as many days as it takes” to decapitate Iran’s nuclear program.
The White House said it had no involvement in the strikes, but Trump highlighted that Israel used its deep arsenal of weaponry provided by the U.S. to target Iran’s main enrichment facility in Natanz and the country’s ballistic missile program, as well as top nuclear scientists and officials.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk after greeting guests during the congressional picnic on the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Trump said on his Truth Social platform that he had warned Iran’s leaders that “it would be much worse than anything they know, anticipated, or were told, that the United States makes the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the World, BY FAR, and that Israel has a lot of it, with much more to come – And they know how to use it.”
Just hours before Israel launched its strikes on Iran early Friday, Trump was still holding onto tattered threads of hope that the long-simmering dispute could be resolved without military action. Now, he’ll be tested anew on his ability to make good on a campaign promise to disentangle the U.S. from foreign conflicts.
In the aftermath of the Israeli strikes, the U.S. is shifting its military resources, including ships, in the Middle East as it looks to guard against possible retaliatory attacks by Tehran, according to two U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.
The Navy has directed the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner to begin sailing toward the Eastern Mediterranean and has directed a second destroyer to begin moving forward, so it can be available if requested by the White House.
As Israel stepped up planning for strikes in recent weeks, Iran had signaled the United States would be held responsible in the event of an Israeli attack. The warning was issued by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi even as he engaged in talks with Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program.
Friday’s strikes came as Trump planned to dispatch Witkoff to Oman on Sunday for the next round of talks with the Iranian foreign minister.
Witkoff still plans to go to Oman this weekend for talks on Tehran’s nuclear program, but it’s unclear if the Iranians will participate, according to U.S. officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private diplomatic discussions.
The president made a series of phone calls Friday to U.S. television news anchors to renew his calls on Iran to curb its nuclear program.
CNN’s Dana Bash said Trump told her the Iranians “should now come to the table” and get a deal done. And Trump told NBC News that Iranian officials are “calling me to speak” but didn’t provide further detail.
Trump also spoke Friday with British Prime Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron about the evolving situation, as well as Netanyahu.
A 33-year-old Russian woman was arrested inside a rental room in central Phuket after meeting with an undercover police officer for a scheduled injection appointment, despite not being a licensed doctor, on June 12, 2025.
PHUKET — Tourist Police arrested a 33-year-old Russian woman caught red-handed with a syringe while posing as a doctor and offering medical injections to tourists.
Tourist police received complaints about a Russian woman claiming to be a doctor who could treat various ailments through injections and other body treatments. The suspect advertised her services online and arranged appointments with interested foreigners.
A 33-year-old Russian woman claiming to be a doctor was arrested by tourist police with substantial evidence on June 12, 2025.
Police launched an undercover investigation, contacting the woman via WhatsApp under the name “Marina.” She claimed to be a qualified doctor capable of treating illnesses and offering body recovery services, including hangover remedies from alcohol consumption.
On June 12, officers arranged a meeting at a rental room in central Phuket. The Russian woman arrived as scheduled and discussed treatment fees of 6,000 baht ($185) per session. After the undercover officer paid, she prepared her injection equipment, prompting police to reveal their identities and make the arrest.
Injection equipment brought by the Russian woman in Phuket to administer drugs to clients on June 12, 2025, became key evidence in her arrest and prosecution.
The arrested woman, identified as Viktoria, 33, confessed that her friend “Marina” had sent her to provide injection services to clients. She admitted to: not being a licensed medical doctor, lacking authorization to practice medicine, having no permit to sell modern pharmaceuticals. She previously performed 2-3 similar treatments on customers.
Police seized 47 items of evidence and charged Viktoria with: practicing medicine without a license, selling modern pharmaceuticals without authorization, manufacturing, selling, or importing modern medicines without permits, and working as a foreigner without proper authorization.
The case has been forwarded to investigators for legal proceedings.
