The Korean tourist is apprehended while selling fried chicken from his food truck outside a shopping center in Chiang Mai on June 24, 2025.
CHIANG MAI — Tourist police in Chiang Mai Province have arrested a South Korean national for working illegally after receiving reports that the tourist was operating a Korean fried chicken food truck without proper authorization.
The Korean man was apprehended while selling fried chicken from his food truck outside a shopping center in Chiang Mai. Following surveillance of his activities, officers moved in to conduct an inspection and make the arrest.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to entering Thailand on a tourist visa without a work permit. He revealed that he previously operated a restaurant in South Korea and had received training in authentic Korean fried chicken preparation methods. Interested in the food business, he partnered with Thai friends to launch the food truck venture selling Korean fried chicken in Chiang Mai Province.
The Korean tourist is selling fried chicken from his food truck outside a shopping center in Chiang Mai on June 24, 2025.
The suspect stated his responsibilities included food preparation and customer service, noting that the business had become extremely popular with local customers.
Authorities have charged him with illegal employment as a foreign national under the Royal Decree on Foreign Workers Management. He has been transferred to investigators at San Sai Police Station for further legal proceedings.
The incident highlights South Korea’s growing cultural influence in Thailand, particularly among younger demographics. Beyond Korean films and drama series, Korean cuisine has gained significant popularity, with Korean food franchises now operating in major cities across Thailand.
Police officials remind the public that anyone observing tourists working illegally or competing with Thai workers can report tips to the Tourist Police hotline at 1155 or through the Thailand Tourist Police mobile application for investigation and legal action.
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Israel was going to “turn around” its jets and stop attacking Iran and their ceasefire was “in effect” on Tuesday after briefly faltering.
“ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly ‘Plane Wave’ to Iran,” Trump, as he pressed both sides to abide by the ceasefire, posted on social media. “Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect!”
Earlier, in comments to reporters at the White House before departing for the NATO summit at The Hague, Trump had expressed disappointment over attacks that had continued beyond an early Tuesday deadline to stop hostilities.
“They violated it, but Israel violated it, too,” Trump said. He added, ”I’m not happy with Israel.”
“I didn’t like the fact that Israel unloaded right after we made the deal,” Trump said. “And now I hear Israel just went out because they felt violated by one rocket that didn’t land anywhere.”
President Donald Trump, left, escorted by Air Force Col. Angela F. Ochoa, Commander, 89th Airlift Wing, walks from Marine One to board Air Force One, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The Republican president expressed deep disappointment with both sides after holding out the agreement he helped broker as validation for his strategic gamble of ordering U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Iran would stop its attacks if Israel would. And Israel also confirmed that it had reached its aims of its operations and would cease hostilities.
But the tentative truce faltered Tuesday when Israel accused Iran of launching missiles into its airspace after the ceasefire was supposed to take effect and vowed to retaliate.
Iran’s military denied firing on Israel, state media reported, but explosions boomed and sirens sounded across northern Israel midmorning, and an Israeli military official said two Iranian missiles were intercepted.
Trump’s frustration was palpable as he spoke to reporters, using an expletive to hammer home his point.
“I’m not happy with them. I’m not happy with Iran, either, but I’m really unhappy with Israel going out this morning,” Trump said. “We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f—- they’re doing.”
The president then took to his Truth Social platform to warn Israel to end its attacks.
“ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS. IF YOU DO IT IS A MAJOR VIOLATION,” Trump posted. “BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!”
Great news and immeasurable pride reverberate from Shanghai, China, as Nan’s creative city extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Aiyada Homdok, a second-year vocational certificate student from Kanchanapisek College of Fine Arts (under Doi Silver Factory). She has made history by winning a global gold medal for her outstanding creation, the “Yorn Roi Bag” ( A Triangle Grass Bag with Sterling Silver Engraving), at the 8th China Shanghai International Invention & Innovation Expo 2025.
This outstanding achievement builds upon the national gold medal previously awarded to the “Yorn Roi Bag,” underscoring Nan’s youth’s limitless potential and creativity, especially students from Kanchanapisek College of Fine Arts, supported by the mentorship of Doi Silver.
As Pimpaworn Roongrachatawanich, a co-founder of Doi Silver, beautifully articulated: “Greater club rush from the peak of Phu Fah Mountain, silver adornments from Doi Silver, blended by Nong Ploy, a student from Phukha Wittayakhom School, continuing her silversmithing studies at Kanchanapisek College of Fine Arts, supported by the Doi Silver Company.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of the award-winning piece.
The “Yorn Roi Bag” is far more than an accessory; it is a profound work of art that seamlessly integrates the local wisdom of Nan province. By meticulously weaving “triangle grass,” a native plant, with the exquisite craftsmanship of “sterling silver engraving,” this creation achieves a congruent balance. The bag not only captivates with its beauty but also promotes the value of local materials and traditional artisanal skills to a global stage.
Such success would not have been possible without the invaluable support from all those involved, particularly Mr. Phaiwet Wangbon, the principal advisor; the management team from the Doi Silver Factory; and the advisory teachers at Doi Silver. Crucially, the unwavering dedication of Ms. Aiyada Homdok, the creator, has been a fountain of inspiration and a commendable role model for younger generations. Furthermore, the collaborative efforts of Ms. Chaowaphan Rungrachatawanich, a special lecturer in the dual-vocational system at Doi Silver and a fifth-generation heir of Doi Silver Factory Co., Ltd., were instrumental in bringing this masterpiece to life.
This international accolade undeniably affirms that “Doi Silver” is not merely a producer of silver products but a vibrant hub for learning, fostering creativity, and championing local cultural heritage to the world. We commend this magnificent accomplishment and extend our continued encouragement to Doi Silver and all its talented students to continue producing works of global standard, thereby bringing enduring prestige to Nan province on the world stage.
Thai Immigration Police arrest Finnish suspect wanted by INTERPOL for murder and drug crimes in Hua Hin on June 24, 2025.
PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN — Thai police officers in Hua Hin, a famous resort town in Prachuap Khiri Khan province not far from Bangkok, conducted an undercover operation to arrest a Finnish national wanted on INTERPOL’s Red Notice for serious crimes committed in Norway.
Police Colonel Chairit Anurit, Commander of Immigration Division 3, ordered an investigation team to carry out the arrest of Daniel K., a 33-year-old Finnish criminal wanted on an INTERPOL’s Red Notice for serious crimes in Norway.
After continuous investigation and tracking, authorities were able to clearly identify the suspect’s residence and successfully planned and executed his arrest.
The investigation team disguised themselves as fitness trainers and infiltrated a condominium gym in Hua Hin district. Once they confirmed that the target was indeed Daniel, the suspect wanted on INTERPOL’s Red Notice, they revealed their identities and immediately arrested him.
Thai Immigration Police arrest Finnish suspect wanted by INTERPOL for murder and drug crimes in Hua Hin on June 24, 2025.
Serious Criminal Background
Norwegian authorities consider Daniel a dangerous criminal who poses a significant threat to public safety. He is wanted for three major felony cases that have prompted international manhunt efforts.
The charges against him include his alleged role in a brutal murder that shocked the town of Kongsvinger in November 2024.
Additionally, he operated an extensive drug trafficking network in the same region, manufacturing and distributing narcotics while working with organized crime groups to transport large shipments across the Swedish-Norwegian border using automobiles.
Police Colonel Chairit revealed that this operation was carried out according to orders from the National Police Chief, emphasizing the government’s urgent policy to crack down on transnational criminals.
This action aims to prevent and suppress foreign nationals who disguise themselves and infiltrate the country to commit crimes that threaten public peace and national security. Serious enforcement will help maintain the country’s image and build confidence in law enforcement.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet reviews his troop during his visit to Preah Vihear, near Cambodia-Thailand border in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia, Monday, June 23, 2025. (AKP via AP)
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s government on Tuesday accused Thailand of escalating border tensions by imposing new restrictions that have blocked almost all land crossings, especially for tourists heading into Cambodia.
Relations between the neighbors have deteriorated following an armed confrontation on May 28 in which one Cambodian soldier was killed in a relatively small, contested territory along their border. While the two sides have agreed to de-escalate their dispute, they have continued to implement or threaten measures that have kept tensions high.
The Thai army on Monday imposed heightened restrictions at border checkpoints with Cambodia following an order from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to allow only students, medical patients and others with essential needs to enter or leave Thailand. That also makes it impossible for thousands of tourists to cross between the two countries.
Pen Bona, a spokesperson of the Cambodian government, said Tuesday that Cambodia has committed to resolve the conflict through diplomatic channels, but tensions have soared because of Thailand’s actions.
In this photo released by Royal Thai Army, a Thai police officer talks to peoples near a border checkpoint between Thailand and Cambodia, in Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand, Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (Royal Thai Army via AP)
“The Cambodian government has already stated that we will not initiate any border closure,” and that it will also lift restrictions if Thailand does so first, he said.
Cambodia has boycotted some Thai internet services, banned Thai fruits and vegetables, and blocked electricity and fuel supplies from Thailand in response to the border dispute. Prior to the boycott, Cambodia imported 30% of its gasoline and other fuel from Thailand.
Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet on Monday visited troops at the border and a temporary shelter for thousands of civilians who were evacuated from the area. He said that while Cambodia doesn’t want war, “we cannot stand by and let us be abused.”
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, foreground, delivers a speech in front of his troop during his visit to Preah Vihear, near Cambodia-Thailand border in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia, Monday, June 23, 2025. (AKP via AP)
In addition to border restrictions, Paetongtarn also announced measures targeting online scam operations in Cambodia. They include blocking exports that could facilitate such activities in Cambodia and coordination with other countries and international agencies to crack down on cybercrime based in Southeast Asia.
Pen Bona said that while he recognized that Cambodia “is being exploited by online scammers,” many such operations are also based in Thailand.
“This is a very shameful thing that is happening in Thailand, but they are trying to divert the story from Thailand to Cambodia,” he said.
Thailand earlier this year implemented measures to crack down on online scam operations in neighboring Myanmar, severing electricity, internet and gas supplies to border towns where the syndicates were based.
Thai officials inspect border-crossing vehicles in Mae Hong Son Province amid Myanmar's crackdown on unregistered cars, June 24, 2025.
MAE HONG SON — Car exports from Thailand to Myanmar through the Ban Huai Phueng border crossing in Mae Hong Son Province have come to a complete halt, with hundreds of export vehicles now stranded in the border towns of Ban Namna and Ban Hua Muang.
According to customs sources in Mae Hong Son on June 24, cross-border trade has been severely disrupted after Myanmar’s central government ordered the seizure of all unregistered vehicles that haven’t paid state taxes.
This directive has effectively ended the export of used cars – primarily Japanese vehicles transiting through Thailand to Myanmar – over the past two weeks.
Mae Hong Son Governor Ekkawit Meepien, accompanied by relevant agencies, recently inspected the used car export operations from Japan that pass through Thailand to Myanmar, emphasizing the need for all agencies to perform their duties correctly.
Export vehicles now stranded in the border towns of Ban Namna and Ban Hua Muang, Mae Hong Son Province, on June 24, 2025.
Officials following the inspection team revealed that exported vehicles often carry automotive parts and tires mixed with other transit goods, raising questions about proper tax compliance, as the exported cars are supposed to be transit goods without accompanying spare parts.
Military Uses Seized Vehicles for State Forces
General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmar’s military government leader, stated that the state has lost significant revenue from vehicle taxation, with many untaxed vehicles falling into the hands of anti-government groups. Effective June 1, 2025, he ordered authorities to seize all vehicles without proper licenses or registration.
The seized cars and motorcycles are being distributed to military units and police forces across various regions for official use by Myanmar’s armed forces and police departments.
Some exported vehicles now stranded in the border towns of Ban Namna and Ban Hua Muang, Mae Hong Son Province, on June 24, 2025.
This crackdown has created widespread anxiety among civilians in many areas, who now fear driving unregistered vehicles in major cities or areas under Myanmar military control. The policy has effectively paralyzed normal transportation for many residents who cannot afford proper vehicle registration under the current regime.
The situation highlights the broader economic and social disruption caused by Myanmar’s military government policies, affecting not only cross-border trade but also the daily lives of ordinary citizens caught between administrative requirements and economic reality.
Thailand Healthcare 2025 takes place from June 26-29 at Samyan Mitrtown Hall, 5th floor.
BANGKOK — Get ready for the ultimate health and wellness experience as Thailand Healthcare 2025 takes over central Bangkok from June 26-29. This year’s festival, themed “A Better Life: Creating Wellness for Every Age,” promises four days of comprehensive health services, expert medical seminars, and innovative wellness products all under one roof at Samyan Mitrtown Hall, 5th floor.
Free Health Screenings
The festival’s crown jewel is its massive free health screening program featuring 30 leading hospitals offering over 60 different medical tests and treatments. Whether you’re a Thai resident or expat living in Thailand, you can access services from top-tier institutions including Siriraj Hospital, Baan Phaeo Hospital, Hua Chiao Hospital, and Chulabhorn Hospital.
Special mobile health units will be stationed throughout the venue, including mammogram and ultrasound services from the Thanyarak Foundation, lung X-ray screenings from Charoen Krung Pracharaks Hospital, and a comprehensive dental care van from the National Health Security Office offering everything from cleanings to extractions.
Expert Health Talks
The festival features eight must-attend health seminars led by Thailand’s top medical experts. Highlights include discussions on balance disorders and dizziness prevention, pregnancy after 40, LASIK eye surgery innovations, and stroke prevention through lifestyle changes.
Celebrity guests include singer-songwriter Maew Jirasak Panpoom, who will share his personal health journey, while renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Chatpol Kongfuangfung (better known as “Dr. On”) will discuss safe anti-aging procedures.
Mind-Body Wellness Sessions
For the first time, the festival introduces “Health Healing” talks at the venue’s special theater space. These intimate sessions focus on mental wellness, featuring psychotherapist Khuean Phattaradanai Setsuwanna discussing “How to Live with Your Thoughts Without Pain” and publisher Thamsaphak Lertsewetpong exploring “Permission to Be Lazy in a World That Doesn’t Rush.”
Hands-On Craft Workshops
Each day features unique wellness-themed workshops from 4-6 PM, including making chic fish bag charms, clay diffusers, reusable cotton face masks, and eco-printing with natural materials. Registration is required due to limited seating, click here.
Hands-On Craft Workshops
Health Innovation Marketplace
Browse through 80+ health-focused vendors showcasing everything from natural therapy products to cutting-edge medical devices. Don’t miss the MTEC innovation showcase featuring smart home health monitoring systems, including fall detection alerts for elderly care and intelligent medication reminders.
Free Herbal Plant Giveaway
Each day, the first 100 visitors receive a different medicinal plant plus educational materials: Thursday features Cuban Oregano or Mexican mint for respiratory health, Friday offers Gotu Kola for brain health, Saturday highlights Andrographis for immune support, and Sunday concludes with Butterfly Pea Flower for eye and hair health.
Getting There
The festival runs daily from 10 AM to 8 PM at Samyan Mitrtown Hall, easily accessible via MRT Samyan Station (Exit 2). For drivers, it’s just 1.6 km from the Sri Rat Expressway via Rama IV Road, with multiple bus routes serving the area.
With free admission and services designed for all ages, Thailand Healthcare 2025 offers Bangkok residents and visitors an unprecedented opportunity to prioritize their health while exploring the latest in medical innovation and wellness trends.
Possible missiles in sky in Qatar after airspace is closed. (Associated Press)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran launched missile attacks Monday on a U.S. military base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites and escalating tensions in the volatile region.
Shortly after the attack, the Gulf nation of Bahrain that is home to the U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters temporarily suspended flights in its airspace, which is similar to what Qatar did shortly before it was hit.
Qatar condemned the attack on Al Udeid Air Base attack, but said it successfully intercepted the missiles and no casualties were reported. It said its airspace is now safe.
Iran said the attack in Qatar matched the number of bombs dropped by the United States on its nuclear sites over the weekend, signaling its likely desire to de-escalate.
Iran also said it targeted the base because it was outside of populated areas.
Iran’s army commander-in-chief Gen. Amir Hatami, center, accompanied by high ranked army commanders, speaks in a video call with top commanders of the army, in Zolfaghar central headquarters, Iran, as portraits of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, left, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hang on the wall. (Iranian Army Press Service via AP)
Iran announced the attack on state television as martial music played. A caption on screen called it “a mighty and successful response” to “America’s aggression.”
The Ain al-Assad base housing U.S. troops in western Iraq was also targeted, an Iraqi security official who was not authorized to comment publicly told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
But Iran did not claim credit for that attack, which could have been carried out by militias.
It was not immediately clear if there was damage to the Iraq base or any injuries.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the attack by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards was “a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, its airspace, and international law.”
Al Udeid is also home to the Combined Air Operations Center, which provides command and control of air power across the region as well as the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, the largest expeditionary wing in the world.
The retaliation came a day after the U.S. launched a surprise attack Sunday morning on three of Iran’s nuclear sites.
Just before the explosions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on the social platform X: “We neither initiated the war nor seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.”
Israel expands war to include symbolic targets
Earlier in the day, Israel expanded its war against Iran to include targets associated with the country’s struggling theocracy, striking the gate of a Tehran prison notorious for holding political activists and hitting the headquarters of the military force that suppressed recent protests.
As plumes of thick smoke rose over Tehran, Israel was attacked with yet another barrage of Iranian missiles and drones. The persistent fire has become a reality for civilians in both countries since Israel started the war to target Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program.
On the 11th day of the conflict, Israel said it attacked “regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran,” but Israeli officials insisted they did not seek the overthrow of Iran’s government, their archenemy since the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows Al Udeid Air Base outside of Doha, Qatar, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)
The Israeli military warned Iranians that it would continue to attack military sites around Tehran over “the coming days” as its focuses has shifted to symbolic targets as well. The military issued the warning on the social platform X, though Iranians are struggling to access the outside world as an internet shutdown has crippled the country.
The latest strikes unfolded only hours after President Donald Trump openly raised the possibility himself after just a day earlier inserting America into the war with its unprecedented stealth-bomber strike on three Iranian nuclear sites.
“If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???” he asked on his Truth Social website.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later described Trump as “simply raising a question.” However, suggestions of overthrowing the Iranian government drew new anger from Tehran, which insists it will not negotiate at this time and is threatening to retaliate directly against either American troops or interests in a Mideast already inflamed by the still-raging Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.
Tehran strikes open new chapter of war
In the Tehran strikes, Israel blew open a gate at Evin prison. Iranian state television shared black-and-white surveillance footage of the strike at the facility known for holding dual nationals and Westerners often used by Iran as bargaining chips in negotiations with the West.
Evin also has specialized units for political prisoners run by the paramilitary, all-volunteer Revolutionary Guard, which answers only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The facility is the target of both U.S. and European Union sanctions.
There were no immediate reports of casualties in Iran or significant damage, though the semiofficial Tasnim news agency said there had been a power cut reported outside of Tehran following the Israeli strikes.
Iranian state television also aired footage it described as being shot inside Evin, with prisoners under control inside the facility. However, the Washington-based Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran expressed worry about the condition of prisoners there.
“Many families of current detainees have expressed deep concern about the safety and condition of their loved ones held inside the prison,” it said.
Earlier Monday, Iranian Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chief of joint staff of armed forces, warned Washington that its strikes had given Iranian forces a “free hand “ to “act against U.S. interests and its army.”
Tens of thousands of American troops are based in the Middle East, many in locations within range of short-range Iranian missiles.
The Israeli military also confirmed it struck roads around Iran’s Fordo enrichment facility to obstruct access to the site. The underground site was one of those hit in Sunday’s attack by the United States on three nuclear facilities. The Israeli military did not elaborate.
“The Iranian dictator will be punished with full force for attacking the Israeli home front,” Israel’s Defense Ministry said.
According to an Israeli official familiar with the government’s strategy, Israel is targeting these sites to put pressure on the Iranian administration but is not actively seeking to topple it. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal government deliberations.
Nuclear fears mount after US strikes
In Vienna, the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog said he expected there to be heavy damage at the Fordo facility following Sunday’s U.S. airstrike there with sophisticated bunker-buster bombs.
With the strikes Sunday on Iranian nuclear sites, the United States inserted itself into Israel’s war, prompting fears of a wider regional conflict. Iran said the U.S. had crossed “a very big red line” with its risky gambit to strike the three sites with missiles and 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs.
Several Iranian officials, including Atomic Energy Organization of Iran spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi, have claimed Iran removed nuclear material from targeted sites ahead of time.
Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, told the agency’s board of governors Monday that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi informed him on June 13 that Iran would “adopt special measures to protect nuclear equipment and materials.”
“I indicated that any transfer of nuclear material from a safeguarded facility to another location in Iran must be declared,” Grossi said, without saying whether Iran had responded.
Iran presses on attacking Israel
Iran described its Monday attack on Israel as a new wave of its “Operation True Promise 3,” saying it was targeting the Israeli cities of Haifa and Tel Aviv, according to Iranian state television.
Explosions were also heard in Jerusalem, possibly from air defense systems in action, and Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency rescue service said there had been no reports of injuries.
In Israel, at least 24 people have been killed and more than 1,000 wounded in the war. Israeli strikes on Iran have killed at least 950 people and wounded 3,450 others, according to the Washington-based group Human Rights Activists.
The group, which has provided detailed casualty figures from Iranian unrest such as the protests surrounding the death of Masha Amini in 2022, said of those killed, it identified 380 civilians and 253 security force personnel.
This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran on Jan. 24, 2025. (Maxar Technologies via AP)
Mousavi described the American attacks as violating Iran’s sovereignty and being tantamount to invading the country, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
Russia is one of Iran’s closest allies and on Monday, President Vladimir Putin said after meeting in Moscow with Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, that they had explored “how we can get out of today’s situation.”
Putin called the Israeli and American attacks on Iran an “absolutely unprovoked aggression.”
Iran, which insists its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only, previously agreed to limit its uranium enrichment and allow international inspectors access to its nuclear sites under a 2015 deal with the U.S., France, China, Russia, Britain and Germany in exchange for sanctions relief.
But after Trump pulled the U.S. unilaterally out of the deal during his first term, Iran began enriching uranium up to 60% — a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90% — and restricting access to its nuclear facilities.
Photos show two wounds on Plai Biang Lek's hindquarters, raising suspicions that he may have been shot.
NAKHON RATCHASIMA — A local politician allegedly threatened to shoot the elephant ‘Plai Biang Lek’ to drive wild elephants out of the area. The head of Khao Yai National Park calls in veterinarians to examine the wounds and announces legal action if the gunshot wounds are confirmed.
A Facebook page called “This is Khao Yai” recently posted photos and statements claiming that a local politician had used violence against a wild elephant roaming outside protected areas. The post warned that such actions, if left unchecked, could lead to the elephant becoming aggressive and potentially endangering people.
The elephant is ‘Plai Biang Lek,’ who made international headlines when he entered a grocery shop in Moo Si sub-district in search of food. This time Plai Biang Lek was spotted several kilometres outside the boundaries of Khao Yai National Park.
A well-known wild elephant from Khao Yai National Park, Plai Biang Lek, wanders into a local grocery store in Nakhon Ratchasima Province for an impromptu snacking session on June 2, 2025.
According to initial reports, the shooter is the younger brother of a local politician and he himself is a Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) member. Volunteers managed to take photos of the shooter holding a gun and collected spent shell casings as evidence. These were handed over to the park authorities.
Community Response
The post caused great outrage among elephant lovers. Many of them demanded that the authorities prosecute the person responsible. Wild elephants are protected under Thailand’s Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act.
On June 23, Chaiya Huayhongthong, chief of Khao Yai National Park, confirmed that he had received a report from a volunteer elephant deterrence team (not official park rangers) about an incident in Khao Wong, Village 3, Nong Nam Daeng Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima. It was suspected that Plai Biang Lek may have been shot.
Photos show two wounds on Plai Biang Lek’s hindquarters and collected spent shell casings, raising suspicions that he may have been shot.
Photos and videos show two wounds on the elephant’s hindquarters, prompting the park authorities to call in veterinarians to determine whether they were gunshot wounds.
“If the elephant was indeed shot, we will press charges against the suspect,” Chaiya said. “It is then up to the police to investigate further. The incident happened outside the park boundaries, but we already have surveillance and deterrence teams working in these areas. Volunteers help monitor and report such cases as the park covers a huge area and animals often migrate unnoticed.”
Following the report, veterinary teams were dispatched to assess the elephant’s condition.
Monitoring for Next 3 Days
According to Chaiya, the veterinary team found the elephant but could not examine the wounds closely as Plai Biang Lek had covered the injuries with dirt to keep insects away. However, he was still wandering around near Khao Wong, close to where the report was first received.
Veterinarians and volunteers from Khao Yai National Park observe Plai Biang Lek from a distance near Khao Wong, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, on June 23, 2025. A Siberian dog accompanied the veterinary team.
Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, later said that no wounds were found today. It is suspected that the elephant covered them with mineralised soil.
“If wounds are present, pus discharge may be visible. However, if there are no such signs, this indicates that there were no injuries. I have ordered Plai Biang Lek to be monitored closely for the next three days,” said Atthapol.
Wildlife Is Protected
Pak Chong district chief Phairat Inpanja added that if it is confirmed that a weapon was used against the elephant, a court case must follow. He insisted that no one is above the law, not even local officials or politicians. Village chiefs and officials are well aware that wildlife is protected by law and cannot plead ignorance.
He explained that the communities surrounding Khao Yai National Park have long had agreements with the park to implement joint measures to monitor and deter wildlife. The district office has instructed village chiefs to raise public awareness and take special precautions in areas where wildlife is common.
When a report is received, park rangers are dispatched to assess the situation and guide the wildlife safely back into the park to minimise human-wildlife conflict and ensure the safety of people and wildlife. Local village level teams have also been mobilised to assist the park in safely managing these encounters.
Thai authorities seize 2,399 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, which were disguised as bags of corn flour, on the suspected vessel at Prasae River mouth in Klaeng District, Rayong Province, on June 21, 2025.
BANGKOK — Thai authorities have intercepted nearly 2.4 tons of crystal methamphetamine with an estimated international street value exceeding $91 million USD during a maritime smuggling operation in the Gulf of Thailand.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the successful operation during a press conference at the Ministry of Justice on Monday, emphasizing the government’s serious commitment to combating drug trafficking.
The joint operation involved the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Royal Thai Navy, and Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). DSI Director-General Police Colonel Yutthana Praedam revealed that naval intelligence had tipped off the DSI about suspicious activities involving a 90-ton gross recreational vessel.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra talks to Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong near packages of nearly 2.4 tons of crystal methamphetamine during a press conference at the Ministry of Justice on Monday, June 23, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Yokin Charoenying)
According to investigators, the smuggling network transported the drugs from the Prasae River mouth in Klaeng District, Rayong Province, sailing south through the Gulf of Thailand toward Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, where a larger vessel was waiting to transfer the narcotics for export to a third country.
The drugs were cleverly disguised as bags of corn flour. DSI teams tracked the operation and determined the exact timing of the transfer, which occurred on June 21 at approximately 11:00 p.m.
Four Royal Thai Navy surveillance vessels monitored the suspected boat in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 5 nautical miles from shore near the Prasae River mouth. When the target vessel was spotted, authorities moved in and arrested eight Thai nationals aboard the boat, seizing 2,399 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine.
Department of Special Investigation officers stand guard near packages of nearly 2.4 tons of crystal methamphetamine, which were disguised as bags of corn flour, during a news conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, June 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Simultaneously, another team inspected the suspected “Luk Yod” pier and discovered a six-wheeled truck with an enclosed cargo area used for drug transportation, along with a four-door pickup truck believed to be connected to the criminal operation. The vehicles have been transferred to DSI for further investigation.
Authorities have obtained leads suggesting foreign nationals are involved in the network, though investigations are ongoing.
The seized methamphetamine has an estimated domestic value of approximately 239 million baht ($7.25 million), while its international market value exceeds 3 billion baht ($91 million).
Prime Minister Paetongtarn noted that DSI has preliminary information about the drug owners but will hold another press conference once the investigation is complete. She praised the increasing success in intercepting large-scale drug shipments, attributing it to the patience and dedication of law enforcement agencies and effective inter-agency coordination.
“This criminal network was attempting to smuggle drugs through our country for sale in another nation, which would have increased the street price and caused harm to people worldwide,” the Prime Minister stated. “Our officers’ success in stopping this smuggling operation represents a tremendous service in protecting our nation. I must commend and thank all sectors involved once again.”
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announces the successful operation to intercept nearly 2.4 tons of crystal methamphetamine during a press conference at the Ministry of Justice on Monday, June 23, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Yokin Charoenying)
