Father’s Legacy: Contract Farming for Sustainable Livelihoods

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13 June 2025, 17:50

Have you ever wondered how today’s farming profession has evolved from what we used to know? Let us share an inspiring story from the Nakhonthaisong family in Nakhon Ratchasima province, where pig farming has transformed into a family legacy, passed down from generation to generation — creating stability and pride for the entire family.

From Father Somjit to Son Denchai… a Legacy of Unending Success

Back in 1999, Mr. Somjit and Mrs. Nuphen Nakhonthaisong began raising fattening pigs under a partnership with CP Foods. Starting out on leased land, the couple demonstrated exceptional vision — at a time when modern pig farming was not yet common. Most families kept a few pigs in backyard pens for home consumption or small-scale sale.

Mr. Somjit, however, saw opportunity in CP Foods’ innovative farming model. He learned about new technologies and practices, recognizing that pork would always remain a staple food with steady demand. With CP Foods’ support, he became the first smallholder farmer in Tubsawai subdistrict, Huai Thalaeng district, to join the Contract Farming program for pig farming. His son Denchai became a key partner in this journey.

From a small open farm with just 400 pigs, the family continuously improved their operations with CP Foods’ technological and academic guidance. The turning point came when they upgraded to a modern closed-farm system, significantly increasing stability and income — and laying the foundation for what would become a true family legacy.

Denchai Nakhonthaisong: A New-Generation Farmer Building on His Father’s Success

Today, Denchai Nakhonthaisong, aged 47, represents the new generation carrying forward the family business. Although he trained in electrical engineering and initially worked for a hard disk manufacturer, Denchai ultimately chose to expand the farming venture he had built with his father.

“I realized that factory work offered little future security. Looking at my father, who supported our family through pig farming, I decided to build my own farm on our land and expanded to 650 pigs,” Denchai shared.

His keys to success? A combination of high-quality farming outcomes under CP Foods’ standards, and diversification through an integrated agriculture model. Denchai has transformed unused farm space into chemical-free crop fields, using pig manure fertilizer — generating an additional THB 360,000 annually. His model farm now attracts visits from both public and private sector groups, and has earned GAP certification for mulberry cultivation and silkworm farming — another family side business originally started by his mother.

Further innovations include installing 10kW solar panels, cutting electricity costs by 30-40%, and sharing farm-produced liquid fertilizer with neighboring farmers to promote community sustainability.

“This profession connects to many others. Pig farming provides fertilizer for our sugarcane fields and mulberry for silkworms — a true cycle of self-reliant farming,” Denchai explained.

Contract Farming: A Sustainable Career and Legacy

What gives the Nakhonthaisong family confidence in their path? The stability provided by CP Foods’ Contract Farming system. “We trust CP Foods. They won’t abandon us. We produce food, not luxury items — people eat every day,” said Denchai.

Under this model, farmers enjoy reliable income with lower risk, professional veterinary support, and ongoing innovation in disease prevention. Modern housing systems ensure a comfortable working environment — no longer exposed to outdoor heat as in traditional farming.

The Nakhonthaisong family proves that Contract Farming is not just agriculture — it’s a pathway to a better life, a sustainable income, and above all, a legacy of value that can be passed on with pride.

Today, at 72, Mr. Somjit still helps care for the pigs he loves. Through pig farming, he supported both his children’s education — one son now securely runs the family farm, while the other holds a Master’s degree and serves in government.

Now, Denchai is preparing to pass on the legacy — sharing knowledge and passion for farming with his own children, just as his father once did for him.

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Seat 11A: Thai Actor’s Chilling Link to Air India Lone Survivor

By

Khaosod English

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13 June 2025, 13:23

James Ruangsak1 — Thai newspaper front pages published on December 12, 1998, reporting on James Ruangsak's rescue after surviving the December 11, 1998 plane crash in a rubber plantation, Surat Thani province.

BANGKOK — Thai actor James Ruangsak expressed shock after learning that the sole survivor of the Air India crash sat in the same seat number he occupied during his own plane crash survival 27 years ago.

James Ruangsak Loychusak posted on social media after seeing news of the lone survivor from among 242 people aboard the Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad, Gujarat state, saying “Goosebumps. He sat in the same seat number as me – 11A.”

Ruangsak survived the Thai Airways Airbus A310-300 crash that went down in a rubber plantation in Surat Thani province on Friday, December 11, 1998. The crash killed 101 people and injured 45 others, with James seated in seat 11A.

Beyond expressing his surprise at the coincidence, he also posted messages of condolence for those who died and lost loved ones in the Air India tragedy.

lone survivor — Indian Home Minister Amit Shah visited the only survivor of the Air India plane crash at a hospital in Ahmedabad on Thursday. Shah also met others who were injured in the crash. (AP Video: Ajit Solanki and Hanif Sindhi)

The Air India crash survivor, identified by the Associated Press as British-Indian national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, was thrown from the plane and walked to a nearby ambulance for help. Dr. Dhaval Gameti, who treated Ramesh, told the AP that the survivor was disoriented with multiple injuries but appeared to be out of danger.

Social media users have been commenting on the extraordinary nature of a single person surviving such a crash, calling it unreal, remarkable, divine intervention, and miraculous.

The AP reported that the rarity of sole survivors from major aviation disasters has sparked widespread interest online about how such survivals occur and whether similar cases have happened before.

AP25163472573166 — The debris of an airplane lie scattered after it crashed in India’s northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

In recent decades, several other people have been the lone survivors of plane crashes. At least three other people have been “sole survivors” of plane crashes.

George Lamson Jr., then a 17-year-old from Plymouth, Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985.

Lamson in a social media post Thursday said the news of a plane crash in India with only one survivor shook him.

“There are no right words for moments like this, but I wanted to acknowledge it,” he said. “These events don’t just make headlines. They leave a lasting echo in the lives of those who’ve lived through something similar.”

Bahia Bakari, then 12, lived through a Yemenia Airways flight that crashed near the Comoro Islands in 2009.

Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky.

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World Pianist Lang Lang’s Triumphant Bangkok Debut Wins Hearts

By

MC Marketing

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13 June 2025, 13:00

Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation and B.Grimm, presented a monumental event for classical music enthusiasts, Lang Lang’s debut piano recital in Bangkok on May 31, 2025, at the Thailand Cultural Centre was sold out and received with rousing applause. This performance marked the first time the world-renowned pianist graced a Thai stage, captivating a full-house audience with his masterful artistry. The concert hall was filled not only with devoted classical music fans but also with an impressive number of Thai pianists across generations—from young music students to university-level musicians and professional performers. It was, undeniably, a rare and inspiring night for Thailand’s piano community.

Lang Lang, celebrated for his expressive style and technical precision, delivered a program that showcased both his versatility and deep emotional connection to the music. The recital featured a thoughtfully curated selection of works by iconic composers. Before the interval, the program included Gabriel Fauré’s Pavane, known for its elegance, and Robert Schumann’s Kreisleriana, a dramatic and emotionally charged composition that reflects Schumann’s complex inner world.

After the break, Lang Lang performed a selection of Frédéric Chopin’s Mazurkas and Polonaise—pieces that highlight Chopin’s Polish heritage and romantic expressiveness.

The evening was not only a display of virtuosic technique but also a deeply moving experience that resonated with the audience. The thunderous applause echoed through the hall, with waves of clapping and cheers rolling like a storm after each piece. As a fitting conclusion to the night, Lang Lang offered not one, but three encore pieces—an exceptional gesture that thrilled concertgoers. The encores included Schumann’s No.12 “Chopin” from Carnaval, a lyrical interpretation of the Chinese folk tune Jasmine Flower (arranged by Schindler), and de Falla’s fiery and exhilarating Ritual Fire Dance. Each piece was met with admiration, with many in the audience commenting on the beauty and intimacy of the encores.

Following the performance, a long queue of attendees formed for a rare opportunity to meet the maestro in person during a photo session. Guests waiting in line were treated to a thoughtful reception with refreshments, making the entire experience even more memorable and warm.

Lang Lang’s recital in Bangkok was more than just a concert—it was a landmark cultural moment. As one of the most influential classical pianists of our time, his presence in Thailand represents a significant milestone in the country’s growing appreciation of classical music. The event delighted long-time fans—some of whom had travelled internationally to attend—and introduced younger generations to the beauty and depth of classical piano.

For those fortunate enough to be in the audience, it was an unforgettable experience. One can only hope that Lang Lang’s return to the Thai stage is not far off. With the door now open, there are many exciting possibilities for future collaborations between the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and this global icon.

Israeli Strikes Kill Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Leader, Gen. Hossein Salami

By

Associated Press

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13 June 2025, 12:49

TEl AVIV, Israel (AP) — Iranian state television confirmed the head of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was killed in Israel’s strikes Friday morning.

Gen. Hossein Salami was the chief of one of the country’s most powerful centers, and his death was a tough blow to Iran’s embattled leadership, which has had a series of setbacks in the past 20 months of Middle Eastern war and unrest.

Salami rose to power six years ago and had a history of threatening the U.S. and Israel.

Here’s a closer look.

Powerful arsenal of missiles

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard was created after its 1979 Islamic Revolution. Since it was established, it’s evolved from a paramilitary, domestic security force to a transnational force that has come to the aid of Tehran’s allies in the Mideast, from Syria and Lebanon to Iraq.

It operates in parallel to the country’s existing armed forces and controls Iran’s arsenal of ballistic missiles, which it has used to attack Israel twice during the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

AP25164115358441 — This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran on Jan. 24, 2025. (Maxar Technologies via AP)

Salami, 65, was appointed as head of the guard in 2019 by the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The appointment followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision during his first term to withdraw the U.S. from the international nuclear deal with Iran and restore crippling sanctions. It also followed Trump’s designation of the Guard as a terrorist organization.

Salami joined the guard at the outbreak of the bloody 1980s Iran-Iraq war. He later rose to head its air forces and was serving as a deputy commander in the guard when he was appointed.

Harsh rhetoric

Like other guard leaders, Salami routinely delivered speeches with harsh rhetoric towards Israel. In a 2016 speech he said there was “fertile ground” for the “annihilation, the wiping out, and the collapse of the Zionist regime”.

He also threatened the United States.

After the U.S. killed the powerful head of the guard’s Quds Force, Qassem Soleimani, in a drone strike outside Baghdad’s airport in 2020, Salami threatened to retaliate against American and Israeli commanders. The Quds, or Jerusalem, Force is an elite wing of the Guard that oversees foreign operations.

AP25164082336163 — A firefighter calls out his colleagues at the scene of an explosion in a residence compound in northern Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Five days later, Iran launched ballistic missiles at two bases in Iraq housing American troops, causing injuries but no fatalities among soldiers there.

After Soleimani was killed, Salami said that both the U.S. and Israel should know that “if they threaten our commanders, none of their commanders will find a safe place” to live.

Emerging from the shadow war

Israel and Iran have run a shadow war for years, but last year the two attacked each other directly.

When an Israeli strike killed seven guard members, including two Iranian generals at an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria, Salami vowed to retaliate.

Weeks later, Salami ordered an operation that launched more than 300 drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles in an unprecedented revenge mission that pushed the Middle East closer to a regionwide war.

Israel said that 99% were intercepted with several ballistic missiles reaching Israeli territory, causing minor damage to an air base.

In October Israel pounded Iran with a series of airstrikes in response to missile attacks into Israel from Iran earlier in the month.

Israel’s military said it targeted “missile manufacturing facilities used to produce the missiles that Iran fired at the state of Israel over the last year.” Israel also weakened the country’s air defenses, which helped clear the way for Friday’s attacks.

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Israel Attacks Iran’s Capital with Explosions Booming Across Tehran

By

Associated Press

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13 June 2025, 09:15

APTOPIX Iran Mideast Wars — Smoke rises up after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

JERUSALEM (AP) — JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel attacked Iran’s capital early Friday, with explosions booming across Tehran as Israel said it targeted nuclear and military sites.

Iranian state television says the head of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard is feared dead after an Israeli attack.

The report offered few other details about what happened to Gen. Hossein Salami of the Guard.

The report on air added that one other top Guard officials, as well as two nuclear scientists were also feared dead.

State television also reported the attack set the headquarters of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard ablaze.

Multiple sites in the capital had been hit in the attack, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said targeted both nuclear and military sites and officials leading Iran’s nuclear program and its ballistic missile arsenal.

The attack comes as tensions have reached new heights over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program. The Board of Governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency for the first time in 20 years on Thursday censured Iran over it not working with its inspectors. Iran immediately announced it would establish a third enrichment site in the country and swap out some centrifuges for more-advanced ones.

Israel for years has warned it will not allow Iran to build a nuclear weapon, something Tehran insists it doesn’t want — though official there have repeatedly warned it could build them. The U.S. has been preparing for something to happen, already pulling some diplomats from Iraq’s capital and offering voluntary evacuations for the families of U.S. troops in the wider Middle East.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an address on YouTube that the attacks will continue “for as many days at it takes to remove this threat.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Israel took “unilateral action against Iran” and that Israel advised the U.S. that it believed the strikes were necessary for its self-defense.

“We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” Rubio said in a statement released by the White House.

Rubio also issued a warning to Iran that it should not target U.S. interests or personnel.

People in Tehran awoke to the sound of the blast. State television acknowledged the blast.

It wasn’t immediately clear what had been hit, though smoke could be rising from Chitgar, a neighborhood in western Tehran. There are no known nuclear sites in that area — but it wasn’t immediately clear if anything was happening in the rest of the country.

An Israeli military official says that his country targeted Iranian nuclear sites, without identifying them.

The official spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing operation, which is also targeting military sites.

Benchmark Brent crude spiked on the attack, rising nearly 5% on the news.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said that his country carried out the attack, without saying what it targeted.

“In the wake of the state of Israel’s preventive attack against Iran, missile and drone attacks against Israel and its civilian population are expected immediately,” he said in a statement.

The statement added that Katz “signed a special order declaring an emergency situation in the home front.”

“It is essential to listen to instructions from the home front command and authorities to stay in protected areas,” it said

Both Iran and Israel closed their airspace.

As the explosions in Tehran started, President Donald Trump was on the lawn of the White House mingling with members of Congress. It was unclear if he had been informed but the president continued shaking hands and posing for pictures for several minutes.

Trump earlier said he was urging Netanyahu to hold off from taking action for the time being while the administration negotiated with Iran.

“As long as I think there is a (chance for an) agreement, I don’t want them going in because I think it would blow it,” Trump told reporters.

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Thailand’s Consumer Confidence Plunges Amid Trade Fears

By

Khaosod English

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12 June 2025, 23:43

Thailand Economy — A customer selects shoes at a shop behind a sale advertisement in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, May 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

BANGKOK — Thailand’s consumer confidence index dropped to its lowest point in over two years in May, falling to 54.2 from 55.4 the previous month. This marks the fourth consecutive monthly decline and the weakest reading since March 2023, as concerns mount over potential US trade retaliation under Donald Trump’s administration and Thailand’s sluggish economic recovery.

Thanawat Phonvichai, President and Chief Advisor of the Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, announced the results on June 12.

The continued erosion of consumer sentiment reflects growing public anxiety about global trade tensions and persistent doubts about Thailand’s economic trajectory, despite government stimulus measures and two interest rate cuts totaling 0.5% by the Bank of Thailand this year.

Economic Headwinds Intensify

Thailand faces multiple challenges that threaten to derail its recovery. The country is teetering on the edge of deflation, with negative inflation readings in April and May driven primarily by falling oil prices. More concerning, core inflation remains below 1%, signaling weak domestic demand and purchasing power.

Economic growth projections paint a sobering picture. GDP expansion is expected to reach just 1% in the second quarter, with first-half growth likely capping at 2%. Without significant improvement in the latter half of 2025, full-year growth could fall short of 2%.

The situation could deteriorate further when the US ends tariff exemptions under the Reciprocal Tariff Regime on July 7, 2025. Should negotiations fail and universal retaliatory tariffs be imposed, Thailand’s GDP could contract by 2%, potentially pushing annual growth below 1%.

Urgent Policy Response Needed

Economists are calling for immediate government action, including rapid disbursement of the 175 billion baht stimulus budget and aggressive tourism promotion targeting 35 million international visitors this year, with particular focus on reviving the Chinese market. The central bank faces pressure to cut rates by another 0.5% to support the economy.

Political stability also remains crucial, as parliamentary dissolution could delay critical stimulus spending. Business leaders have outlined six key priorities: enhanced stimulus measures, improved business liquidity support, better water management, sustained tourism promotion across all regions, SME support, and reduced tax burdens.

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American Tourist Body Found After 5-Day Search Off Phuket

By

Khaosod English

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12 June 2025, 20:44

PHUKET — After a five-day search operation, rescue teams have recovered the body of an American tourist who jumped from a yacht and disappeared in Phuket waters. The body of Mr. Johnson, 28, was found washed ashore under trees on Koh Raet, approximately 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles) from where he went missing.

Johnson disappeared on June 8 while on a private yacht vacation with his family of five near Yamu Beach in Pa Klok subdistrict, Thalang district. The yacht, operated by six crew members, was anchored about one kilometer offshore when the incident occurred.

According to CCTV footage reviewed by crew members, Johnson left his cabin through a window around 2-3 a.m. on June 8 and sat on an inflatable boat at the yacht’s stern. He jumped into the sea twice – returning to the boat after the first jump but disappearing after the second. Crew members discovered he was missing when they called him for breakfast at 7 a.m.

american found2 — Map showing the point where the American tourist disappeared from the yacht and the location where the body was found.

american found4 — A search team discovers the body of the missing American tourist caught under trees on Koh Raet’s shoreline, Phuket Province after a five-day search.

Phuket authorities established a marine rescue coordination center at the pier pavilion, led by Pa Klok Municipality Mayor Panya Samphaurat. The comprehensive search effort included: jet ski teams covering Pa Klok Bay areas, coastal search teams from Yamu Bay to Bang Rong Cape, local fishing boat assistance, community leader and business operator coordination, harbor authority notifications to boat operators on routes between Bang Rong, Yao Yai Island, Yao Noi Island, and Phang Nga Bay.

Johnson’s body was discovered on June 12 at approximately 2 p.m., caught under trees on Koh Raet’s shoreline. Officials transported the body to shore for autopsy procedures and have notified the U.S. Embassy. Legal proceedings will follow standard protocol for such cases.

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Hardware House Opens 10,000 sq m Flagship Store at Future City Rangsit

By

MC Marketing

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12 June 2025, 17:29

Hardware House, a hardware store designed specifically for professional buyers—including mechanical experts, industrial product users, and construction material seekers—offers a selection of over 150,000 items. It has expanded with a new branch spanning more than 10,000 sq m in Future City Rangsit, a high-potential location in northern Bangkok. This expansion aims to serve technicians, contractors, and general customers seeking high-quality products at the same prices offered to industry professionals.

Mr. Phanawit Anan, Managing Director of Hardware House Corporation Co., Ltd., said that Hardware House is a professional hardware store offering a comprehensive range of industrial products and construction materials. With over 150,000 items across 21 departments, the store caters to a wide variety of needs, including tools, industrial equipment, water and electrical systems, paints, construction materials, hardware for factories and homes, pumps and valves, fasteners, stationery, office supplies, and general household goods. The new branch features over 10,000 sq m of retail space and comprises two distinct buildings: one dedicated to hardware and industrial products, and the other, under the name Supermat, focused on building materials. The grand opening of the new location was held on June 7.

Hardware House primarily serves industrial technicians, as well as contractors and homeowners seeking high-quality products at the same prices offered to professionals. As a result, all products at Hardware House are industrial-grade, setting them apart from standard retail offerings. To enhance customer convenience, the company also offers a B2B ordering service tailored for factories and business owners, complete with free daily delivery within the service area.

“We intend to establish Hardware House as the go-to destination for technicians—a place that brings together a wide range of quality products from leading international brands, geared to meet the needs of professionals,” said Mr. Phanwich. “Our focus is on offering high-quality products at technician-level prices, every item, every day, to help entrepreneurs reduce costs and enjoy consistent value without having to wait for special promotions.”

Hardware House is a leading distribution center for tools and hardware products, recognized as one of the top players in the industry. With over 35 years of experience, the company operates more than 10 branches strategically located in key industrial areas, including Bangna, Sriracha, Rayong, Bowin, Amata, Theparak, Prachinburi, Laemchabang, Pluak Daeng, Bowin Amata City, Ayutthaya, and the latest addition—the Rangsit branch located in Future City Rangsit, the largest mixed-use development in northern Bangkok. Spanning over 500 rai, this prime location is surrounded by major facilities, including Future Park shopping mall, international-standard hotels, office buildings, and leading hospitals, offering convenience and completeness all in a single destination.

Air India Passenger Plane with 244 Aboard Crashes After Takeoff from Ahmedabad

By

Associated Press

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12 June 2025, 16:56

AHMEDABAD, India (AP) — An Air India passenger plane bound for London with more than 240 people on board crashed Thursday in India’s northwestern city of Ahmedabad, the airline said.

Visuals on local television channels showed smoke billowing from the crash site in what appeared to be a populated area near the airport in Ahmedabad, a city with a population of more than 5 million and the capital of Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state.

Firefighters doused the smoking wreckage of the plane, which would have been fully loaded with fuel shortly after takeoff, and adjacent multi-story buildings with water. Charred bodies lay on the ground.

“The scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.

Modi called the crash “heartbreaking beyond words.”

AP25163351241419 — People watch smoke rising after an airplane crashed in Ahmedabad, Gujarat state, India, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (Mohan Nakum via AP)

“In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected,” he said in a social media post.

The airline said the Gatwick Airport-bound flight was carrying 242 passengers and crew. Of those, Air India said there were 169 Indians, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese and one Canadian.

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general of the directorate of civil aviation, told The Associated Press that Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8, crashed into a residential area called Meghani Nagar five minutes after taking off at 1:38 p.m. local time. He said 244 people were on board and it was not immediately possible to reconcile the discrepancy with Air India’s numbers.

All efforts were being made to ensure medical aid and relief support at the site, India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu posted on X.

The 787 Dreamliner is a widebody, twin-engine plane. This is the first crash ever of a Boeing 787 aircraft, according to the Aviation Safety Network database.

AP25163339951428 — Firefighters work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India’s northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

Boeing said it was aware of the reports of the crash and was “working to gather more information.”

The aircraft was introduced in 2009 and more than 1,000 have been delivered to dozens of airlines, according to the flightradar24 website.

Air India’s chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, said at the moment “our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families.”

He said on X that the airline had set up an emergency center and support team for families seeking information about those who were on the flight.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event,” he said.

British Cabinet minister Lucy Powell said the government will provide “all the support that it can” to those affected by the crash.

“This is an unfolding story, and it will undoubtedly be causing a huge amount of worry and concern to the many, many families and communities here and those waiting for the arrival of their loved ones,” she told lawmakers in the House of Commons.

“We send our deepest sympathy and thoughts to all those families, and the government will provide all the support that it can with those in India and those in this country as well,” she added.

Britain has very close ties with India. There were nearly 1.9 million people in the country of Indian descent, according to the 2021 U.K. census.

AP25163372765292 — Rescuers work at the site of an airplane that crashed in India’s northwestern city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state, Thursday, June 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

The last major passenger plane crash in India was in 2020 when an Air India Express Boeing-737 skidded off a hilltop runway in southern India, killing 21 people.

The worst air disaster in India was on Nov. 12, 1996, when a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight collided midair with a Kazakhastan Airlines Flight near Charki Dadri in Haryana state, killing all 349 on board the two planes.

The crash comes days before the opening of the Paris Air Show, a major aviation expo where Boeing and European rival Airbus will showcase their aircraft and battle for jet orders from airline customers.

Boeing has been in recovery mode for more than six years after Lion Air Flight 610, a Boeing 737 Max 8, plunged into the Java Sea off the coast of Indonesia minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. Five months later, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, a Boeing 737 Max 8, crashed after takeoff from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, killing 157 passengers and crew members.

Shares of Boeing Co. tumbled nearly 9% before trading opened in the U.S.

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7-Car Pileup Involves Tourist Bus Carrying 24 Foreigners to Koh Tao

By

Khaosod English

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12 June 2025, 16:26

7pileup 1 — Rescue workers and police officers assess the scene of a seven-vehicle pileup, including a tourist bus carrying 24 foreign visitors, on rain-soaked Phetkasem Road in Prachuap Khiri Khan province on June 12, 2025.

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN — A seven-vehicle chain collision occurred during heavy rain on slippery roads on Thursday, involving pickup trucks, sedans, a truck, and a tourist bus carrying foreign visitors.

The accident happened around 10 a.m. on June 12 on Phetkasem Road southbound at the Ban Thung Ko curve in Moo 8, Bo Nok subdistrict, Mueang district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, injuring three people – two men and one woman – who were transported to hospital by rescue workers.

According to the investigation, a sedan and pickup truck initially collided. A tourist bus carrying 24 foreign tourists, a driver, and two staff members then crashed into the pickup’s rear. The tourists included 14 picked up from Bangkok and 10 from Hua Hin. No foreign nationals were injured in the incident.

7pileup 7 — Foreign tourists wait for a replacement bus after their tour bus was involved in a seven-vehicle pileup on Phetkasem Road in Prachuap Khiri Khan province on June 12, 2025.

The bus driver explained he was transporting 24 foreign tourists south to Chumphon pier for a trip to Koh Tao. Rain began falling during the journey, and when he reached the accident site, vehicles were already colliding in the curved section. Unable to brake in time due to the short distance, his bus rear-ended the pickup truck.

Following vehicles then crashed into his bus, creating a seven-vehicle pileup that caused extensive traffic jams. The accident created traffic congestion stretching over 3 kilometers. Officials worked for approximately 2 hours to remove vehicles and clean oil spills from the road surface before reopening normal traffic flow.

Additionally, during the same period, a pineapple-laden pickup truck suffered a tire blowout and crashed into the median strip at the Prachuap Khiri Khan city traffic light intersection at kilometer marker 309, disrupting Bangkok-bound traffic. Officials facilitated the unloading of pineapples before restoring normal traffic conditions.

7pileup4 — A pineapple-laden pickup truck crashes into the median strip at Prachuap Khiri Khan city intersection during the same period as the seven-vehicle pileup on Phetkasem Road on June 12, 2025.

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Powerful arsenal of missiles

Harsh rhetoric

Emerging from the shadow war

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