Underwater footage reveals the hull of a Myanmar cargo ship resting on damaged coral reefs at Surin Islands National Park, released by the Department of National Parks on June 4, 2025.
BANGKOK — Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is seeking 12 million baht ($366,600) in damages from the owner of a Myanmar cargo ship that struck and damaged coral reefs in the Surin Islands National Park.
The incident occurred on June 1 when the cargo vessel “MV.AYAR LINN” ran aground on coral reefs in Jak Bay, Surin Islands National Park in Phangnga Province, after apparently fleeing Myanmar coast guard authorities.
The Surin Islands National Park, located off Thailand’s Andaman coast, is renowned for its pristine coral reefs and marine biodiversity, making this incident particularly significant for marine conservation efforts.
Extensive Coral Damage Documented
Department Director-General Atthaphon Charoenchansa announced the damage assessment results on June 4, revealing widespread destruction to the coral ecosystem. The ship’s impact created a 75-meter trail of damage from the initial collision point to where it finally grounded.
The cargo vessel “MV.AYAR LINN” ran aground on coral reefs in Jak Bay, Surin Islands National Park in Phangnga Province on June 1, 2025.
Approximately 150 square meters of coral reef suffered damage, with six coral species affected:
Blue coral (Heliopora coerulea): 80% of total damage – the most severely impacted species
Staghorn coral (Acropora sp.): 15% of total damage
Star coral (Leptastrea purpurea): 1 colony affected
Environmental Concerns Mount
Park officials are particularly concerned about cargo debris scattered across the reef, including cardboard boxes, fabric scraps, truck tires, rubber hoses, and other waste materials. The vessel also carries over 3,000 cement bags that pose additional environmental risks if they fall into the sea.
“The ship appears to have been trying to evade Myanmar authorities, though we don’t know the exact reason since the cargo appears to be legal goods,” Charoenchansa explained. “The vessel was damaged and sought shelter, but unfortunately grounded on our coral reef.”
Underwater footage reveals the hull of a Myanmar cargo ship resting on damaged coral reefs at Surin Islands National Park, released by the Department of National Parks on June 4, 2025.
Five-Point Emergency Response Plan
Due to monsoon conditions with strong waves and winds preventing immediate salvage operations, park authorities have implemented a comprehensive five-point emergency management plan:
Oil Spill Prevention: Dive teams have sealed fuel valves to prevent leakage
Spill Response Preparation: Oil booms secured from Phuket Port Authority and private sector partners
Emergency Team Deployment: Royal Thai Navy vessel “Panhyee” on standby with equipment
Legal Action: Khuraburi Police investigating while park officials document evidence for criminal and civil proceedings
Park officials are particularly concerned about cargo debris scattered across the reef, including cardboard boxes, fabric scraps, truck tires, rubber hoses, and other waste materials.
Area Closure and Public Advisory
Surin Islands National Park Chief Kriangkrai Paocharoen has temporarily closed the affected area to allow natural recovery. The public and tourists are urged to avoid the incident site for safety reasons and to allow rescue operations to proceed.
The ship’s owner has not yet come forward, but park authorities are actively seeking contact to pursue compensation. Legal proceedings are underway as officials work to prevent further environmental damage during the challenging monsoon season.
UNFPA Thailand joins Bangkok Pride 2025 to celebrate love, equality, and visibility while spotlighting the right to legal gender recognition.
Bangkok, 1–2 June 2025 – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Thailand joins Pride Month celebrations this year with active participation in Bangkok Pride 2025 and a co-organized Pride Talk, underlining its enduring commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and human rights. In partnership with the United Nations Country Team in Thailand, civil society, the private sector, and the government, UNFPA is proud to stand in solidarity with the LGBTI community under the global theme “Born This Way.”
This year’s Pride celebrations mark a significant milestone for Thailand—the historic passage of the Marriage Equality Bill, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. The event also sees the official launch of Bangkok’s bid to host World Pride 2030. As one of the largest Pride events in Asia, Bangkok Pride Parade 2025 symbolizes a turning point for inclusive societies and reflects the growing momentum for equality and acceptance across the region.
“We celebrate not only the law but the love, courage, and resilience of Thailand’s LGBTI community,” says Ms. Siriluck Chiengwong, Head of Office of UNFPA Thailand. “Marriage equality is a profound achievement, but it must not be the final destination. Our collective work continues to ensure that no one is left behind—especially transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals who still face gaps in legal recognition and protection.”
The Pride Parade on Sunday, 1 June 2025, spans a 2-kilometre route from National Stadium to CentralWorld and is expected to be the largest of its kind in Asia. It brings together thousands of participants, including Cabinet members, diplomats, civil society, and members of the public. The UN Resident Coordinator leads a delegation of UN agency heads and over 100 UN personnel, joined by embassies from Sweden, Canada, the Nordic countries, and the EU Delegation to Thailand. The United Nations’ presence demonstrates unified support for equality, rights, and dialogue in the face of rising global challenges to multilateralism and social inclusion.
“At UNFPA, we believe that sexual and reproductive health and rights, bodily autonomy, and freedom of identity are fundamental to human dignity. We support laws and policies that uphold the rights of all individuals—regardless of who they are or whom they love—and reaffirm that diversity is not a challenge to be managed, but a strength to be celebrated,” Ms. Siriluck affirms.
UNFPA’s engagement in Bangkok Pride extends to the Pride Talk, co-hosted on 2 June 2025 at Atrium, Siam Center in collaboration with UNDP, UN Women, and Siam Center. The forum, titled “Born Bold: Celebrating Identity,” offers a platform for voices from the LGBTI community to share lived experiences and envision inclusive futures. Panelists discuss issues such as the lack of legal gender recognition (LGR), the need for safe spaces, and the importance of public awareness and acceptance.
“Thailand’s Draft Gender Identity Recognition Bill presents a crucial opportunity to bridge legal gaps for individuals with diverse gender identities. Legal recognition of gender identity isn’t a special privilege; it’s a fundamental human right and a significant step toward creating a more just and equitable society,” Ms. Siriluck notes.
Ms. Siriluck also asserts that the Pride Talk blends storytelling, pop culture, and social commentary to engage young people—the next generation of change agents—and to promote mental, physical, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive laws, highlight challenges faced by underrepresented groups, and foster dialogue grounded in dignity, safety, and mutual respect.
“Pride Month is not only a time for celebration but also reflection and continued advocacy. As we raise our voices in Pride, we must also raise awareness about the work that remains. Laws can change, but so must hearts, minds, and systems. We need public engagement, education, and commitment from all sectors to ensure lasting change,” Ms. Siriluck emphasizes.
UNFPA sees this month’s activities as part of a broader commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 5 on gender equality and Goal 10 on reducing inequalities. The agency also aligns this year’s Pride engagement with its on going of International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), which continues to shape global priorities around gender equality and human rights.
“From Bangkok to the world, let Pride be a reminder that true progress means protecting everyone’s right to live freely, love fully, and be legally recognized for who they are,” Ms. Siriluck concludes. “Let this Pride Month inspire renewed solidarity, inclusive policy change, and continued momentum toward a future where all group, all genders and all ages are treated with dignity and respect.”
BANGKOK — The Thai government issued a statement on the case on June 4, confirming the use of peaceful methods to urgently resolve all dimensions of the problem for Thailand and the ASEAN community. The statement reads:
“The Royal Thai Government would like to emphasise that it attaches the highest importance to the full protection of Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with the principles of international law.
The current issue started from a brief clash between the Thai and Cambodian troops in the area of Chong Bok, Ubon Ratchathani Province of Thailand, on 28 May 2025. The Thai troops were compelled to defend themselves, while conducting routine patrols within the area under Thai sovereignty in accordance with established practices.
This action was an act of self-defense and a necessary measure to protect Thailand’s sovereignty. The response was appropriate, proportionate, and consistent with international law.
Immediately following the incident, both governments have engaged in close consultations at all levels. The Prime Minister of Thailand also spoke directly with the Prime Minister of Cambodia on this matter.
Both sides agreed to work together to restore the situation to normalcy and to prevent escalation. Both sides also agreed to make use of existing bilateral mechanisms to resolve the issue. One such mechanism is the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), as discussed by the Army Commanders-in-Chief of both sides on 29 May 2025.
In addition, both governments emphasised the importance of communicating with the public to prevent misunderstandings between the peoples of the two countries.
With regard to questions that Cambodia may wish to resort to a judicial mechanism or a third party on this matter, Thailand, as Cambodia’s neighbour, is committed to resolving bilateral issues through peaceful means, based on international law, relevant treaties and agreements, such as the MOU on the Survey and Demarcation of Land Boundary (MOU 2000), as well as supporting evidence including satellite imagery.
Thailand is ready to engage in negotiations with Cambodia through existing bilateral mechanisms, such as:
– The Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), which is a technical mechanism established under the MOU 2000 to discuss the survey and demarcation of land boundary. In response to Thailand’s request, Cambodia has agreed to convene the JBC meeting to be hosted by Cambodia on 14 June 2025.
– The General Border Committee (GBC), which is a mechanism at the Minister of Defence level, and the Regional Border Committee (RBC), which is a mechanism at the regional military commander level. Both GBC and RBC play key roles in maintaining peace and stability along the border.
The Royal Thai Government assures the Thai people that all relevant agencies have made their utmost efforts in line with the relevant processes to protect Thailand’s sovereignty and full legal rights. The Government also affirms that the overall situation along the Thai-Cambodian border is currently calm.
The Royal Thai Government reaffirms its firm commitment to resolving this matter peacefully through negotiation in good faith with Cambodia, utilising existing bilateral mechanisms, in order to fully protect Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It remains confident that Thailand and Cambodia can resolve this issue based on good neighborliness, the safety and well-being of peoples in border areas, and the same ASEAN family.
In the meantime, the Royal Thai Government calls on Cambodia to work with Thailand in exercising maximum restraint, reducing tensions on the ground, and providing information to the public with the aim of avoiding misunderstandings between the peoples of the two countries. 4 June 2025 at 07.00 hrs.”
South Korea's Democratic Party's presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, gestures as he speaks to supporters outside of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s liberal opposition candidate Lee Jae-myung was elected president early Wednesday, a victory that would cap months of political turmoil triggered by the stunning but brief imposition of martial law by now-ousted conservative leader Yoon Suk Yeol.
It was unclear whether Lee’s election would cause any major, immediate shift in South Korea’s foreign policy. Lee, previously accused by critics of tilting toward China and North Korea and away from the U.S. and Japan, has repeatedly stressed South Korea’s alliance with the U.S. as the foundation of its foreign policy.
The toughest external challenges awaiting a new president are U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policy and North Korea’s advancing nuclear program. But experts say whoever becomes president can’t do much to secure major progress in South Korea’s favor on those issues.
South Korea’s Democratic Party’s presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, and his wife Kim Hea Kyung, greet supporters outside of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
With nearly 95% of ballots counted as of 2:40 a.m. Wednesday, Lee, the Democratic Party candidate, led with 48.86% of votes. The main conservative candidate, Kim Moon Soo, had 41.98%.
The exit poll by South Korea’s three major television stations — KBS, MBC and SBS — earlier showed Lee projected to obtain 51.7% of total votes cast, beating Kim with 39.3%. Pre-election surveys suggested Lee appeared headed for an easy win, riding on deep public frustration over the conservatives in the wake of Yoon’s martial law debacle.
Even before Lee’s win was formally declared, Kim conceded, telling journalists he “humbly accepts the people’s choice” and congratulated Lee.
Earlier, Lee appeared before thousands of cheering supporters in the streets of Seoul. He didn’t formally claim victory but reiterated his major policy goals such as revitalizing the economy, promoting peace with North Korea and easing a domestic divide.
“Let us move forward with hope and make a fresh start from this moment on,” he said. “Though we may have clashed for some time, even those who did not support us are still our fellow citizens of the Republic of Korea.”
The winning candidate will immediately be sworn in as president Wednesday for a single, full term of five years without the typical two-month transition period.
Supporters of South Korea’s Democratic Party’s presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, react outside of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Pragmatic diplomacy
Lee, who served as governor of Gyeonggi province and mayor of Seongnam city, has been a highly divisive figure in politics for years.
As a former child laborer known for his inspirational rags-to-riches story, Lee came to fame through biting criticism of the country’s conservative establishment and calls to build a more assertive South Korea in foreign policy. That rhetoric has given him an image as someone who can institute sweeping reforms and fix the country’s deep-seated economic inequality and corruption.
His critics view him as a dangerous populist who relies on political division and backpedals on promises too easily.
On foreign policy, Lee has has vowed to pursue pragmatic diplomacy. He has promised to solidify a trilateral Seoul-Washington-Tokyo partnership, a stance that isn’t much different from the position held by South Korea’s conservatives.
He said he would pursue better ties with North Korea but acknowledged that it would be “very difficult” to realize a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un anytime soon. This signals Lee won’t likely initiate any drastic steps meant to improve relations with North Korea.
Experts say there aren’t many diplomatic options for South Korea as it tries to address Trump’s tariff hikes and calls for South Korea to pay more for the cost of the U.S. military presence, as well as North Korea’s headlong pursuit of nuclear weapons. Experts say that has made both Lee and Kim Moon Soo avoid unveiling ambitious foreign policy goals.
Paik Wooyeal, a professor at Seoul’s Yonsei University, said foreign policy strategists for Lee understand there isn’t much South Korea can do to bring about a denuclearization of North Korea. Paik said Lee also doesn’t share the Korean nationalistic zeal held by ex-liberal President Moon Jae-in, who met Kim Jong Un three times during his 2017-22 term.
South Korea’s Democratic Party’s presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, center, and his wife Kim Hea Kyung, right, greet supporters and residents as they leave from a home in Incheon, South Korea, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (Choi Jae-gu/Yonhap via AP)
Impact of tariff hikes
Lee’s government still could become engaged in “a little bit of friction” with the Trump administration, while a Kim Moon Soo government, which prioritizes relations with Washington, would likely offer more concessions to the U.S., said Chung Jin-young, a former dean of the Graduate School of Pan-Pacific International Studies at South Korea’s Kyung Hee University.
Chung predicted Lee won’t be able to pursue overly drastic steps on foreign policy and security, given the country’s foreign exchange and financial markets are vulnerable to such changes.
Lee has preached patience over Trump’s tariff policy, arguing it would be a mistake to rush negotiations in pursuit of an early agreement with Washington. Kim Moon Soo has said he would meet with Trump as soon as possible.
On Monday, South Korean trade officials held an emergency meeting to discuss a response to Trump’s announcement that the U.S. will raise tariffs on steel and aluminum products to 50% beginning Wednesday. South Korea’s central bank last week sharply lowered its 2025 growth outlook to 0.8%, citing the potential impact of Trump’s tariff hikes and weak domestic demand worsened by the political turmoil of past months.
Healing domestic divide
The election serves as another defining moment in the country’s resilient democracy, but observers worry a domestic divide could pose a big political burden on the new president.
The past six months saw large crowds of people rallying to either denounce or support Yoon, while a leadership vacuum caused by Yoon’s impeachment and ensuing formal dismissal rattled the country’s high-level diplomatic activities and financial markets.
Lee has promised to heal the national split, but his vow to thoroughly hold those involved in Yoon’s martial law stunt accountable has sparked concerns that he would use investigations to launch political retaliations against his opponents.
In a Facebook posting earlier Tuesday, Lee called for voters to “deliver a stern and resolute judgement” against the conservatives over martial law. In a campaign speech Monday, Lee claimed that a win by Kim Moon Soo would mean the “return of the rebellion forces, the destruction of democracy and the deprival of people’s human rights.”
Kim, a former labor minister under Yoon, claimed that a Lee win would allow him to wield excessive power.
Screenshots from viral videos show a violent incident between a tiger and an Indian tourist that appears to have happened in Thailand.
PHUKET — Tiger Park and Tiger Kingdom Phuket has issued a statement clarifying that viral videos showing a violent incident between a tiger and a tourist did not occur at their facilities, following widespread reports by Indian online news agencies linking the attractions to the incident.
The popular tourist destinations emphasized that the incident referenced in the viral footage took place elsewhere and has no connection to their operations.
“The viral videos do not depict our location or our staff. The incident occurred in Si Racha, Chonburi, not at our Phuket facility or any of our branches,” said Pornrawee Samakthai, Managing Director of Tiger Kingdom, in a statement to Phuket News.
🚨🇮🇳An Indian tourist was viciously attacked by a tiger he tried to take a photo with. pic.twitter.com/O29mfV8lej
Both Tiger Park and Tiger Kingdom have outlined their comprehensive safety protocols and animal welfare policies in response to the confusion. The facilities maintain strict guidelines including posted rules for tiger viewing at every location, professional keepers stationed at all interaction points, and a no-chaining policy for their tigers.
Samakthai stressed the facilities’ commitment to ethical animal treatment, stating that tigers are not forced to perform, eat, play, or sleep under pressure. She also highlighted the attractions’ safety record, noting that neither facility has recorded a serious accident since opening.
Tiger Park and Tiger Kingdom Phuket has issued a statement on June 3, 2025 clarifying that viral videos showing a violent incident between a tiger and a tourist did not occur at their facilities.
“Tiger Kingdom emphasised its commitment to animal welfare and visitor safety, and tigers at our facilities are not chained or restrained,” Samakthai assured. “Visitors are guided by professional handlers at every interaction point… The brand has never recorded a serious accident since its inception.”
The management emphasized that both Tiger Park and Tiger Kingdom place the highest importance on the safety of tigers and all tourists, implementing what they describe as the fullest measures for safety and tiger care.
CCTV shows an American man attempting to use counterfeit banknotes for Thai cash at a currency exchange booth in Pattaya on June 3, 2025.
PATTAYA — A currency exchange shop employee in Pattaya was baffled when a foreign tourist brought banknotes marked “For Motion Picture Use Only” to exchange for Thai currency.
Mr. Jeffrey, age 66, American national, was arrested by Pattaya Investigation Police while attempting to use counterfeit banknotes to exchange for Thai cash on June 3 at the TT Currency Exchange booth on Jomtien Beach Road, Village 12, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.
Banknotes marked “For Motion Picture Use Only” serve as evidence in the prosecution of an American man on charges of possessing counterfeit United States banknotes with intent to use, knowing them to be counterfeit.
Police investigation revealed that prior to the incident, Jeffrey had brought the banknotes to exchange for Thai baht with the currency exchange staff. However, upon inspection, all banknotes were found to be fake, bearing English text stating “For Motion Picture Use Only,” prompting staff to refuse the exchange. Jeffrey persisted in demanding the exchange and showed signs of displeasure, leading staff to notify police.
Officers discovered 10 counterfeit US$100 bills and another 11 bills found in a document envelope in his possession. He was charged with “possessing counterfeit United States banknotes with intent to use, knowing them to be counterfeit.”
Regarding the suspect’s background, records show he has been traveling in and out of Thailand for approximately 10 years, has a Thai wife from the northeastern region, and resides on Phra Tamnak Hill in Pattaya.
Palestinians carry bags filled with food and humanitarian aid provided by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-backed organization approved by Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health officials and witnesses say Israeli forces fired on people as they headed toward an aid distribution site on Tuesday, killing at least 27, in the third such incident in three days. The army said it fired “near a few individual suspects” who left the designated route, approached its forces and ignored warning shots.
The near-daily shootings have come after an Israeli and U.S.-backed foundation established aid distribution points inside Israeli military zones, a system it says is designed to circumvent Hamas. The United Nations has rejected the new system, saying it doesn’t address Gaza’s mounting hunger crisis and allows Israel to use aid as a weapon.
The Israeli military said it was looking into reports of casualties on Tuesday. It previously said it fired warning shots at suspects who approached its forces early Sunday and Monday, when health officials and witnesses said 34 people were killed. The military denies opening fire on civilians or blocking them from reaching the aid sites.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which operates the sites, says there has been no violence in or around them. On Tuesday, it acknowledged that the Israeli military was investigating whether civilians were wounded “after moving beyond the designated safe corridor and into a closed military zone,” in an area that was “well beyond our secure distribution site.”
‘Either way we will die’
The shootings all occurred at the Flag Roundabout, around a kilometer (1,000 yards) from one of the GHF’s distribution sites in the now mostly uninhabited southern city of Rafah. The entire area is an Israeli military zone where journalists have no access outside of army-approved embeds.
At least 27 people were killed early Tuesday, according to Zaher al-Waheidi, the head of the Gaza Health Ministry’s records department.
Palestinians mourn over the body of Reem Al-Akhras who was killed while heading to a Gaza aid hub, during her funeral at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Hisham Mhanna, a spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross, said its field hospital in Rafah received 184 wounded people, 19 of whom were declared dead on arrival and eight more who later died of their wounds. The 27 dead were transferred to Nasser Hospital in the city of Khan Younis.
There were three children and two women among the dead, according to Mohammed Saqr, head of nursing at Nasser Hospital. Hospital director Atef al-Hout said most of the patients had gunshot wounds.
Yasser Abu Lubda, a 50-year-old displaced Palestinian from Rafah, said the shooting started around 4 a.m. in the city’s Flag Roundabout area, around one kilometer (1,000 yards) away from the aid distribution hub. He said he saw several people killed or wounded.
Neima al-Aaraj, a woman from Khan Younis, gave a similar account.
“There were many martyrs and wounded,” she said, saying the shooting by Israeli forces was “indiscriminate.”
She said she managed to reach the hub but returned empty-handed. “There was no aid there,” she said. “After the martyrs and wounded, I won’t return,” she said. “Either way we will die.”
Rasha al-Nahal, another witness, said “there was gunfire from all directions.” She said she counted more than a dozen dead and several wounded along the road. She said she also found no aid when she arrived at the distribution hub, and that Israeli forces “fired at us as we were returning.”
An Associated Press reporter who arrived at the Red Cross field hospital at around 6 a.m. saw wounded people being transferred to other hospitals by ambulance.
Outside, people were passing by on their way back from the aid hub, mostly empty-handed, while empty flour bags stained with blood lay on the ground.
3 Israeli soldiers killed in northern Gaza
The Israeli military meanwhile said Tuesday that three of its soldiers were killed in the Gaza Strip, in what appeared to be the deadliest attack on Israel’s forces since it ended a ceasefire with Hamas in March.
The military said the three soldiers, all in their early 20s, fell during combat in northern Gaza on Monday, without providing details. Israeli media reported that they were killed in an explosion in the Jabaliya area.
Israel ended the ceasefire in March after Hamas refused to change the agreement to release more hostages sooner. Israeli strikes have killed thousands of Palestinians since then, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 people hostage in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack into Israel that ignited the war. They are still holding 58 hostages, a third of them believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.
Israel’s military campaign has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were civilians or combatants. The ministry is led by medical professionals but reports to the Hamas-run government. Its toll is seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts, though Israel has challenged its numbers.
Israel says it has killed around 20,000 militants, without providing evidence.
Around 860 Israeli soldiers have been killed since the Oct. 7 attack, including more than 400 during the fighting inside Gaza.
Police from Koh Phangan Station cordon off the area where a 54-year-old British woman was found dead on Chao Phao Beach near her accommodation on Tuesday morning, June 3, 2025.
KOH PHANGAN — A morning jogger discovered the body of a 54-year-old British woman on Chao Phao Beach on Koh Phangan island, found wearing only underwear with no signs of violence.
Police from Koh Phangan Station in Surat Thani Province investigated the discovery of a foreign national’s body on Chao Phao Beach in Village 8, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, Surat Thani Province. The report was received at 6:30 a.m. on June 3. The deceased was later identified as Ms. Alison, age 54, British nationality.
Lieutenant Colonel Apichat Chansamret, Chief of Koh Phangan Police Station, and the duty doctor from Koh Phangan Hospital conducted a preliminary examination. The British woman was found wearing an orange bra, with orange underwear washed ashore nearby by the waves. No wounds or signs of assault were found. Mr. Theerapong, who first discovered the body, stated he was taking his morning exercise walk when he spotted the foreign woman and immediately notified police.
Police from Koh Phangan Station cordon off the area where a 54-year-old British woman was found dead on Chao Phao Beach near her accommodation on Tuesday morning, June 3, 2025.
Volunteers from the Koh Phangan Kusonsraddha Foundation rescue unit transported the body for autopsy at Koh Phangan Hospital, where large amounts of sand and water were found in the lungs. Doctors preliminarily determined the cause of death as drowning.
Investigation revealed that the deceased had been staying at a bungalow near the incident location for approximately one month, with a scheduled checkout date of June 11. Staff observed that the British woman had a habit of drinking alcohol. On June 2, she fell and hit her head on the ground outside a convenience store but refused medical attention. Good Samaritans helped her return to her accommodation.
On Monday night, she had been drinking and went swimming at the beach area near her bungalow. No one saw her alive after that until her body was discovered. Authorities later searched her room and found her passport and belongings intact. Officials will contact the British Embassy to notify her relatives.
Second Army Area Commander Lt. Gen. Boonsing Padklang inspects troops at Tamuen Thom Base in Surin Province on May 31, 2025.
BANGKOK — The Thai government has firmly denied plans to close the Thai-Cambodia border and rejected claims of disagreement with the military, despite mounting nationalist pressure on social media criticizing the administration’s handling of territorial disputes.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai issued a statement Monday evening via social media, dismissing rumors of a Thai-Cambodia border closure and emphasizing unity between the government and military forces.
“I want to confirm that the military leadership and I have consulted several times and agree that in the current situation, both governments are trying to find ways to resolve the crisis, prioritizing the people’s interests and national sovereignty,” Phumtham stated.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai inspects army troops on October 24, 2024.
Economic Concerns Over Border Closure
The defense minister explained that both countries’ positions remain at levels that can reduce tensions, noting that border closures, while not direct military confrontation, would create economic problems affecting citizens’ livelihoods and complicate resolution efforts.
Social Media Criticism Mounts
Social media nationalism has intensified criticism of the government’s perceived passive response to Cambodia’s continued political maneuvering over disputed border areas, including threats to take the matter to international court. Critics have also suggested the administration’s restraint stems from close ties between the Shinawatra and Hun families.
Diplomatic Mechanisms Active
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, currently in Paris for OECD ministerial meetings, announced he has ordered the permanent secretary to convene relevant departments to formulate Thailand’s position, emphasizing peaceful negotiation over conflict escalation.
“Thailand has pushed Cambodia to hold JBC meetings as soon as possible. While Cambodia should host this session, Thailand is ready to organize it if Cambodia isn’t prepared, given the mechanism’s importance in reducing tensions,” Maris said.
Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa holds bilateral talks with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn during the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 24, 2025.
International Court Referral Possible
When asked about Cambodia’s potential referral of the dispute to the International Court of Justice, Maris confirmed this wouldn’t affect the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) process, stating both countries retain rights to pursue various bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
Thailand has already sent a protest letter to Cambodia, asserting that Thai actions follow international principles and demonstrate sovereignty rights over territorial integrity in accordance with international law.
Opposition Support for Military Stance
Opposition MP Viroj Lakkhanaadisorn, chairman of the House Military Affairs Committee, supported the actions of Lt. Gen. Boonsing Padklang, Second Army Area commander, describing his approach as appropriately firm while remaining open to peaceful negotiations to protect national sovereignty.
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.
NAKHON RATCHASIMA — A well-known wild elephant caused an unusual disturbance early Monday when he wandered into a local grocery store for an impromptu snacking session, leaving behind approximately 1,000 baht ($30) in damages.
Plai Biang Lek, a wild elephant frequently spotted around Khao Yai National Park who regularly ventures into nearby communities, surprised residents at around 3 p.m. when he walked directly into a neighborhood grocery store – something he had never attempted before despite being a familiar sight in the area.
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.
Ploy, the shop owner who was serving customers at the time, was startled and fled to safety before immediately contacting Khao Yai National Park officials for assistance. When park rangers arrived to help push the elephant out, Plai Biang had other plans – he turned back to search for food instead.
Despite officials and the shop owner shouting for him to leave, the determined elephant spent over 10 minutes leisurely using his trunk to sample merchandise. His choices proved particularly interesting: rather than seeking out the salty foods that elephants typically prefer when raiding human settlements, Plai Biang Lek opted for “Nang Led,” a sweet Thai crispy snack, and chicken eggs before casually exiting the store.
The elephant’s visit resulted in damage to shelving and merchandise worth approximately 1,000 baht. Park officials noted that while Plai Biang Lek has previously wandered through the village and once raided a porridge vendor’s stall, his behavior of entering an enclosed store and preferring sweet and protein-rich foods over typical salty snacks was highly unusual for wild elephants.
The incident highlights ongoing human-wildlife interactions in areas adjacent to Thailand’s national parks, where elephants occasionally venture into communities in search of food.
The male elephant, named Plai Biang Lek, ransacks sweet rice crackers at shop in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, Monday, June 2, 2025. (Kanokporn Sriboon via AP)
