CCTV shows a foreign customer paying for his drinks at Mount Wind Tree Cafe in Nakhon Ratchasima province's Pak Chong district on May 31, 2025.
NAKHON RATCHASIMA — Mount Wind Tree Cafe in Nakhon Ratchasima province’s Pak Chong district found itself in an unusual situation when two foreign cyclists made a significant payment error.
The customers, including Ben Jacobs, were supposed to pay 221.50 baht (approximately $6.50) for their drinks but mistakenly transferred 22,150 baht instead – exactly 100 times the correct amount, totaling over $650.
Rather than keeping the windfall, the honest cafe owners immediately recognized the error and took proactive steps to return the money. They posted on their Facebook page asking the foreign customers to come back and collect their overpaid funds, demonstrating remarkable integrity in an age where such mistakes could easily go unnoticed or unreported.
Mount Wind Tree Cafe in Nakhon Ratchasima
The story gained traction on social media, with local followers helping to track down the customers and spread awareness about the cafe’s honest actions. The community response was overwhelmingly positive, with many people praising the establishment’s ethical behavior.
In their follow-up Facebook post, the cafe confirmed they had successfully contacted the bank and completed the refund process to return the excess payment to Ben Jacobs. They expressed gratitude to their online community for the support and assistance in resolving the matter.
This heartwarming incident highlights both the honesty of local Thai business owners and the power of social media in connecting people and solving problems across cultural and language barriers.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pays a courtesy visit to Hun Sen, President of the Senate and President of the Privy Council of the Kingdom of Cambodia in Phnom Penh on April 23, 2025. (Government House)
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia’s government says it plans to seek a ruling from the U.N.’s International Court of Justice over border disputes with neighboring Thailand, one of which triggered a fatal military clash last week.
Cambodia’s National Assembly, where Prime Minister Hun Manet’s ruling Cambodian People’s Party holds all but a handful of seats, voted on Monday to support the government’s decision.
A 1962 ruling by the same court, awarding to Cambodia the disputed territory on which a historic temple is located, rankled Thailand and to this day remains a major irritant in bilateral relations.
Thai officials did not immediately respond to Cambodia’s intention to seek a ruling from the court, which is located in The Hague in the Netherlands and also known as the World Court.
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said Sunday that Thailand’s actions at the border were proportionate and in line with domestic and international law. He said the situation at the border remained calm, and that both sides agreed to find solutions to ease the tension as soon as possible.
The brief May 28 clash near Morokot village, in Cambodia’s northwestern province of Preah Vihear, in which one Cambodian soldier was killed, began when Cambodian troops were conducting a routine patrol along the border when the Thai side opened fire, the Cambodian side says.
FILE – In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, center, accompanied by Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet, right, arrives for a meeting at Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 23, 2025. (AKP via AP)
The Thai army says that Cambodian soldiers entered a disputed patch of land and opened fire when Thai soldiers approached them to negotiate.
Hun Manet in social media posts on Sunday declared that his government will ask the court to rule on the demarcation of several disputed areas, including where the centuries-old Hindu-style Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Toch and Ta Kro Bei temples are located.
In February, Cambodian troops and their family members entered the Ta Moan Thom temple in disputed territory and sang the Cambodian national anthem, leading to a brief argument with Thai forces.
After last week’s flare-up, both sides quickly called for calm and talks to ease their differences, while reserving the right to use military action to safeguard their sovereignty. On Thursday, the two countries’ army commanders met to discuss how to avoid more clashes.
Thai Royal Thai Army, Cambodian Chief of Army Mao Sophan, left, meets with Thailand Chief of Army Gen. Pana Claewplodtook, right, at a border checkpoint in Surin province, Thailand, May 29, 2025. (Thai Royal Thai Army via AP, file)
On Monday, Hun Manet called for the two countries to have their Joint Border Commission continue the work of border demarcation, as well as having the World Court take up the issue.
Hun Manet’s announced intention to appeal to the World Court may touch a raw nerve in Thailand, because the 1962 ruling awarding the major Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia is a touchstone issue for Thai nationalists. and wielded in domestic politics.
Last year, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinatwatra’s government was attacked on nationalist grounds for proposing to resume talks with Cambodia on demarcation of maritime territory believed to hold profitable hydrocarbon resources.
In 2008, there were several deadly clashes between Cambodia and Thai forces at the Preah Vihear promontory, an area on which sits a 1,000-year-old temple that was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that same year. In 2013, the World Court reaffirmed its 1962 ruling.
Hun Manet, speaking Monday to Cambodia lawmakers, said his government would take the cases of the other disputed areas to the World Court to determine ownership even if Thailand did not join in the appeal, in order “to end this problem and extinguish it once and for all so that there is no further confusion.”
“In particular, let’s not fall for the incitement of a handful of extremist groups in Cambodia and Thailand, and let’s not fall into the problem of confrontation by armed forces of the two countries,” he said.
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Associated Press writer Jintamas Saksornchai in Bangkok contributed to this report.
Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) is making headlines at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2025 with the launch of its Asian Series’ Red Curry Spring Rolls, a plant-based innovation from the MEAT ZERO brand. The product claimed the Best of Texture award at the Alternative Protein Taste & Flavour Challenge, earning over 200 votes from event attendees who praised its rich flavor and meat-like texture.
The Red Curry Spring Rolls stand out for their authentic Thai flavor, wrapped in a golden, crispy thin shell filled with plant-based protein infused with bold red curry, aromatic herbs, and spices. The result is a delicious, health-conscious experience—completely free from animal products.
Beyond the competition, this award-winning menu is being adapted for international markets under CP Foods’ Kitchen Joy brand. The product is slated for rollout in Tesco UK by mid-2025, catering to consumers seeking ready-to-eat meals that are both flavorful and environmentally friendly.
MEAT ZERO continues to gain traction globally, particularly in Scandinavian markets. This reflects CP Foods’ strong capabilities in driving the plant-based movement forward and positioning itself as a global leader in sustainable, innovative food solutions.
Bangkok, April 29, 2025 – ROCTEC Global Public Company Limited (ROCTEC) announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, reporting total operating revenue of THB 3,093mn, an 18.7% increase year-on-year. Net profit reached THB 340mn, representing robust growth of 46.2% compared to the prior year. These results reflect ROCTEC’s continued progress in its strategic transformation into a fully integrated ICT Solutions provider. The strong performance was driven by the expansion of projects across both public and private sectors, coupled with effective cost management, which together supported the company’s sustained business growth.
Mr. Weng Sam Lam, CEO of ROCTEC, stated:
“This year’s performance reflects the successful execution of our strategic transformation into a fully integrated ICT service provider, supported by strong growth across both public and private sector projects. We remain committed to leveraging our capabilities to capture new opportunities and drive sustainable growth.”
In April 2025, ROCTEC achieved a major milestone by securing its first government project in Thailand, the State Railway of Thailand’s telecommunications infrastructure project, through a joint venture with partners. With a total contract value of nearly THB 1,500mn, the project marks a significant step in expanding the company’s role in Thailand’s critical communications infrastructure, providing the foundational backbone for the railway network and enabling future advancements in smart transportation and real-time data integration. As the agreement was signed after the close of FY2024/25, revenue contribution will begin in the next fiscal year, further strengthening the company’s growth trajectory and reinforcing long-term revenue visibility. This successful award also underscores ROCTEC’s ability to leverage its extensive experience from the Hong Kong market to expand into Thailand’s rapidly developing digital infrastructure sector.
In addition, ROCTEC continues to actively rebalance its business portfolio. On May 30, 2025, the company’s Board of Directors approved revised terms for the share divestment in Hello Bangkok LED Co., Ltd. (Hello LED) to Plan B Media Public Company Limited (PlanB). While the total transaction value remains unchanged at THB 2,000mn, as previously approved by shareholders, the revised terms include a non-refundable deposit of THB 240mn and an extension of the transaction timeline to August 2027. The adjustments are subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting scheduled for July 24, 2025. This revision reflects prudent risk management in response to ongoing economic volatility while reaffirming ROCTEC’s long-term commitment to focused growth in the ICT sector.
ROCTEC maintains a solid financial position, with no outstanding debt and cash and cash equivalents of THB 1,838mn as of fiscal year-end. In addition, the company holds a backlog equivalent to nearly half of projected revenue for FY2025/26, providing clear visibility into future earnings and supporting its medium-term growth outlook. For FY2025/26, ROCTEC targets double-digit revenue growth, with a focus on enhancing service capabilities through continued investment in in-house R&D and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to develop smart city solutions. Despite ongoing global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, ROCTEC remains confident that its key markets in Thailand and Hong Kong are relatively less exposed to such risks compared to other regions. The company remains committed to delivering sustainable growth and long-term value for its shareholders.
Bangkok, Thailand – The atmosphere was filled with joy and laughter as Thai actor Nonkul – Chanon Santinatornkul, the brand ambassador of Rise Buddy Rice Chippies, made a special appearance at the Meet & Greet event organized by Wide Faith Food Co., Ltd. during THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2025, held at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.
In the event, Nonkul spent quality time interacting closely with fans—chatting, taking photos, playing games, and handing out delicious samples of Rise Buddy Rice Chippies, the brand’s signature oven-baked Thai rice snacks. The event created a truly warm and memorable experience for attendees.
“I’m truly happy to connect with fans in such a close and fun environment, A big thank you to Wide Faith Food for organizing such a fun and meaningful activity. For anyone who loves snacking but wants to stay healthy, I really recommend Rise Buddy Rice Chippies. They’re baked, not fried, free from trans-fat, low in calories, gluten-free, MSG-free, and Halal-certified. They’re the perfect choice for today’s health-conscious generation. If you haven’t tried them yet, now’s the time” Nonkul said.
Rise Buddy Rice Chippies are now available in six delicious flavors: Sriracha, Chili & Lime, BBQ, Sour Cream & Onion, Sea Salt, and Cheese, in 50-gram packages priced at 29 baht. It is available at Tops Supermarket, Tops Food Hall, Foodland, Gourmet Market (The Mall), Turtle shop at BTS station as well as online platforms such as Lazada, Shopee, TikTok Shop, and the Yummy Truck roadshow, delivering crispy delights nationwide.
The event not only brought smiles and excitement to fans but also reinforced the image of Rise Buddy Rice Chippies as a snack that offers both great taste and a healthy lifestyle. With its focus on wellness, the brand continues to resonate strongly with modern consumers who seek better-for-you options.
Police arrest Chinese suspects in connection with a shooting incident involving Chinese nationals in Huai Yai District, Chonburi Province, on May 31, 2025.
CHONBURI — Police have arrested seven suspects in connection with a shooting incident involving Chinese nationals in Huai Yai District, Chonburi Province, after an expanded investigation revealed drug trafficking links among the group.
Police Lieutenant General Yingyot Thepchamnong, Commander of Provincial Police Region 2, praised Huai Yai Police Station on June 2nd for their swift work in solving the Chinese national shooting case and seizing large quantities of narcotics. Seven suspects have been arrested: six Chinese nationals and one Thai woman.
The Incident
On Saturday, Mr. Qiyang, a 26-year-old Chinese man, got into an argument with another Chinese man named Mr. Zhijie at a residence. Mr. Jubin then shot Qiyang in the right knee with a 9mm pistol, causing him to bleed and preventing his escape from the house. Jubin, Zhijie, and a Chinese woman named Junhan then dragged the injured Qiyang inside the house and attempted to wash blood stains from the driveway to destroy evidence.
Police Lieutenant General Yingyot Thepchamnong, Commander of Provincial Police Region 2, inspects illegal items including drugs, vaping devices, and firearms seized by Huai Yai Police Station during an expanded investigation into the Chinese national shooting case on June 1, 2025.Police discover another firearm hidden under a bed at the Chinese suspect’s residence in Huai Yai District, Chonburi Province, on June 1, 2025.
During the incident, Zhijie took a bag containing hidden drugs and vaping equipment, fled in a Mercedes-Benz, and disposed of the gun in a pond. However, officers tracked him down and recovered the weapon. A search of his vehicle revealed 225.84 grams of methamphetamine, 165.83 grams of ketamine, 711 methamphetamine pills, 1,572 pieces of vaping equipment, and five firearms.
Extended Investigation
Besides Jubin, Zhijie, and Junhan who were initially detained, officers have arrested two additional Chinese men and one Thai woman. The injured victim Qiyang has not provided any statement, while shooter Jubin claims Qiyang owed him 500,000 baht ($15,210) and was attempting to borrow more money before allegedly attacking him, forcing him to shoot in self-defense.
Police remain skeptical of this account. Based on the drug evidence, investigators suspect the shooting stemmed from a dispute over illegal business interests. All seven suspects face various charges, with Jubin charged with attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and possession of Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine and ice) and ketamine. Other suspects face charges including overstaying visas and illegal entry into the kingdom.
Police have arrested seven suspects in connection with a shooting incident involving Chinese nationals in Huai Yai District, Chonburi Province. (One suspect not pictured.)
BANGKOK — Chartsiri Sophonpanich, President of Bangkok Bank, delivered a stark message at the elite+ Magazine 11th Anniversary Dinner, emphasizing that Thais cannot afford complacency as the nation grapples with an aging society, the middle-income trap, and four major disruptors.
Speaking to an audience of local business leaders and ambassadors, Chartsiri acknowledged, “We have to face it. Thailand’s economy is not doing well.”
ASEAN’s potential and Four Disruptors
Despite the domestic challenges, Chartsiri highlighted a positive outlook for ASEAN, noting its increasing attractiveness as an investment destination and the bloc’s trajectory to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2030.
However, he then outlined four critical disruptors that warrant serious consideration:
Climate Change: Emphasizing its defining role in the future.
Technology and Innovation: Particularly the impact of digitization and generative AI.
Conflicts, Geopolitics, and Geoeconomics: Highlighting increased global instability and unpredictability, including the influence of figures like US President Donald Trump on rules-based societies.
Supply Chain Relocation and Deglobalization: Citing China’s overcapacity in various production areas as a factor.
Chartsiri stressed that “We are living in a time of great disruptors,” making future predictions increasingly difficult. He urged Thais to cultivate resilience and robustness in the face of these challenges, acknowledging that “Digitization has transformed the way we live and work. More disruptions will be coming with generative AI.”
Thailand’s Role and Recommendations
Despite the headwinds, Chartsiri expressed optimism that Thailand can serve as a crucial facilitator of trade and culture, not only within ASEAN but globally.
Revisiting the four disruptors, he reiterated that the response to climate change will shape the future. Regarding new technology, he advised working smartly to leverage these changes. On supply chain shifts, he pointed to China’s production overcapacity.
Chartsiri concluded his speech with five key recommendations for navigating these turbulent times:
Accept that change is the only constant. Hoping that things will stay the same will not work.
Be adaptable. Knowing and seeing change will not help unless you are willing to cange yourself.
Learn lessons from the past. Perhaps the clearest indicator that you are at risk is when you think or say, “well, this cannot happen here or to us.”
Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attends the annual Pride Parade to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s Pride Month in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, June 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand started its annual celebration Sunday for the LGBTQ+ community’s Pride Month, with its Pride Parade, the first to be held after Thailand legalized same-sex marriage earlier this year.
Participants marched with rainbow flags for hours in Bangkok. Pride Month celebrations have been endorsed by politicians including Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was attending the parade this year.
The enactment of the Marriage Equality Act makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia and the third place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.
Participants hold a rainbow flag during the annual Pride Parade to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s Pride Month in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, June 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)Participants take part in the annual Pride Parade to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s Pride Month in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, June 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)Participants take part in the annual Pride Parade to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s Pride Month in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, June 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)Participants hold a rainbow flag during the annual Pride Parade to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s Pride Month in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, June 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)A participant takes part in the annual Pride Parade to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s Pride Month in Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, June 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
CCTV footage shows two foreign suspects coordinating to pickpocket the Chinese tourist at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
BANGKOK — A pair of Algerian pickpockets who frequently targeted victims at Suvarnabhumi Airport and crowded areas throughout Bangkok have finally been apprehended. The Chinese tourist who filed the complaint expressed great satisfaction with the arrest.
The case began when Tourist Police received a report through the Thailand Tourist Police Application from Mr. Yang, a Chinese tourist, stating he had been pickpocketed at the Passenger Terminal Building 1, Gate 4. Yang reported that while waiting for transportation at Gate 4, he noticed two men following him and his friend before discovering his bag had been opened and items were missing.
CCTV Reveals Coordinated Crime
Tourist Police investigators at Suvarnabhumi Airport reviewed security footage and identified two foreign male suspects working in coordination. The perpetrators had arrived at the airport via the Airport Rail Link and followed the victim to the taxi waiting area. When the victim stood up to look for a taxi, both suspects seized the moment of distraction – one searched through the victim’s bag while the other acted as a lookout to block the victim’s view. After obtaining the stolen items, they quickly fled the scene.
Through investigation, police identified the duo as Algerian nationals: Mr. Omer, 59, and Mr. Ahmed, 58. The pair operated with a clear division of roles, targeting crowded locations such as BTS stations and airports. Their modus operandi involved following victims, with one performing the theft while the other provided cover.
After obtaining victims’ belongings or credit cards, the suspects would go on shopping sprees at various department stores, purchasing expensive branded merchandise. They then took their stolen goods to their residence in the Ramkhamhaeng area of Bangkok.
Once Tourist Police had gathered sufficient evidence, they coordinated with Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station to request arrest warrants from Samut Prakan Provincial Court, where the airport is located.
Tourist Police arrest one of two Algerian suspects (shown here) at their residence in the Ramkhamhaeng area of Bangkok on June 1, 2025.Tourist Police arrest the second Algerian suspect at their residence in the Ramkhamhaeng area of Bangkok on June 1, 2025.
Arrest and Recovery
On June 1st, police raided their Ramkhamhaeng residence, arresting both suspects and seizing clothing worn during the crime, 40,000 baht in cash, and various branded merchandise.
Both suspects have been charged with conspiracy to commit theft at an airport and unauthorized use of another person’s electronic card in a manner likely to cause damage to others. They have been transferred to Suvarnabhumi Police Station for prosecution.
Tourist Police notified the Chinese tourist Mr. Yang of the arrests via WeChat. Yang responded with messages expressing his deep gratitude for the Tourist Police’s work and confirmed he will definitely return to Thailand for tourism while personally reclaiming his stolen property.
BANGKOK — Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) has become Thailand’s first convention center to introduce real-time carbon footprint tracking for MICE events, marking a significant sustainability milestone for the industry.
The innovative dashboard, developed by AltoTech Global through TCEB’s Winnovation program, will debut at two major July events: Asia Sustainable Energy Week 2025 and the International Engineering Expo 2025. The platform monitors greenhouse gas emissions from energy usage, food consumption, packaging, and participant travel in real-time.
“This marks a significant milestone in establishing a strong foundation for truly sustainable events,” said QSNCC CEO Surapol Utintu. The center already follows ISO 14064-1 and Carbon Footprint for Organization standards, with this dashboard representing the next step toward systematic event-specific carbon assessments.
Surapol Utintu, Chief Executive Officer of N.C.C. Management and Development Co., Ltd. the operator of QSNCC
TCEB’s Executive Advisor Jaruwan Suwannasat praised the initiative as “game-changing” for Thailand’s MICE industry, providing quantifiable sustainability results that give the sector a competitive global advantage.
Event organizers can use the real-time data to understand environmental impact instantly and develop effective carbon reduction or offset strategies. The transparent tracking system enables both organizers and attendees to clearly see how their activities affect the environment, creating greater awareness and accountability in event planning.
The timing of this launch coincides with World Environment Day celebrations, emphasizing QSNCC’s commitment to environmental leadership. By implementing this technology, the convention center aims to establish new benchmarks for sustainable events and elevate Thailand’s MICE industry to international standards.
Sanchai Noombunnam, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Thailand and organizer of Asia Sustainable Energy Week 2025, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. “Having access to real-time carbon footprint data helps us better understand sustainable event practices and opens structured pathways for reducing emissions,” he said. The initiative aligns with this year’s theme: “Empowering Digital Transformation in Sustainable Energy Towards Net Zero.”
The figures displayed in the sample dashboard are for promotional use only and do not reflect actual data.
The dashboard represents a broader trend toward digitalization and sustainability in the events industry. As environmental concerns continue to drive business decisions globally, real-time monitoring tools like this could become standard practice for major venues seeking to attract environmentally conscious clients and events.
Looking ahead, QSNCC plans to integrate the service into its Loyalty Program, allowing members to redeem points for dashboard access to further promote eco-conscious event planning. This strategic move positions Thailand’s MICE sector with a unique value proposition in an increasingly competitive global market.
