(April 18, 2025) — Deputy Governor champions “slow down – helmet on” campaign and city-wide review of accident blackspots.
Bangkok witnessed a decrease in road accidents during the Songkran festival this year, prompting the Deputy Governor, Assoc. Prof. Tavida Kamolvej, to push forward with the “don’t speed – wear a helmet” road safety campaign.
She also announced a review of accident-prone areas across the city to improve road safety throughout the year.
Speaking at a meeting of the Road Accident Prevention and Reduction Centre, convened to assess safety measures during the Songkran period (April 11-17, 2025), Deputy Governor Tavida highlighted that tourist numbers celebrating in Bangkok were down compared to last year, with just over three million recorded via CCTV and checkpoints, against over five million in 2024.
Encouragingly, the average number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities also saw a significant drop, aligning with the national trend.
Of the 19 deaths recorded in the capital, ten involved motorcyclists, with six of those not wearing helmets. Worryingly, the number of fatalities at the scene of accidents was higher than those in hospital, suggesting that excessive speed was a major contributing factor in the severity of incidents.
There were no reports of accidents caused by slippery road surfaces, indicating that driver behaviour is likely the primary concern. Furthermore, Bangkok authorities are to examine frequently used pedestrian crossing points that are not designated zebra crossings to determine if improvements are necessary.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, thanked all personnel involved in the intensive efforts to ensure public road safety during the seven-day festival period.
While the focused Songkran safety operation has concluded, he urged all regions and departments to maintain their commitment to road safety. This includes analysing lessons learned from the Songkran period, examining data thoroughly, and developing strategies and measures tailored to local conditions.
He stressed the importance of integrated work to proactively reduce risks related to drivers, vehicles, roads, and the environment. Key areas for focus include advising, warning, and deterring high-risk behaviours, particularly speeding and not wearing safety gear, alongside consistent and strict enforcement of traffic laws throughout the year. Special attention will be given to motorcyclists, who are disproportionately involved in accidents. Public awareness campaigns promoting safe road use will also continue to foster a lasting road safety culture in Thai society.
Data for the seven-day Songkran period (April 11-17,2025) in Bangkok revealed a total of 20 accidents, with six people injured and 19 fatalities (16 men and three women).
(April 17, 2025) – Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, welcomed Prof. Shinichi Kuriyama, Director of the International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS) at Tohoku University, along with Senator Ratchaneekorn Thongthip and their team, for a discussion on Thursday.
The meeting addressed the impact of the recent earthquake in Thailand and explored the use of data in assessing structural damage to buildings. Discussions also focused on collaborative strategies to enhance preparedness and response to natural disasters.
The session, held at the Nopparat Room in Bangkok City Hall (Sao Chingcha), was attended by executives from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and other relevant officials.
Tohoku University’s IRIDeS was founded in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck eastern Japan in 2011.
Since its establishment, the institute has become a hub of expertise, committed to advancing disaster science and supporting recovery and reconstruction efforts in affected areas. It aims to position itself as a global leader in disaster research and resilience planning.
(April 16, 2025)— Water War Ends, Over 725,000 Thai and Foreign Tourists Throng Khao San and Silom; Bangkok Prepares Area Restoration and Lessons Learned for Next Year.
Mr.Narong Ruangsri, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), in his capacity as the daily incident commander, chaired the meeting of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Incident Command Center during the Songkran Festival B.E. 2568 (Songkran EOC 2025) to monitor the situation during the festival in Bangkok at the Suthat Room, Bangkok City Hall (Sao Chingcha), Phra Nakhon District.
On this occasion, Deputy Permanent Secretary Narong thanked all agencies for their cooperation in monitoring problems and resolving public grievances during the Songkran Festival of 2025 in various areas throughout Bangkok.
This was to ensure the event was orderly, and that the public and tourists were safe. He also followed up on the progress of various operations according to the instructions given before, during, and after the Songkran Festival.
Furthermore, he asked all agencies to prepare for the orderly return of the areas, especially the 17 key areas where events were held, and to continue monitoring the smooth running of Songkran events today (April 16th) in some areas where celebrations are still ongoing, such as Icon Siam, RCA, and Siam Paragon.
In addition, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for the BMA requested that lessons learned from this year’s Songkran event be documented, including problems and obstacles encountered, solutions implemented, and various suggestions.
This is to ensure that management is more aligned and efficient in the coming year. He also instructed the EOC to establish a framework for operations in various aspects to be forwarded to all district offices for their review, such as traffic, sanitation of canal water, noise pollution, etc., to serve as guidelines for better situation management in the following year.
For the number of Songkran participants in the Silom Road area from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM over three days (April 12th – 14th, 2025), the total was 265,667 people. In the Khao San Road area from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM (midnight) over four days (April 12th – 15th, 2025), the total was 459,737 people. The total number of participants in both areas was 725,404 people.
Regarding accident statistics during the Songkran Festival 2025, between April 11th and 15th, 2025, there were a total of 16 accidents, with a cumulative total of 4 injuries and 15 deaths (13 males and 2 females).
Foreigners, accused of operating a business without a permit, are summoned at Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, May 31, 2024. Thai police have broken up a large network that illegally helped foreigners, mostly Russians, to stay in Thailand long-term through the use of company nominees or shell companies, officials said Friday. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
BANGKOK — While Thai authorities are currently investigating nominal structures involving foreign nationals, notably in the case of a State Audit Office building that collapsed after an earthquake, using the Foreign Business Act 1999 as a legal basis, the cabinet has now approved a proposal to amend the same law to reduce what it considers excessive protectionism of domestic companies.
Foreign Business Act 1999
Cabinet Approval
The Cabinet meeting on April 22, 2025, approved in principle a proposal by the Department of Trade to urgently amend the Foreign Business Act 1999. The aim is to remove barriers to employment, promote economic development, strengthen trade and investment and improve national competitiveness, as proposed by the State Council Office.
The Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Labor, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and the Board of Investment (BOI) have reviewed the proposal and expressed either support or no objection.
Outdated Protectionism
The Law Reform Committee found that the current law which has been in force for almost 25 years emphasizes the protection of domestic companies to an extent that is no longer in line with current economic conditions and technological developments. The amendment aims to strengthen the competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs, promote economic growth and reduce bureaucratic obstacles.
The government also argues that excessive protection hinders the growth of future industries, especially innovative and technology-oriented sectors, which could contribute significantly to GDP growth, employment and tax revenue.
Startup Challenge
One important example is start-ups, which often focus on high-tech innovations and are financed by both Thai and foreign investors. As funding increases, the proportion of Thai ownership often decreases, so the startups run the risk of being classified as foreign under current regulations, leading to legal restrictions.
The current law sets caps on foreign ownership and specifies restricted business categories for foreigners, conditions that are seen as barriers to the expansion of startups and the country’s overall economic progress.
The Ministry of Finance emphasized that any change should take into account the nature of the business, the investment ratio and the maturity of each sector to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, especially those relating to foreign operations.
Start-ups often focus on high-tech innovations and are financed by both Thai and foreign investors.
Labor Law Violations
Meanwhile, as part of the ongoing nomination investigation led by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), Chinese nationals allegedly linked to China Railway have been arrested. Questions have been raised about the legitimacy of engineers who were supervising construction sites in Thailand on student visas.
Somchai Morakotsriwan, director-general of the Department of Employment at the Ministry of Labor, said that such actions, if proven true, would violate Thai labor law, not immigration law, since the foreign students had valid visas, but laws regulating the employment of foreigners.
“There are still such cases in Thailand,” Somchai said. “Our department has teams actively investigating and responding to public reports of illegal foreign labor. We will take legal action against anyone who is working illegally.”
Construction supervisors of the State Audit Office building holding a sign written in Thai and Chinese that reads: ‘Celebration ceremony for the completion of structural work, Construction Project of the (New) Office of the Auditor General,’ CREC, April 3, 2024.
Student Visa Abuse Concerns
Meanwhile, Supamas Israphakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), has assigned Ms. Suchada Sang Thansap, Secretary to the Minister of MHESI, to represent the ministry in discussions with Immigration Bureau officials on April 23 regarding concerns that foreign students are using student visas as a channel to enter Thailand for illegal work.
They discussed to integrate information between the MHESI and the Immigration Bureau to systematically monitor the status and behavior of foreign students. If any educational institution is found to be complicit or negligent in allowing the misuse of student status, strict legal action will be taken according to relevant laws and regulations to prevent Thailand from being used as a channel for illegal work entry.
The MHESI will expedite the creation of a central database of foreign students in Thailand to facilitate verification with relevant agencies, and is preparing to review policies and measures for accepting foreign students to make them more stringent in the future.
FILE - The Voice of America building, Monday, June 15, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge agreed Tuesday to block the Trump administration from dismantling Voice of America, the 83-year-old international news service created by Congress.
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ruled that the administration illegally required Voice of America to cease operations for the first time since its World War II-era inception.
Attorneys for Voice of America employees and contractors asked the judge to restore its ability to broadcast at the same level before President Donald Trump moved to slash its funding. Lamberth mostly agreed, ordering the administration to restore Voice of America and two of the independent broadcast networks operated by the U.S. Agency for Global Media — Radio Free Asia and Middle East Broadcasting Networks — until the lawsuits are settled.
The judge denied the request for two other independent networks, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Open Technology Fund.
In a March 26 court filing, plaintiffs’ attorneys said nearly all 1,300 of Voice of America’s employees were placed on administrative leave, while 500 contractors were told that their contracts would be terminated at the end of last month.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media, which runs Voice of America, has operated other broadcast outlets, including Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia and Radio Free Afghanistan. Congress has appropriated nearly $860 million for the Agency for Global Media for the current fiscal year.
Voice of America has operated since World War II, beaming news into authoritarian countries that don’t have a free press. It began as a counterpoint to Nazi propaganda and played a prominent role in the U.S. government’s Cold War efforts to curb the spread of communism.
Trump and his Republican allies have accused Voice of America of having a “leftist bias” and failing to project “pro-American” values to its audience.
Plaintiffs’ attorneys say it reports and broadcasts the news “truthfully, impartially, and objectively.”
“That simple mission is a powerful one for those living across the globe without access to a free press and without the ability to otherwise discern what is truly happening,” they wrote.
Government attorneys argued that the plaintiffs failed to show how they have been irreparably harmed.
“Rather, Plaintiffs take aim at what is best described as a temporary pause on its activities while Global Media determines how to bring Voice of America into compliance with the President’s directive,” they wrote.
The Agency for Global Media’s leadership includes special adviser Kari Lake, a former TV news anchor and political candidate.
In his written ruling, Lamberth noted that the U.S. Agency for Global Media never finalized its grant agreement with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty for the current fiscal year, and the Open Technology Fund withdrew its legal request for a temporary restraining order earlier this year.
Radio Free Asia and Middle East Broadcasting Networks do have current grant agreements in place, and like Voice of America, are funded by Congressional appropriations.
Lamberth said the funding cuts “reflect a hasty, indiscriminate approach” — particularly since they were made the same day that President Trump signed the congressional appropriation that funded Voice of America and the networks through September of this year.
Not only is there an absence of “reasoned analysis” from the defendants; there is an absence of any analysis whatsoever,” Lamberth said.
The labor union that represents workers at the U.S. Agency for Global Media called the ruling a “powerful affirmation of the role that independent journalism plays in advancing democracy and countering disinformation.”
“These networks are essential tools of American soft power — trusted sources of truth in places where it is often scarce,” said Tom Yazdgerdi, president of the American Foreign Service Association, in a press release Tuesday. “By upholding editorial independence, the court has protected the credibility of USAGM journalists and the global mission they serve.”
In today’s competitive digital landscape, having a smart social media strategy is essential—especially for small businesses in Thailand. With over 58 million Thais using social platforms daily, these 2025 social media hacks are designed to help small business owners increase engagement, drive traffic, and convert followers into customers.
1. Short-Form Video with Thai Culture Hooks
Short-form video remains the king of content, but the key to success in Thailand is local relevance. Videos that reflect Thai trends, humor, or festivals get far more shares and saves.
Tip: Align your content with local themes like Songkran, Loy Krathong, or Thai zodiac signs. A beauty brand might post, “ลุคสงกรานต์แบบไหนที่ใช่คุณ?” (Which Songkran look suits you best?).
2. Write Captions and Alt Text in Thai
Search engines in 2025 increasingly rank content based on local language relevance. If your audience is Thai, your captions, hashtags, and even image alt texts should be in Thai.
Tip: Include searchable Thai phrases like “ของเด็ดภูเก็ต,” “แนะนำร้านอร่อย,” or “ไอเดียแฟชั่นประหยัด.”
3. Use AI Tools, But Localize the Tone
AI can generate Thai captions instantly—but raw outputs can sound robotic. Customers want to feel a human connection.
Tip: Use AI-generated captions as a base, then localize the tone using casual Thai expressions like “นะคะ,” “จ้า,” or “เด้อ” depending on your brand personality.
4. Integrate LINE Official Account into Your Funnel
While Instagram and Facebook create awareness, LINE is where Thai customers convert. It’s the preferred platform for chatting, checking orders, and getting promotions.
Tip: Set up automated replies in Thai to guide users from Instagram DMs to your LINE account. Pair with a welcome message offering a discount to encourage conversions.
5. Encourage Engagement Through Story Polls
Meta’s algorithm in 2025 favors interactivity. One of the easiest ways to boost engagement is by using polls in Instagram and Facebook Stories.
Tip: Ask relatable questions like,
“เสาร์นี้ไปทะเลหรือขึ้นเขาดี?”
“ถ้ามีงบ 500 บาทจะซื้อเสื้อผ้าหรือเครื่องสำอาง?”
If you’re looking for quick ways to increase visibility and reach, tools like Pump Like have become popular among Thai SMEs for boosting likes and post interaction in a more automated way—just make sure it aligns with your brand’s authenticity.
6. Post When Thais Are Online
Thai users scroll mostly during two peak times: lunchtime (12:00–13:30) and before bedtime (20:00–22:00).
Tip: Use tools like Meta Business Suite or Buffer to schedule posts in advance based on Thailand’s GMT+7 timezone.
7. Work with Local Micro-Influencers
Nano and micro-influencers in regional cities often have stronger engagement than major accounts, especially for niche or location-based businesses.
Tip: Collaborate with creators who post in Thai and are active in groups like “รีวิวร้านอาหารระยอง” or “สายกินภาคใต้.”
8. Join Local Facebook Communities
Engagement doesn’t have to come only from your Page. Facebook groups are powerful spaces for seeding organic content.
Tip: Join groups relevant to your niche, such as “แม่ค้าออนไลน์,” “ของดีชุมพร,” or “นักช้อปภูเก็ต.” Share valuable advice and mention your brand only where relevant.
9. Reuse One Idea Across Multiple Platforms
A single content idea can be repurposed for Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LINE — if formatted properly.
Tip:
Use vertical format for Reels and TikTok.
Use subtitles for Facebook.
Post a still from your video on LINE timeline with a CTA.
10. Track What Works with Thai-Friendly Analytics
Using insights to understand what performs best is crucial. In 2025, tools like ZORT, Page365, and MyShop by LINE offer dashboards in Thai that simplify your tracking process.
Tip: Focus on posts that lead to LINE clicks or direct messages, and then double down on that content style or topic.
Final Thoughts
Social media success in 2025 isn’t about chasing every trend. It’s about understanding your Thai audience, using localized content, and applying small but powerful hacks consistently. Thai small businesses that embrace these tools and tactics will thrive—not just survive—online.
Promoting access to renewable energy and knowledge to build a strong foundation for sustainable community development
Bangkok, April 22, 2025 – CKPower Public Company Limited (SET: CKP), one of the region’s largest producers of electricity from renewables with one of the lowest carbon footprints, is continuing its Hinghoi Project into the 8th consecutive year under the concept “Lighting the Path of Learning toward Sustainability.” This year, the project focused on delivering an energy-efficient library building and promoting knowledge of renewable energy, along with efforts to conserve, protect, and restore natural resources and the environment. The initiative benefited students at the Ban Mae Mu Nai Border Patrol Police Learning Centre under CKPower’s Patronage in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai.
Mr. Thanawat Trivisvavet, Managing Director of CKPower, stated, Under our 5-year CSR Strategy Framework (2022-2026), we have been actively leveraging our personnel’s expertise — particularly in renewable energy engineering—to support community, social, environmental, and economic development through the Hinghoi Project, which was first launched in 2016. Driven by our commitment to applying renewable energy and engineering know-how, the project—now in its 8th year—continues to enhance access to clean energy in communities and foster a spirit of volunteerism among our employees. Our goal is to empower local communities, especially those near our power plants and in remote areas, by transferring knowledge about the conservation, protection, and restoration of natural resources and the environment. These efforts align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr. Thanawat added, For the 8th year of the Hinghoi Project, CKPower has delivered a new energy-efficient library building designed to maximize natural light and ventilation, thereby reducing electricity consumption. With the support of over 250 CKPower Group volunteers, we consolidated efforts to improve the surrounding area, making it more functional and conducive to learning. In addition, we shared knowledge about renewable energy through educational materials and adapted the old library building to be used for lessons specifically designed for 5th and 6th grade students. Since 2018, the Company has constructed school buildings and housing for students and teachers, while consistently monitoring and supporting education through a variety of initiatives.
The accomplishments of the Hinghoi Project over the past eight years include increasing renewable energy access for communities by 100,330 watts, providing renewable energy education to 9,513 teacher leaders and youths, and educating 4,377 individuals on the conservation of natural resources and the environment. These achievements have been made possible through the CSR Strategy Framework (2022-2026), which integrates social, environmental, and economic dimensions: 1) Hinghoi: Renewable Electricity for Better Quality of Life which focuses on improving access to renewable energy and clean energy knowledge for communities and society 2) Hinghoi: Preserving and Restoring Natural Resources which aims to raise awareness and expand conservation areas for forest protection and ecological restoration; 3) Hinghoi: Co-creating Innovations to Enhance Opportunities for Communities which focuses on fostering innovation for career development through the One Power Plant One Product (OPOP) initiative, emphasizing economic development, job creation, and value addition to local products in communities surrounding the power plants.
CKPower will continue the Hinghoi Project in accordance with the CSR Strategy Framework, striving to achieve our 2026 goals through collaboration with our employees at all levels, communities, and network partners in both Thailand and the Lao PDR. We will focus our efforts on improving access to renewable energy and establishing a renewable energy fund to enable collaborative, long-term stewardship. At the same time, we aim to strengthen our network of teachers and youth leaders in renewable energy, enhancing quality of life and creating widespread, positive impact, concluded Mr. Thanawat.
Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Senior Inspector General, participates in an expert panel on scam centers and cybercrime in the Mekong region organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand in Bangkok on April 21, 2025.
BANGKOK — As Thailand launches an aggressive crackdown on transnational scam networks through the newly established Task Force 88, United Nations officials warn that criminal organizations are rapidly evolving their tactics.
Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Senior Inspector General, Director of the Police Cyber Taskforce, Anti-Human Trafficking Centre and the Director of Task Force 88, has launched a coordinated effort to combat technology crime syndicates, setting a three-month deadline for visible results.
The first meeting of Task Force 88, a special operations center focusing on technology crimes and human trafficking in border areas, brought together representatives from 32 agencies including all police units, at Royal Thai Police Headquarters on April 21.
Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Senior Inspector General, chairs the first meeting of Task Force 88, a special operations center, at Royal Thai Police Headquarters on April 21, 2025.
“Demolishing the Criminal Bridge” Strategy
Pol. Gen. Thatchai clarified actions for addressing call center gangs by strictly implementing the “Demolishing the criminal bridge” strategy through three key measures:
Communications disruption: Removing illegal signal towers, cracking down on ghost SIMs, and tracking call centers through IP addresses
Financial chokepoints: Monitoring suspicious bank accounts, border ATM withdrawals, and cryptocurrency transactions
Border security: Preventing unauthorized border crossings that facilitate scam operations in neighboring countries
No Leniency for Thai Participants
Recent operations along the Cambodian border resulted in 175 Thai nationals being arrested and returned to Thailand. Officials emphasized that these individuals were not human trafficking victims but active participants in transnational scam operations, now facing prosecution on four major charges.
Cambodian authorities handed over 56 Thai people, including 35 men, 21 women, and two children, to Thai officials on March 28, 2025.
Cyber War – National Security Threat
“This problem poses a new type of national security threat – a Cyber War,” said Pol. Gen. Thatchai, expressing confidence that integrated action across all agencies would yield effective results within three months.
The initiative follows Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Order No. 83/2025, establishing mechanisms to address security threats along Thailand’s borders with neighboring countries, particularly Myanmar and Cambodia.
International Cooperation Critical
Following the Task Force 88 meeting, Police General Thatchai participated in an expert panel on scam centers and cybercrime in the Mekong region organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand.
Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, Senior Inspector General, participates in an expert panel on scam centers and cybercrime in the Mekong region organized by UNODC at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand in Bangkok on April 21, 2025.
He emphasized the necessity of coordinating with foreign governments and law enforcement agencies to dismantle transnational scammer networks and gather evidence. Thailand has played a key role in repatriating 7,177 foreign nationals from 33 countries involved in scam operations in neighboring Myawaddy.
“We’ve requested cooperation from source countries to interview suspects and share evidence related to call center gangs,” said Pol. Gen. Thatchai, highlighting strong partnerships with China, Japan, and Cambodia that have led to numerous arrests of both leadership and members of operations based in neighboring countries.
Growing Criminal Sophistication
Benedict Hofmann, UNODC Regional Representative, revealed that these criminal organizations are rapidly expanding beyond Asia, causing increasing economic and psychological damage worldwide. More alarmingly, they’re diversifying into other serious crimes like drug production and trafficking.
BGF forces inspect hundreds of foreigners at a Shwe Kokko building as leader Maung Chit Thu pledges to return illegal workers to Thailand, February 14, 2025.
“We’ve identified people from 56 countries who have been tricked into working for scam centers, with a trend toward recruiting from English and French-speaking countries,” Hofmann noted, adding that a significant number of individuals are now voluntarily joining these operations.
More sophisticated scams
The criminals are increasingly employing artificial intelligence for more sophisticated scams, including deepfake technology, making detection more difficult. A January bust in Nigeria revealed connections to Chinese, Filipino, and Indonesian criminals formerly based in ASEAN countries.
John Vojcik, UNODC Regional Analyst, highlighted the emergence of specialized money laundering groups functioning as “illegal financial institutions” that now serve various criminal sectors including drug trafficking, hackers, child pornography distributors, and human traffickers globally.
Thai immigration authorities inspected the equipment that six Chinese suspects used for operating a sophisticated scam network from multiple units in a luxury condominium on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district on December 20, 2024.
New Criminal Infrastructure
Vojcik cited HuiOne Guarantee, an online black market selling illegal products and comprehensive services for establishing call center scams, including personal data, software, and fraud systems. The organization has even developed its own digital currency, HuiOne Blockchain and USDH, to avoid asset seizures and legal restrictions.
Mobile Malware Threat
Jennifer Soh from cybersecurity firm Group-IB revealed details about “Android Malware Scams” that trick victims into installing fake applications, allowing cybercriminals remote control of their devices. These scams may include convincing victims to provide facial video recordings, which criminals then use to bypass facial recognition systems in banking applications through Camera Injection Tools.
“This threat demonstrates the advancement of cybercriminals in directly attacking mobile financial security systems,” Soh warned, urging users to exercise greater caution with mobile applications.
FILE - Pope Francis and Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana meet at Wat Ratchabophit Temple in Bangkok on November 21, 2019.
BANGKOK — Religious leaders across Thailand have joined in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday. The Thai government has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast for three days as a mark of respect.
The Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana, issued a Dhamma Eulogy statement on April 22 from Wat Rajabopit Sathitmahasimaram expressing condolences and reflecting on Pope Francis’s visit to Thailand in 2019.
“His Holiness’s visit to me at Wat Rajabopit stood as a most auspicious act, one that has shortened the distance between us, dispelled misunderstanding, transformed unfamiliarity into kinship, and soothed suspicion into sincere solidarity,” the Supreme Patriarch stated.
Pope Francis and Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana meet at Wat Ratchabophit Temple in Bangkok on November 21, 2019.
The statement continued with a Buddhist blessing: “One who harms not a friend is honored in every place. One who harms not a friend transcends all enmity,” adding that the Pope’s legacy of compassion and goodwill “continues to inspire profound reverence among people of all nations and faiths.”
At the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bangkok, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand, led by Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, held a press conference to honor the late pontiff. Archbishop Vira praised Pope Francis as someone who proclaimed Christ’s love through a humble life filled with mercy.
“Even during his final days, despite frequent hospitalizations and illness, he remained concerned for the Church. His entire life was dedicated to serving the Church with faith and love for God, setting an example for all Christians,” Archbishop Vira remarked.
Sister Ana Rosa Sivori, center, Pope Francis’ second cousin, speaks to the media as Bangkok Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, right, looks on during a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Jerry Harmer)
Sister Ana Rosa Sivori, Pope Francis’ second cousin, said that she has known the Pope since childhood because they are relatives and their families were close. She felt saddened when she learned of his passing because he had just recently greeted Catholics at the Vatican Church, which made her think his health condition had improved. However, she hopes that everyone will respond to God’s love and Pope Francis’ desire for peace to make our world a more livable and better place.
The Sheikhul Islam of Thailand, Aaron Boonchom, also sent condolences and appointed Associate Professor Dr. Pakorn Priyakorn, an advisor to the Chularajmontri, to deliver a message of sympathy to the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Thailand.
Associate Professor Dr. Pakorn Priyakorn, an advisor to the Chularajmontri, delivers a message of sympathy to the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Thailand, on April 22, 2025.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra directed all government offices and state enterprises to fly the national flag at half-mast from April 23-25. In a social media post on April 21, she wrote: “On behalf of the people of Thailand, I extend my profound sorrow and deepest condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. His unwavering compassion, moral courage, noble humility, and tireless pursuit of peace inspired millions of people across faiths and nations.”
Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who met Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2013, also shared her condolences: “His Holiness was a great man of compassion and humility, and will be remembered for his tireless efforts towards the promotion of global peace, human rights, and assisting the weakest members of society.”
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who once had an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican City on September 12, 2013. (Image: Vatican Media)
Thailand’s Catholic community, though small, remains active throughout the country, with many prominent educational institutions run by Catholic priests and nuns. Pope Francis’s visit to Thailand in November 2019 was particularly significant as it marked the first papal visit to the kingdom in 35 years.
Brian L. Marcar, Managing Director of Tero, presents the Miss World Thailand crown to Suchata "Opal" Chuangsri during the Road To Miss World 2025 press conference at Channel 7 Studio, Bangkok, on April 22, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Narin Niempradit)
BANGKOK — Miss Universe has announced the immediate removal of Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri from her position as third runner-up after she appeared at the Miss World Thailand event, violating her contract by participating in another pageant.
Thailand’s beauty pageant industry was thrown into turmoil once again when Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri, Miss Universe Thailand 2024, followed her former pageant manager to attend a business partnership announcement between Tero Entertainment and TPN Global at Studio 8 in the Channel 7HD building on April 22. The event was to announce Thailand’s representative for the Miss World pageant.
Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri receives flowers from Tharina Botes – Miss Thailand World 2023/24, as the Miss World Thailand 2025 who will represent Thailand at the Miss World pageant in India this year. (KHAOSOD Photo/Narin Niempradit)
At the “New World New Chapter, Road To Miss World 2025” press conference, led by Brian L. Marcar, Managing Director of Tero, and Piyaporn Sankosik, Executive Chairman of TPN Global, Opal was officially crowned and presented with a sash confirming her as Thailand’s representative for the 72nd Miss World 2025 competition. This year’s finals will be held in Hyderabad, India, on May 31.
TPN Global previously managed the Miss Universe Thailand (MUT) competition for six consecutive years before losing the license to Miss Grand International Public Company Limited (MGI), owned by Nawat Itsaragrisil, in February this year.
MGI secured a 5-year license agreement worth 180 million baht ($5.35 million) paid to JKN Global Content Pte. Ltd., owned by Anne Jakrajutatip, a prominent Thai transgender businesswoman.
The recent business competition and reputation issues among global beauty pageants have led Miss Universe to issue a statement dismissing Opal Suchata, stating that they have revoked the title of third runner-up from her.
“Due to the breach of her contractual obligations by participating in an external pageant, this decision underscores our expectation that all winners fulfill their duties throughout their entire reign,” it stated.
The Miss Universe Organization also emphasized that winners must fulfill their responsibilities throughout their entire 12-month reign, and starting May 1, 2025, they will enforce stricter regulations for all National Directors regarding this matter. The organization reaffirms its commitment to empowering women and maintaining the integrity of the Miss Universe brand.
Miss Denmark Victoria Kjær Theilvig, left, Miss Thailand Suchata Chuangsri, center, and Miss Venezuela Ileana Márquez compete during the final round of the 73rd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in Mexico City, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
Meanwhile, Opal stated that she respects the decision of the Miss Universe Organization, which surely has its reasons, but she does not have any contractual obligations and has already begun a new adventure. The positions of third runner-up in Miss Universe and Miss Universe Thailand will remain in her heart and everyone else’s forever.
When reporters asked if being dismissed from Miss Universe would affect her participation in Miss World, Opal replied, “I don’t think so. What matters most is dedication, determination, and my performance there. Especially since Julia Morley, the owner of the pageant, focuses on participating in various activities and our values. I believe there are many factors that will lead us there beyond this issue.”
Meanwhile, Piyaporn also stated that although this dismissal makes history as the first time a Miss Universe runner-up has been removed, it will not affect Opal’s participation in Miss World because Opal wants to address the concerns in young women’s hearts. She expressed her desire to visit children throughout Thailand and cancer patients worldwide.
Piyaporn Sankosik, Executive Chairman of TPN Global, places the Miss World Thailand sash on Suchata “Opal” Chuangsri during the Road To Miss World 2025 press conference at Channel 7 Studio, Bangkok, on April 22, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Narin Niempradit)
