CP AXTRA Public Company Limited, the operator of Makro and Lotus’s, in collaboration with PTT Group – led by PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) and PTT Public Company Limited under the Petrochemical and Refining Integrated Synergy Management (PRISM) – launched the “AXTRA Green Together” campaign. The initiative aims to set a new benchmark for waste management in Thailand by promoting plastic waste reduction and encouraging public participation in sustainable practices. Under this campaign, used PET bottle collection points have been established at Makro and Lotus’s stores in the Bangkok metropolitan area, ensuring seamless integration with GC’s YOUturn recycling and upcycling platform. The collected bottles will be transformed into sports jerseys and donated to students across Thailand. Beyond reducing plastic waste, this initiative commemorates World Recycling Day, fosters environmental awareness, and supportsCP AXTRA’s goal of achieving zero landfill waste by 2023, while also contributing to PTT Group’s commitment to Net Zero Emissions.
Mrs. Siriporn Dechsingha, Chief Corporate Sustainability and Communication Officer, CP AXTRA Public Company Limited, emphasized the Company’s commitment to ESG principles:“At CP AXTRA, we are committed to sustainability across environmental, social, and governance. One of our key focuses is promoting the Circular Economy by reducing landfill waste, especially plastic. Through the ‘AXTRA Green Together’ campaign, we aim to collect over 1.4 million plastic bottles and upcycle them into sports jerseys for Thai youth. We believe that meaningful change requires collaboration from all sectors. By working together, we can reduce waste, combat global warming, and pave the way for a more sustainable future.”
Mrs. Chananchida Wiboonkanarak, Senior Vice President – Strategy and Business Development, PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), stated: “GC is proud to support the ‘AXTRA Green Together’ campaign, a significant collaboration that raises awareness and promotes proper waste sorting. Our goal is to minimize waste at its source and maximize resource efficiency in alignment with Circular Economy principles. This initiative integrates with GC YOUturn, a comprehensive plastic management system, ensuring PET bottles are efficiently processed within the recycling system. For logistics, WasteBuy Delivery Company Limited, a specialist in recyclable waste logistics, will transport the collected PET bottles from Makro and Lotus’s across the Bangkok metropolitan area for high-quality recycling at ENVICCO Limited, a leading producer of world-class rPET and rHDPE plastic pellets for GC.”
The AXTRA Green Together campaign underscores CP AXTRA’s commitment to uniting businesses, communities, and the public in protecting the environment and promoting a sustainable Circular Economy. Join us by dropping off used plastic bottles at collection points at Makro and Lotus’s across the Bangkok metropolitan area from today onwards.
Surat Thani police and immigration officers intercepted two British men at Raja Pier, Koh Samui, as they attempted to transport suitcases filled with cannabis to Bangkok on March 17, 2025.
KOH SAMUI — Two additional British nationals have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into an international cannabis smuggling operation. This brings the total number of foreign suspects to 15, including 12 British citizens. The latest arrests mark the first outside the airport, with one suspect identified as the manager and planner of the smuggling operation.
Investigation Expansion
On March 18, Police Lieutenant General Panumat Boonyalak, Commander of the Immigration Bureau, revealed that the case began on March 14 when two unclaimed suitcases were discovered during baggage loading at Samui International Airport. Customs officials inspected the luggage and found cannabis flower buds inside. The suitcases had luggage tags identifying the owner as “Mr. Azeem.”
Immigration officers in Surat Thani checked the name against their database and identified Mr. Azeem, a 26-year-old British national staying at a resort on Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui. Officers went to confirm the luggage ownership following customs procedures but couldn’t locate him.
Surat Thani police and immigration officers discovered dried compressed cannabis in suitcases that two British nationals were attempting to transport to Bangkok instead of using Samui Airport, on March 17, 2025.
Surveillance and Tracking
Hotel staff reported that Mr. Azeem had left early on March 14, coinciding with the time he checked in at Samui Airport and abandoned the suitcases. Investigators reviewed hotel CCTV footage and discovered that when Mr. Azeem left the hotel, another foreign national had picked him up in a private car.
Further investigation revealed that this friend was staying at a hotel in Mae Nam, Koh Samui, and had arranged for Mr. Azeem to check in for a flight to Hong Kong with a connection to London. However, Mr. Azeem never boarded. Authorities believe he changed his smuggling plan after learning that other British nationals had been arrested while loading cannabis-filled suitcases onto planes, opting instead to return to Bangkok.
Suspicious Behavior and Arrest
On March 17, police learned that Mr. Azeem’s friend, identified as Mr. Darryl, a 30-year-old British national, had exhibited suspicious behavior according to hotel staff. He had stored approximately 12 large suitcases in his room and removed two of them on the morning of March 14 in a black Toyota, coinciding with the timing of their airport trip.
Surat Thani police and immigration officers discovered dried compressed cannabis in suitcases that two British nationals were attempting to transport to Bangkok instead of using Samui Airport, on March 17, 2025.
Investigators discovered that after Mr. Azeem’s transport attempt failed, Mr. Darryl hired a black Mitsubishi Pajero and a cargo van to move the remaining 10 suitcases from the hotel. Officers tracked the suspects to Raja Pier and identified themselves as police to inspect the luggage in the cargo van.
Evidence and Charges
The inspection revealed 10 suitcases inside the cargo van, each containing dried cannabis flower buds sealed in odor-proof bags. The driver stated he had been hired by the two foreigners to transport the suitcases from Samui to Bangkok, though the exact destination was unclear.
When officers asked Mr. Darryl, who was in possession of the cannabis, to produce documentation authorizing its transport and possession, he was unable to do so. Officers arrested him and took him to Koh Samui Police Station, seizing the suitcases containing 165 kg of cannabis—a quantity far exceeding what would be reasonable for personal medical use or other legally permitted purposes.
The suspects face charges of possessing controlled herbal plants (cannabis flower buds) for sale or trade without authorization, in violation of the Ministry of Public Health’s announcement regarding controlled herbs (cannabis). Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify other individuals involved in the operation within Thailand.
PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra attended a police press conference on the operation to dismantle the country's largest e-cigarette dealer, which distributed products through more than 100 networks nationwide, at a warehouse in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi province, on March 18, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Yingyos Akmanachai)
NONTHABURI — Thai Prime Minister has launched a nationwide crackdown on e-cigarettes, targeting major suppliers amid growing concerns about youth addiction and health risks, particularly among teenage girls where usage rates have skyrocketed.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who has instructed the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education to step up efforts against e-cigarettes, emphasized that the government is deeply concerned about the potential of e-cigarettes to develop into a drug problem.
She warned that substances contained in e-cigarettes, such as ketamine and other narcotics, can be highly addictive and difficult to give up. Several cases have already led to fatal consequences, making it imperative for the authorities to crack down.
At her recent press conference on March 18, the Prime Minister praised law enforcement agencies for their coordination and successful seizure of a large shipment of smuggled e-cigarettes.
PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra attended a police press conference on the operation to dismantle the country’s largest e-cigarette dealer, which distributed products through more than 100 networks nationwide, at a warehouse in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi province, on March 18, 2025. (KHAOSOD Photo/Yingyos Akmanachai)
The operation targeted one of the country’s largest illegal e-cigarette suppliers, which was prepared to distribute the products through more than 100 networks across the country. Each seized unit had an estimated base value of 500 baht ($14.8), although actual retail prices could be higher.
The deputy national police chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Samran Nualma said authorities had seized 260,000 e-cigarette devices and accessories worth about 130 million baht ($3.87 million) in a raid on 10 locations. Since the Prime Minister’s directive, law enforcement agencies have seized a total of 800,000 devices worth 200 million baht ($5.95). However, this latest operation is the largest to date. Currently, one suspect has been arrested and an arrest warrant has been issued for another person.
Strict Disposal of Confiscated Goods
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a clear legal framework for e-cigarettes and acknowledged that legislative processes take time. At the moment, the government is focusing on dismantling the large production and distribution networks and educating the public and young people about the legal consequences.
The police are implementing strict measures, prioritizing the arrest of large-scale producers and smugglers while educating smaller sellers. The Prime Minister assured the public that these efforts will continue with increasing rigor and that the police are fully aware of the government’s commitment.
E-cigarettes widely sold online, imported from abroad, were seized by police at a house in Pa Phai Subdistrict, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province on August 19, 2024.
When asked if the crackdown might be temporary, she explained that while there might be some confusion initially, the results will be visible with time. She emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Prime Minister and the government to provide clarity on the matter and urged the public to support these efforts.
As for the confiscated items, the Prime Minister assured the public that there is no danger of them being resold or misused. Each seized device has been identified and will be properly destroyed to prevent the release of harmful substances.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jiraphon Sinthuprapai, added that all seized goods will be handed over to the Customs Department for legal processing and assessment. The authorities will also investigate the supply chain to trace the distribution networks nationwide and will apply anti-money laundering laws to track down financial transactions related to these illegal businesses.
Rising Trend of E-Cigarette Use Among Thai Women
The Tobacco Control Foundation recently reported a growing trend of e-cigarette use among Thai youth, especially teenage girls. If left unchecked, this could lead to a significant increase in smoking-related health risks for women.
While a 2021 survey by the National Statistics Office showed that the rate of conventional cigarette smoking among Thai women had dropped to 1.3 percent, a 2022 national survey found that 15% of teenage girls aged 13–15 used e-cigarettes, ten times higher than the rate of conventional cigarette smoking. Meanwhile, 20.2 percent of teenage boys reported using e-cigarettes. Recent surveys suggest that smoking rates are now almost equal for both genders.
The Tobacco Control Foundation recently reported a growing trend of e-cigarette use among Thai youth, especially teenage girls. (KHAOSOD Photo)
“If this situation continues, the overall rate of smoking both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes among women will increase sharply, and this increase is already underway,” said Phueksanusak, deputy government spokesman.
He also pointed out that women who smoke, regardless of the type of cigarette, tend to find it harder to quit smoking than men. Furthermore, the long-term health consequences of addiction can be severe, affecting multiple organ systems. Due to hormonal differences, women have a higher risk of developing serious health problems compared to men.
The dangers are even greater for pregnant women. Toxic substances such as nicotine, carbon monoxide and other harmful chemicals from e-cigarettes can enter the placenta via the mother’s respiratory tract. This exposure can lead to serious complications, including miscarriages, premature births and life-threatening risks to newborns due to underdeveloped organs.
Police arrest the German man living in Thailand who allegedly assaulted at least two dentists, at the parking lot of Klang Villa Department Store in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province on March 18, 2025.
NAKHON RATCHASIMA — Following criticism for allowing the case to stall, Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police have finally taken action. They arrested the German man living in Thailand who allegedly trespassed and vandalized at least six dental clinics in the city center and assaulted at least two dentists.
On the evening of March 18, Police officers arrested Mr. Matthias, a 41-year-old German national, at the parking lot of Klang Villa Department Store in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. He was apprehended while sitting in the back of a pickup truck.
The suspect was subsequently taken to Jor Hor Police Station, where authorities arranged for an interpreter to assist with questioning and to prepare the arrest record. He faces three charges: trespassing, assault, and property damage.
Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court has issued an arrest warrant for the 46-year-old German man who allegedly trespassed and vandalized at least six dental clinics in Nakhon Ratchasima on March 18, 2025.
Police expedited their actions after this case appeared in media reports for just one day, despite dragging on for several months. They immediately requested an arrest warrant from the court and then proceeded to the suspect’s residence in Ban Don Chomphu, Don Chomphu Sub-district, Non Sung District, Nakhon Ratchasima. However, the suspect fled by car before police arrived.
His Thai wife has reportedly already fled to Chonburi Province, unable to tolerate her husband’s behavior.
According to the man’s wife, he has a history of psychiatric treatment in Germany and was dismissed from his job due to mental health issues before moving to Thailand to live with her. Since then, he has refused treatment or medication for his condition, opting instead to use cannabis.
Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police
Police Colonel Kachen apologized to dentists in Jo Ho Sub-district and Muang Nakhon Ratchasima District who have been affected. In a case from November 30, 2024, reported at Jo Ho Police Station, the suspect allegedly assaulted a female dentist by banging her head and biting her lip. Police had already issued two summonses for him to acknowledge the charges, but he refused to meet with investigators.
Regarding two subsequent incidents at dental clinics in Muang Nakhon Ratchasima District that were reported to the Muang Nakhon Ratchasima Police Station, the victims declined to press charges due to the suspect’s history of mental health treatment, so no summonses were issued.
The most recent incident occurred on March 14, 2025, when he stormed into a downtown clinic, furiously verbally abusing a dentist until the terrified female dentist had to flee to safety.
The Nakhon Ratchasima Dental Association has issued warnings to dental clinics across the province to be vigilant about this dangerous individual.
Screenshot from video documentary 'THE OTHER SIDE OF PHUKET THAILAND' shows the cafeteria of a school in the crowded foreign community.
PHUKET — Officials have announced the results of their investigation into what was described as “Phuket’s largest foreign slum” following a video report by YouTube channel “Ride with Gabi” titled “THE OTHER SIDE OF PHUKET 🇹🇭 THAILAND” released last week.
The video showed a large slum in central Phuket reportedly inhabited entirely by Myanmar migrant workers, where over 300 children receive education and meals from a foundation funded by donations and foreign volunteers.
Colonel Adul Choothong, Deputy Governor of Phuket, held a press conference to present the investigation findings, joined by Teerapong Chuaychu, Phuket Provincial Clerk; Pairoj Srilamul, Phuket City District Chief; and representatives from employment, social development and human security agencies, among others. The briefing took place at the Muk Anda Conference Room on the 4th floor of the Phuket Provincial Hall.
Phuket Provincial Education officials participate in a press conference to announce the findings of the investigation into a school in Phuket’s crowded community on March 17, 2025.
The Deputy Governor stated that Phuket Province dispatched officials to investigate the matter on the morning of March 17. The Internal Security Operations Command of Phuket Province (ISOC), in collaboration with the Phuket Provincial Employment Office, Provincial Administration, Immigration, and the Office of Social Development and Human Security, inspected the Ban Sri Chumphabal Foundation located in Soi Hatchananiwet 2/9, Anuphas Phuket Kan Road, Talad Yai Subdistrict, Muang District.
The investigation revealed that there are three foreign volunteers: one American, one Irish, and one Chinese national (from Hong Kong). All are unpaid volunteers receiving no financial compensation. According to the Office of the Council of State, volunteers in public charitable organizations are not considered to be working and therefore do not require work permits.
Additionally, there are ten foreigners with valid work permits, including one German national, one person without registered status, and eight Myanmar nationals. Immigration officers and the Provincial Employment Office have requested documentation from the parents of the more than 300 children studying at the foundation to verify their immigration status and work rights.
The Ban Sri Chumphabal Foundation’s Phuket branch will suspend its educational activities but will remain open for children and youth to participate in other activities. Phuket Province has assigned the Provincial Education Office to investigate further, noting that operating an educational institution without authorization could result in imprisonment for up to one year or a fine not exceeding 20,000 baht.
Screenshot from video documentary “THE OTHER SIDE OF PHUKET THAILAND” shows the area that they call “Phuket’s Largest Foreign Slum.”
Regarding education for foreign children in Thailand, while laws stipulate that all children under 18 years of age within Thai jurisdiction must receive equal protection without discrimination and are entitled to at least 12 years of free, quality education provided by the state, the reality remains challenging. Migrant worker parents often face difficulties enrolling their children in the formal education system.
Therefore, schools operated by foundations in areas close to worker accommodations offer a more accessible alternative for these children to receive education.
Westin Hotels & Resorts across Asia Pacific excluding China bring uniquely restful and restorative experiences that help travelers prioritize mental and physical rejuvenation
In the lead up to the global commemoration of World Sleep Day on March 14 and building on the brand’s “Busy Resting” campaign that launched in January 2025, Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, is championing restful sleep as hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific (excluding China) welcome guests to experience a revitalizing and restorative relaxation, embracing rest not as a luxury, but an essential part of life.
Being busy has become a status symbol that often comes at the expense of our personal well-being. However, a shift is happening amidst this exhaustion, as people start to reclaim their right to rest. With a strong focus on holistic well-being and a revolutionary brand strategy centered around the idea of curating the best sleep experiences for guests, Westin has consistently positioned itself as a pioneer in the hospitality industry. Since the introduction of the Heavenly Bed® in 1999 that not only disrupted the industry but also set a new standard for sleep experiences in hotels, Westin has established itself as a leader in the wellness space.
For over two decades, Westin has been constantly evolving and reinventing its offerings to ensure guests can enjoy a personalized approach to sleep and comfort. The Sleep Well program, which includes amenities like the Sleep Well Menu and Sleep Well Lavender Balm, further underscores its commitment to promoting restorative sleep as a critical component of overall well-being. Today, Westin continues to champion wellness through its Six Pillars of Well-Being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well.
“Westin has been among hospitality’s global leaders in well-being, consistently empowering guests to enhance their routines while on the road through its six pillars from Eat Well to Sleep Well. World Sleep Day is a great reminder of how important it is for travelers to have restorative experiences. With the growing interest in sleep tourism and wellness travel, it’s the perfect time for us to reaffirm our commitment to our guests’ health by offering the tools and experiences they need for a good night’s sleep”, said John Toomey, Chief Commercial Officer, Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC).
Championing rest and restoration through Sleep Well
Westin’s Sleep Well program is a cornerstone of its steadfast commitment to holistic well-being, offering guests a revitalizing and restful sleep experience. The program highlights the priority of a great night’s sleep as the foundation for mental and physical well-being. The Heavenly® Bed provides unparalleled comfort for travelers seeking a restorative night of sleep. The Sleep Well Menu, available through in-room dining, features sleep-enhancing superfoods rich in nutrients that promote rest and relaxation. Guests can also unwind with the soothing Sleep Well Lavender Balm, infused with calming essential oils to ease tension and create a serene sleep environment. Westin’s combination of amenities with a focus on wellness continues to set the standard in hospitality.
In the spirit of World Sleep Day, Westin hotels across the region have offered a medley of wellness programs that encourage rest, rejuvenation and relaxation including in-room Sleep Infusion Turndown tea experiences featuring a wide selection of calming teas and exclusive ‘Celebrate Rest’ room offers that inspire an escape from the everyday.
At The Westin Surabaya, a playful, pajama-clad WestinWORKOUT session led by the brand’s inspiring Run Concierges has combined fitness with fun, encouraging guests to move well and sleep well. The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali has hosted a complimentary wellness session led by Resident Wellness Ambassador Dr. Jitendra Pokhriyal, and in collaboration with The Westin Resort Ubud & Spa, a Heavenly Bed pop-up at Living World Mall offered guests a chance to experience the brand’s renowned sleep haven firsthand. At The Westin Jakarta, evenings were transformed with an elevated turndown service featuring chamomile tea, artisanal local chocolate pralines, and a soothing Nusantara Night Calm Mist, creating the ideal ambiance for restorative sleep. Guests also enjoyed the ‘Stop Scrolling, Brush Stress Off’ amenity, which promotes relaxation through the mindful ritual of dry brushing with a sustainably sourced loofah back brush.
The Westin Goa has enhanced the experience for Pool Patio and Suite room guests with a wellness brush presented in a jute bag, promoting gentle exfoliation and stress relief. At The Westin Pune, Koregaon Park, the celebration of restorative sleep has continued with a locally inspired in-room amenity, offering guests an authentic and mindful touchpoint that enhances their stay. Over at The Westin Himalayas, a Sleep Well tea pop-up featuring indulgent chocolates and exclusive offers on signature therapies such as Shirodhara, Aromatherapy, Sarvanga Abhyangam, and ‘Sleep-Promoting Therapy’ has guided guests into deeper relaxation.
Indulge in replenishing relaxation at The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok
At The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok, guests have found a handwritten Sleep Tip Card during turndown service and a QR code linking to a Westin Sleep Playlist & Guided Meditation. The Zest Bar & Terrace has served a “Dreamy Nightcap” cocktail and mocktail with sleep-friendly ingredients like chamomile, honey, and tart cherry juice, paired with curated bedtime snacks for a soothing wind-down ritual. At The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket, the Heavenly Spa has offered a Chakra Balancing Massage to harmonize energy and deepen relaxation. Immersive Singing Bowl and Yoga Nidra sessions, led by Kru Meaya, have transformed World Sleep Day into a meditative sanctuary, with each guest receiving a calming lavender pillow mist as a fragrant keepsake.
Singing Bowl and Yoga Nidra Sessions at The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has offered guests an opportunity to “rest like an Islander” and recline in a Heavenly Bed placed at the seaplane terminal lounge specially for World Sleep Day along with Maldivian elements such as Moringa tea to boost rest and relaxation, before they have taken off on a seaplane to the resort. Once at the resort, guests have been able to indulge in daily meditation and relaxation sessions, including Yoga Nidra and Gyan Mudra, guiding them into a state of deep relaxation and balance. Meanwhile, The Westin Manila transformed its lobby into a Heavenly Sleep Pop-Up, complete with a Heavenly Dog Bed, ensuring even pets can indulge in the brand’s wellness-forward hospitality. At The Westin Resort & Spa Cam Ranh, guests have enjoyed exquisite homemade chocolate bites as a sweet and thoughtful bedtime gesture.
For more information about Westin Hotels & Resorts and its Sleep Well program, or to make a reservation, please visit https://westin.marriott.com and follow Westin Hotels & Resorts’ Facebook, Instagram, and X.
A Palestinian man holds the body of his 11 month-old nephew Mohammad Shaban, killed in an Israeli army airstrikes at the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, Tuesday, March 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, killing at least 400 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to local health officials. The surprise bombardment, the deadliest in Gaza since the start of the 17-month war, shattered a ceasefire in place since January.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the strikes because of a lack of progress in talks to extend the ceasefire. Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand. The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israel’s actions.
“Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength,” Netanyahu’s office said.
The surprise attack shattered a period of relative calm during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and raised the prospect of a full return to fighting in a 17-month war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction across Gaza. It also raised questions about the fate of the roughly two dozen Israeli hostages held by Hamas who are believed to still be alive.
A dead person killed during an Israeli army strike is taken into the hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Tuesday March 18, 2025.(AP Photo/ Mohammad Jahjouh)
Hamas accused Netanyahu of upending the ceasefire agreement and exposing the hostages ”to an unknown fate.” In a statement, it called on mediators to hold Israel “fully responsible for violating and overturning the agreement.”
The strikes came as Netanayahu comes under mounting domestic pressure, with mass protests planned over his handling of the hostage crisis and his decision to fire the head of Israel’s internal security agency.
Wounded stream into Gaza hospitals
In the southern city of Khan Younis, Associated Press reporters saw explosions and plumes of smoke. Ambulances brought wounded people to Nasser Hospital, where patients lay on the floor, some screaming. A young boy sat with a bandage around his head as a health worker checked for more injuries, a young girl cried as her bloody arm was bandaged.
A strike on a home in the southern city of Rafah killed 17 members of one family, including at least 12 women and children, according to the European Hospital, which received the bodies. The dead included five children, their parents, and another father and his three children, according to hospital records.
Many Palestinians said they had expected a return to war when talks over the second phase of the ceasefire did not begin as scheduled in early February. Israel instead embraced an alternative proposal and cut off all shipments of food, fuel and other aid to the territory’s 2 million Palestinians to try to pressure Hamas to accept it.
“Nobody wants to fight,” Palestinian resident Nidal Alzaanin told the AP by phone from Gaza City. “Everyone is still suffering from the previous months,” he said.
Explosions could be heard throughout Gaza. Khalil Degran, a spokesman for the Health Ministry based at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza, said at least 200 people had been killed. The territory’s civil defense agency said its crews were having a difficult time carrying out rescue efforts because various areas were being targeted simultaneously.
A man mourns as he places the body of a child in the hospital morgue following Israeli army airstrikes in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Mohammad Jahjouh)
U.S. backs Israel and blames Hamas
The White House sought to blame Hamas for the renewed fighting. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said the militant group “could have released hostages to extend the ceasefire but instead chose refusal and war.”
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been leading mediation efforts along with Egypt and Qatar, had earlier warned that Hamas must release living hostages immediately “or pay a severe price.”
An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the unfolding operation, said Israel was striking Hamas’ military, leaders and infrastructure and planned to expand the operation beyond air attacks. The official accused Hamas of attempting to rebuild and plan new attacks. Hamas militants and security forces quickly returned to the streets in recent weeks after the ceasefire went into effect.
Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, said the “gates of hell will open in Gaza” if the hostages aren’t released. “We will not stop fighting until all of our hostages are home and we have achieved all of the war goals,” he said.
Talks on a second phase of the ceasefire had stalled
The strikes came two months after a ceasefire was reached to pause the war. Over six weeks, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight more in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in a first phase of the ceasefire.
But since that ceasefire ended two weeks ago, the sides have not been able to agree on a way forward with a second phase aimed at releasing the 59 remaining hostages, 35 of whom are believed to be dead, and ending the war altogether.
Hamas has demanded an end to the war and full withdrawal of Israeli troops in exchange for the release of the remaining hostages. Israel says it will not end the war until it destroys Hamas’ governing and military capabilities and frees all hostages.
Netanyahu’s office on Tuesday said Hamas had “repeatedly refused to release our hostages and rejected all offers it received from the U.S. presidential envoy, Steve Witkoff, and from the mediators.”
Taher Nunu, a Hamas official, criticized the Israeli attacks. “The international community faces a moral test: either it allows the return of the crimes committed by the occupation army or it enforces a commitment to ending the aggression and war against innocent people in Gaza,” he said.
Gaza already was in a humanitarian crisis
The war erupted when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages. Most have been released in ceasefires or other deals, with israeli forces rescuing only eight and recovering dozens of bodies.
People gather around the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in an Israeli army airstrikes as they are brought to the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, Tuesday, March 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Israel responded with a military offensive that killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and displaced an estimated 90% of Gaza’s population. The territory’s Health Ministry doesn’t differentiate between civilians and militants, but says over half of the dead have been women and children.
The ceasefire had brought some relief to Gaza and allowed hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to resume to what remained of their homes.
A renewed Israeli ground offensive could also be especially deadly now that so many Palestinian civilians have returned home. Before the ceasefire, civilians were largely concentrated in tent camps meant to provide relative safety from the fighting.
Netanyahu faces mounting criticism
The return to fighting could also worsen deep internal fissures inside Israel over the fate of the remaining hostages. Many of the hostages released by Hamas returned emaciated and malnourished, putting heavy pressure on the government to extend the ceasefire.
The released hostages have repeatedly implored the government to press ahead with the ceasefire to return all remaining hostages, and tens of thousands of Israelis have taken part in mass demonstrations calling for a ceasefire and return of all hostages.
Mass demonstrations are planned later Tuesday and Wednesday following Netanyahu’s announcement this week that he wants to fire the head of Israel’s internal security agency, the Shin Bet. Critics have lambasted the move as an attempt by Netanyahu to divert blame for his government’s failures in the Oct. 7 attack and handling of the war.
Since the ceasefire in Gaza began in mid-January, Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians who the military says approached its troops or entered unauthorized areas.
Still, the deal has tenuously held without an outbreak of wide violence. Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been trying to mediate the next steps in the ceasefire.
Israel wants Hamas to release half of the remaining hostages in return for a promise to negotiate a lasting truce. Hamas instead wants to follow the ceasefire deal reached by the two sides, which calls for negotiations to begin on the ceasefire’s more difficult second phase, in which the remaining hostages would be released and Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza.
HRH Kesang Chodren Wangchuck, President of GNH Centre Bhutan, Dr. Harald Link, Chairman of B.Grimm, and Ms. Caroline Link, President of B.Grimm Joint Venture Holding Co., Ltd., have signed an extension of their original Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen their partnership in promoting and integrating the principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH) into organizational culture. This collaboration aims to enhance well-being and support meaningful engagement.
Dr. Harald Link, Chairman of B.Grimm, shared that B.Grimm has been serving and growing alongside Thailand for over 147 years. The company’s mission is to operate with compassion and to adopt the principles of Gross National Happiness into its corporate culture. These principles align with B.Grimm’s core values of compassion and its commitment to “Sufficiency Economy” as promoted by His Majesty King Rama IX. By integrating these values, B.Grimm aims to enhance its business practices and create a positive impact within the organization and beyond.
The partnership, which will last for 2 years, includes several initiatives designed to promote GNH values and foster growth in both professional and personal life. The collaborative goals are to create a positive organizational impact that extends to society at large. These efforts will focus on leadership through compassion and ethical business practices.
For over 147 years, B.Grimm has been committed to Doing Business with Compassion. This partnership underscores B.Grimm’s dedication to a future of compassionate leadership and sustainable business practices, creating an environment where employees thrive and communities benefit.
The Nakhon Ratchasima Dental Association presents evidence of a female dentist's injuries caused by a 41-year-old German man in November 2024, showing to the media on March 17 that there has been no progress in the case.
NAKHON RATCHASIMA — Representatives from the Nakhon Ratchasima Dental Association filed a police report at Nakhon Ratchasima City Police Station on March 17 following multiple violent incidents involving a 41-year-old German resident who has attacked dentists at several clinics, resulting in injuries.
The main concern is that police have yet to take effective action against him.
Dr. Wiwat Chatwongwan, who filed the report, stated that the association had previously reported incidents dating back to November 2024, but there has been no progress in the case. The perpetrator continues to live normally and has repeatedly caused similar disturbances, creating fear among dental clinics throughout Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat.
The association has issued warnings to dental clinics across the province to be vigilant about this dangerous individual.
Evidence submitted with the police report includes CCTV footage from the most recent incident at a dental clinic in a well-known shopping mall in downtown Korat on March 14 at 5:39 p.m. The footage shows the man becoming agitated with a dentist, causing a disturbance, and forcing his way into the dentists’ private quarters adjacent to the dental operation room—an area typically restricted to authorized personnel. He verbally abused the dentist in a fit of rage, causing a female dentist to flee in terror.
The footage shows the German man raiding a dental clinic in Nakhon Ratchasima City on March 14, 2025.
Additional evidence includes video from November 30, 2024, at a dental clinic on Mittraphap Road in Cho Ho subdistrict. The man aggressively entered a female dentist’s room on the second floor, punched through the plywood door, reached in to unlock it, and proceeded to destroy property inside.
He then physically assaulted the female dentist—biting her lips and slamming her head against the wall—before continuing his rampage downstairs. The incident left the dentist severely traumatized, and she has been unable to return to work since.
Dr. Wiwat explained that the man has a Thai wife and resides in Don Chomphu subdistrict, Non Sung district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. Besides vandalizing several dental clinics in Nakhon Ratchasima City district, he has also sent threatening messages to dentists through their personal Facebook accounts, warning of physical harm and death threats, causing widespread fear among the local dental community.
The footage shows the German man raiding the female dentist’s room at a dental clinic in Nakhon Ratchasima City on March 14, 2025.
According to the man’s wife, he has a history of psychiatric treatment in Germany and was dismissed from his job due to mental health issues before moving to Thailand to live with her. Since then, he has refused treatment or medication for his condition, opting instead to use cannabis.
The dental association is concerned that police reports filed at both Nakhon Ratchasima City and Pho Klang police stations have not led to any progress. The man continues to live normally despite the serious risk that he could cause injury or death if he were to bring a weapon to a clinic.
“We urge police to take swift action against this foreigner as his behavior poses a significant threat to society,” Dr. Wiwat said. “At the very least, he should be properly treated or detained to prevent him from causing further disturbances to society.”
People from China, Vietnam, Ethiopia believed to have been trafficked and trapped into working in online scam centers after they were rescued in Myawaddy district in eastern Myanmar, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Thanaphon Wuttison)
BANGKOK — The government announced the results of its month-long crackdown on fraudsters, reporting a 20 percent drop in fraud cases and a 200 million baht drop in losses. The government pledged to continue its measures and estimates that more than ten thousand people are still active in the scam networks on the Myawaddy side.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES), Prasert Chanthararuangthong, and Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Technology Crime Prevention Center, presented the results of operations against call center gangs at Government House on March 17.
Prasert said the government has started cutting electricity, fuel and internet connections from Mae Sot district in Tak province to the Myanmar side since Feb. 5, and has also been cracking down on fraudsters at the Cambodian border in Aranyaprathet district in Sa Kaeo province since Feb. 12.
Prasert Chanthararuangthong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society (right), and Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police, jointly announce the results of the crackdown on call center gangs at Government House on March 17, 2025.
Call Center Fraud Reduced by 67%
Statistics on reported cases of online crime across the country show that from January 1 to January 31, 2025, 31,159 cases were reported. From February 5 to today, the number of reported cases has dropped to 25,487, a decrease of about 20 percent, with the number of cases continuing to decline. At the beginning, an average of more than 1,000 cases per day were reported. In particular, call center fraud, the most common form used to target victims, fell by 67 percent.
The decline in crime statistics is the result of strict government measures and cooperation between the relevant authorities. According to AOC 1441, the amount of reported financial losses fell by around 200 million baht last month.
Comparing the financial losses between January-February 2024 and the same period in 2025, the losses have decreased by 30 percent, to be more precise:
Cases involving the fraudulent installation of remote control software on phones have decreased by 88.64 percent and financial losses have decreased by 94.24 percent.
In the cases of fraudulent credit offers, 17.51 percent fewer bank accounts were blocked and financial losses fell by 55.49 percent.
Thai soldiers provide security for the transfer of Indonesia nationals who had worked at scam centers in eastern Myanmar, on their arrival at Thailand’s Mae Sot, Tak province before being sent back to Indonesia on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
In cases of investment fraud violating emergency regulations, the number of blocked accounts decreased by 62.22 percent and financial losses decreased by 97.21 percent.
In addition, the public is increasingly aware of the risks of fraud thanks to the government’s information campaigns. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustained action against fraudsters.
Suspected 10,000 Scam Workers Still Work in Myawaddy
Pol. Gen.Thatchai explained that recent operations against call center gangs have mainly focused on groups along the borders with neighboring countries. In cooperation with Myanmar, the first raids involved 5,251 people, 3,533 of whom were sent back to their home countries after being checked to see if they were victims of human trafficking. The remaining 1,718 were mainly Chinese and Indian nationals.
Additionally, the Royal Thai Police took seven measures to control the entry of 3,652 foreigners into Mae Sot district in Tak province from January 20 to February 26, 2025. Almost all of these foreigners claimed to have entered voluntarily; however, after being interviewed by the authorities, only 5 percent chose to return home.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai confirmed that the investigation did not reveal any evidence of coercion, forced sedation or abduction from Mae Sot to Myawaddy. He suspected that most of those entering the country intended to work illegally in call center gangs, casinos or other illegal activities in Myawaddy, but could later become victims of human trafficking due to forced coercion.
“We believe there are still over 10,000 people working in call center gangs on the Myawaddy side. We are planning international meetings to share information and determine whether these gangs have really been eliminated,” said Pol. Gen. Thatchai.
A truck pass through a military check point near display vinyl signs in Thai, English warning Thais and foreigners of the risk of being trafficked to work along the Myanmar border in Mae Sot, Tak province Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Close Legal Loophole in Cross-Border Fraud
Regarding the crackdown on the Cambodian side, Pol. Gen. Thatchai said that on February 21, 2025, he was instructed by the government to travel to Cambodia to set up a Thai-Cambodian coordination center to repatriate Thai nationals working with fraudsters to Thailand for prosecution.
A total of 119 Thai nationals were repatriated from Poipet, Cambodia. 115 of them have already been charged with involvement in transnational organized crime, which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, as well as fraud and criminal conspiracy.
“This is the first time we have closed the legal loophole that previously allowed victims of human trafficking to be sent back to Thailand without the threat of prosecution, only to return to criminal activity in Cambodia. We have successfully convinced the courts to issue arrest warrants for all 115 individuals. In the future, we will prosecute Thais who exploit legal loopholes to defraud Thais from Cambodia and confiscate assets,” said Pol. Gen. Thatchai explained.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the government will strengthen border controls, intensify crime prevention and use advanced technology for faster and more accurate operations. These measures are aimed at eradicating the problem comprehensively. She emphasized that ensuring public security is one of the government’s key performance indicators (KPIs).
She also thanked all officers for their efforts that have resulted in continuous arrests and reduction of harm.
