Magnitude 2.4 earthquake shakes Phayao, no damage

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10 July 2026, 17:44

Magnitude 2.4 earthquake shakes Phayao, no damage

PHAYAO — A magnitude 2.4 earthquake struck Dok Khamtai district in Phayao province on 10 July 2026, with residents in several areas reporting brief tremors. Authorities said there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

According to the Department of Mineral Resources’ Geological Hazards Operations Centre, the earthquake occurred at 15.05 hrs at a depth of 1 kilometre in Sawang Arom subdistrict.

Officials said the quake was caused by movement along the Phayao Fault Zone, a near north-south trending normal fault.

The tremor was felt in Dok Khamtai and Sawang Arom subdistricts, although authorities said no damage was reported.

Following the earthquake, Phayao Governor Orapa Lohwira instructed the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office to coordinate with Dok Khamtai district officials, local administrative organisations and other relevant agencies to inspect potentially affected areas and continue monitoring the situation.

Initial surveys found that many residents felt the shaking briefly before it quickly subsided.

Authorities reported no injuries and no damage to homes, government buildings, roads, bridges or public utilities.

The Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office urged residents to remain calm and follow safety guidelines if additional tremors occur.

Officials also advised the public to inspect buildings for structural damage and immediately report any significant cracks or safety concerns to local authorities or disaster prevention officials.

Russian model goes viral for striking resemblance to Erling Haaland

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Khaosod English

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10 July 2026, 16:57

Russian model goes viral for striking resemblance to Erling Haaland

MOSCOW, Russia — 10 July 2026, A 24-year-old Russian model has gone viral after social media users pointed out her uncanny resemblance to Norwegian football star Erling Haaland, with many fans joking that the pair look like twins after her mother shared a clip of her recreating his goal celebration.

Anastasia Kostromitina, a model from Moscow, Russia, attracted global attention after her mother, Mariya, posted a humorous video on Instagram showing her daughter recreating Haaland’s signature poses and gestures.

The timing of the post proved ideal as the video was uploaded just 24 hours after Haaland scored twice against Brazil, when the Norwegian striker was already dominating football headlines. The clip quickly spread across social media and turned into viral content in no time, amassing more than 107 million views and 76,700 comments, while imitation videos have further fuelled the trend, generating a collective view count of tens of millions within a single day.

What excited viewers was the similarity between the pair, including their blonde hair, blue-grey eyes, angular facial features and distinctive gaze. Social media users joked that they looked like siblings from another mother, with some quipping that “there’s no need for a DNA test, it’s obvious.”

Despite the renewed attention, Kostromitina revealed that people have been telling her she resembles the Norwegian footballer for more than four years. At first, she admitted she did not appreciate the comparisons and struggled to understand why so many people thought they looked alike.

Over time, however, she began to see it as a great opportunity and embraced the resemblance, viewing it as an advantage. She added that negative comments no longer bother her, as, at the end of the day, they often boost engagement with her social media content.

This viral moment also coincided with growing anticipation ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against Norway, putting Haaland back in the spotlight. Entering the match, the striker was among the tournament’s joint top scorers with seven goals, prompting fans to joke that if he found the net again, Kostromitina’s comment sections would become even busier.

Photo: Instagram @nas__kos

Indian tourist rescued after drowning at Kamala Beach

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Khaosod English

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10 July 2026, 16:32

Indian tourist rescued after drowning at Kamala Beach

PHUKET — An Indian tourist was rushed to hospital after being pulled unconscious from the sea at Kamala Beach on 10 July 2026, with lifeguards performing CPR before emergency responders transported him for further treatment.

Police said the incident was reported at around 13.30 hrs after lifeguards stationed at Kamala Beach alerted authorities that a foreign tourist had drowned near the public park area of the beach in Kathu district.

Emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene, while police provided an automated external defibrillator (AED) to assist with the rescue.

The victim was identified as Mr. Devesh Yadav, 36, an Indian national.

When rescuers arrived, he was unconscious and unresponsive. Lifeguards and bystanders immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before he was transported to Patong Hospital for emergency treatment.

According to a preliminary police investigation, Mr. Yadav had been swimming while using a surfboard attached to his arm with a safety leash.

Authorities believe he may have panicked or inhaled seawater before getting into difficulty and drowning.

Lifeguards quickly pulled him from the water, administered CPR and coordinated with emergency medical personnel to transfer him to hospital.

Police said the exact cause of the incident remains under investigation.

Gunman wounds two in Songkhla before accidentally shooting himself during surrender

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Seth Buren

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10 July 2026, 16:03

SONGKHLA — 9 July 2026, A 29-year-old man accused of shooting and wounding two people during a paranoid episode was arrested after his modified blank gun discharged into his own leg as he surrendered to police.

The incident occurred in Ruam Jai Community, Soi 8, behind Rong Was Temple on Chai-Phet Mongkhon Road in Bo Yang Subdistrict, Mueang Songkhla District.

Pol. Col. Kirati Triwai, superintendent of Mueang Songkhla Police Station, said officers were alerted to reports of a gunman who had wounded two people and remained at the scene. Investigators, patrol officers and Sawang Songkhla Ruam Jai rescue workers were sent to respond.

Upon arrival, officers found the suspect, 29, standing outside the victims’ home while holding a firearm and shouting. Residents fled the area as police established a perimeter and attempted to persuade him to put down his firearm.

During negotiations, the suspect allegedly fired about three shots from inside the alley and demanded that police call his mother.

After speaking to her by telephone, he agreed to surrender and put down the gun. However, while attempting to clear a round that remained in the chamber under police instructions, the firearm accidentally discharged, striking him in the leg.

Officers immediately detained him and seized a modified blank-firing pistol converted to fire .380-calibre ammunition, along with several rounds of ammunition.

The suspect was taken to Songkhla Hospital with a bullet lodged in the front of his thigh.

One of the victims, 28, suffered a grazing wound to the back of his head, while the other, 19, was grazed on the chin. Rescue workers took both to Songkhla Hospital. Neither was seriously injured.

The sister of one of the victims told police that the suspect was a friend of her younger brother and had become paranoid, believing that her brother intended to harm him. He allegedly arrived at the house carrying the firearm before opening fire.

Police initially charged Khatha with five offences: attempted murder, attempted murder of an officer, resisting or obstructing an officer, possessing a firearm without permission, and carrying a firearm in public.

He was placed in the custody of investigators at Mueang Songkhla Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Teen equestrian champion brings AI to hippotherapy for disabled children

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Khaosod English

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10 July 2026, 16:02

BANGKOK — 10 July 2026, A 17-year-old equestrian champion is combining her passion for horse riding with artificial intelligence to improve hippotherapy for children with disabilities, developing a system that helps therapists assess patients’ progress more objectively.

“Homey” Preyahathai Aroonvanichporn, a student at NIST International School, recently won two titles at the Thailand Dressage Championships 2025, claiming victories in the Novice (Young Rider) and Preliminary (Junior) categories.

Alongside her success in equestrian sport, Homey volunteers in a hippotherapy programme at the Royal Horse Guard Club, where horses are used as part of rehabilitation for children with neurological conditions.

Hippotherapy uses the natural movement of horses to stimulate the nervous system, strengthen muscles and improve balance in children with conditions including cerebral palsy and autism. International studies have found the therapy can improve sitting ability, trunk control, balance and overall quality of life for children with neurological disabilities.

However, patient progress is still largely assessed through therapists’ observations, making it difficult for families to track improvements with measurable data. Therapists also have limited tools to systematically record and compare treatment outcomes over time.

To address the issue, Homey developed a concept that combines artificial intelligence with computer vision technology to analyse patients’ posture and movement during therapy sessions. The system is designed to provide therapists and families with objective, data-driven assessments instead of relying solely on visual observation.

She said the data could also support future research and contribute to the development of rehabilitation technologies for people with disabilities.

Homey added that she hopes this project will improve the evaluation of hippotherapy while raising public awareness of its potential to enhance the quality of life of children with disabilities.

Paradorn’s daughter leads Thailand to two Junior World Golf Championship

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10 July 2026, 15:55

Paradorn's daughter leads Thailand to two Junior World Golf Championship

SAN DIEGO, California — 10 July 2026, Thailand’s junior golfers continued their impressive run on the international stage after Phannarin “Cherlyn” Srichaphan, daughter of former tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan, and Yubo Shen captured titles in their respective divisions at the USWING MOJING Junior World Golf Championship in San Diego, California, on 9 July.

Cherlyn won the Girls 7–8 division with a total score of 4-over-par 178, while Shen claimed the Boys 11–12 title after firing a final-round 4-under-par to finish at 9-under-par 207. He finished two strokes ahead of runner-up Sky Wilding.

The victories extended Thailand’s strong showing in the United States after the team earlier won six titles at the FCG International Championship 2026 at Pala Mesa Resort in Fallbrook, California. Both Cherlyn and Shen were among the Thai champions at that event before adding Junior World titles to their achievements.

First held in 1968, the USWING MOJING Junior World Golf Championship is regarded as one of the world’s premier junior golf tournaments. The annual event attracts more than 1,250 young golfers from 56 countries and 42 U.S. states and has served as a launching pad for numerous future professional golfers.

Moo Deng turns two as Khao Kheow Open Zoo celebrates pygmy hippo’s birthday

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Khaosod English

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10 July 2026, 14:27

Moo Deng turns two as Khao Kheow Open Zoo celebrates pygmy hippo's birthday

CHONBURI — 10 July 2026, Thailand’s celebrity pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng celebrated her second birthday on 10 July, with Khao Kheow Open Zoo marking the occasion with a grand celebration, free admission for children and the release of figures highlighting the zoo’s revenue growth since the viral hippo rose to global fame.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy said this Friday marked Moo Deng’s second birthday. Children were admitted free of charge to celebrate the occasion and wish the globally popular pygmy hippo a happy birthday.

The zoo also officially unveiled its new “Hippo Village” project, a sprawling 10-rai (16,000-square-metre) exhibition and habitat designed to improve the welfare and living conditions of hippopotamuses and pygmy hippos, particularly Moo Deng and her family.

Narongwit said that while it is difficult to attribute a specific amount of revenue solely to Moo Deng, the zoo’s overall financial performance reflects the impact of her global popularity. Before the Moo Deng phenomenon, Khao Kheow Open Zoo generated about 180 million baht in revenue during the 2024 fiscal year. Revenue then surged to 319 million baht in fiscal 2025, when Moo Deng’s popularity peaked. With three months remaining in fiscal 2026, the zoo has already generated 160 million baht in revenue.

“Moo Deng and the other hippos in her family have become symbols of happiness and joy for many Thai people,” Narongwit said.

He added that other zoos operated by the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand also house hippopotamuses and pygmy hippos that continue to delight visitors, encouraging people living near any of the organisation’s zoos to visit the animals there.

Thai-developed light rail tram begins track testing

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Khaosod English

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10 July 2026, 14:15

Thai-developed light rail tram begins track testing

KHON KAEN — Rajamangala University of Technology Isan (RMUTI) has successfully begun real-track testing of a Thai-developed light rail transit (LRT) prototype, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to develop homegrown rail technology and train a new generation of railway engineers.

The prototype, known as the “Luk Isan Tram,” has been undergoing continuous testing on a dedicated railway track at RMUTI’s Khon Kaen Campus, attracting widespread public attention on social media.

On 10 July 2026, RMUTI President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kosit Sriphuthorn said the successful trials demonstrate Thailand’s growing capability to design, develop and test rail technology using local expertise.

“What people see today is not just the testing of a prototype light rail vehicle,” he said. “It reflects the potential of Thai engineers to design and develop practical railway technology. We are not only building a tram but also creating knowledge, developing skilled personnel and laying the foundation for Thailand’s rail industry.”

The testing programme covers the tram’s performance on straight and curved tracks, braking systems, propulsion, wheel assemblies and other key components developed by the university’s research team.

Engineers are also evaluating locally developed rail fastening systems, rail pads and groove rail pads to ensure the prototype meets performance and safety requirements for future operation.

The university said the project incorporates international railway engineering standards, adapting global best practices in design, safety, control systems and maintenance to suit Thailand’s operating conditions.

Beyond serving as a testing facility, the railway track at the Khon Kaen campus functions as a large-scale laboratory where students, lecturers and researchers gain hands-on experience in railway design, manufacturing, installation, testing, maintenance and system management.

RMUTI said it has spent more than 15 years developing rail engineering programmes, research and industry partnerships.

The university hopes to establish its Khon Kaen campus as a regional centre for railway education, research and innovation, supporting workforce development and strengthening Thailand’s long-term goal of building a self-reliant rail industry.

Nestlé to invest 23 billion baht in new Thailand coffee plant

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Khaosod English

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10 July 2026, 14:13

BANGKOK — Nestlé will invest 23 billion baht to build a new NESCAFÉ manufacturing facility in Thailand, expanding its coffee production capacity and supporting local agriculture through the use of Thai-grown raw materials, the company announced on Wednesday.

The new factory, to be built in Samut Prakan province, will produce a wide range of NESCAFÉ products, including soluble coffee, coffee mixes and ready-to-drink beverages. It will also feature an on-site distribution center serving multiple product categories.

The facility will be equipped with advanced manufacturing technology, artificial intelligence, robotics and automated storage systems to improve production efficiency, product quality and environmental sustainability. Operations are expected to begin in the second half of 2028.

Nestlé said the project will create more than 520 jobs, including positions for technology specialists and other skilled workers.

Nikhil Chand, Chairman and CEO of Nestlé Indochina, said the investment reflects the company’s confidence in Thailand, where it has operated for more than 130 years.

“The new coffee factory will produce NESCAFÉ products using innovation and a wide range of locally sourced ingredients and raw materials, including coffee beans, sugar and fresh milk from Thai farmers, further supporting local agriculture and economic development,” he said.

Nestlé estimates the new factory will use around 4.3 billion baht worth of locally sourced ingredients and materials each year. The project has received investment promotion support from Thailand’s Board of Investment in line with the country’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy policy.

The company said it invested more than 27.8 billion baht in Thailand between 2018 and 2025 to expand manufacturing across several product categories, including ready-to-drink beverages and pet food.

Nestlé has sourced Robusta coffee beans from Thai farmers for more than 40 years and has expanded coffee cultivation to new areas, including Mae Sot district in Tak province, to help meet rising domestic demand.

NESCAFÉ, introduced in Thailand in 1973, remains the country’s best-selling coffee brand, according to the company.

Cambodian worker arrested over cable theft at Khon Kaen mall site

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Khaosod English

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10 July 2026, 12:33

KHON KAEN — A Cambodian construction worker has been arrested for allegedly stealing electrical cables from a shopping mall construction site in northeastern Thailand, with police saying he admitted selling the metal inside the wires to support his family back home.

Police in Khon Kaen announced the arrest of the 34-year-old Cambodian national on Friday following an investigation into the theft of electrical cables from the newly completed Central Campus Khon Kaen development. The stolen cables were valued at about 10,000 baht.

Investigators said they searched the suspect’s accommodation at a workers’ camp and found aluminum stripped from electrical cables, clothing and shoes matching those worn by the suspect during the theft, as well as pieces of the stolen cables.

During questioning, the suspect allegedly confessed to cutting the cables to extract aluminum and copper, which he then sold to scrap dealers. He told police he sent the money to his family in Cambodia.

Police are coordinating with the contractor to determine how long the suspect had been employed at the site and with the provincial labor office to verify whether he was legally working in Thailand.

The suspect has been charged with theft, while investigators are tracing the scrap shop where the stolen metals were allegedly sold and are considering additional charges if any labor law violations are found.

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