Bhutan royals pay tribute to Princess Bajrakitiyabha

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12 June 2026, 15:19

The King and Queen of Bhutan have expressed their deep sorrow over the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati of Thailand.

In a message of condolence, Their Majesties praised the Princess for dedicating her life to serving her country and people. They highlighted her contributions to advancing justice, promoting the welfare of women and children, and her distinguished service in the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

The Bhutanese monarchs said Princess Bajrakitiyabha exemplified a profound sense of duty and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others, earning widespread respect and admiration throughout her life.

“At this time of great sorrow, we extend our deepest condolences to His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn, the Royal Family of Thailand and the people of the Kingdom of Thailand,” the statement said.

Their Majesties added that they joined the Thai people in mourning the loss of a beloved Princess whose life was devoted to public service and the welfare of the nation, while offering prayers and thoughts to those closest to her during this difficult time.

Mexico and South Korea take lead in World Cup

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12 June 2026, 14:27

Mexico and South Korea open World Cup with wins

MEXICO CITY — 12 June 2026, Co-hosts Mexico and South Korea both secured opening victories in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, defeating South Africa and the Czech Republic respectively.

Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 to claim three points in their opening match.

The hosts took the lead after just nine minutes when Julián Quiñones found the net, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.

South Africa’s task became more difficult four minutes into the second half when Yaya Sithole was sent off for fouling an opponent through on goal in the 49th minute.

With a numerical advantage, Mexico doubled their lead in the 67th minute through Raúl Jiménez.

South Africa were reduced to nine men in the 83rd minute when Temba Zwane received a red card following a VAR review that found he had elbowed an opponent.

Mexico also finished the match with 10 men after defender César Montes was sent off in stoppage time for bringing down an opponent who was through on goal.

The victory gave Mexico three points from their opening Group A fixture.

In the group’s other match, South Korea came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico.

South Korea controlled much of the first half and nearly took the lead in the 13th minute, but Lee Kang-in’s long-range effort was pushed away by Czech goalkeeper Matěj Kovář.

The sides went into the break level at 0-0.

South Korea threatened again in the 55th minute when Son Heung-min broke into the penalty area, only to be denied by Kovář.

The Czech Republic took the lead four minutes later. Vladimír Coufal launched a long throw into the box and Ladislav Krejčí rose highest to head home in the 59th minute.

South Korea equalised in the 67th minute after sustained pressure, with Hwang In-beom breaking into the area, rounding the goalkeeper and finishing neatly.

The Czech Republic thought they had regained the lead in the 77th minute when Tomáš Souček headed in from a free-kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

South Korea completed the comeback in the 80th minute when Hwang delivered a cross from the flank and Oh Hyeon-gyu converted from close range.

The result gave South Korea their first three points of the tournament.

South Korea will next face hosts Mexico at 08:00 on 19 June, while the Czech Republic will take on South Africa at 23:00 on 18 June, both times in Thailand.

“The miracle I waited for disappeared before my eyes”: Thais mourn Princess Bajrakitiyabha

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12 June 2026, 13:35

BANGKOK — 12 June 2026, Grief and disbelief spread among royal supporters gathered outside King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital on Thursday after the Bureau of the Royal Household announced the death of Princess Bajrakitiyabha, ending more than three years of hope that Thailand’s eldest princess would recover from a severe illness.

Among those paying their respects was Nammon, an 8-year-old boy who travelled to the hospital with his grandmother to bid farewell to the Princess.

The young admirer said he first learned about Princess Bajrakitiyabha through stories told by his grandmother and television broadcasts featuring her work.

He recalled becoming interested in the Princess after watching a television report about a project she carried out in collaboration with PTT, which prompted him to learn more about her life and public service.

“I wanted to see Her Royal Highness in person at least once”

Nammon said, adding that he had been determined to come to the hospital to pay his respects and express his condolences.

For many supporters gathered outside the hospital, the announcement came as a devastating shock.

Chorn, 62, originally from Chumphon and now living in Bangkok’s Min Buri district, said she arrived at the hospital at 17:00 on Wednesday after learning that the Princess’s condition had deteriorated.

She said she had travelled there hoping to hear good news and had always believed a miracle would happen.

However, after hearing the official announcement, she struggled to come to terms with the news.

“The hope and miracle I had been waiting for all this time seemed to disappear before my eyes”

Chorn said that whenever the Bureau of the Royal Household issued updates on the Princess’s condition over the past three years, she remained hopeful that the Princess would eventually recover.

She had regularly attended events to welcome Princess Bha. Whenever she learned that the Princess would be visiting an area, she would try to travel there and wait to greet her whenever possible.

She added that she planned to remain at the hospital while awaiting further announcements regarding arrangements following the Princess’s passing.

Jeab, 53, who travelled from Bangkok’s Bang Khun Thian district, said she arrived at the hospital at 22:00 on Wednesday and stayed through the night monitoring developments.

She described Princess Bajrakitiyabha as a dedicated public servant whose work had earned the admiration of many Thais.

“People like us are far more comfortable because Her Royal Highness devoted herself and made sacrifices for the people throughout her life”

Among the Princess’s contributions, she said she particularly admired the Friends in Need (of “Pa”) Volunteers Foundation, noting that the Princess often travelled personally to disaster-hit and disadvantaged communities to provide assistance.

She also praised the Princess’s legal career and anti-drug efforts, describing her as a capable prosecutor who used her position to benefit society.

Despite the announcement of the Princess’s death, Aunt Jeab said she intended to remain at the hospital until further details were released.

Reflecting on a past occasion when she had the opportunity to greet the Princess during a royal engagement, Aunt Jeab said what impressed her most was the Princess’s humility. “Whenever she met elders, she always showed respect. She never overlooked ordinary people,” she said.

“She treated people warmly and naturally — not as a royal addressing subjects, but as one citizen speaking to another”

Primary reporting and photography by Sasinuch Kerratisuntorn

Thailand Orders 15 Days of Mourning After Princess’ Death

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12 June 2026, 13:05

Thailand Orders 15 Days of Mourning After Princess' Death

BANGKOK — 12 June 2026, Thailand’s Cabinet has ordered a 15-day official mourning period following the death of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha, with government buildings and schools instructed to fly flags at half-staff nationwide.

Government spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek announced the measures after a special Cabinet meeting on 12 June 2026, convened following a Royal Household Bureau announcement confirming the princess’s death.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led Cabinet ministers in observing a moment of silence in tribute to the princess and paid respect to her contributions and service to the country.

The Cabinet directed all relevant agencies to ensure that funeral and royal ceremonial arrangements are carried out with full honours and in accordance with traditional royal customs.

Under the measures approved by the Cabinet:

Government offices, state enterprises, state agencies and educational institutions must lower flags to half-staff for 15 days from 12 June 2026.
Civil servants, employees of state enterprises and government officials are required to observe a 15-day mourning period beginning on 12 June 2026.
Members of the public have been asked to observe mourning as appropriate.

The Cabinet also assigned responsibilities to various government bodies.

The Office of the Prime Minister’s Permanent Secretary will establish a committee to oversee the royal funeral ceremonies, chaired by the prime minister. Additional committees will be formed to manage ceremonial arrangements, construction of the royal crematorium, public relations, security and other related duties.

Government agencies will also organise daily attendance by civil servants during the 100-day period of funeral prayers.

The Ministry of Culture, through the Fine Arts Department, will oversee ceremonial protocols and the construction of the royal crematorium.

The Cabinet Secretariat will coordinate ministerial attendance at funeral prayer ceremonies, while the Ministry of Interior and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will organise merit-making and tribute activities for the public.

Meanwhile, the Public Relations Department has been instructed to continue promoting information about the princess’s public service and royal duties, including preparing English-language materials in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Authorities stressed that entertainment events and public activities would not be prohibited during the mourning period. Organisers have instead been asked to observe appropriate measures, including moments of tribute and adjustments to event formats where suitable.

Ratchada said Anutin will lead Cabinet ministers on 13 June 2026 at 08:30 in offering ceremonial bathing water and paying respects before the princess’s portrait at Sahathai Samakhom Pavilion inside the Grand Palace.

Thai PM says daily life, events may continue during mourning

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12 June 2026, 12:04

Thai PM says daily life, events may continue during mourning

BANGKOK — 12 June 2026, Thailand’s Cabinet observed a moment of silence on Friday in tribute to HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha, following the announcement of her death, as Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said daily life and economic activities should continue as normal during the mourning period.

Speaking after a special Cabinet meeting at 11:00 on 12 June 2026, Anutin said the session focused solely on preparations for upcoming royal ceremonies.

The prime minister said ministries and relevant government agencies had been instructed to provide full support for the ceremonies and to facilitate members of the public travelling to participate in commemorative events.

He said official mourning arrangements would follow guidance issued by the Royal Household Bureau.

Asked whether upcoming overseas engagements would be affected, Anutin said previously scheduled foreign visits and meetings with world leaders would proceed as planned.

However, he said ministers and government agencies had been advised to focus on essential business during overseas trips, minimise non-essential activities and keep visits as brief as possible.

Responding to questions about public events and everyday activities, Anutin said people should continue their normal lives.

“People should continue their daily lives, work and earn a living as usual,” he said. “Everyone already feels deep sadness and grief, but carrying out duties and making a living should continue normally.”

He added that he was confident the public understood how to conduct themselves appropriately during the mourning period and noted that guidance had already been clearly outlined in the Royal Household Bureau’s announcement.

Asked whether entertainment events and concerts could still take place, Anutin said such activities could continue.

“I believe everything can proceed as normal,” he said. “As during previous periods of mourning, events can still be held. Organisers may begin by observing a tribute or moment of silence. If we do that, it demonstrates our respect and appropriate conduct.”

Thai Craftsman Turns Scrap Wood Into Profitable Model Ships

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12 June 2026, 11:14

Thai Craftsman Turns Scrap Wood Into Profitable Model Ships

KAMPHAENG PHET — 11 June 2026, A Thai craftsman in Kamphaeng Phet province has transformed discarded wood into handcrafted model sailing ships, turning what many consider waste into a source of income for his family.

Chokchai Mangkorn, 40, who lives in Khlong Lan district, operates a small workshop at his home where he builds detailed wooden replicas of traditional Chinese junks, vessels widely regarded in Thai and Thai-Chinese culture as symbols of prosperity, business success and good fortune.

Chokchai, whose main occupations are farming and running a bag-making business, said his interest in woodworking inspired him to find new uses for leftover timber.

“I enjoy woodworking and have some carpentry skills, so I wanted to recycle scrap wood and add value to it,” he said. “I was also interested in traditional sailing ships, so I began studying their structure and started building them seriously.”

Each model is made entirely by hand and requires patience, precision and concentration. Chokchai begins by cutting scrap wood into the required sizes before assembling the hull piece by piece. He then installs masts, sails and rigging based on the proportions and design of traditional Chinese sailing vessels.

The handcrafted nature of the work means that no two ships are exactly alike. Each model highlights the natural grain of the wood and is designed as a decorative piece for homes, offices and businesses, or as a gift for new business openings and other auspicious occasions.

Residents say Chokchai’s work demonstrates how creativity and craftsmanship can transform locally available materials into products with significant value.

In addition to model ships, Chokchai has expanded his woodworking business by creating foldable picnic table and chair sets from reclaimed wood.

The multifunctional design allows all chairs to fold neatly into a single table unit, which can then be carried as a compact wooden box with a built-in handle.

The product is aimed at campers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for portable, space-saving furniture. Chokchai said each set is custom-made and available by advance order only.

His workshop has become an example of how recycled materials, skilled craftsmanship and entrepreneurial thinking can create sustainable income opportunities in rural Thailand.

Miss Universe 1988 pays tribute to Princess Bajrakitiyabha

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12 June 2026, 09:57

BANGKOK — 12 June 2026, Former Miss Universe Porntip Nakhirunkanok paid tribute to Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati following the announcement of her passing, recalling private audiences during the Princess’s childhood that left a lasting impression.

The Bureau of the Royal Household announced that Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati passed away peacefully at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital on 11 June 2026 at 19:48. She was 47 years old.

Porntip, who won the Miss Universe title in 1988, posted a tribute on social media following the announcement.

“Awoke to the heartbreaking news of the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati.

Her boundless kindness and compassion remain eternal, forever engraved in the hearts of the Thai people.

I had the profound honour of several private audiences with Her Royal Highness when she was a child, seated in my lap. I will always remember her radiant joy, keen intelligence, and natural, commanding grace.

May Her Royal Highness rest in peace.”

In her tribute, Porntip reflected on the Princess’s kindness and grace, saying memories of their encounters during the Princess’s childhood had stayed with her for decades.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha, eldest child of Thai King, dies at 47

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12 June 2026, 07:30

BANGKOK — Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita, widely known as Princess Bha, passed away at 19:48 on 11 June 2026 at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, according to an announcement issued by the Bureau of the Royal Household on 11 June 2026. She was 47.

The announcement stated that Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendiradebyavati Kromluangrajasarinisiribajra Mahavajrarajadhita had been unconscious due to a cardiac condition and had been receiving treatment at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital since 15 December 2022, as previously disclosed in periodic statements by the Bureau of the Royal Household.

Since 21 May 2026, her condition deteriorated after she developed an abdominal infection caused by inflammation of the large intestine, along with low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia and abnormal blood clotting. Despite close medical care provided by the medical team to the fullest extent, her condition continued to worsen until Thursday, 11 June 2026, at 19:48, when she passed away peacefully at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital at the age of 47.

His Majesty the King has issued a royal command ordering the Bureau of the Royal Household to arrange the royal funeral rites with the highest honours according to royal traditions, and to enshrine the royal body at Phiman Rattaya Hall in the Grand Palace.

Life and education

Born on 7 December 1978, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was the eldest child and first daughter of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Princess Soamsawali.

She studied at Rajini School before attending Heathfield School in Ascot, England, and later completed her secondary education at Chitralada School.

In 2000, she earned two undergraduate degrees: a Bachelor of Laws from Thammasat University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Sukhothai Thammathirat University.

She continued her legal studies at Cornell University in the United States, receiving a Master of Laws degree from Cornell Law School in 2002 and a Doctor of Juridical Science degree in 2005. In 2012, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology

Public service and legal career

From 2005 to 2006, Princess Bajrakitiyabha served as first secretary at the Permanent Mission of Thailand to the United Nations in New York.

She subsequently joined the Office of the Attorney General, serving in several prosecutorial roles, including positions in Udon Thani, Pattaya and Nong Bua Lam Phu provinces, as well as the Office of Narcotic Litigation.

From 2012 to 2014, she served as Thailand’s ambassador to Austria and as the country’s permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Vienna and other international organisations based in the Austrian capital. She returned to prosecutorial service after completing her diplomatic posting.

Military service

In February 2021, Princess Bajrakitiyabha was transferred to the Royal Security Command, where she served as chief of staff of the King’s Close Bodyguard Command with the rank of general.

In August 2025, the Royal Gazette announced her appointment as deputy commander of the Royal Security Command.

Humanitarian work and legacy

Princess Bajrakitiyabha devoted a significant part of her public service to improving the treatment of women within the criminal justice system.

In 2006, she initiated the Kamlangjai, or Inspire, Project to improve the quality of life of women prisoners in Thailand, including pregnant inmates and mothers with young children, and to support their reintegration into society after release.

In 2008, she launched the Enhancing Lives of Female Inmates project, known as ELFI, to promote the development of international standards addressing the specific needs of women prisoners and non-custodial measures for women offenders.

These efforts contributed directly to the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders in 2010. The guidelines became widely known as the Bangkok Rules.

Princess Bajrakitiyabha also served as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Regional Goodwill Ambassador on the Rule of Law for Southeast Asia and as chairperson of the Special Advisory Board of the Thailand Institute of Justice.

Indian warns citizens of job scam and human trafficking risks in Cambodia

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11 June 2026, 17:31

PHNOM PENH — The Indian Embassy in Cambodia has warned Indian nationals seeking employment in the country to be vigilant against fraudulent job offers that could lead to human trafficking and involvement in illegal online scam operations.

In an advisory issued by the embassy in Phnom Penh, officials said Indian citizens are being lured to Cambodia with false promises of lucrative employment opportunities before falling into the hands of human traffickers.

According to the advisory, victims are allegedly coerced into participating in online financial scams and other unlawful activities after arriving in Cambodia.

The embassy urged Indian nationals intending to work in Cambodia to use only authorised recruitment agents and to thoroughly verify the background of prospective employers before accepting job offers.

It also cautioned against using tourist visas to seek employment, noting that visitors should not engage in activities that are inconsistent with the purpose for which their visa was issued.

In addition, the embassy advised Indian nationals who do not possess a valid Cambodian visa to leave the country immediately.

The embassy said Indian citizens requiring assistance may contact its consular section in Phnom Penh through official channels.

CKPower opens “Art Power: The Energy Transition” platform, inspiring youth to express renewable energy perspectives through art

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11 June 2026, 17:06

CKPower Public Company Limited (SET: CKP), one of the region’s largest producers of electricity from renewables with one of the lowest carbon footprints, in collaboration with leading Thai artists from Klangjaturat Art Gallery, organized the “Art Power: The Energy Transition” project, a national art competition aimed at encouraging youth to learn about and express their perspectives on renewable energy and the environment through art. The project reflects the idea that business and art can move in the same direction, and that renewable energy can serve as a meaningful learning opportunity for younger generations to better understand the changes taking place in society, the environment, and modern ways of life.

On this occasion, Mrs. Muntana Auekitkarjorn, Senior Deputy Managing Director – Corporate Planning of CKPower, joined the opening ceremony together with Mr. Samarn Klangjaturat, renowned master artist and founder of Klangjaturat Art Gallery, leading Thai artists, and teachers from various schools, at JJ Mall, Bangkok.

Mr. Thanawat Trivisvavet, Managing Director of CKPower, stated, CKPower continues to drive the ‘Art Power: The Energy Transition’ project under the Company’s CSR Strategy Framework 2022–2026. The project uses art as a medium to help young people better understand renewable energy alongside natural resource conservation. The artworks created by young participants not only reflect creativity but also demonstrate their care for the world and the environment around them.

The project was made possible through collaboration among various sectors, including educational institutions, teachers, schools, artists from Klangjaturat Art Gallery, as well as CKPower employees who helped drive the initiative. This reflects CKPower’s role in connecting business operations with social value creation, while helping inspire the younger generation to take part in the transition toward clean energy, Mr. Thanawat added.

This year, the “Art Power: The Energy Transition” project provided a platform for primary and secondary school students from schools surrounding power plants and schools across Thailand, as well as employees across CKPower Group, to create artworks inspired by renewable energy and the environment. The project engaged a total of 207 participants and was organized in three rounds: 1) an art competition for schools surrounding Pak Thong Chai 1 Solar Power Plant in December 2025; 2) an art competition for schools surrounding Bangpa – in Cogeneration Power Plant in January 2026; and 3) the final nationwide competition for schools across Thailand, with employees across CKPower Group also invited to submit their artworks.

The project builds upon the “Empowering Clean Energy through Thai Art” initiative held in 2024, which focused on enhancing the capabilities of teachers from schools surrounding power plants and schools nationwide, enabling them to integrate renewable energy knowledge with artistic skills for students. Teachers who participated in the program have further applied this knowledge by encouraging their students to take part in the “Art Power: The Energy Transition” project this year.

The initiative reflects the expansion of last year’s teacher capacity-building program into broader engagement among youth, schools, and employees. It also aligns with CKPower’s approach to leveraging renewable energy knowledge and employee participation to continuously create social value.

CKPower aims to build on the ‘Art Power: The Energy Transition’ project as another platform to promote learning about renewable energy and the environment among youths through creative and accessible learning processes. At the same time, the project also provides opportunities for employees to participate in creating social value and supporting the transition toward clean energy in a sustainable way, Mr. Thanawat concluded.

Life and education

Public service and legal career

Military service

Humanitarian work and legacy

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