For the second consecutive year, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) has been ranked among the top 2 universities in Thailand for research quality in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025. KMUTNB also secured the 6th place among Thai universities and is ranked among the top 1201-1500 best universities globally.
For the year 2025, a total of 20 Thai universities appear in the rankings out of 27 universities that submitted data for evaluation. Globally, the ranking includes 2,092 universities from 115 countries.
THE is a world leader in university rankings, and it released its 2025 rankings on 9 October 2024. Since 2018, KMUTNB has steadily improved its standing. Particularly, the notable achievements are in research, where it consistently scores highly across several indicators. For research quality, KMUTNB received a score of 55.8 this year, an improvement over the 50.9 points achieved last year. This accomplishment leads to its position as one of the top 2 universities in Thailand for research quality for two consecutive years.
This international recognition reflects KMUTNB’s unwavering commitment to enhancing research quality. The Times Higher Education University Rankings 2025 are based on a set of indicators that measure the quality and efficiency of a university’s education and research performance. The weighting of these indicators is as follows:
– Teaching: 29.5%
– Research Environment: 29%
– Research Quality: 30%
– Industry Income: 4%
– International Outlook: 7.5%
For more information, visit [THE World University Rankings 2025] (https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/latest/world-ranking#!/length/25/locations/THA/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/scores).
FILE - Thai-Muslim rioters lie on the ground after they were arrested and forced to take off their shirts by Thai security forces after rioting at Takbai district of Narathiwat province, southern Thailand, Oct. 25, 2004. (Matichon Photo, File)
BANGKOK — The Pheu Thai Party may be able to alleviate some pressure after General Phisarn Rattanawongkhiri resigned as a party-list MP, following his inability to appear to report himself as a suspect in the case of the deadly incident involving protesters in Tak Bai District, Narathiwat Province 20 years ago.
However, the government led by the Pheu Thai Party continues to face pressure during these final 10 days, as the statute of limitations for the case will expire on October 25.
General Phisarn was the commander of the 4th Army Region when the military’s act of cramming protesters tightly into trucks resulted in 78 deaths due to suffocation.
Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, stated on October 15 that General Phisarn Rattanawongkhiri, a party-list MP of the Pheu Thai Party, sent a representative to submit his resignation documents, effective October 14 onwards.
General Phisarn cited his ongoing medical treatment and recovery as the reason for his resignation from both the party and his position as a member of the House of Representatives. He mentioned that once his condition improves, he will provide an explanation in person.
General Phisarn Rattanawongkhiri (center), when he was the commander of the 4th Army Region, giving a press conference after the Tak Bai incident on October 25, 2004 in Narathiwat province, southern Thailand.
“I have learned that there have been attempts to use my issue to create movements that could lead to increased social conflict and to link it in ways that would affect the Pheu Thai Party, of which I am a member and hold a position as a representative. The Pheu Thai Party has no involvement in this matter whatsoever. Therefore, I have decided to resign to prevent the Pheu Thai Party from being affected by me and the events that have occurred,” he said.
Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, said that the government sympathizes with the people in this case because it is not common for citizens to be able to file lawsuits themselves. The government is therefore trying to bring General Phisarn into the justice process and encourages officials working on this matter, as there are only 10 days left before the statute of limitations expires to bring the accused to trial.
Issuing a red notice is the responsibility of Interpol, which is under the supervision of the Royal Thai Police. There are channels through the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act and coordination with international police, similar to the case where the Ministry of Justice coordinated the arrest of Pang Na Node, or Mr. Chaowalit Thongduang, age 37, a convicted felon who fled from Thailand to Indonesia in 2023 and was brought back in June of this year.
Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, displays documents on October 15, 2024, showing that General Phisarn Rattanawongkhiri, a party-list MP of the Pheu Thai Party, submitted his resignation.
Pol. Col. Tawee also said that cases in the southern border provinces are divided into two parts: security-related cases and non-security-related cases. From 2011 to the present, there have been 7,878 security-related cases with arrest warrants issued, and suspects have been arrested in over 4,000 cases.
The remaining cases where arrests haven’t been made are due to various reasons, including 1,678 cases where suspects have fled. The government therefore needs to increase the efficiency of arrests.
Meanwhile, from the opposition, Mr. Nattawut Buaprathum, MP of the People’s Party, said that this case is a test of the government’s sincerity over the past 20 years in bringing suspects to justice to restore justice for the people. General Phisarn’s resignation from the Pheu Thai Party does not affect the legal proceedings and does not affect the government’s duty to coordinate his extradition for punishment.
He also said that the meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights learned that 2 out of 6 suspects have fled the country, living in Japan and the United Kingdom. Both countries have good relations with Thailand and have extradition laws. Therefore, the government should take action.
FILE – Thai-Muslim rioters lie on the ground after they were arrested and forced to take off their shirts by Thai security forces after rioting at Takbai district of Narathiwat province, southern Thailand, Oct. 25, 2004. (AP Photo, File)
Meanwhile, at the Narathiwat Provincial Court, plaintiffs, lawyers, victims, and observers from political parties and civil society organizations continuously arrived to follow up on the progress of the Tak Bai case, after the Narathiwat Provincial Court issued arrest warrants for 7 suspects. None of the suspects appeared on October 15.
Sareepah Marohmae-no, who lost her husband in the Tak Bai incident, said she traveled from Yi-ngo district, Narathiwat province. She stated that she came to see if the suspects would turn themselves in. She wants the suspects to enter the justice process, and she has already received compensation from the government.
Police Colonel Thotsamon Muangkasem, commander of the Narathiwat 93 Task Force, said that if the 7 suspects in this case appear today, officials and the court will identify themselves and make arrests. In addition, his unit has prepared 3 rapid response teams, including relevant officials, to maintain order and be ready in case any ill-intentioned groups try to cause disturbances, so they can promptly suppress such incidents.
The Narathiwat Provincial Court, October 15, 2024
Mareeki Dorloh, who was injured in the incident, said that on the day of the incident, he was arrested with his arms tied behind his back and loaded onto a truck with others, stacked in 5 layers. He was on the second layer, with three more layers above him. The transfer from Tak Bai Police Station to Ingkhayuthaborihan Camp took a very long time.
“During the transfer, military officers stepped on us from above and said that if anyone cried out, the truck wouldn’t move. They also hit them with gun butts. To this day, I still feel pain when raising my arms. I wants those responsible to be punished to achieve justice,” he said.
Coincidentally, the Cabinet meeting on October 15, 2024, approved the extention of the Emergency Declaration in three southern border provinces, comprising:
– Narathiwat Province, except for Yi-ngo, Sungai Kolok, Waeng, and Sukhirin districts
– Pattani Province, except for Yaring, Panare, Mayo, Mai Kaen, Thung Yang Daeng, Kapho, and Mae Lan districts
– Yala Province, except for Betong, Raman, Krong Pinang, and Kabang districts
The extension will last until January 19, 2025, for a total period of 3 months. The emergency declaration is the 78th of its kind, since it was announced on 20 July 2005 as an instrument that would enable state officials to deal with the southern situation
Siam Seaplane is set to revolutionize Thailand’s tourism industry by introducing seaplanes, with the first water landing and take-off sites in Phuket. This development offers travelers a convenient and scenic mode of transport, saving time while providing a unique perspective of Thailand’s stunning landscapes.
By making remote areas more accessible, it aims to unlock the full potential of the country’s tourism industry, promoting sustainable tourism development.
Phuket, one of Thailand’s southern provinces, is the largest island in the country and is located in the Andaman Sea. The region boasts beautiful smaller islands and beaches, such as Racha Island, Ko He, and Coconut Island. Due to its unique landscape, Phuket has become a premier destination for tourists worldwide. Recognizing this, Siam Seaplane sees many opportunities to enhance Thailand’s tourism potential, focusing first on Phuket as the initial base for seaplane operations.
From Phuket, seaplane flights will be available to destinations such as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Noi, Phang-Nga, and Koh Lipe. At the same time, the company will operate from Bangkok to serve destinations across the Gulf of Thailand, such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Jomtien, and Koh Chang.
This seaplane service promises to set a new world-class standard with its blend of convenience, timesaving, scenic routes, luxury, comfort, flexibility, environmental benefits, safety, accessibility, and unforgettable experiences. Travelers can anticipate a premium service that stands out in the region and beyond.
Moreover, water landings and take-offs have received support from the Ministry of Transport, which includes various authorities such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand and AEROTHAI (Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Ltd.), the Marine Department, and related government agencies.
According to Ms. Worakanya Siripidej, CEO of Siam Seaplane, “It’s incredible to witness so many authorities coming together to drive such a meaningful change for Thailand; we are both grateful and excited to lead this initiative. The seaplane service will benefit the local Phuket economy by generating new job opportunities, boosting tourist arrivals and revenue, and supporting sustainable tourism development.
On a broader scale, premium seaplane services will elevate the Thai tourism industry by attracting high-spending guests, enhancing the country’s reputation as a luxury destination, and providing faster, more efficient travel to previously hard-to-reach locations.”
The project has also received support from local partners including Amanpuri, Àni Private Resort, InterContinental, Kata Rocks, and The Naka Island and Trisara Resort. Bjorn Courage, representing InterContinental Phuket and the Phuket Hotel Association, stated, “The sky will brighten up with Siam Seaplane operation and create a whole new dimension of Thai Tourism by unlocking conveniently every corner of the nation; the sky truly is the limit.” Mr. Richard Pope, CEO of Infinite Luxury and Kata Rocks, expressed his support for the seaplane project, emphasizing its potential to invigorate tourism in Phuket.
Additionally, Siam Seaplane works with hotel partners and destination management companies (DMCs), and travel agents, like Asian Trails, offering seamless operational travel standards throughout Thailand and Asia. With a portfolio of products, including wholesale and tailor-made leisure arrangements, meeting and conference organization, team building events, incentive travel, airport transfers, secure online hotel bookings, and a range of tour packages that include cultural, historical, social, and adventure-based programs.
Currently, Siam Seaplane is working with various authorities to establish water landing destinations for seaplanes in Phuket and other destinations across Thailand. The company also has a sister brand, Siam Scenic, which offers bespoke luxury charter and sightseeing flights, providing travelers with the thrill of flying in style and comfort at a lower cost than private jets.
With unmatched flexibility, Siam Scenic can reach almost any airport in Thailand, including private airfields inaccessible to commercial airlines. Ideal for romantic getaways, family celebrations, business trips, or unique sightseeing flights, Siam Scenic delivers the ultimate in luxury and convenience, now available for bookings.
Siam Seaplane is dedicated to delivering a premium and uniquely memorable experience while ensuring the safe transport of discerning guests to their destinations. Founded in 2019 in Thailand with the support of a diverse group of investors, aviation, and business executives, the company has collaborated closely with government authorities to uphold the highest safety standards.
International partnerships are established with affiliates in Hong Kong, Cambodia, and Indonesia. With over 60 resort and hotel partners, Siam Seaplane has garnered global media attention across magazines, TV, and online platforms, generating significant interest among travelers.
The team, which includes experts from leading airlines, hospitality, sales and marketing, branding, design, consulting, and banking, is further strengthened by advisors who are airline CEOs, hotel owners, and prominent business figures from both Thailand and abroad.
Madam Pang Nualphan Lamsam, President of the Football Association of Thailand, celebrates with Thai national team winning the 50th King's Cup at Tinsulanon Stadium, Songkhla Province, on October 14, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/ Todsaporn Lohkhunceam)
SONGKHLA — Thai football fans are overjoyed as the national team clinches the 50th King’s Cup championship for the first time in 7 years since 2017 and for the 16th time since 1976. This marks the first championship win outside of Bangkok.
The Football Association of Thailand organized the 50th “King’s Cup” tournament, a competition that began in 1968. It featured 4 teams, competing at Tinsulanon Stadium in Songkhla Province. Thailand defeated the Philippines 3-1 in the first game, while Syria beat Tajikistan 1-0.
In the final on October 14, Thailand (world ranking 100), coached by Japanese Masatada Ishii, faced Syria (world ranking 94), led by Spanish coach José Lana, at Tinsulanon Stadium, which was packed with 24,121 spectators. Prior to this match, the Philippines defeated Tajikistan 3-0 to secure third place in the tournament.
Thailand’s Ekanit Panya scores in the 44th minute of the first half in the 50th King’s Cup championship final between Thailand and Syria at Tinsulanon Stadium in Songkhla Province, on October 14, 2024.
Thailand narrowly won 2-1 against Syria. Thailand’s Ekanit Panya scored in the 44th minute of the first half. In the second half, Sasalak Haiprakhon’s misplaced pass allowed Ezequiel Naim Ham to equalize for Syria in the 53rd minute. Team captain Chanathip Songkrasin scored the winning goal in injury time (90+1).
“The turning point of this game followed football dynamics, with both good and bad moments. We had opportunities to finish several times. I must thank all my teammates. There were minor mistakes in details, but ultimately it’s about whether we fight or not. This team represents a new generation of players,” said Chanathip, nicknamed “Messi J”.
Chanathip Songkrasin receives the Man of the Match award in the final after scoring the winning goal in Thailand’s 2-1 victory over Syria. (Khaosod Photo/ Todsaporn Lohkhunceam)
He also thanked fans from Songkhla, the South, and all over Thailand, saying their support helped the team win the championship today.
Head coach Masatada Ishii also said, “The fans cheering for us, whether in the stadium or watching on TV, played a crucial role in helping us perform well.”
“This time, we had Chanathip as team captain, which created a good atmosphere in the team, and everyone was committed to training. Of course, the field conditions and today’s weather – I must thank everyone who came to cheer, giving the players energy to play throughout the game,” the Japanese head coach said.
Head coach Masatada Ishii celebrates with Sasalak Haiprakhon after the Thai national team won the 50th King’s Cup at Tinsulanon Stadium, Songkhla Province, on October 14, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/ Todsaporn Lohkhunceam)
Meanwhile, Madam Pang Nualphan Lamsam, President of the Football Association of Thailand, announced a 5 million baht bonus for the Thai national team, an increase from the previously announced 3 million baht.
This victory is a significant achievement for the Thai national team since she took office as the association’s president in mid-2023, following the Thai U16 team’s runner-up finish in the ASEAN U16 Boys’ Championship Indonesia 2024, where they lost to Australia 7-8 on penalties.
The Thai national team celebrates winning the 50th King’s Cup at Tinsulanon Stadium, Songkhla Province, on October 14, 2024. (Khaosod Photo/ Todsaporn Lohkhunceam)
Aside from the competitive matches, this tournament also featured an amusing incident involving a dog that ran onto the pitch during the Thailand vs. Philippines game on October 11. The dog even defecated on the pitch amidst the rain.
Although this might result in a fine for the tournament organizers, it became a viral, humorous sensation on social media. People nicknamed the dog “Mah Deng,” playfully referencing “Moo Deng,” the famous pygmy hippo celebrity.
Enterprising individuals even produced and sold T-shirts featuring the incident outside the stadium during the final match, priced at 299 baht each. They stated that the proceeds, after deducting expenses, would be donated to feed dogs.
This tournament also featured an amusing incident involving a dog that ran onto the pitch on October 11, 2024. Later, individuals produced and sold T-shirts featuring this dog, which they named “Ma Deng.”
A plane take off from Rafik Hariri international airport as smoke of a past Israeli airstrike still rise from Dahiyeh, in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
The European Union on Monday condemned attacks on U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon and rejected Israeli allegations that the U.N. was keeping them there to obstruct military operations against Hezbollah.
Five peacekeepers have been wounded in attacks that struck their positions since Israel began a ground campaign against the Hezbollah militant group, with most blamed on Israeli forces. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that “their work is very important. It’s completely unacceptable attacking United Nations troops.”
Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed over 42,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, who do not say how many were fighters but say women and children make up more than half of the fatalities. The war has destroyed large areas of Gaza and displaced about 90% of its population of 2.3 million people.
It’s been more than a year since Hamas-led militants blew holes in Israel’s security fence and stormed into army bases and farming communities, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250. They are still holding about 100 captives inside Gaza, a third of whom are believed to be dead.
Here’s the latest:
Israeli defense minister vows ‘forceful response’ to a Hezbollah attack on a base
TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant briefed his U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin on the deadly Hezbollah drone attack on a military base in Israel late Sunday and vowed “a forceful response.”
The attack near the city of Binyamina killed four soldiers and wounded 61. It was the deadliest strike by the militant group since Israel launched its ground invasion of Lebanon two weeks ago.
In his talk with Austin, Gallant “highlighted the severity of the attack and the forceful response that would be taken against Hezbollah,” his office said.
He also “reiterated the measures” taken by the military to coordinate with UNIFIL peacekeepers in southern Lebanon and to avoid harming them, after mounting criticism of Israel for repeatedly firing on U.N. soldiers.
Gallant’s office said he expressed his appreciation to Austin and the U.S. administration for deciding to send a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery to Israel “in the coming days.”
At least 18 dead as a strike hits building in northern Lebanon
BEIRUT — The Lebanese Red Cross says an Israeli airstrike in northern Lebanon has killed at least 18 people.
The strike hit a small apartment building in the village of Aito on Monday, and was one of the northernmost strikes since Israel invaded Lebanon earlier this month.
The Hezbollah militant group is mainly present in the south of the country and the southern suburbs of Beirut.
An Israeli airstrike hits near an aid convoy in Lebanon
BEIRUT — Lebanese officials say an Israeli airstrike hit near an aid convoy in Lebanon, wounding a driver and lightly damaging the trucks.
The humanitarian aid, which reached Beirut on Monday, was marked with the flags of Turkey and the United Arab Emirates as well as the Red Cross insignia.
Baalbek-Hermel Gov. Bachir Khodr, who accompanied the convoy, said the airstrike hit as it was passing through northeastern Lebanon. He shared a picture on the social platform X taken from inside a vehicle showing a large cloud of smoke on the road ahead.
It was not clear how badly the driver was wounded.
The Red Cross did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Palestinians react to a fire after an Israeli strike hit a tent area in the courtyard of Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Germany calls on Israel to investigate the shelling of peacekeepers
BERLIN — The German government has sharply criticizes the shelling of U.N. peacekeepers in southern Lebanon and is calling on Israel to clarify what exactly happened.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office told reporters in Berlin on Monday that “all parties to the conflict, including the Israeli army, are obliged to direct their combat operations exclusively against military targets of the other party to the conflict.” Spokesman Sebastian Fischer said that a comprehensive investigation is expected and that talks on the matter were being held with the Israeli side.
The situation in southern Lebanon is causing growing concern, Fischer added, saying that “the shelling of U.N. peacekeepers and the intrusion into their bases is in no way acceptable,” and that the protection and security of U.N. troops had top priority.
Iran stops indirect talks with US in Oman
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran has stopped indirect talks with the United States in Oman as tensions remain high over a possible Israeli retaliatory strike on Tehran over an earlier missile attack, the Islamic Republic’s foreign minister said Monday.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the comment to Iranian state media while still in Muscat, Oman. The sultanate on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula long has been an interlocutor between Iran and the U.S., particularly in the secret talks that birthed Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
“For the time being, the Muscat process is stopped because of special situation in the region,” Araghchi said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. “We do not see any ground for the talks until we can pass the current crisis.”
The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Iran under new President Masoud Pezeshkian has been signaling it wants to negotiate with the U.S. for sanctions relief. Since then-President Donald Trump pulled America out of the nuclear accord, Tehran has begun enriching uranium to nearly weapons-grade levels and increasing the size of its stockpile. However, U.S. intelligence agencies and officials insist Iran has not begun an effort to build a nuclear weapon.
Meanwhile, Israel has threatened a major retaliatory strike over Iran’s ballistic missile attack earlier this month, the second-such direct assault on Israel by Iran since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
Irish foreign minister says Israel is trying to stop the world from seeing what its troops are doing
BRUSSELS — Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin is accusing Israel of trying to prevent the world from seeing what its troops are doing in Lebanon and Gaza, and of working to undermine the United Nations.
Asked what Israel’s aim might be in demanding that UNIFIL peacekeepers leave their bases after a series of attacks, Martin said: “essentially to drive the eyes and ears out of south Lebanon and to give itself free rein.”
“We cannot have an undermining and a chipping away of the status or the credibility or structures of the United Nations and particularly its peacekeeping forces,” Martin said in Luxembourg, where EU foreign ministers are meeting.
“We see what’s happening in northern Gaza, for example, in terms of the necessity of eyes and ears on the ground. The world has really no full picture of what’s happening in Gaza,” he told reporters.
Martin added that “Israel is essentially now undermining (not only) the United Nations and the United Nations peacekeeping force, but the very rules based international order, and it needs to step back.”
He called on his EU counterparts “to stand up now on the side of what’s right and proper and moral in terms of humanity.”
Palestinians look at the damage after an Israeli strike hit a tent area in the courtyard of Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
2 Israelis charged with planning assassination for Iran
TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel’s Shin Bet domestic security agency said Monday police had charged two Israelis on accusations that they planned to carry out an assassination at the behest of Iran.
The agency said Vladislav Victorson, 30, was approached online by a person called Mari Hossi and was instructed to carry out missions that ranged from petty vandalism to torching cars, and paid more than $5,000.
The Shin Bet said Victorson was asked to damage communications infrastructure and ATMs, although a statement did not say whether he carried out these acts. It also did not name the Israeli figure he allegedly agreed to assassinate. The Shin Bet said he also sought to acquire weapons, including a sniper’s rifle, guns and grenades. According to the Shin Bet, Victorson enlisted two other people, including his girlfriend, Anna Bernstein, 18, to assist in his missions.
The Shin Bet said Iranian agents are known to use social media and promises of cash in efforts to recruit Israelis to carry out such attacks.
Israel and Iran have a longstanding shadow war, which over the past year has erupted into direct conflict.
EU condemns attacks on peacekeepers
BRUSSELS — The European Union condemned attacks on U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon and rejected allegations that U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres is responsible for obstructing the Israeli army.
Sixteen EU countries are contributing to the UNIFIL peacekeeping force. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that “their work is very important. It’s completely unacceptable attacking United Nations troops.” Five peacekeepers have been wounded in attacks that struck their positions, with most blamed on Israeli forces.
Speaking in Luxembourg before chairing talks between EU foreign ministers, Borrell underlined that the U.N. Security Council decides whether UNIFIL should be moved, “so stop blaming Secretary Guterres.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday called for UNIFIL to heed Israel’s warnings to evacuate, accusing them of “providing a human shield” to Hezbollah. In a video addressed to Guterres, who has been banned from entering Israel, Netanyahu told the U.N. chief “to get (UNIFIL) out of the danger zone.”
Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, whose country is one of Europe’s strongest backers of Israel, said the attacks are “simply unacceptable” and that UNFIL will not be leaving.
“No, they will not withdraw. Yes, they will continue to fulfill the mandate. And yes, we demand on each and every party to respect this mandate and respect the security and safety of our blue helmets,” he told reporters.
Palestinians look at the damage after an Israeli strike hit a tent area in the courtyard of Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip, Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Gaza begins 2nd round of polio vaccine push
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — The Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip said it has launched the second round of a polio vaccination campaign in the war-ravaged territory.
It said Monday that a second does of the vaccine will be administered to children under 10 in the central part of the territory over the next three days before the campaign is expanded to the north and south.
Health workers succeeded in administering the first dose of the vaccine to around 560,000 children despite myriad challenges, including ongoing fighting, the breakdown of law and order and widespread damage to roads and infrastructure.
The World Health Organization said humanitarian pauses to facilitate the campaign last month were largely observed.
New Zealand’s Luxon condemns targeting peacekeepers
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — “It is totally, utterly unacceptable for Israel to be targeting U.N. Peacekeepers,” New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told reporters in the capital on Monday.
“I think the whole world is outraged that Israel is targeting U.N. facilities. They are there on a peacekeeping mission to try and keep the peace on that border,” he said.
CCTV footage shows the moment Mr. Mac demands change from the shop owner in Soi Samphanmit, downtown Udon Thani, on October 13, 2024.
UDON THANI — On October 14, the tourist police in Udon Thani were searching for a Dutch man who appeared in a CCTV clip from a restaurant where a victim had filed a complaint. The man had reportedly caused a disturbance in the shop because he was unhappy about not receiving change for his meal. The police were looking for him at another restaurant in Soi Samphanmit.
The restaurant manager said that this Dutch man was his employer, along with his Thai wife. Usually, he was kind-hearted, and the manager was shocked to see him behave this way for the first time. The manager informed the police that if he found his Dutch employer, he would promptly notify them to meet with the police.
The incident occurred at 3:21 a.m. on October 13. The shop’s CCTV was able to record the event. In the clip, a foreigner wearing a yellow shirt can be seen talking to a Thai bargirl. After some conversation, this foreigner began to rampage, sweeping the table and causing ashtrays and glasses to shatter. He was shouting in English and Thai, repeatedly saying “money, money” and asking in Thai, “Why don’t you give me my change?”
The Thai bargirl argued back, pointing to a foreigner in a black shirt, saying, “I already gave you the change, but your friend in the black shirt took it.” The man in the black shirt claimed, “It’s my money!”
In the next clip, the foreigner in the yellow shirt, extremely dissatisfied that the bargirl wouldn’t return his money, walked over and threw a fan. Not content with that, he grabbed another fan and threw it as well, greatly frightening the bargirls in the shop.
Finally, Ms. Tui, the shop owner, had to pay 130 baht in change to the foreigner in the yellow shirt again to end the matter. She then filed a complaint at the Udon Thani City Police Station.
The bargirl stated that the shop had calculated their food bill to be 870 baht. They paid with a 1000 baht note, and she had already given them change. However, Mr. Mac’s friend, Mr. Lee in the black shirt, had pocketed the change without returning it to his friend, causing this temperamental foreigner, who was drunk, to go on a rampage.
At 2:30 p.m. on October 14, Mr. Mac, 61 years old, and his wife went to the Udon Thani City Police Station to negotiate with Ms. Tui, the bar owner, and Ms. Jub-jaeng, the bargirl. Ms. Tui told the tourist police that the incident occurred because Mr. Mac was impatient waiting for 130 baht in change, so he caused a disturbance and damaged property in the shop.
Udon Thani tourist police facilitate negotiations between Mr. Mac, 61 years old, and his wife, and Ms. Tui, the bar owner, and Ms. Jub-jaeng, the bargirl, at the Udon Thani City Police Station on October 14, 2024.
“We had already given the change, but Mr. Lee, Mr. Mac’s friend, took the money and put it in his pocket. We told Mr. Mac to calm down, that we were trying to get the money back from Mr. Lee, but Mr. Mac wouldn’t listen. He yelled, swept glasses and ashtrays, then threw fans. Luckily, I dodged in time,” Ms. Tui said.
She added that she thought Mr. Mac had gone too far. They run businesses in the same alley, and he also has a restaurant. She asked how he would feel if this happened to his restaurant.
Mr. Mac argued that he couldn’t accept women screaming and insulting him with vulgar words. He questioned why they didn’t just give him the change if they were going to give it to him anyway.
“Suppose you go out to eat, you’re the one who pays. You can’t give the change to someone else. I wanted my change; you should have given it directly to me, not to someone else,” he said.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Prabda Suksunthree of the Udon Thani Tourist Police revealed that the negotiation ended with Mr. Mac agreeing to pay for all damages. Once the complainant reports, he will pay in front of the investigating officer. Whether to proceed with legal action or not is at the discretion of the investigating officer at Udon Thani City Police Station. Initial checks revealed that Mr. Mac has been in Thailand for 24 years, married to a Thai wife.
Ms. Tui, the shop owner, said that initially, the property damage was estimated at about 5,000-6,000 baht. Regarding compensation for emotional distress, her partner would discuss it privately once more. She stated that they were willing to let the matter go without pressing charges.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump gestures to the audience as he departs a campaign rally at the Calhoun Ranch, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Coachella, Calif. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A Nevada man with a shotgun, loaded handgun, ammunition and several fake passports in his vehicle was arrested at a security checkpoint outside Donald Trump’s rally Saturday night in the Southern California desert, authorities said. He was released the same day on $5,000 bail.
The suspect, a 49-year-old resident of Las Vegas, was driving an unregistered black SUV with a “homemade” license plate that was stopped by deputies assigned to the rally in Coachella, east of Los Angeles, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said at a news conference Sunday afternoon.
Law enforcement snipers look over the scene as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Calhoun Ranch, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Coachella, Calif. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The driver claimed to be a journalist but it was unclear if he had the proper credentials. Deputies noticed the interior of the vehicle was “in disarray” and a search uncovered the weapons and ammo, along with multiple passports and driver licenses with different names, Bianco said.
The man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a loaded firearm and possession of a high-capacity magazine, the department said in a statement.
“This incident did not impact the safety of former President Trump or attendees of the event,” the Saturday statement said. Trump had not yet arrived at the rally at the time of the arrest, the sheriff said Sunday.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 2, 2025, according to online records.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump gestures at a campaign rally at the Findlay Toyota Arena Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in Prescott Valley, Ariz. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Bianco declined to speculate about the suspect’s motives or frame of mind. “We know we prevented something bad from happening, and it was irrelevant what that bad was going to be,” Bianco said.
The man made it past an outer security boundary and was stopped at an inner perimeter patrolled by the sheriff’s department, Bianco said. Another security checkpoint closer to the rally site was operated by the Secret Service.
“The U.S. Secret Service assesses that the incident did not impact protective operations and former President Trump was not in any danger,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement Sunday. “While no federal arrest has been made at this time, the investigation is ongoing.”
Attendees watch as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Calhoun Ranch, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Coachella, Calif. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Media members, as well as VIP ticket holders, were routed through a number of intersections manned by state and local law enforcement officers before arriving at a large, grassy area where drivers were asked to open hoods and trunks, and each vehicle was searched by a K-9 officer. Other general ticket holders were directed to a site roughly 3 miles away from the rally, where they were boarded onto buses and driven to the site.
Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the arrest.
The facial expressions of the actors during the press conference involving The iCon Group business of Boss Paul (center). From top left: Kan Kanta Thaworn, bottom left: Sam Yuranunt, top right: Min Peechaya, and bottom right: Boy Pakorn. (Khaosod Photo)
BANGKOK — The iCon Group, a large business enterprise involving celebrities, influencers, and stars acting as “bosses” to promote online product sales, has gradually faced complaints from a group of victims, leading to its expansion into a major case in Thailand.
These complaints were aired through a hot-topic news discussion program “Ride the Wave” (Hoen Krasae in Thai) hosted by Kanchai Kamnerdploy on Channel 3 television, eventually evolving into a national-level case with hundreds of complainants.
They accused the group of running a Ponzi scheme by tricking them into buying large quantities of their beauty and consumer products to sell to others, only to find out there’s little demand. Many people said that the success of this business was not primarily based on selling products, but on persuading others to join the investment network.
The story that shocked society was that these people were encouraged to invest more and more until they were penniless. Some attempted suicide, and some died, with similar motivations stemming from their admiration for celebrities and trust in the wealthy image of stars or influencers.
A billboard of The iCon Group company featuring famous actors as presenters for various products including cosmetics, coffee, and supplements, once prominently displayed in the center of Pattaya city.
Especially notable is “Boss Paul” Waratthapon Waratthawarakul, owner of the catchphrase “10 years of misplaced diligence won’t make you rich,” founder and CEO of The iCon Group, an online business empire using the “buy-sell” model to generate enormous income.
He used his life story of growing up with a single mother in Bangkok’s slums, working hard to earn money, and paying for his own education. He started his business journey selling tiles online, learned, and eventually opened The iCon Group company in 2018, growing rapidly in 2021 with sales exceeding 5 billion baht, with credible famous stars joining to enhance the image.
This massive damage prompted the new Police Chief of the Royal Thai Police, Kittirat Phanphet, to order a full police investigation.
Similarly, the government, represented by Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Jiraporn Sinthuprai, who oversees consumer protection agencies, called an urgent meeting of all relevant agencies at Government House on October 11.
Boss Paul (Waratthapon Waratthawarakul), founder and CEO of The Icon Group, arriving to provide information to the police, insisting that his business is legal, at the Consumer Protection Police Division on October 12, 2024.
Subsequently, officials from the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) led a raid on The Icon Group HQ in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district and at least 9 points of The iCon Group network companies.
Officials found several important pieces of evidence, especially the company’s product warehouses located in Moo 8, Khlong Si Subdistrict, Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province. They found only 2 packing employees and very few products, contrary to the company’s assets of 700 million baht.
Meanwhile, the famous stars involved in this business, including Sam Yuranunt Pamornmontri, Boy Pakorn Chatborirak, Min Peechaya Wattanamontree, and Kan Kantathavorn, all came out to confirm that they were only presenters, not partners, and they were very sorry to learn that people had been seriously affected.
Then, each of them, except Boy Pakorn, gradually went to meet with police officers. Until Sunday, October 13, Pol. Maj. Gen. Sopon Saraphat, Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau, announced that so far, the executives of The iCon Group, Boss Paul, three famous stars (Sam, Min, and Kan), and other executives who had been accused, totaling 6 people, now have the status of “suspects.”
Some of the products belonging to a 66-year-old male victim in Chonburi province, who invested 500,000 baht after being misled by celebrities. He was only able to sell products worth a little over 1,000 baht, and the rest had to be donated.
Police summarized the total number of victims throughout the previous week to be as high as 800, with total damages of over 266 million baht. If it reaches 300 million baht, this case will be elevated to a special investigation by the DSI police.
Minister Jiraporn said that officials are currently collecting evidence based on facts, and the OCPB has sent a letter to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to issue a letter to freeze assets first. AMLO will monitor the assets, and if there’s any transfer, it may also fall under money laundering.
The iCon Group business was exposed as a scandalous case following the case of a husband and wife selling gold online, known as “Mae Tak and Pa Beer” or Ms. Kornkanok Suwanabut and Mr. Kanphon Ruangaram, which was found to have more than 200 victims.
The similarity to The iCon Group case is that many stars and influencers participated in marketing activities to promote their gold business to make it look credible and persuade people to buy.
Images of Mae Tuck and Pa Beer, a couple who posted on social media showcasing their wealth to entice people to buy their gold, before being investigated and found to be selling substandard products.
Moreover, “Mae Tak and Pa Beer” also created content distributed on social media boasting of wealth including branded assets, luxury watches, luxury cars, millions of cash in bundles, and a luxurious lifestyle.
Another similarity is the exposure of this fraudulent business through the “Ride the Wave” TV program, revealing that most of the gold from this shop did not meet standards and was far from the quality advertised, making it impossible to resell at a price close to what was paid. Also, the gold shop’s lottery was not legally correct.
Both were arrested and prosecuted for multiple legal offenses, including consumer-related offenses, public fraud, and also matters related to the Computer Act in bringing false information into the system.
During the prosecution, police seized their assets including several luxury cars, 16 land title deeds, real estate, 6 luxury watches, and various assets worth several million baht. However, the safe that appeared in the content to be full of luxury watches turned out to be empty.
An important issue of these similar large cases that those responsible must continue to investigate is whether there are police officers involved or benefiting from these dubious wealth-creating businesses.
CCTV footage from the cosmetics store reveals the moment Miss Grace picked up a LANEIGE lip care product, which she did not pay for before leaving the store.
BANGKOK — Officers from Phahonyothin Police Station revealed on Sunday that they had received a theft notification on Saturday night about a foreign customer stealing goods from a cosmetics store.
Upon arrival at the scene in a cosmetics store on the 2nd floor of a well-known department store in the Phahonyothin area, Chatuchak sub-district, Chatuchak district, Bangkok at approximately 10:00 p.m. on October 12, the police officers found that store employees had prevented Miss Grace, an 18-year-old British nationa, from leaving the shop.
The staff stated that they noticed this woman behaving suspiciously while entering the store. She picked up a LANEIGE lip care product (Lip Sleeping Mask Watermelon Pop), priced at 700 baht ($21), and left without paying.
The police officers charge the British teen, Miss Grace, with theft at night, at the Phahonyothin Police Station, on October 13, 2024.
Store employees followed her and asked to check the receipt for the item she was carrying. When she couldn’t show a receipt, they escorted her to a reception room and called the Phahonyothin Police Station.
When questioned, Miss Grace denied the accusations. The police officers then took her to Phahonyothin Police Station, informed her of the charge of theft at night, and advised her of her rights. She was then handed over to the investigating officers along with the evidence to proceed with the case.
The theft of property is considered complete when the property is moved. Passing the payment point without paying is a matter of internal elements that only show whether the defendant had fraudulent intent or not.
In this case, the suspect’s inability to produce a payment receipt led the store to file a police report, with CCTV footage as evidence. The punishment for committing theft at night carries a penalty of imprisonment from one to five years and a fine of 20,000 to 100,000 baht.
Miss Grand International contestants give brief interviews to the media upon arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport on October 7, 2024, after the pageant was moved from Cambodia to Thailand.
The decision by Thai-owned Miss Grand International Competition to suddenly move the site of its contest from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to Bangkok, Thailand, with MGI big boss Mr Nawat Itsaragrisil citing substandard treatment by the Cambodian host deepens the existing bad blood between some Thais and Cambodians.
Nawat may have repeatedly stated that this is not about a feud between Thailand and Cambodia but the reality is that the relations between people to people, on some online platforms, have become toxic.
Some Cambodians accused Nawat and Thailand of lying, of tricking Cambodia into losing face and some Thai netizens felt the Cambodian counterpart were simply not committed to keep their words.
I am not going to get into the he-said-she-said feud here, both sides seem to have their own claims and counter claims. What’s more disturbing is the simmering hatred between some netizens of the two neighbouring countries.
Cambodians feel they are an older civilization and what is today known as Thailand not only copied and steal many cultural aspects from them and claim they are Thais, but also repeatedly invaded them and dominated them in the past. Thais (or Siamese as we are known back then) are portrayed and the villain who attacked Angkor and during the reign of Rama IV, the Thai King even ordered Angkor Wat to be disassemble it and have it moved to Bangkok only to discover that it was an impossible task back then. (See more of that here:
Then there was the Thai support of the Khmer Rouge (in order to keep the communist Vietnamese at bay during the Cold War) and the burning of a part of the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh in 2003 after Cambodians fell for a widespread rumour that a well-known Thai actress has reportedly said Angkor Wat belongs to Thailand. Oh, and not to forget the legal and military fights for Preah Vihear Temple just 13 years ago, in 2011.
Basically, not a few Cambodians hate us, feel that we copy, steal, lie and invaded repeatedly and today, parts of Khmer-speaking northeastern were taken from them.
On the Thai side, Thai cultural supremacists believe the current lot of Cambodians had little to do with the great Angkor Empire which was lost into the jungle until the French rediscovered it during the colonial time.
Some Thais look down on Cambodia as underdeveloped, as a lackey of China, (wrongly) insist it’s common for people there to eat dogs – and that actually Thai culture, which partly evolved from Angkorian influence as improved upon the ancient Khmer culture to the point where it has been re-exported back to Cambodia and copied by Cambodians. While some ultra-nationalist Cambodians call Thailand “Lieland”, Thai cultural chauvinists and ultra-nationalists call Cambodia “Claimbodia”.
The toxic online exchanges between these Thais and Cambodians have been going on for years now and these hate speech and devaluing exchanges are leaving a very toxic digital footprint that could exacerbate the mutual animosity between the a good number of people between our two countries.
As a Thai, I feel ashamed the some of my fellow citizens falling lower and lower into hatred. Concerned Thais will have to recognize that this is a big problem facing Thai society, a time bomb waiting to explode.
Some my say these are just loonies, a minorities from two neighbouring countries and do not affect the G-to-G relations between the two government that will celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations next year, 2025. I say the mistrust is feeling of animosity is deeper than that and slowly spreading.
For example, earlier this week, a joint statement between the Thai Journalists Association (TJA) and the Club of Cambodian Journalists (CCJ) were released saying they are “highly concerned” about the MGI incident. “We are worried that the unexpected situation my escalate into a wider conflict.”
Both organizations called for the media to report the incident with care and for social media users to “exercise discretion when receiving information about the disputes”.
Truth be told, the Miss Grand International feud is just the tip of a toxic iceberg that’s years in the making.
A few days before the MGI issue flares up, I watched an online report on one conservative Thai media (Top News Online, if you need to know), reporting that Thailand was among the 10 friendliest cities in the world 2024, according a survey by Con de Nast Traveller. The news clip started with a photo of Phnom Penh, with a caption and narration saying, “No sign of the Miracle Land”, a reference to Phnom Penh. This was totally uncalled and suggests the problem is much deeper and older than the MGI saga.
It’s time for the governments and the people of both countries to think about what to do instead of allowing the poisonous situations to destroy the relations between the people of the two countries.
