One dead as century-old shophouse collapses near Wat Traimit in Bangkok

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20 June 2026, 19:29

BANGKOK – A building collapse near Wat Traimit Wittayaram Worawihan in Bangkok has killed one person, authorities said on Saturday, as emergency teams rushed to secure the area and investigate the cause.

The incident occurred on 20 June along Rama IV Road in the Samphanthawong area, when a concrete slab on the second floor of an ageing shophouse structure gave way and fell onto a passer-by below. Rescue workers from the Suan Mali Fire and Rescue Station retrieved the victim’s body from the debris and confirmed the death at the scene.

CCTV footage recorded at around 16:43 showed part of the building suddenly collapsing, sending dust and debris into the street. Witnesses described hearing a loud crash, initially mistaking it for a falling electricity pole, before seeing a large plume of white dust and rubble.

“I heard a loud noise and then saw dust everywhere. It looked like a sudden collapse,” one shop owner said, adding that falling debris had been observed intermittently from the building before the incident.

Authorities sealed off the area immediately after the collapse and inspected the structural stability of the remaining building. Police also coordinated with the electricity authority to check nearby poles and wiring for safety risks. Officials confirmed there were no people trapped inside the structure.

Traffic police blocked sections of Rama IV Road, warning motorists to avoid the area due to congestion and ongoing safety inspections.

Local reports indicated the building was an old shophouse complex, estimated to be nearly 100 years old, housing multiple businesses including paper offerings, electrical goods, tea shops, and a travel agency. One shop owner said small fragments of brick and plaster had fallen from the structure over time, but the severity of the collapse was unexpected.

At least three vehicles were also damaged in the incident, according to witnesses.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the structural failure.

Passenger nearly flagged at airport after bamboo shoot mistaken for ivory

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Khaosod English

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20 June 2026, 18:21

A Thai woman has shared a viral clip of a close call at Don Mueang Airport after security officers initially mistook a large bamboo shoot in her luggage for ivory during a baggage scan.

The video, posted on TikTok by user @linarskp4, shows her explaining that she was stopped for inspection after an X-ray image of her bag appeared to resemble ivory. Officers asked her to open the suitcase for a manual check.

To their surprise, the suspicious item turned out to be a large bamboo shoot.

“The officer told me to open the bag. When I did, it was just bamboo shoots. He laughed and said it really looked like ivory,” she said in the clip.

She added that the shape and outline of the bamboo shoot, particularly its curved tip, closely resembled ivory on the scanner image, leading to the misunderstanding.

The incident quickly drew amused reactions online, with many social media users joking about the unusual mix-up and praising the officers for handling the situation professionally.

American DJ arrested in Chiang Mai for allegedly working without permit

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Khaosod English

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20 June 2026, 14:17

CHIANG MAI — Tourist police arrested an American man accused of working as a DJ without a valid work permit at an entertainment venue in Chiang Mai early Saturday.

The suspect, identified as Eick Alberto, 30, was detained during an inspection at a venue on Charoen Rat Road in Muang district at about 00:20.

Police said he was found performing as a DJ despite not having a work permit required under Thai law.

He was charged with working as a foreigner without a permit or beyond the scope of authorised employment and was handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.

Tourist police said they would continue inspections and enforcement efforts against foreigners working illegally in Thailand to ensure compliance with labour laws.

1.05 billion baht in land seized in crackdown on foreign nominee businesses

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Khaosod English

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20 June 2026, 14:03

More than 500 officers raided properties across Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi in the third phase of a nationwide crackdown on alleged foreign nominee businesses, seizing land and assets worth more than 1 billion baht.

Police said the operation targeted 89 land plots covering about 49 rai, with a combined value of 1.05 billion baht. Courts approved 59 arrest warrants for 28 Thais and 31 foreigners, as well as 60 search warrants.

Investigators identified 29 companies suspected of operating through Thai nominees and 48 firms accused of holding land while being effectively controlled by foreign shareholders.

Among the cases under investigation are hotel, villa, restaurant, cannabis, fitness and property-development businesses in major tourist destinations.

In Krabi, authorities alleged that a property development company linked to Polish investors used Thai shareholders as nominees while controlling land worth around 200 million baht. Another case involved an entertainment business allegedly owned by a South African national through Thai proxies.

Police also said they found evidence suggesting some nominee shareholders were company employees or relatives of foreign business operators, while investigators are examining allegations that forged documents, including signatures of deceased persons, were used in company registrations.

The seized evidence includes company records, accounting documents, computers, mobile phones and electronic data. Authorities said the investigation is continuing and may be expanded nationwide.

Two trains collide north of London, killing at least 1 person and seriously injuring dozens

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Associated Press

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20 June 2026, 13:32

Britain-Train-Collision — Emergency personnel work on a train on the tracks outside Bedford, England, after a train from Corby to London St. Pancras and another from Nottingham to London St. Pancras, collided on Friday June 19, 2026. (Jamie Lashmar/PA via AP)

LONDON (AP) — Two trains collided north of London on Friday, killing a driver and seriously injuring dozens of people on board. A passenger described being thrown forward by the impact then seeing fellow travelers with broken bones and bloody injuries.

Both trains were traveling south to London St. Pancras station when they collided outside the town of Bedford around 5:15 p.m., according to information on rail tracking websites. Emergency services deployed a number of resources to the scene including an air ambulance and hazardous incident team from the East of England Ambulance Service.

“We know that a number of people have been injured and one person has very sadly died,’’ police said in a statement. “A major incident has been declared, and officers are continuing to respond at the scene alongside colleagues from Bedfordshire Police and the local Fire and Rescue and Ambulance Services.”

The East of England Ambulance Service later said that 11 people had very serious injuries, 22 were seriously injured and 56 had minor injuries.

Eddie Dempsey, the general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, said the fatality was a train driver.

Peter Knapp, a passenger, said he was in the rear train when the collision occurred without any warning.

“There was a moment of being flung into the chair in front, and then I saw smoke,” Knapp said. “People were crying, screaming. People were so scared and confused.”

“I got up and I saw a lot of people who were unable to speak, had broken legs,” he added. “And then I managed to get out of the train and because I’m quite thin I was able to squeeze out through the gap in the doors.”

Photos and videos posted on social media showed dozens of people, some with bandages but many who appeared uninjured, standing and sitting among emergency vehicles parked on a road that runs parallel to the train tracks.

The RMT union, which represents many railway workers, said it was monitoring the situation and expressed its concern over reports of “serious injuries” sustained by both train staff and passengers.

East Midlands Railway said in a statement that the 4:40 p.m. train from Corby to St. Pancras had been involved in the collision with the 3:50 p.m. train from Nottingham to the same station. The company said it had canceled all trains to and from St. Pancras for the rest of Friday and it was unable to confirm the schedule for Saturday.

Thai Airways unveils new SIRIVANNAVARI amenity kits for Royal Silk passengers

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Khaosod English

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20 June 2026, 13:21

BANGKOK — Thai Airways International has partnered with SIRIVANNAVARI to launch a new limited-edition amenity kit collection for Royal Silk Class passengers on selected international routes.

The second-season collection is now available on flights to Milan, Paris, Shanghai, Beijing, London, Tokyo Narita and Tokyo Haneda.

The new amenity kits feature designs inspired by Thai art, culture and traditional textiles. The collection incorporates motifs from the royal textile pattern, created by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, alongside Thai Airways’ signature orchid emblem, elephants and traditional Thai floral ornaments.

Available in six colours inspired by Thai flowers, the kits are designed to reflect Thailand’s cultural identity and hospitality.

Each kit contains a range of travel essentials, including SIRIVANNAVARI Maison hand cream, lip balm and deodorant spray, as well as a matching eye mask, bamboo toothbrush, MARVIS toothpaste and 3M earplugs.

Thai Airways said the collaboration aims to showcase Thai craftsmanship and cultural heritage to travellers from around the world while enhancing the onboard experience for Royal Silk Class passengers.

The new amenity kits are available from now on participating Royal Silk Class flights.

Burly foreigner clashes with Thais in chaotic Pattaya street brawl

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Khaosod English

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20 June 2026, 12:51

PATTAYA — A street fight involving Thai nationals and foreign tourists in Pattaya was widely shared on social media after videos showed a chaotic confrontation that reportedly began in the Pratumnak area before spilling into Soi VC in the early hours of Friday.

Police were alerted to the incident at about 4:00 on 20 June in Soi VC, Moo 10, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Officers arriving at the scene found several Thais and foreigners discussing the incident, while one foreign man had sustained a head injury.

The injured foreigner was taken to Pattaya City Police Station for questioning before rescue workers provided first aid.

According to a preliminary police investigation, the altercation began after an argument on Pratumnak Road. The dispute escalated into a pursuit, with those involved running after one another before the confrontation continued inside Soi VC, where the injured man was found.

Videos circulating online showed Thai and foreign individuals exchanging punches as bystanders attempted to intervene and break up the fight.

A witness identified only as Ben, 31, who recorded part of the incident, said he initially saw a foreign woman and a foreign man arguing before the situation escalated. He said the group then moved toward Soi VC, where the fight continued.

Ben added that some public transport drivers and motorcycle taxi riders who tried to stop the altercation were accidentally caught up in the violence.

Police said it remains unclear who was responsible for the injuries sustained during the incident. Officers have questioned those involved and are reviewing CCTV footage from along the route of the confrontation as part of their investigation.

Authorities said the foreigners seen in the videos were unable to provide clear statements immediately after the incident and were taken aside to calm down before further questioning.

Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the dispute and will take legal action as appropriate.

Thailand eyes ninth World Heritage site as Wat Phra Mahathat nears UNESCO listing

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Khaosod English

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20 June 2026, 12:11

Thailand is expected to receive positive news next month as the World Heritage Committee considers the nomination of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Permanent Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Raweewan Phuridej said on Friday that the temple has a strong chance of being recognised as a cultural World Heritage site during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Busan from 19-29 July. The nomination is expected to be reviewed between 24 and 26 July.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin said an advisory body to the World Heritage Committee had recommended the temple for inscription, citing its outstanding universal value as a site reflecting religious, cultural and spiritual diversity that has been sustained for more than 1,500 years.

The minister said the temple also served as an important centre for the spread of religious influence and artistic traditions across maritime Asia.

The nomination follows more than a decade of efforts by government agencies, including the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, local authorities and conservation bodies, to meet international standards in heritage conservation, research and site management.

If approved, Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan would become Thailand’s ninth World Heritage site, the country’s sixth cultural World Heritage property and the first cultural World Heritage site in southern Thailand.

Officials said the inscription would not only mark a milestone for the nation but also support government efforts to promote cultural heritage as a driver of tourism, economic value and sustainable community development while preserving the site’s historical significance for future generations.

Battle-scarred Prasat Khana awaits restoration as evidence of conflict preserved

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Khaosod English

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19 June 2026, 18:10

SURIN — Bullet marks, abandoned military supplies and traces of wartime occupation remain visible at Prasat Khana, an ancient temple complex along the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, as Thai authorities prepare for future restoration work following recent border clashes.

On 19 June, Lt. Gen. Weerayut Raksilp, commander of the 2nd Army Region, and Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army, led journalists on a tour of the site in Kap Choeng district, Surin province, to inspect the aftermath of military operations during the second round of fighting late last year.

One of the first locations shown to reporters was a former Cambodian military supply area, where large quantities of canned food, including rice and fish, were found. Officials said the supplies indicated Cambodian troops had been prepared to remain at the site for extended periods during the conflict.

Reporters were also shown Cambodian-language graffiti carved into a stone slab reading “Kampuchea Thmey,” or “New Cambodia,” which officials said matched the name of a Facebook page used by Cambodian soldiers for posting content and livestreaming while they controlled the area.

Nearby, remnants of what officials described as a field kitchen used to support military commanders were also found.

The delegation later paid tribute to 2nd Lt. Therdsak Srilachai, a Thai soldier killed during operations to secure access routes to the temple. Army officials said he continued carrying out his mission despite coming under heavy BM-21 rocket fire and other supporting attacks, allowing Thai forces to eventually capture and secure the objective.

Journalists were also shown a “victory flag” erected by Thai troops after the site was retaken. The flag stands near sacred Hindu relics, including a lingam and yoni.

Prasat Khana also bears visible scars from the fighting. Bullet impacts can still be seen on trees around the temple complex, while other damage remains under assessment.

A wooden staircase consisting of 1,181 steps, previously used by Cambodian visitors and troops to access the temple, was largely destroyed during the fighting. Army officials said approximately 250 metres of the 450-metre structure were burned and destroyed, leaving only about 200 metres intact. The area is now secured with double layers of barbed wire.

Officials said much of the site has been left untouched since it was recaptured, both to preserve evidence of the conflict and to serve as a memorial to the hardships faced by Thai troops.

Believed to be a Hindu sanctuary dating back roughly 1,100 years, Prasat Khana contains the remains of brick structures enclosed by a laterite wall measuring approximately 39.5 metres on each side. Archaeologists believe the temple was constructed around the 15th Buddhist century.

The Fine Arts Department has collected 28 artefacts, including Garuda carvings and stone architectural elements, for study and future restoration. Officials said little is known about the temple’s original appearance, and research is ongoing to determine its historical layout and artistic features.

The area is currently under the control of a ranger task force attached to the 2nd Army Region.

From criticism to canvas: Thai artist paints 1,000 works to clear student debt

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Khaosod English

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19 June 2026, 17:26

From criticism to canvas: Thai artist paints 1,000 works to clear student debt

A young Thai artist has turned her artistic creation into a mission to settle her debt with Thailand’s Student Loan Fund (SLF), setting herself the ambitious goal of creating 1,000 original artworks entirely by her own two hands.

Phonnapha Phetthakhu, known as “Pim”, is the creator of the project “1,000 Koi Fish Paintings for 1,000 Baht”. Driven by sheer determination, she aims to resolve her obligations by relying solely on her own without relying on anyone else.

The project did not begin as a business plan or with expectations of becoming popular. Instead, it stemmed from a simple determination to generate enough income through her own talents to pay off her debt. After carefully calculating costs and potential profits, she set out to create 1,000 paintings, each sold at the same price.

Throughout the journey, Pim has faced criticism from people around her. Some lecturers and friends viewed her repeated use of a continuously producing artwork as merely “commercial work” and believed it would not take her far as an artist. Rather than giving up, however, those words became a motivation and led her to question why an artist could not build an identity around what they loved.

Even her husband once offered to pay off the debt on her behalf, leading to disagreements between the couple on the matter. Nevertheless, Pim insisted that she wanted to prove she could overcome the burden through her own hard work, even if she did not know whether she would ultimately succeed.

To date, she has created 528 paintings and already sold 419 of them. Along the way, she admits there have been periods of exhaustion, confusion and creative blocks on how to make each new piece distinct from the last. At times, she experimented by introducing new elements into her paintings, including mountains, shooting stars, whales or cats, reflecting her emotions and the stories she was facing at the time.

For Pim, each work is more than just a painting. It serves as a record of her feelings and growth as an artist. The period in which she painted mountains and shooting stars reflected moments of loneliness and isolation on this journey. Over time, however, she discovered that she still loved creating art and that many people appreciated her work and encouraged her to keep going.

The story of Pim’s journey has gained widespread attention on social media through her Facebook account, “PimPim Phonnapha,” where she has documented the progress of her project, as well as the emotions and challenges behind each painting. Information about her work is also available on her website, Baan Pim Sinth (baanpimsinth.com).

From the day it began out of a desire to prove that art could sustain a livelihood, this project has evolved into something far greater than a debt repayment plan. The project has become a journey of self-discovery and a testament to how self-belief and persistent effort can gradually bring an ordinary person closer to their dream of being an artist, one painting at a time.

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