Thailand Detects 33 Cases of New XFG COVID Strain

A 21-year-old man set himself on fire on a busy Bangkok road, shocking students and commuters near the Sena Nikom BTS station. Bystanders quickly intervened, using cloth and a fire extinguisher to put out the flames within two minutes before rescue workers transported the severely burned man to the hospital. Police found a fuel container and lighter at the scene, confirming the act was intentional. Witnesses reported the man had been agitated and on the phone shortly before pouring petrol over himself. Family members suggested relationship distress as a possible motive, though authorities await his recovery for further investigation.

Thai authorities arrested 45 Cambodians for illegally crossing the border in Chanthaburi province while searching for employment opportunities in Thailand. The group, consisting of 27 men and 18 women, was intercepted near Ton Madua Pass following a tip-off to naval and immigration officials. Three Thai nationals were also arrested for allegedly guiding the migrants through natural trails in exchange for 250 baht per person. The Cambodian migrants confessed to paying between 5,000-7,000 baht each to be smuggled to various Thai provinces for work. All suspects have been transferred to immigration authorities for legal processing while investigations continue into the smuggling network.

Thailand's Transport Minister will propose extending the 20-baht flat fare on Red and Purple Line trains until the end of November, replacing the existing resolution that expires today. This two-month extension aims to maintain policy continuity and ease commuting costs while the government develops longer-term fare structures. The affordable fare cap has been particularly beneficial for Bangkok commuters using these key urban transit lines. Meanwhile, the Finance Minister confirmed the half-half co-payment subsidy scheme remains on track for October implementation despite not being discussed in today's Cabinet meeting. The government is also addressing fiscal year-end budget allocations, including debt repayments and development projects.

A drunk Thai woman driving a BMW against traffic flow triggered a chain-reaction crash involving 10 vehicles on Ratchaphruek Road in Nonthaburi. The incident began when her wrong-way vehicle collided with a pickup truck, causing other drivers to swerve and brake abruptly. The collision sequence damaged multiple vehicles including two Porsches and left the pickup driver injured. Police arrested the BMW driver who recorded a blood alcohol level of 205mg% - far above the legal limit. The driver now faces serious legal consequences while twelve victims have provided statements to authorities.

Torrential rains from Storm Bualoi have triggered Uttaradit's worst flooding in eight decades, submerging single-story houses and reaching second-floor levels in three districts. The floods have affected approximately 2,000 households across 18 villages, with Nam Pat and Thong Saen Khan districts experiencing the most critical conditions. Rescue teams are using boats to evacuate trapped residents, particularly elderly and vulnerable individuals, with one 80-year-old survivor describing this as the most severe flooding she has witnessed. Although rainfall has eased, floodwaters continue rising in low-lying areas receiving upstream runoff, cutting off roads and stranding vehicles. Authorities are distributing essential supplies while warning travelers to avoid flooded routes as emergency response efforts continue.

The King Prajadhipok Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the life and reign of King Prajadhipok (King Rama VII), the monarch under whom Thailand shifted from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. The museum was first managed by the Secretariat of the House of Representatives and was located in the basement of the King Prajadhipok Monument. In 1980, with the support of Queen Rambhai Barni, personal belongings of King Prajadhipok were donated for public display. Later, the museum moved to the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning Building and officially opened to the public on December 7, 2002.

The museum is known for its rich and modern exhibitions, using new technology to bring history to life. It has three levels, each focusing on different stories. The first level tells about Queen Rambhai Barni, highlighting her biography, royal duties, and personal items. The second level is about King Prajadhipok’s early life, his coronation, hobbies, and final years. The third level showcases the King’s personal belongings and the important work he did during his reign.

Located near the Parn Fah Leelad Bridge, the building itself dates back to 1906 and features beautiful architecture from the early 20th century. Visitors can easily get to the museum by car, several city buses, or even by boat via Klong Saen Saeb. With its thoughtful exhibits and central location, the King Prajadhipok Museum offers a unique chance to learn about a key period in Thai history and the lives of King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni.

While Thailand will continue to experience monsoon-influenced weather tomorrow, many areas will see a mix of sun and clouds with periods of sunshine breaking through between showers. The southwest monsoon remains active over the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, bringing scattered thunderstorms primarily to northern, northeastern, and eastern regions, though these will be more intermittent than previous days. Coastal areas will still experience moderate waves of 1-2 meters, and residents in flood-prone zones should remain cautious as some rainfall accumulation is possible.

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As of September 30, 205, the Thai baht's rates against other top currencies are as follows: