Volunteer Drowns During Flood Barricade Effort

Thai Customs officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport arrested a Vietnamese man transiting from Angola to Laos for smuggling five pieces of rhino horn weighing 6.86 kilograms. The horns, valued at 6.9 million baht, were discovered in his luggage during a targeted search based on intelligence and passenger data analysis. The suspect had traveled from Luanda, Angola, with a layover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, before his interception in Bangkok. He faces multiple charges under Thailand’s Customs Act, Wild Animal Protection Act, and Animal Epidemics Act. The arrest reflects Thailand’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking and enforce CITES regulations.

A prominent Thai news anchor, Lakkana "Kham Phaka" Punwichai, sparked outrage after mocking a Member of Parliament with depression during a live broadcast. She laughed at MP Sirilapas "Mew" Kongtrakarn’s condition while commenting on a parliamentary vote, drawing swift criticism from the public and Mew’s partner, a popular YouTuber. Mew, who advocates for mental health support, condemned the remarks as stigmatizing and ironic given her party’s focus on mental health policies. Despite online pressure, the anchor has not apologized, but her network temporarily suspended her from the show. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in combating mental health stigma in public discourse.

Tourists in Thailand are warned about increased risks from venomous marine life like box jellyfish during monsoon season, when winds and rains push these creatures closer to shore. Beaches in Krabi, Phuket, and Koh Samui have reported sightings, prompting resorts to set up warning signs, protective nets, and first aid stations. Swimmers should avoid water after heavy rain or at night, wear protective clothing, and stay within marked safe zones. If stung, vinegar should be applied immediately, and emergency services contacted for severe reactions. Precautions are crucial as even beached jellyfish can still deliver dangerous stings.

Thailand's Agriculture Ministry now requires full documentation for all frozen durian imports and exports to prevent foreign produce from being fraudulently relabeled as Thai. The new regulation mandates shipment-level paperwork to protect Thailand’s agricultural reputation and uphold quality standards. Additionally, the ministry introduced five new agricultural standards, including crop production without burning and guidelines to reduce arsenic in rice. These measures aim to ensure food safety, environmental sustainability, and compliance with international trade requirements. The rules reinforce Thailand’s commitment to combating illegal farming practices and maintaining consumer trust.

Heavy rainfall and high tides caused widespread flooding in Samut Prakan, leading to traffic disruptions and partial road closures across the province. Thirteen schools suspended in-person classes on Monday and shifted to online instruction due to safety concerns. While floodwaters receded in some areas like Samut Prakan municipality, others such as Srinakarin–Bang Na-Trat Road remained heavily affected. Drainage efforts are underway, but light rain continued to hamper progress. The closures impacted both public and private institutions, including Debsirin Samutprakan and Assumption Samutprakarn School.

Want to travel to Thailand?

Thailand’s education system ranks poorly globally, with literacy rates trailing regional peers like Singapore and Vietnam. Recent PISA results show Thai students underperform in math, science, and reading, highlighting systemic issues. Experts urge reforms to address digital skill gaps, where only 1% of Thais possess advanced competencies. ONESQA is shifting from evaluation to coaching, using automated tools to provide real-time feedback to schools. Without comprehensive changes, Thailand risks falling further behind in preparing students for future challenges.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Thailand on Monday via private jet, landing at Don Mueang Airport ahead of the Supreme Court's "14th floor case" ruling scheduled for Tuesday. His travel documents were rigorously checked by immigration officials due to ongoing legal matters, though some charges have been dropped and his passports reinstated. Thaksin had initially left Thailand on September 4 for medical treatment, diverting to Dubai before returning via Singapore. His daughter, Pheu Thai leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, confirmed his return but noted she would not meet him immediately due to prior engagements. The case remains under judicial review, marking another pivotal moment in Thaksin’s long-standing legal and political saga.

Thailand Quote