Young Boy Walks 30km to Find Mom in Rayong

Thailand's opposition People’s Party and Bhumjaithai Party have agreed to endorse Anutin Charnvirakul as the next prime minister following the constitutional court’s removal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The term requires the new PM to dissolve parliament within four months after delivering a policy statement and prioritize a public referendum on constitutional amendments. Key conditions include expediting charter reforms and ensuring Bhumjaithai avoids forming a majority government to guarantee early elections. The People’s Party, holding 143 seats, will remain in opposition and scrutinize the new administration without taking ministerial roles. This agreement aims to stabilize Thailand’s political landscape and pave the way for fresh elections and a new constitution.

Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai’s draft royal decree to dissolve parliament was returned by the Privy Council due to legal concerns. The Council cited insufficient procedural consideration and referenced a legal opinion that a caretaker government lacks authority to submit such a decree. Phumtham refused to comment on the matter, evading questions from reporters with a smile and brief remarks. The rejection leaves the government’s next steps uncertain amid ongoing political ambiguity. This development heightens tensions around Thailand’s political stability and constitutional processes.

Thailand will host the Enactus World Cup 2025 for the first time from September 26–28 at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, coinciding with the Sustainability Expo 2025. The event brings together student innovators from over 32 countries to showcase entrepreneurial projects addressing social and environmental challenges. Organized by the Rakkaew Foundation and ThaiBev, it highlights Thailand’s emerging role as a hub for youth-led sustainable innovation. A Thai team from Chulalongkorn University will present "Cocoa Go Green," a project revitalizing the cocoa industry while supporting farmers and sustainability. The competition aims to foster global collaboration and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, positioning Thailand as a leader in sustainable transformation.

Thailand's Cabinet has approved a draft ministerial regulation to add humpback whales, Blainville’s beaked whales, and Risso’s dolphins to its list of protected species under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act. These marine mammals are now safeguarded against hunting, trade, and unauthorized captivity, with violations facing legal consequences. The decision addresses population declines caused by fishing gear injuries and illegal hunting for marine parks. Thailand’s move aligns with international commitments under CITES and involves collaboration with marine authorities to implement advanced protection technologies. This step reinforces the nation’s dedication to marine conservation and global wildlife cooperation.

Phuket’s Plern Pao Night Market, a 30-million-baht venture, has abruptly shut down just two months after its grand opening. The market, which promised to be a cultural hotspot with 256 stalls and live music, failed to attract sufficient crowds despite initial government support. Organizers issued refunds to vendors and apologized for the sudden closure, citing plans for a new project without providing specific reasons. Local officials quickly distanced themselves from the failure, emphasizing it was privately managed. This closure highlights the challenges of sustaining tourism-driven businesses in Phuket’s competitive market.

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Bangkok’s hotel sector faced a challenging first half of 2025, with occupancy rates falling to 75.1% amid a sharp 35% decline in Chinese tourists—Thailand’s largest source market. While the average daily room rate rose slightly to 4,260 baht, revenue per available room (RevPAR) remained under pressure due to heightened competition from over 5,100 new rooms entering the market this year. Growth from Indian and Russian tourists provided some offset, but domestic stimulus measures like the “Half-Half Thai Tourism” initiative have yet to fully compensate for the loss in international demand. The luxury segment remains stable, though mid-range hotels struggle with pricing power as new supply intensifies competition. Recovery hinges on peak-season occupancy and airline capacity expansion, though overall visitor numbers remain 11.3% below pre-pandemic levels.

A Thai man in Phuket confessed to setting his ex-girlfriend’s car on fire two months after their breakup, admitting he acted on a reckless impulse. The suspect, identified as Sarayut, was captured on security footage dousing the vehicle in petrol and igniting it while wearing a disguise. Police arrested him at his home, where he expressed remorse, and seized evidence including his motorcycle and the clothes worn during the crime. He has been charged with arson, facing up to seven years in prison and a fine of 140,000 baht. This incident follows similar cases of relationship-fueled violence in Pattaya and Samut Prakan, highlighting ongoing tensions in personal disputes.

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