Thai politician and businessman, Prime Minister since September 2025
Since early June, Chinese coast guard and survey ships have intensified activity near Taiwan and Pratas Island, prompting Taiwan to condemn Beijing’s maritime claims. Several incidents involve harassing inquiries, standoffs, and expulsions, with Taiwan emphasizing sovereignty and international law.
The Pentagon has updated its annual 1260H list and has added 188 Chinese entities, including Alibaba, Baidu and BYD, and reinstated memory chipmakers CXMT and YMTC. Beijing has protested and several listed companies have rejected the designations. The change will bar the Defense Department from direct contracts with listed firms this month and from third‑party purchases from 2027.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha has died after nearly four years in hospital. The eldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn has been treated in Bangkok since collapsing in December 2022; the palace has authorised royal funeral rites and the government has said it will observe a period of national mourning.
A cross-border crackdown on county lines has led to multiple seizures, arrests and safeguarding actions as authorities target recruitment of vulnerable youths and drug distribution networks in Merseyside and across the UK.
Papua New Guinea has closed Taiwan’s Taipei Economic Office, a move Beijing calls a consolidation of ties and a win for the One-China principle. China welcomes the decision as the Pacific shifts its diplomatic footprint amid Taiwan’s dwindling regional presence.
A UNODC report shows Asia-Pacific losses from scams reaching up to $114 billion in 2025. Authorities have raided scam centers in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, while criminals shift operations to new hubs or shrink scale. The U.S. and partners are coordinating to hold operators and complicit officials accountable, with Cambodia planning an international conference on cyber scams in September.
The International Organization for Migration says scam centres employing up to 300,000 workers across Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos lure victims through fake job ads, seize documents, and force participation in online scams. Victims come from over 80 countries and include graduates with strong English. IOM has assisted thousands and is calling for cross‑border action and awareness.
Myanmar’s military-led government is pushing a calibrated path to regain ASEAN engagement and regional legitimacy after more than five years of isolation following the 2021 coup. Bangkok hosts Min Aung Hlaing for high-profile diplomacy with Thai leaders and business forums, while critics warn such engagements may prolong the civil war and bolster the regime.
A 14-year-old student has killed multiple people at his home and at Debsirin Nonthaburi School on Bangkok’s outskirts and has taken his own life. Authorities have said the attacker shot his grandparents at home before firing at teachers and students; more than 30 people have been wounded and several remain in critical condition.
A teenage student has killed his grandparents before fatally shooting several people at Debsirin Nonthaburi School near Bangkok. Dozens of responders are assisting victims; authorities say casualties include teachers and students. The incident follows Thailand's second school shooting this year.
A 14-year-old student has killed multiple people, including grandparents, at Debsirin Nonthaburi School near Bangkok and then died by suicide. Authorities are tightening gun-control measures as Thailand grapples with a surge in civilian gun ownership and recent mass shootings.
A 14-year-old shooter opened fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School near Bangkok, killing five teachers and injuring many others before turning the gun on himself. Earlier, he killed his grandparents. Police say the weapon was a 9mm handgun owned by the grandfather. Reports confirm at least five dead and numerous injuries as Thailand faces its deadliest school shooting in years.
A former politician has admitted to shooting a PAO official in Nonthaburi after a money dispute. The officer died in hospital; the driver was injured. The motive is personal, and police say both men were armed. Authorities are reviewing gun laws and enforcement as Thailand sees rising firearms incidents.
Myanmar’s military leadership has pursued international engagement, hosting talks with Russia’s Putin and attending a Myanmar-Russia Business Forum as it seeks legitimacy after the 2021 coup. Western scrutiny remains high while neighboring states push for dialogue and stability along shared borders.
Coordinated arson and bomb incidents across Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala have injured several civilians and disrupted transport and services. BRN is widely believed to be behind the violence, which underlines long-standing demands for autonomy.