Author: Wadi

Defeat at Ta Kwai Temple BHQ’s Failed Assault Cambodia’s elite Bodyguard Headquarters (BHQ) faced a significant setback when Thai forces repelled their attempt to seize Ta Kwai Temple just before a ceasefire on July 28, 2025. Despite being equipped with modern weaponry, the BHQ, under the command of Gen Hing Bun Hieng, could not overcome Thailand’s 31st Infantry Regiment, King’s Guard. This loss mirrors a 2011 defeat at Preah Vihear, highlighting ongoing challenges for the BHQ in border conflicts despite its upgraded arsenal. The unit’s primary role as a political force protecting Prime Minister Hun Sen may explain its struggles…

Cambodia’s Strategy Beyond the Battlefield Seeking Sympathy Through Victimhood Despite its military inferiority, Cambodia persists in the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, not for territorial gains but to craft a narrative of victimhood. By portraying itself as an underdog against Thailand’s superior forces, Cambodia aims to garner international sympathy. This propaganda-driven approach leverages emotional storytelling to shift global perceptions, presenting Cambodia as a nation enduring aggression. The strategy seeks to offset its battlefield losses by winning the public relations war, reshaping how the conflict is viewed abroad. Military Disparity Drives Tactics Cambodia’s Limited Capabilities Cambodia’s military, with roughly 75,000 active-duty soldiers and…

Political Fallout from Border Tensions Paetongtarn’s Approval Plummets The escalating Thai-Cambodian border conflict has significantly eroded the political standing of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, with her public approval rating dropping sharply from 30.9% to 9.2%, according to a recent NIDA Poll. A leaked phone conversation with Cambodian leader Hun Sen has fueled public distrust, with many questioning her diplomatic decisions. The crisis has cast a shadow over the ruling Pheu Thai Party, weakening its legitimacy as critics seize on perceived foreign policy missteps to challenge its leadership ahead of future elections. Leaked Call Sparks Controversy Ties with Hun Sen Under…

Charting Thailand’s AI Future A Vision for Global Competitiveness At the Bangkok Post Forum 2025, True Corporation’s Group CEO Sigve Brekke outlined a bold roadmap for Thailand to lead in the artificial intelligence era. Speaking at the Centara Grand at CentralWorld, he emphasized four critical pillars: robust infrastructure, high-quality data, skilled talent, and strong governance. With Thailand’s advanced digital infrastructure, including widespread 5G and a solid fibre network, the nation is well-positioned to compete globally. Brekke’s vision underscores the need for strategic investments to sustain this momentum and drive technological innovation. Building on Strong Digital Foundations Leveraging 5G and Fibre…

Devastating Accident at College Project Basket Plummets 26 Meters A catastrophic incident unfolded on Saturday morning at a construction site in Phatthalung province, where a crane basket carrying two painters detached and fell 26 meters. The accident, which occurred at a college building under construction in Moo 1, Khuan Maprao sub-district, Muang district, resulted in one worker’s tragic loss and left another with severe injuries. The incident has raised urgent questions about safety protocols at construction sites, drawing attention to the risks faced by workers in elevated tasks. Emergency Response at the Scene Rescue Teams Rush to Aid Victims Rescue…

Bilateral Focus for GBC Meeting Thailand Declines International Observers Thailand has firmly rejected Cambodia’s proposal to include international observers at the upcoming General Border Committee (GBC) meeting, emphasizing that the discussions should remain strictly bilateral. Scheduled for August 4–7, 2025, the talks aim to address ongoing tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. By keeping the meeting exclusive to the two nations, Thailand seeks to maintain control over sensitive negotiations, prioritizing direct dialogue to resolve disputes without external influence. Venue Change to Neutral Ground Malaysia Hosts Amid Rising Tensions Originally planned for Phnom Penh, the GBC meeting has been relocated to Malaysia…

Devastating Floods Strike Nan Province Record Rainfall Overwhelms Communities Nan province faced unprecedented flooding on July 23, 2025, when Typhoon Wipha, downgraded to a tropical depression, unleashed the heaviest rainfall in 40 years. With 150 to 200 millimeters of rain falling in a single day, the Nan River swelled to a record 9.49 meters, bursting its banks and submerging towns, homes, and landmarks like Wat Phumin. Over 100,000 households were affected, with many areas still lacking electricity and clean water. The disaster disrupted daily life, closing schools and turning them into shelters while leaving businesses buried under mud. A Teacher’s…

Nationwide Drone Ban Enforced Strengthening Security Amid Tensions The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has intensified its efforts to counter drone-related threats following reports of unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) spotted near military bases. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) implemented a nationwide drone ban on July 30, set to remain in place until August 15, 2025, in response to escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border. This measure aims to safeguard national security by preventing potential surveillance or disruptions caused by drones, particularly in sensitive areas like Bangkok and border regions. Suspicious Drone Activity Detected Royal Thai Air Force Raises…

Community Gathers in Grief Honoring Lives Lost at Service Station In Si Sa Ket’s Kantharalak district, a somber gathering took place on Saturday as residents came together to mourn the loss of eight civilians in a devastating rocket strike on a PTT service station’s 7-Eleven store. The attack, which occurred on July 24 during the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, left the community reeling. Locals placed flowers and heartfelt messages at the site’s ruins, paying tribute to those who perished, including an eight-year-old child. The ceremony marked a moment of collective sorrow and resilience in the face of tragedy. A Solemn Memorial…

Hospital Faces Hefty Fine for Privacy Breach Patient Records Misused as Snack Packaging A prominent Thai hospital has been slapped with a 1.2 million baht fine after its patient records were discovered being repurposed as packaging for khanom Tokyo, a popular crispy crepe snack. Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) uncovered the breach, highlighting a significant lapse in the hospital’s data disposal process. The incident, which involved sensitive medical files, has raised alarms about the security of personal information in healthcare settings. This case underscores the growing importance of robust data protection measures to safeguard patient privacy. Investigation Reveals Disposal…