Author: Wadi

Plummeting Residential Sales Sharp Decline in New Launches In 2025, Greater Bangkok’s residential market faces its worst downturn in two decades, with new housing launches dropping to 13,867 units in the first quarter, a 15.6% decrease from the previous year, according to the Real Estate Information Center. Sales plummeted by 29.3%, totaling 11,314 units, as developers grapple with rising unsold inventory and weakened demand, driven by Thailand’s sluggish GDP growth and high household debt. Rising Unsold Inventory Extended Time to Clear Stock The accumulation of 237,571 unsold units, valued at 1.45 trillion baht, marks an 11.4% increase in volume and…

Strategic Struggle at Ta Kwai Contested Control of Hill 350 On August 1, 2025, the Royal Thai Army acknowledged that it has not fully secured the Ta Kwai temple area in Surin province near the Cambodian border, a hotspot in the ongoing Thai-Cambodian conflict. Army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree highlighted that Hill 350, a critical vantage point, remains contested due to its strategic importance. Both Thai and Cambodian forces are vying for control, with troops positioned just 50 meters apart, intensifying the standoff. Landmines Hinder Military Advance Cambodian Mines Cause Injuries Cambodian forces have deployed PMN-2 anti-personnel landmines around…

Repatriation Scheduled for Friday Handover at Chong Chom Checkpoint Thailand plans to repatriate 20 Cambodian soldiers on August 1, 2025, at 10 am through the Chong Chom border checkpoint in Surin province, following their surrender during clashes in Si Sa Ket’s Sam Taet area on July 29. The move aims to counter Cambodian claims of abduction, with Thai authorities emphasizing their commitment to international humanitarian standards in handling the soldiers, including medical care for injuries like a broken arm and psychological trauma. Thai Military Rejects False Claims Upholding Humanitarian Principles The Royal Thai Army has dismissed accusations from Cambodian Prime…

Chaos Erupts at Festival Gunman Opens Fire After Dispute On July 29, 2025, a violent shooting disrupted the third annual Kam Lon Festival in Lansaka district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, resulting in two fatalities and seven injuries. The incident unfolded late Tuesday night when a 41-year-old man, identified as Ek Wangsai, engaged in a heated altercation with Wannit “Lawyer Aong” Kanchanaphairote, escalating into gunfire that sent festival-goers fleeing in panic. Casualties and Emergency Response Victims Rushed to Hospital The shooting claimed the life of Chatree Markkarach, a 53-year-old festival organizer, who was struck in the throat while attempting to intervene. A…

Viral Video Sparks Controversy Cambodian Shamans Perform Ritual A video circulating widely on social media platforms since July 30, 2025, depicts Cambodian shamans conducting a symbolic ritual aimed at Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, commander of Thailand’s 2nd Army Region. Shared by Cambodian spiritualists, the footage has intensified tensions amid the ongoing Thai-Cambodian border conflict, drawing significant attention for its provocative nature. Elaborate Ceremonial Display Symbolic Acts Against Thai General The ceremony begins with traditional music and dance, featuring participants in white robes performing in front of a large photograph of Lt Gen Boonsin. A key figure wielding a trident makes…

Rising River Levels Threaten Communities Chiang Rai Faces Severe Flooding On July 29, 2025, northern and northeastern Thailand grappled with worsening floods as heavy rainfall caused major rivers to swell, particularly in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district along the Sai River. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation issued urgent alerts for residents near the Kok River in Muang district to move belongings to higher ground, with water levels rising rapidly at 5-8 centimeters per hour, threatening tambons like Huai Chom Phu and Rim Kok. Landslide and Runoff Warnings Issued Seven Provinces on High Alert The Department of Mineral Resources…

Ceasefire Violations Condemned Cambodian Fire Targets Thai Soil On July 29, 2025, the Royal Thai Army publicly condemned Cambodia for violating a ceasefire agreement that took effect at midnight, accusing Cambodian forces of firing on multiple Thai locations. Army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree reported that Cambodia initiated attacks on areas including Chong An Ma, Chong Bok, Prasat Ta Kwai, Phu Makhuea, and Sam Tae, undermining the fragile truce. Thailand Upholds Defensive Stance Protecting Sovereignty Lawfully Major General Winthai emphasized that Thailand strictly adhered to the ceasefire, halting all firing at midnight as agreed. In response to Cambodian actions, the…

Tragic Explosion Rocks Muang District Devastation in Ban Pho Tha Sai On July 30, 2025, a catastrophic explosion at a fireworks production house in Ban Pho Tha Sai, Muang district, Suphan Buri, resulted in the loss of nine lives and left one person injured. The incident, occurring around 11 am, involved Thai women, including one who was eight months pregnant. The blast underscores the ongoing dangers of unregulated fireworks production in Thailand. Significant Damage Reported Homes and Vehicles Destroyed The explosion obliterated two houses and a car, leaving a trail of destruction in the tambon Ban Pho area. Emergency services…

Supreme Court Takes Up Case Hearing Set for September On July 30, 2025, Thailand’s Supreme Court agreed to hear a case against Senator Keskamol Pleansamai, accused by the Election Commission of misleading voters by falsely claiming to be a professor during the 2024 Senate election. The court will convene on September 10 to review evidence and witness testimonies, marking a significant step in addressing electoral integrity concerns. Election Commission’s Allegations Breaching Electoral Law The Election Commission alleges that Senator Keskamol violated organic election laws by claiming a professorship in Human Resource Development from California University FCE, an unaccredited institution in…

Ceasefire Impacts Worker Decisions Most Opt to Remain in Poipet On July 30, 2025, cybercrime police reported that around 1,000 Thai workers at casinos and call centers in Poipet, Cambodia, who initially planned to return home, chose to stay after a ceasefire was announced effective midnight Tuesday. The decision reflects renewed confidence in the border region’s stability, despite earlier concerns prompting some to cross back into Thailand on July 26. Cybercrime Investigations Continue Scam Operations Under Scrutiny Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiwphan, commander of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, noted that scam operations in Poipet appeared unaffected by the recent…