Thailand

The first recognised conscientious objector was sentenced to prison as he refused compulsory military service on ethical grounds, drawing attention to Thailand’s military conscription system and the absence of legal provisions for conscientious objection

New Sadao border checkpoint with Malaysia has been opened to improve trade and passenger flows; The larger facility is expected to reduce congestion on one of the busiest land borders in Southeast Asia and strengthen economic links

An “AI passport” program has been proposed, aiming to certify citizens’ AI skills through training, assessments and broader access to AI tools; The initiative aims to improve workforce readiness, reduce digital inequality and support adoption of AI

Bangkok has begun testing a waste-to-energy plant that uses controlled combustion and emissions treatment systems to incinerate municipal waste to generate electricity, at the same time reducing the need of new landfills

Thailand Social Security Fund has gone beyond its allowed investment risk limit, prompting concerns about how funds are being managed; Authorities are reviewing the situation and will adjust investments to bring risk levels within rules, protecting savers

Sacred elephant tusks belonging to the Karen community have been returned to Thailand after decades; The repatriation is seen as a significant cultural restoration, with community leaders welcoming it as recognition of indigenous heritage and traditions

70 tigers died at a private park in Chiang Mai, possibly for an outbreak of canine distemper virus; Officials are examining vaccination records, quarantine measures and disease-control protocols as lapses in biosecurity could contribute to mass fatalities

Election Commission faces calls to review ballot rules as one million votes were spoiled in elections; winner Pheu Thai Party and opposition weren't distant, confirming pre-election concerns that transport and counting could affected seat distribution

5th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, connecting Bueng Kan to Bolikhamxay, is now the shortest strategic route linking Thailand, Laos and Vietnam; it helps make Bueng Kan a logistics centre, supports cross-border tourism in the area with a permanent route

Photographers at Wat Arun in Bangkok will attend manners and ethics training, following reports of aggressive tactics, overcharging and pressuring on tourists; The measure aims to curb informal vendors, improve safety and protect the temple’s reputation

As the Southeast Asian Games concluded, Thailand finished top of the medal table, leading on home soil; Host athletes won in multiple disciplines, underscoring the country’s regional sporting strength despite rising competition from Vietnam and Indonesia