Family Thanks Thailand at Memorial for Russian Siblings
Thailand Rejects SpaceX’s 100% Satellite Telecom Ownership Request
Thailand has firmly rejected proposals that would have allowed 100% foreign ownership of satellite telecommunications businesses, including a request from Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Officials say the issue isn’t about investment, it’s about national sovereignty.
The decision follows a list of trade expectations presented by the United States during ongoing tariff negotiations. Thai law currently limits foreign ownership in key telecommunications infrastructure to 49%, with some media sectors restricted even further.
While SpaceX reportedly insisted it would only invest if it could own the business outright, Thailand has politely but firmly said, “No, thanks.” At the same time, trade negotiators say the kingdom remains willing to increase imports of American aircraft, liquefied natural gas, soybeans, and corn, reduce tariffs on selected products to zero, and accept US standards for beef, lamb, and alcoholic beverages, all in the hope of keeping American tariffs on Thai goods below 19%.
Starlink Equipment Seized from Fishing Boats on Songkhla Lake
In what appears to be a related development, marine police and telecommunications regulators have arrested two fishing boat owners after allegedly discovering unauthorized Starlink satellite internet equipment and mobile signal amplifiers installed aboard vessels operating on Songkhla Lake.
The two men admitted buying and fitting the equipment themselves, but claimed they had no idea it was illegal. Officers seized Starlink terminals, antennas, cables, and signal-boosting equipment as part of the investigation.
Family Thanks Thailand at Memorial for Russian Siblings
The mother of Russian siblings Diana and Roman, whose tragic murders shocked the nation, has publicly thanked the Thai people for the kindness shown to her family during a moving Buddhist memorial ceremony held in Hua Hin.
The service honored not only Diana and Roman, but also the Thai family of three whose bodies were later discovered during the same murder investigation. Thai and foreign mourners gathered alongside police officers, local officials, and volunteers as Buddhist monks chanted prayers and dedicated merit to all five victims.
Afterwards, Irina Nazimova expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported the family during their darkest days, saying she had been deeply touched by the compassion shown by ordinary Thai people.
The family, who follow Buddhism, said they now hope justice will be pursued with determination for every victim.
Government Investigates Leaked Personal Data
Thai authorities have launched a major cross-agency investigation after confidential government data, including personal information relating to members of the public, the prime minister, cabinet ministers, and senior officials, appeared online.
In a separate incident, vehicle registration records held by the Department of Land Transport were also leaked. The investigation follows an earlier data breach involving around 200,000 investors from more than 5 million shareholder accounts held by Thailand Securities Depository.
Officials say their priority is to identify how the systems were accessed, trace those responsible, and stop the illegal trade in personal information before more damage is done.
Bus Driver Sentenced over Student’s Death
The Supreme Court has sentenced a bus driver to 4 years in prison over the death of a Khon Kaen University medical student who was killed in a collision on campus 4 years ago.
The provincial court confirmed the Supreme Court’s ruling, but reduced the custodial sentence to 2 years without suspension. In a separate civil case, the victim’s family continues legal action against the driver, his employer, and the university, seeking compensation for their loss.
Rangers Identify Tigers Linked to Attacks
Wildlife officials have confirmed they know exactly which tiger killed a forest ranger in Uthai Thani earlier this week. Most of the tigers in the sanctuary are fitted with tracking devices, allowing rangers to identify the animal involved.
Plans are now underway to capture it, and if successful, it is expected to remain permanently in captivity. Officials believe that once a tiger has killed a person, the risk of it doing so again is simply too great.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Kamphaeng Phet province, where another tiger has been roaming near villages and helping itself to local poultry, residents have been urged to remain indoors after dark and avoid nearby forests even during daylight hours.
Rangers believe they know which tiger is responsible there, too. If captured, that animal is expected to be relocated rather than confined.
Chinese Woman Arrested over Alleged 172-Million-Baht Tax Fraud
And finally, it seems you can run, but not forever. A 47-year-old Chinese woman wanted for allegedly defrauding China’s tax authorities of the equivalent of 172 million baht thought she had successfully disappeared into Thailand.
Despite reportedly using multiple false identities and changing her appearance, she was recognized while doing something rather ordinary, shopping at a market in Pathum Thani. Acting on information supplied by Chinese authorities, Thai police moved in and arrested her.
She is accused of claiming massive VAT refunds using fake invoices. It may have taken a while, but it appears the taxman eventually caught up with her.
Thailand Weather Forecast
And finally, the weather. The forecast really isn’t changing much. Expect another 3 days of cloudy skies, the chance of thunderstorms at almost any time, highs of around 33° and overnight lows of 27°.
