The crisis has devastated 10 southern provinces over seven days. Photos show submerged cars and homes with frantic residents stranded on rooftops awaiting evacuation. Regional devastation expanded dramatically: Vietnam reports 98 deaths over one week, Malaysia evacuated 19,000+ residents, the BBC reported. Indonesia confirmed 19 fatalities with seven people still buried under North Sumatra landslides, rescue officials stated.

Over 2 million Thais were affected by floods, yet only 13,000 reached shelters. The vast majority remain cut off from assistance, according to Reuters. Thailand's military is deploying an aircraft carrier, 14 supply boats, and field kitchens producing 3,000 daily meals.

Medical teams will convert the carrier into a "floating hospital" if needed, according to the Navy. Songkhla's governor reported deploying boats, elevated trucks, and jet skis for evacuations. The Cabinet declared Songkhla a disaster zone on Tuesday, unlocking relief funds.

Matchima Rescue Center told Reuters it received thousands of distress calls in three days from people seeking evacuation. Urgent appeals flooded Matchima's Facebook: "Many people are trapped... Please help," one user wrote.

Multiple posts described going days without food or water. Viral footage shows three boys clinging to power cables, inching toward safety as murky brown floodwaters rise below them.

Southeast Asia typically experiences heavy seasonal rainfall, but this year's flooding has been exceptionally severe across the region.

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Thursday morning brought the tragic conclusion when rescue teams recovered the body of Shagai Mor, a father of four, swept into the sea in Thailand after diving in to save his son. The incident happened on Koh Phangan.

Mor, 45, married to Inbal and father to four children aged 3-13, had lived in the Kela-Alon settlement in northern Golan for roughly 10 years. Shagai worked as a gardener. Over the past two years, he had been serving in active reserve duty. The community characterizes him as "a man of action who helped everyone. Beloved and friendly."

On Wednesday afternoon, the father entered the sea after his son, who had been swept away in the island's eastern bay, in the town of Chaloklum. The father succeeded in moving the son close to shore into the hands of nearby restaurant owners, who managed to pull the son onto shore while the father was pulled back into the sea, as the mother and her children stood on shore screaming for help.

Uri Kelner, head of the Golan Regional Council, stated, "The Golan Regional Council embraces the Mor family and the Kela-Alon community in this difficult hour. Our hearts are with his wife, Inbal, and the children." Inbal Mor, Shagai's wife, stated, "In these difficult hours, I want to express gratitude from all our hearts to the good people who mobilized to save Shagai. The hundreds of volunteers who searched throughout the night on nearby beaches, the Magen team, Klal Insurance, Chabad House, and the Foreign Ministry, and the round-the-clock support. We are now gathering within the family to cope with the difficult news and to strengthen the household."

Extreme weather hindered the search

The extensive searches faced significant difficulties due to extreme weather conditions, making it impossible to launch an emergency helicopter. Strong winds and nearly zero visibility blocked takeoff and safe navigation, while simultaneously the stormy sea and high waves prevented safe hovering or landing above the water.

Additionally, Koh Phangan has no emergency helicopters available, and regional helicopters are not authorized to operate under such conditions. Because of the powerful winds, drones also cannot take to the air, and significant difficulty exists in scanning the ocean surface from above. Deploying rescue boats also proved impossible. The breaking waves near shore create immediate capsizing danger, and the powerful side winds complicate vessel control and precise searching. Under such circumstances, dispatching a boat endangers both the rescued and the rescue team.

The entire Israeli community rallied for the searches, and for extended hours, approximately 160 volunteers combed the town's beaches with flashlights and motorcycles. Numerous young Israelis traveling in Koh Phangan joined the searches, along with tourists from across the world. Volunteers from the Israeli community on the island, social workers, and psychologists stayed with the mother and children constantly and provided emotional support for the family.

On Wednesday, during an overnight flight, a team from the Magen rescue and search company left Israel. Family members of the missing man were also aboard the plane. Wednesday night, at 1:30 a.m. (local time), the searches concluded as the sea rose again, becoming hazardous for the volunteers. The searches restarted Thursday morning. Numerous volunteers from the local Israeli community and Israeli tourists headed out for foot searches along the beaches and sea, scanning on private jet skis.

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The incident occurred Tuesday, when the couple was seen performing sexual activity in daylight, showing no consideration for the presence of other tourists. Some shocked visitors filmed the act and shared it online, sparking widespread public outrage and concerns about Thailand's tourism image.

The Koh Phangan district chief ordered an immediate investigation to identify and track down the couple. Authorities discovered the pair had been staying at a hotel in a village in the district. Wednesday, district and immigration officers, including the deputy police commander, arrested the man and woman at their hotel and took them to the Koh Phangan immigration office for questioning.

According to authorities, the two admitted they were the couple appearing in the sexual clip circulated online, and acknowledged they had engaged in sexual intercourse at the waterfall around midday on November 4. Following their confession, police charged the tourists with "committing an obscene act in public by exposing their bodies or offensive sexual behavior." The couple was transferred to Koh Phangan police station, where legal proceedings began.

Police stated that such behavior not only violates Thai law but also offends local customs and tarnishes the image of a popular nature site. Tourism authorities have long warned that visitors must respect Thai cultural norms, especially at public or sacred sites. This case serves as a reminder that Thailand welcomes tourists but expects them to behave with basic respect.

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A hotel on Ko Lanta island in Krabi province, Thailand, sparked discomfort and anger among Israeli tourists after displaying photos of the property decorated with Palestinian flags in its photo gallery on Booking.com.

Images shown on the Baan Pakgasri Hideaway hotel page feature Palestinian flags hanging in the hotel's outdoor area, above the guest relaxation zone. The gallery also shows a man photographed next to a flag emblazoned with a fist symbol and the text "Free Palestine," along with additional images in the same vein.

"We searched for a hotel on the island and saw these pictures on Booking, and decided to pass," one user shared. Questions also periodically arise from concerned users about whether it's advisable to visit the Ko Lanta and Krabi area, which are associated with a large Muslim population.

Ko Lanta island and the broader Krabi province area in Thailand are known as regions with a traditional Muslim population, unlike other Thai destinations such as Phuket and Bangkok, where the majority is Buddhist. The island, where most residents are Muslim, includes numerous mosques and offers halal menus for the local population and Muslim tourists. Against this backdrop, the decision to display public support for Palestinians at the local hotel reflects the cultural and religious identity of a significant portion of the island's residents.

A response from Booking will be provided when received.

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"We remained unaware of tensions with Cambodia until we encountered coverage in Israeli media," Yotam Amit, who traveled to Thailand for his honeymoon, explained. "Considerable stress emerged among Israelis concerning this development. We experienced some panic, particularly since we had reserved the honeymoon so far in advance, and the Iranian war had already created uncertainty about our vacation. Thailand represented a type of sanctuary, and suddenly these 'troubles' arrived here too," he noted, emphasizing how the situation returned him to the reality he had left behind. "The freedom and serenity here allowed me to forget these concerns and exist in a protective bubble, which suddenly shattered when reports about the Cambodia conflict began emerging."

Roni Rabinovich, an Israeli who recently relocated to Thailand, felt troubled by the parallels to Israeli circumstances. "This undoubtedly triggers memories of everything occurring in our homeland, which represents one reason I decided to relocate. This situation could certainly become dangerous as it develops, but currently, we choose to maintain optimism," she commented regarding Israelis living in Thailand.

The dissolving distinction between Israeli reality and Thai developments culminated when Neta Ben Aharon, who has spent a month traveling through Thailand with her parents and brother, received a request to participate in a minute of silence at a local marketplace honoring victims of Monday's shooting attack. "The experience felt completely surreal. You find yourself thinking, 'in my homeland this occurs every single day,'" she reflected. "I believe our participation in the minute of silence stemmed from my respect for the Thai people – this gesture represented my tribute to them."

However, beyond the mounting pressure, local residents' responses offer comfort to visiting Israelis. "Local people displayed minimal concern, explaining this represents a decades-old conflict that intensified temporarily in an extremely distant region. We initially harbored concerns since we lack familiarity with local emergency protocols, unlike our homeland experience, but understanding that this situation affects only a tiny fraction of Thailand provided significant relief," Yotam observed. He found additional reassurance in the fact that "these military forces remain relatively outdated and their missiles cannot reach the distances of our current location," contrasting sharply with Israelis' extensive exposure to devastating and sophisticated weaponry, particularly following recent events during Operation Rising Lion.

Perhaps precisely because of this context, Israelis characteristically attempt maintaining normal routines. "I spent the day at the beach, sunbathing and enjoying family time," Neta revealed. "I maintain cautious awareness," Yotam stated, referencing ongoing developments and ceasefire discussions between the two nations.

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@thaitraveltips Be careful of the fake hug scam in Thailand! If you're enjoying the nightlife, especially at night parties — watch out! Some people may act friendly, try to hug you… but it's actually a trick to steal your stuff Watch this video now and protect yourself before going out! Follow | Like | Share @thaitraveltipss for real travel tips, safety warnings, and smart advice in Thailand! Have you ever heard of this kind of scam before? Let's help each other stay safe! #ThaiTravelTips #ThailandScamAlert #FakeHugScam #ThailandNightlife #StaySafeThailand #TravelSmartThailand #ThailandForTourists #Thailand2025 #ThailandTips #ThailandRealTalk #NightlifeScamThailand ♬ original sound - Thailand Travel Tips

According to the TikToker, "Be careful of the fake hug scam in Thailand! If you're enjoying the nightlife, especially at night parties – watch out! Some people may act friendly, try to hug you… but it's actually a trick to steal your stuff."

She continues explaining the street version of this scam, "If you're walking down the street and a person approaches you to hug you, be careful. Notice that your necklace or gold bracelet might disappear. This happens to many tourists, especially those wearing something expensive and going out at night. It's better to leave valuable items at the hotel, don't wear them, and certainly don't let someone hug you."

Generally, hugging and kissing in the street is less common in Thailand. Most couples behave very modestly on the street. You'll rarely see kissing, hugging, or excessive romantic touching, as modesty and politeness prevail, even among the younger generation.

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Trump said earlier in the weekend that he had spoken with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand's interim Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai in a bid to restore calm. He also expressed hopes for concluding trade agreements with both countries "once peace is within reach."

"Both sides are seeking an immediate ceasefire and peace. They also want to return to the 'trade table' with the United States, which we believe should only happen once the fighting stops," Trump wrote.

"They agreed to meet immediately and to work swiftly toward a ceasefire and ultimately, peace!"

In the early hours of Sunday, local time, Hun Manet thanked Trump and said Cambodia accepted "the proposal for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two armed forces." He noted he had previously called for a ceasefire in appeals to the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Thailand's Foreign Ministry released a more measured statement, saying Phumtham Wechayachai wanted to see "a sincere intention from Cambodia," but had also "asked President Trump to convey that Thailand seeks to convene bilateral dialogue as soon as possible to outline steps and procedures for a ceasefire and ultimately a peaceful resolution to the conflict."

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Thailand's Health Ministry confirmed the massive evacuation numbers as combat operations intensified throughout Friday, with civilians on both sides of the international boundary scrambling for safety while explosions and automatic weapons fire echoed across the borderlands. Officials from The New York Times reported that at least 15 fatalities have been documented on the Thai side since hostilities commenced Thursday, while Cambodian authorities have confirmed at least one death within their territory as families continue fleeing the escalating violence.

This 60 second video will let you know exactly what's going on between Cambodia and Thailand and why they are at War

Must watch pic.twitter.com/cPnew4yd0h

— Culture War Report (@CultureWar2020) July 24, 2025

 The disputed frontier area between Oddar Meanchey Province in Cambodia and Surin Province in Thailand became the epicenter of the bloodiest military engagement between the two nations since 2011, with artillery strikes and small arms fire creating a continuous barrage that forced mass population movements. The New York Times documented scenes of desperate families loading possessions onto farm vehicles as explosions rang out around them, while civilians sought shelter wherever possible as the conflict showed no signs of immediate resolution.

Combat operations continued unabated on Friday as both nations deployed heavy weapons along the contested boundary, creating a humanitarian emergency that has displaced over 100,000 people within 48 hours. Officials familiar with the situation told The New York Times that gunshots and artillery fire persisted throughout the day, preventing aid organizations from reaching affected populations and trapping thousands of civilians in active combat zones.

The current confrontation represents the deadliest military engagement between Cambodia and Thailand in at least 14 years, surpassing previous border incidents in both scale and intensity. The New York Times reported that the fighting has created the largest refugee crisis in the region since the last major border conflict, with entire communities abandoning their homes as military forces from both nations continue exchanging fire across the disputed territory.

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CNN reported the airstrikes followed a series of deadly incidents, including a Thai soldier losing his leg to a landmine explosion just one day earlier.

The Thai military's 2nd regional command announced on Facebook that F-16 fighter jets had been deployed and claimed to have "destroyed" two Cambodian regional military support units, according to CNN. Deputy Army spokesperson Colonel Richa Suksuwanont stated the airstrikes targeted only military positions, though Cambodian officials had not immediately confirmed the attacks.

Armed confrontations broke out along the disputed frontier early Thursday morning when Thai forces said Cambodian troops opened fire on a Thai army base near the ancient Ta Muen Thom Temple, which sits in contested territory between Thailand's Surin province and Cambodia's northwest region, CNN reported. Thai officials accused Cambodia of deploying an unmanned drone before the temple and then sending armed troops into the area.

The fighting spread beyond the temple site as Cambodian forces allegedly fired heavy weapons into civilian areas of Thailand's Kap Choeng district in Surin province. "The attack injured three civilians. Thai authorities have promptly evacuated residents from the area to ensure the safety of lives and property," the Thai military stated.

Cambodia's Defense Ministry offered a sharply different account, with Lieutenant General Maly Socheata claiming their troops acted in self-defense following an unprovoked Thai incursion. "Cambodian forces acted strictly within the bounds of self-defense, responding to an unprovoked incursion by Thai troops that violated our territorial integrity," Socheata explained to CNN.

Prime Minister Hun Manet wrote on Facebook that Thailand had attacked Cambodian army positions at two temple locations in Oddar Meanchey province, as well as sites in Cambodia's Preah Vihear province and Thailand's Ubon Ratchathani province. "Cambodia has always maintained a position of peaceful resolution of problems, but in this case, we have no choice but to respond with armed force against armed aggression," the Prime Minister declared while urging Cambodian citizens to remain calm.

The escalation injured at least two Thai soldiers Thursday, while three civilians were wounded in the crossfire, according to CNN. Two hospitals in Thailand's Surin province began evacuating patients as fighting continued near the clash sites, Thailand's ministry of public health confirmed.

Thursday's armed confrontation followed a devastating incident just one day earlier when a second Thai soldier in a week lost his leg to a landmine explosion at a different point along the disputed border. Five Thai soldiers were injured in that blast, prompting Thailand to immediately downgrade diplomatic relations with Cambodia by recalling its ambassador from Phnom Penh and expelling the Cambodian ambassador, CNN reported.

Thailand also closed sections of its northeastern border to both local residents and tourists as tensions reached their breaking point. Cambodia responded by announcing it had downgraded relations with Thailand "to the lowest level" and ordered all diplomatic staff to return home immediately.

The current crisis builds on mounting tensions that began in May when a Cambodian soldier was killed during clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops in the contested Emerald Triangle region where Cambodia, Thailand and Laos converge. Both sides opened fire in that incident, which has since triggered major political consequences for Thailand and inflamed nationalist sentiment in both countries, according to CNN.

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra now faces potential dismissal after being suspended from duties earlier this month following the leak of a phone call with Cambodia's powerful former leader in which she appeared to criticize her own army's actions in the border dispute. The leaked conversation has added domestic political turmoil to the international crisis.

The two nations share a complex relationship marked by both cooperation and rivalry across recent decades. Their 508-mile (817-kilometer) land border was largely mapped by French colonial authorities during their occupation of Cambodia, creating boundary lines that have periodically sparked military clashes and political tensions between the neighbors.

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A recent confrontation at a cafe in Koh Phangan, Thailand, has generated significant backlash throughout Thailand after video footage capturing a young Israeli woman refusing to remove her shoes circulated widely across the country's social media platforms. The brief 15-second clip, first published on the Koh Phangan Conscious Community Facebook page, depicts the Israeli visitor responding combatively when requested to remove her footwear before entering a cafe – a widely observed cultural tradition in Thailand. During the recorded exchange, the woman argues with individuals filming her and exclaims: "My money built your country" – a statement many viewers interpreted as disrespectful.

Public reaction online developed rapidly. Numerous social media users criticized the Israeli tourist, perceiving her comment as the latest instance of growing frustration regarding disruptive behavior by visitors in Thailand, particularly those from Israel. The incident has drawn attention to previous controversies involving Israeli tourists' behavior in the country that prompted the Israeli embassy to issue public appeals for adherence to Thai regulations and customs.

An Israeli tourist in Thailand refusing to follow local customs after being politely asked to remove her shoes at a restaurant entrance. Instead, she replied, "MY MONEY BUILDS YOUR COUNTRY." pic.twitter.com/aItzCTqdU6

— The Resonance (@Partisan_12) May 5, 2025

The Israeli tourist has subsequently offered her perspective. According to the Israeli news site Mako, she insisted the video lacked proper context and suggested her critics were influenced by anti-Israeli sentiment: "Hey, I'm the girl filmed in the video," she wrote on Instagram. "First, I want to clarify that the statement made was taken out of context. I intended that Israeli tourism contributes to the Thai economy. I experienced physical and verbal violence directed out of anger toward all Israelis traveling in Thailand. The photographer is not an employee at the restaurant, but a guest at the cafe. I received permission to enter wearing shoes because I had injured my foot. The photographer and her friend behaved violently toward me despite the fact that I left the cafe to avoid the situation forced upon me. The video is distorted and does not show the violent incident that happened to me."

Her account received support from another Israeli traveler named Shahar, who witnessed the incident while at the cafe. According to her, tensions escalated after two Thai women seated nearby confronted the Israeli visitors regarding their failure to remove their shoes. "The Israelis responded with a chuckle to the request, and consequently the Thais became really angry and started shouting that 'Israelis are guests in this country,' and that we never respect the place we're at," the Israeli traveler said.

She further accounted that as the Thai women completed their meal and were departing the restaurant, they deliberately approached the Israelis' table: "The Thais were 'looking' to continue the fight. They shouted at them, and then took out a camera and filmed the moment when the Israeli said the statement that was recorded and spread online. Afterward, one of the Thais broke a coffee cup on her and dragged her by the hair to the floor." The traveler emphasized that throughout the heated encounter, none of the Israeli women responded with physical aggression despite the alleged violence directed toward them.

The cafe involved has yet to release any official comment regarding the incident, and no verification exists indicating authorities have examined the described physical altercation.

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