Lakorn

Trump: Iran War Could End Immediately After the Midterm Elections, or Possibly Even Earlier

2026-09-14T20:39:00.649+07:00

Trump: Iran War Could End Immediately After the Midterm Elections, or Possibly Even Earlier

U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated on Sunday that he expects the war in Iran to end by the end of this year, or possibly after the U.S. midterm elections in November, which he said would cause oil prices to fall.

Speaking to reporters at the Irish Open golf tournament, Trump said the Iran war would end immediately, possibly even sooner. However, he said it would end “immediately” after the midterm elections, and gasoline prices would “drop like a rock.”

After a month of relative calm in August, when oil flows resumed in the Middle East, oil prices have been seen rising steadily over the past two weeks amid a war that the United States and Israel launched six months ago.

No meetings have been held to end the war since the interim agreement collapsed in June.

In a rare diplomatic initiative, Iranian officials said they would attend a meeting on Monday with Arab states in the Gulf region in Oman. The meeting is intended to present an agreement that Iranian officials say they have reached with Oman concerning the future management of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Gold Prices Fall Below $4,300 Amid Concerns Over Possible Interest Rate Hike

2026-09-14T20:37:45.292+07:00

Gold Prices Fall Below $4,300 Amid Concerns Over Possible Interest Rate Hike

Gold prices fell as growing concerns about inflation increased the possibility that the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) could raise interest rates this week.

As of 10:30 GMT, gold was priced at $4,290 per ounce, down 1.4%. Meanwhile, energy prices have surged sharply this month, with Brent crude oil rising to around $108 per barrel, an increase of approximately 19% based on monthly benchmark prices. In Europe, natural gas prices jumped 35% on Monday compared with the same period last month, reaching around €84 ($97) per megawatt-hour.

Last month, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh said that inflation remained too high, despite a resilient economy and increasing investment in artificial intelligence (AI).

Speaking at an economic policy forum in Jackson Hole, Warsh stated that additional monetary policy measures could be necessary if inflation fails to fall to the target level.

As of last Friday, the U.S. inflation rate stood at 3.4%, while the monthly rate increased to 0.4%. The rise in oil prices this month has intensified concerns about inflation and put increasing pressure on the Fed’s monetary policy committee.

Authorities: Identifying Victims of Philippine Ferry Fire Could Take Months

2026-09-14T20:34:10.047+07:00

Authorities: Identifying Victims of Philippine Ferry Fire Could Take Months

Authorities in the Philippines said on Sunday that it could take weeks or even months to identify the victims of a ferry fire that killed 76 people, as forensic experts began collecting and comparing burned DNA samples while investigators worked to determine the cause of the disaster, the country’s deadliest maritime accident in recent years.

Richard Allan Mangalip, a forensic expert from the Philippine National Police, said that some bodies were found together inside the vessel, while others were scattered throughout the ferry, which was carrying more than 130 passengers and was nearing its destination when the fire broke out.

The ferry was traveling to the city of Coron in Palawan province from Manila, a journey that normally takes about 20 hours.

The assessment came one day after rescuers recovered an additional 41 bodies from the ferry, bringing the death toll to 76. Thirteen people remain missing.

The fire is the latest deadly maritime accident in the Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,600 islands, where millions of people rely on ferries and small boats to travel between islands.

Finland Joins France’s Initiative on Nuclear Deterrence

2026-09-14T20:32:16.457+07:00

Finland Joins France’s Initiative on Nuclear Deterrence

The leaders of the two countries said on Monday, September 14, 2026, that Finland has joined France’s initiative aimed at expanding the scope of its nuclear deterrence capabilities through cooperation with partner countries in Europe.

In March, France announced the launch of the “Forward Nuclear Deterrence Initiative” in response to concerns raised by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the United States’ security commitments to Europe and the security implications of the war in Ukraine.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb wrote on social media platform X: “The initiative is primarily aimed at strengthening European security. It reinforces Europe’s responsibility for its own defense and helps deter the escalation of conflicts.”

Under the initiative, only the President of France has the authority to decide when nuclear weapons would be used. This differs from NATO, which has a joint group responsible for nuclear planning.

However, the initiative provides for joint exercises, the possibility of temporarily deploying nuclear-capable assets on the territory of allied countries, and deeper consultations among participating countries.

Families Hold on to Hope as 129 People Remain Missing After Ferry Sinks in Indonesia

2026-09-14T20:30:51.381+07:00

Families Hold on to Hope as 129 People Remain Missing After Ferry Sinks in Indonesia

On Monday, hundreds of rescuers continued searching for 129 people who remain missing in the Java Sea after a passenger vessel sank. Relatives of the missing passengers gathered along the coast, hoping to receive good news about their loved ones.

Freddy Manuhua, whose younger brother was on the sunken vessel, said that his hope was that his brother would be found, regardless of his condition.

He continued, saying that if his brother were found in a condition that they did not wish for, he would still have to accept it because it was part of his brother’s journey in life.

Another relative who was waiting for news about a missing family member said that he had prepared himself to accept whatever the outcome might be. He said he had left the matter in God’s hands and could only hope that his relative would be safe and in good health. However, there had been no news so far.

On Monday, hundreds of rescuers, including coast guard personnel and navy forces, attempted to reach the capsized Virgo Transport 8 after the vessel, which was carrying 243 people, sank in bad weather on Sunday.

Authorities said that 108 people had been rescued, while six people had been confirmed dead.

More Than 20 Thai Senators Accused of Election Fraud

2026-09-14T20:28:18.630+07:00

More Than 20 Thai Senators Accused of Election Fraud

On Monday, September 14, 2026, Thailand’s Election Commission accused 26 sitting senators of colluding to manipulate the results of the most recent Senate election. The allegations are linked to a vote-buying scandal that has sparked protests and could potentially lead to prison sentences for those found guilty.

The commission said it would refer the case to the Supreme Court. According to reports, the case involves senators with ties to the party of Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

The 26 senators are among 77 people accused in the scandal, including 36 unsuccessful Senate candidates and 15 other political figures, all of whom have been accused of election fraud. Their identities have not been disclosed.

The controversial election was held in June 2024 and was the first Senate election since the military coup a decade earlier, when senators were appointed by the military. Instead of being directly elected by the Thai people, senators were selected by other Senate candidates to represent 20 different professional groups, including the legal sector, education, public health, industry, arts, and sports.

The Election Commission has 60 days to file a petition with the Supreme Court, which will then decide whether to accept the case for trial. If found guilty, those responsible could face up to 10 years in prison for each offense, a fine of 200,000 baht (approximately US$6,000), or both.

Trump Links 9/11 to Conflict with Iran, Saying, “That’s Why We Are Fighting”

2026-09-12T21:30:25.872+07:00

Trump Links 9/11 to Conflict with Iran, Saying, “That’s Why We Are Fighting”

President Donald Trump pledged on Friday, September 11, that the United States would never forget the attacks of September 11, 2001, and suggested that the country would continue its “war on terror” 25 years later by fighting Iran.

Speaking at the Pentagon after not attending the major 9/11 anniversary commemoration in New York City, Republican President Trump also criticized “extremists” at home, apparently referring to members of the Democratic Party.

In his speech, Trump said, “Today, we continue the great commitment that we made and swore to from the very beginning. We will never forget. That is why we are fighting right now.”

President Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, added, “We have no choice. There is only victory. We fight hard. We fight for victory.”

It should be recalled that on September 11, a hijacked aircraft crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., killing 184 people. They were commemorated by the ringing of a bell as the names of the victims were read aloud.

However, previous presidents have traditionally marked major anniversaries by attending ceremonies at several locations, including New York City, where the vast majority of the 2,977 victims lost their lives in the attacks on the World Trade Center.

Trump continued by linking the fight against al-Qaeda, which was launched by former Republican President George W. Bush, to the war being waged by the United States and Israel against Iran, which is now entering its seventh month.

Iran Says It Will Discuss the Strait of Hormuz with Gulf States in Oman on Monday

2026-09-12T21:00:05.440+07:00

Iran Says It Will Discuss the Strait of Hormuz with Gulf States in Oman on Monday

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said that a delegation from the country will meet with Gulf states in Oman on Monday, September 14, to discuss the issue of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which the Islamic Republic has closed during the ongoing war in the Middle East.

The ministry said in a statement on Friday that the meeting aims to promote greater understanding among countries in the region and help strengthen collective regional security. Iraq and other Persian Gulf states will also participate in the meeting.

Iran has been at war since February 28, when U.S.-Israeli attacks killed its Supreme Leader. Iran retaliated with attacks across the region and closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies had previously passed.

After more than six months of war in the Middle East, the closure of the waterway continues to drive oil prices higher, with prices rising above $100 per barrel this week. Oman and Iran, both of which border the Strait of Hormuz, have been holding discussions for several weeks about how the vital waterway will be managed in the future.

Senior Hamas Commander Killed in Israeli Strike in Southern Gaza

2026-09-12T20:57:41.083+07:00

Senior Hamas Commander Killed in Israeli Strike in Southern Gaza

The commander of the Khan Younis Brigade of Hamas’s military wing was killed in an Israeli strike on Thursday evening in the Gaza Strip, according to the Israeli military and Hamas’s Al-Qassam Brigades.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet internal security agency said in a joint statement on Friday that Hamas commander Muhammad Yazouri was killed in an airstrike on Thursday night in southern Gaza.

The statement said that Yazouri was responsible for leading attacks against Israeli soldiers and rebuilding the brigade’s forces. It added that two other armed members of Hamas were also killed in the strike.

In a statement, the Al-Qassam Brigades confirmed Yazouri’s death, saying that he had played a significant role in planning Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Houthi Group Claims to Have Shot Down Nine Saudi Fighter Jets Since September 3

2026-09-12T20:53:48.549+07:00

Houthi Group Claims to Have Shot Down Nine Saudi Fighter Jets Since September 3

The Houthi group, part of the Ansar Allah rebel movement in Yemen, has claimed that it has carried out more than 30 operations to intercept Saudi Arabian fighter jets and has shot down nine aircraft since September 3.

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saria said: “The armed forces successfully carried out 32 operations to intercept Saudi Arabian fighter jets, nine of which were shot down.” He added that hundreds of Saudi soldiers “were killed, wounded, or captured” during operations in Yemen’s western coastal region.

According to the Houthi spokesperson, the operations in Yemen’s western coastal region began on September 3 with the aim of expelling Saudi forces from the area. He said the operations were motivated by “Saudi-backed attacks on civilians and villages in the western coastal region, which have continued for several years.”

Saria claimed that the operations had forced Saudi forces to withdraw from Taiz and Hodeidah provinces, covering an area of approximately 5,400 square kilometers. He further stated that navigation in the Red Sea “is safe for all companies, except companies from Saudi Arabia, because of the blockade imposed against them.”

Cambodian National Team in the FIFA ASEAN CUP 2026 Division 2

2026-09-12T20:46:23.239+07:00

Important News for National Football Fans! 🇰🇭⚽️

The official match schedule for the Cambodian National Team in the FIFA ASEAN CUP 2026 Division 2 (Group B) has been announced. This is the journey of our “Angkor Warriors” as they compete for promotion to Division 1.

Please don’t forget to come together and support our national team:

🗓 September 27, 2026: Cambodia 🇰🇭 vs. Myanmar 🇲🇲
🕔 Time: 17:00 (5:00 PM)

🗓 September 30, 2026: Timor-Leste 🇹🇱 vs. Cambodia 🇰🇭
🕕 Time: 18:00 (6:00 PM)

We must finish first in the group to advance to the Challenge Division Final on October 3 and automatically earn promotion to Division 1.

Are you ready? Let’s wait and see whether we can make it happen! 💪🇰🇭

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Says Framework Agreement Has Failed, Situation Is Dangerous

2026-09-12T20:38:23.557+07:00

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Says Framework Agreement Has Failed, Situation Is Dangerous

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said on Friday that the U.S.-mediated framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel has collapsed, warning that Israel could seize more Lebanese territory if it chooses to do so. The comments were reported by local media outlet Al-Joumhouria.

Berri told the newspaper: “The situation is dangerous, and all solutions remain unresolved. This framework agreement has collapsed. If Israel wants to seize territory, it can do so.”

Berri said he was not optimistic about the possibility of achieving any significant progress in the coming days, citing ongoing killings, including the deaths of children, as well as the clearing and destruction of homes.

The comments came as tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border continue, despite Lebanon and Israel signing a framework agreement in late June. Israel says its operations are aimed at eliminating threats posed by Hezbollah.

Japan Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia

2026-09-12T20:35:39.086+07:00

Japan Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia

Japan has strongly condemned the Houthi group’s attacks on Saudi Arabia and reiterated its call for the group to refrain from escalating tensions both inside and outside Yemen.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Friday night: “The Houthi group’s repeated military attacks have resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, including among civilians. Japan once again firmly condemns the group’s recent series of attacks. Attacks against civilians and civilian facilities, as well as any actions that obstruct the free and safe navigation of vessels, are completely unacceptable.”

The ministry stressed that stability in Yemen is directly linked to the stability of the Middle East as a whole, and Japan reaffirmed the importance of achieving peace in Yemen. It also noted that peace and stability in the Middle East, including ensuring free and safe navigation through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, are of the utmost importance to the entire international community, including Japan, particularly from the perspectives of security and energy.

The statement said: “Japan will continue to make every diplomatic effort, in cooperation with the international community, including Yemen and Saudi Arabia, to work toward rapidly de-escalating the situation.”

Iranian President Says He Does Not Support Continuing the War and Calls for Strengthening National Resilience

2026-09-12T20:24:38.713+07:00

Iranian President Says He Does Not Support Continuing the War and Calls for Strengthening National Resilience

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday, September 11, 2026, that he does not support continuing the war with the United States, while calling for the country’s resilience to be strengthened in preparation for the next stage.

Pezeshkian made the remarks during a meeting with the leaders of various Iranian universities, according to the local Mehr News Agency.

Speaking about the conflict with Washington, Pezeshkian said: “I do not support continuing the war, but we must strengthen the country’s resilience in order to prepare ourselves to face the various situations that may arise in the future.”

He said strengthening national resilience requires following a path that would prevent Iran from being forced to negotiate with its “enemy” from a position of weakness. He also called on Iranian universities to support the government in this effort.

The Iranian president added that economic measures must take into account the existing social conditions. He warned that measures taken without careful consideration could create negative consequences rather than solve problems.

The United States and Israel launched military attacks against Iran on February 28, prompting Tehran to fire missiles at Israel and attack various targets, as well as U.S. military bases in several countries across the region. Iran also announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to navigation, causing major disruptions to global energy flows and international trade.

Pakistan Urges Iran to Help Curb Houthis as Riyadh Strikes Back

2026-09-11T06:36:08.387+07:00

Pakistan Urges Iran to Help Curb Houthis as Riyadh Strikes Back

Sources from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Iran said that Pakistan had delivered a warning message from Saudi Arabia to Iran, urging it to restrain its ally, the Houthi group in Yemen, after the group stepped up attacks against the kingdom. The message emphasized that this was a joint effort to prevent the crisis from escalating into a more serious situation.

On Tuesday (September 8, 2026), the Houthis attacked an air base in Khamis Mushait and oil infrastructure in nearby cities, injuring 73 people. It was one of the largest attacks on Saudi Arabia since the conflict between the United States-Israel and Iran began in February.

Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, said on Wednesday that Saudi fighter jets had carried out 54 airstrikes across several Yemeni provinces over the previous 12 hours. He added that such actions “will not be allowed to pass without a response or punishment.”

Regarding Pakistan’s warning to Iran, it is considered particularly significant because Pakistan has defense agreements with Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Although officials in Islamabad have emphasized that any military role would be limited to defending Saudi territory, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said that attacks extending into Saudi territory could trigger the implementation of a joint security agreement between Riyadh, Ankara, and Islamabad.

Asif said on Pakistani television, “An aggression against one country will be considered aggression against all three countries.”

Pakistan’s Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and military did not respond to requests for comment from Reuters.

Qatar Says ‘No War, No Peace’ Between the US and Iran Is ‘Unacceptable’

2026-09-11T06:28:26.344+07:00

Qatar Says ‘No War, No Peace’ Between the US and Iran Is ‘Unacceptable’ Qatar said on Tuesday,

September 8, 2026, that the continued state of “neither war nor peace” in the conflict between the United States and Iran was “unacceptable,” calling for the crisis to be resolved through dialogue and urging the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened unconditionally. Ibrahim al-Hashimi, head of the Media and Communications Department at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told a press conference: “It is unacceptable for the region to remain in a state that is neither peace nor war. This is causing tremendous difficulties for the region, and the crisis must be resolved through dialogue.” He added: “The Strait of Hormuz must be reopened without conditions, and ensuring that it is not used as a bargaining chip to exert pressure is a top priority.” The comments come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, as the United States and Iran continue to carry out military attacks against each other, while negotiations between the two sides remain deadlocked over disagreements regarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway for global energy supplies and the transportation of goods.

The Ministry of Culture has ordered the sale of T-shirts bearing phrases such as “Doing good gets you shit,” “Losing makes you a saint, winning makes me the boss,” and “If you insult me, I’ll insult you back,” among others, to be stopped.

2026-09-06T22:17:35.445+07:00

Kampong Speu: Following the guidance of His Excellency Dr. Cheam Chan Sophorn, Governor of the Kampong Speu Provincial Administration, Lieutenant General Khem Sokkhai, Commissioner of the Kampong Speu Provincial Police, ordered the police forces responsible for security affairs to conduct an immediate investigation. In cooperation with relevant authorities, they inspected and investigated markets selling T-shirts printed with phrases such as **“Do good and get shit,” “Losing makes you a Buddha; winning makes me a god,” “If you insult me, I will insult you back,”** and other vulgar expressions. According to a statement published by the Ministry of Culture, after authorities discovered T-shirts being displayed for sale that contained crude, inappropriate, and offensive messages, on **August 28, 2026**, a working group led by Brigadier General Nhem Sao, Deputy Commissioner in charge of Security Affairs of Kampong Speu Province, cooperated with the Chbar Mon City Administration, Chbar Mon City Police Inspectorate, Roka Thum Administrative Police Post, and the management of Kampong Speu Market to conduct an educational and awareness-raising inspection. The authorities also invited the owner of the T-shirt products, **Heang Panhya**, who had posted the T-shirts for sale on social media through a page called **“Sy Noth,”** to receive guidance and sign an agreement to stop displaying and selling clothing containing crude, inappropriate, and offensive messages. Such actions were considered immoral and inappropriate behavior in society. During the inspection, the authorities found approximately **15 T-shirts** remaining in stock. Some of the T-shirts had already been sold to resellers as well as to customers for personal use. As a request to business owners and customers, the authorities urged sellers **not to continue selling these products to others**. Customers who had already purchased them for personal use were also encouraged **to stop wearing or using them**.

Mr. Chhay Keo Mony was previously involved in various scandals during his tenure as the District Police Inspector of Bati District. He has since been appointed as the Head of the Police Affairs Office at the Takeo Provincial Police Commissariat, where he is currently serving.

2026-09-06T22:14:14.707+07:00

Takeo Province: Mr. Chhay Keo Mony was previously involved in various controversies with his colleagues while he was serving as the Chief of the Bati District Police Inspectorate. After his superiors removed him from the position of Bati District Police Inspector, Mr. Chhay Keo Mony was subsequently appointed as the Head of the Police Post Affairs Office at the Takeo Provincial Police Commissariat. It should be noted that, recently, it remains unclear what specific dispute Mr. Mean Vuttha, Chief of the Chambak Commune Administrative Police Post in Bati District, had with Mr. Chhay Keo Mony, Mr. Huot Sokun, Deputy Chief of the Bati District Police Inspectorate, and another individual. Mr. Mean Vuttha publicly posted a message on Facebook, stating: > “Mr. Inspector Chhay Keo Mony, former Chief of the Bati District Police Inspectorate and currently Head of the Police Post Affairs Office in Takeo Province, and Mr. Deputy Inspector Huot Sokun, as well as another superior of yours, must take responsibility for what happened to me.” Regarding the above case, members of the public have called on Mr. Maen Ly, Chief of the Takeo Provincial Police Commissariat, and especially Mr. Sar Sokha, Minister of the Ministry of Interior, to launch an investigation into the matter, particularly concerning discipline within the National Police Force. If any individual is found to have committed wrongdoing or violated the disciplinary regulations of the National Police Force, appropriate action should be taken in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations. Mr. Chhay Keo Mony could not be reached through Telegram for a detailed response or clarification regarding the above case. Sandeh is awaiting a detailed clarification from the relevant parties.

Mr. Mean Vutha, former chief of Chambok Police Post in Bati District, exposes irregularities surrounding a controversial drug-related case.

2026-09-06T22:10:28.597+07:00

Takeo Province: According to Koh Santepheap News, a drug-related crackdown that took place one year ago uncovered irregularities, eventually leading to the transfer of three police officers from Chambak Administrative Police Post to work at the Takeo Provincial Police Commissariat. The case prompted Mr. Mean Vuttha, the former Chief of Chambak Administrative Police Post, to publicly speak out on social media in an effort to seek justice and demand that former leaders of the Bati District Police Inspectorate take responsibility. Mr. Mean Vuttha stated that on August 7, 2025, his police post conducted a drug crackdown at the “Raksa Pich” Guesthouse, located in Trapeang Lean Village, Chambak Commune, Bati District, Takeo Province. Three suspects were arrested, namely Oun Narak, a 25-year-old male; Mean Makara, a 25-year-old male; and Vannak Tongheng, a 19-year-old male. The authorities also confiscated one package of suspected narcotics and three mobile phones. Subsequently, the evidence and all three suspects were handed over to the specialized unit of the Bati District Police Inspectorate for further legal proceedings. However, the subsequent procedures were allegedly irregular. The suspect named Mean Makara was released, while Oun Narak was sent to a rehabilitation center. Later, after information about the scandal was leaked, officials from the district police inspectorate reportedly went to retrieve Oun Narak from the rehabilitation center and transferred him to the Takeo Provincial Prison for detention. The former police post chief further stated that, before a higher-level inspection team came to investigate the case, officials from the district police inspectorate instructed him to falsely report that the suspect, Mean Makara, had escaped from the police post because there was only one pair of handcuffs, which could be used to restrain only two people. At the time, the district police inspectorate allegedly assured him that it would take full responsibility if any problems arose. Nevertheless, after the inspection was completed, he and two other subordinate officers were instead transferred to the Takeo Provincial Police Commissariat by a decision of their superiors. This left him deeply dissatisfied, as he believed that he had been treated very unfairly. Regarding the matter, Mr. Mean Vuttha called on Mr. Chhay Kaev Monny, the former Chief of the Bati District Police Inspectorate, and Mr. Huot Saokun, the Deputy Police Inspector responsible for the Anti-Drug Unit, to come forward and take responsibility before the law and their superiors. He claimed that his previous statements had only been made according to the orders given by the two officials. Regarding this case, Mr. Chhay Kaev Monny, the former Chief of the Bati District Police Inspectorate, could not be reached for comment. Meanwhile, Mr. Huot Saokun, Deputy Chief of the Bati District Police Inspectorate, briefly stated that he has superiors and commanders, and therefore he cannot do anything without receiving orders.

Citizens resort to violence and set fire to the Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary headquarters in Ratanakiri Province.

2026-09-06T22:04:28.076+07:00

Ratanakiri: On the afternoon of September 6, 2026, a group of local residents reportedly went to destroy and burn the Srae Chrey Sub-Station of the Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary in Ratanakiri Province. According to a report, on the morning of September 6, 2026, a team consisting of three rangers from the Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary and one volunteer patrol member conducted a patrol in the Preah Meas area, located in Thmei (Srae Chrey) Village, Chhay Otdam Commune, Lumphat District, Ratanakiri Province. When the team arrived at the above-mentioned location, they found approximately 80 local residents entering the area to mine for gold. The team then provided education and instructions to the residents, asking them to return home. Later that afternoon, there were reports that one resident was riding a motorcycle back home when he fell from the motorcycle and died. The deceased was reportedly a resident of R'Yea Village, R'Yea Commune, Koh Nhek District, Mondulkiri Province. Local residents claimed that the deceased died because rangers chased and attempted to arrest him, and that gunfire was heard, causing him to fall from his motorcycle. The rangers denied these allegations, stating that they did not chase, attempt to arrest, or fire weapons at the residents. They said they had only provided guidance and instructed them to return home. Following the death of the resident, at around 4:00 p.m., a large number of residents from R'Yea Village reportedly went to attack, destroy, and set fire to the Srae Chrey Sub-Station.

Cambodia has decided to suspend online betting games at all casinos starting from October onward, according to the Ministry of Interior.

2026-09-06T21:55:35.087+07:00

Prime Minister Hun Manet has decided to suspend online betting games at all casinos across the country starting from October 2026. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha, Minister of Interior. The decision to suspend online betting is intended to further strengthen measures to prevent and combat technology-based scams and the circulation of cash from unclear or unidentified sources. Sar Sokha made the statement during a ceremony to inaugurate a concrete road in Prey Mlou Village, Krapum Chhuk Commune, Koh Andet District, Takeo Province, on the afternoon of September 5. The decision followed investigations by the authorities, which found that online gambling streamed live from casinos creates numerous difficulties and makes it challenging for law enforcement authorities to monitor the circulation of money from unclear sources. According to the Minister of Interior, during the suspension period, all relevant ministries and institutions must begin developing and strengthening clear measures to regulate this type of gambling. These measures must cover the legal framework and relevant legal regulations, digital infrastructure, and, in particular, qualified and adequately skilled human resources before considering whether to allow online betting games at casinos to resume. Sar Sokha continued: “Starting in October, if any casino violates this policy, it will face the revocation of its license and other legal measures.” Over the past more than six months, the government has made efforts to crack down on technology-based scams. Many masterminds and individuals involved, both foreigners and Cambodians, have been arrested and sent to court or subjected to legal proceedings in their respective countries. Meanwhile, more than 400,000 foreigners have been deported or voluntarily left Cambodian territory, according to a report from the Ministry of Interior. The same source stated that legal measures have been taken against officials found to be involved in four cases concerning 15 suspects. Those officials included deputy prosecutors, a deputy director-general of immigration, a deputy commissioner of the Phnom Penh Capital Police, a former director-general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as several other police and military officials. From July 2025 to August 31, 2026, Cambodian authorities rescued and carried out procedures for the repatriation of more than 22,000 foreign nationals from 38 nationalities. During the same period, authorities prepared and sent 408 case files to the courts involving 3,477 accused individuals, including masterminds and their associates from 29 nationalities. Cambodia has previously informed diplomatic missions and the international community that there are no longer large-scale scam compounds in the country. However, Cambodia acknowledges that some small-scale online scam operations remain, with individuals hiding and operating in smaller groups. These groups conduct scams from vehicles, villagers’ homes, coffee shops, and other locations. As part of the campaign to crack down on online scam locations, specialized authorities shut down 27 casinos, including the revocation of licenses for 18 casinos and the suspension of licenses for 9 casinos. From July 2025 through August 31, specialized authorities conducted investigations and inspections at a total of 793 suspected locations. Of these, 624 locations were subject to actual crackdowns, while 86 scam centers were dismantled. During these operations, authorities detained nearly 30,000 suspects representing 39 nationalities, according to a report from the Ministry of Interior.