North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed weapons testing on the newly built naval destroyer Kang Kon on July 3, including strategic cruise missile launches and anti-ship, anti-submarine, and air defense systems, Reuters reported on July 5. The tests were part of a comprehensive evaluation of the 5,000-ton warship's combat capabilities, including target detection, data processing, artillery fire control systems, automated gun systems, and electronic warfare equipment.

North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim listened to a briefing on the Kang Kon's weapons evaluation before witnessing the strategic cruise missile test and other trials. He praised the military's latest weapons development progress and called for expanding the country's deterrence and combat capabilities. Kim ordered officials to complete testing of the Kang Kon and commission it with the navy within two months.

In June, North Korea commissioned the 5,000-ton destroyer Chwe Hyon and announced plans to deploy the Kang Kon, a sister ship. As part of a broader naval modernization program, Kim called for building two destroyers of this class annually over the next five years and plans a larger 10,000-ton warship. The Kang Kon was repaired last year after capsizing and suffering damage during its launch ceremony in May 2025.

An autopsy has determined that a 44-year-old man and 27-year-old woman found dead in a car in Bangkok's Bang Waek area died from circulatory and respiratory failure. Investigators discovered condom wrappers in sizes 49mm and 54mm along with a box of male enhancement supplements with one tablet already consumed at the scene in Soi Bang Waek 15, Phasi Charoen District.

On July 5, 2569, the family collected the body from Siriraj Hospital's forensic unit to arrange religious funeral rites in a somber atmosphere.

The deceased woman's father stated he will not assign blame for what happened, as it serves no purpose. He only recently learned his daughter had died in the evening, though he had long known the man was dating his daughter. Regarding legal matters, the family has not yet discussed them, as they first want to complete the funeral arrangements. The family will conduct religious merit-making ceremonies at Pak Nam Fang Tai Temple, Sala 1. The preliminary autopsy concluded the deaths resulted from circulatory and respiratory failure.

The male relative declined to comment with the media due to grief, though the family will conduct religious merit-making ceremonies at a church in the Buddhamonthon area.

A spectacular new sand bar nicknamed "Dragon's Back" has emerged in Songkhla Lake on the Phatthalung shore, attracting visitors and fishermen alike. First spotted in the Songkhla Lake area near Ban Phi Mo village in Muang district, Phatthalung Province, the sand bar appeared after water levels dropped from mid-July through October, marking the first occurrence of this formation this year. Heavy rainfall in the late year swept sand from upstream, causing accumulation higher than in previous years and creating the prominent sand bar.

Known locally as "Had Nai Le," the sand bar stretches nearly 100 meters above water, with an adjacent ridge of about 40 meters. The surrounding 100-meter radius features sandy beach walkable all the way around in shallow water of just 30-40 centimeters deep, making it safe for swimming and ideal for photographs.

Word of the sand bar has spread quickly, with locals and tourists traveling to the new check-in spot, particularly during calm morning and evening hours when the weather is coolest. A boat ride from the local dock takes just 5 minutes, with charter fees at 200 baht per trip. Beyond the beauty and fun, visitors also get a close-up look at traditional fishing practices in the lake, where locals catch mantis shrimp and fish.

On July 5, 2025, the Pattaya Land Disaster Relief Radio Center in Chon Buri Province received reports of a fire inside a condominium unit located on Kasetsin 7 Lane in Tambon Nong Prueao, Bang Lamung District. Firefighters and rescue personnel were dispatched immediately. Upon arrival, they found residents and tourists in a state of panic, evacuating the building. Flames and thick black smoke were seen billowing from a fourth-floor balcony. Officers coordinated a chaotic evacuation and located the origin of the fire, extinguishing it after more than 30 minutes of water suppression efforts. The entire room was destroyed in the blaze.

A 72-year-old American man, the room's tenant, sustained burns to his back and torso and was given initial first aid before being transported to the hospital urgently. According to his account, he smelled smoke near the balcony and went to investigate. He discovered that a gas canister used for cooking was on fire, and flames rapidly spread into the room, burning his body. He attempted to escape and was fortunate that someone alerted emergency personnel to his situation.

Police inspectors examined the scene and preliminarily determined that the fire originated from the gas canister. An investigation is underway to establish the facts and proceed with legal action as appropriate.

On July 5, 2025, Army Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Winthai Suvaree dismissed Cambodia's claim that seven Thai soldiers conducted a patrol in the Chong Kreng area of Sirinart Province and threw a grenade at Cambodian positions, injuring three Cambodian troops. According to urgent investigations with responsible military units, the explosion occurred on the Cambodian side, not from Thai action as alleged.

At approximately 12:00 noon, Thai personnel heard an explosion coming from the Cambodian side and discovered Cambodian soldiers attempting to assist injured forces. Thai authorities confirmed that no weapons or grenades were used by Thai forces. The army assessed that the incident resulted from inexperienced Cambodian personnel unfamiliar with the dangerous terrain who accidentally stepped on their own abandoned landmine.

The Army Spokesperson reiterated that Thai forces operate under international agreements and rules of engagement. He urged the public and international community not to believe distorted information lacking supporting evidence, and called on Cambodia to stop spreading false news that harms bilateral relations and border stability.