Alligator remains found 18 years ago in Korat confirmed as now extinct species

23 Sept 04:28 Key points summarised by AI

An alligator skull discovered 18 years ago in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, has been identified as a new, extinct species named Alligator munensis.
Experts from Chulalongkorn and Tubingen Universities confirmed the skull belonged to a distinct alligator species that lived in the Mun River about 230,000 years ago.
Alligator munensis is potentially related to Alligator sinensis, with geological changes like the Tibetan plateau's elevation possibly causing their evolutionary separation.

Bai Lu meet-and-greet cancelled days after China’s safety warning

Yesterday 15:28 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister announced the government will seek clarification from the Chinese Embassy regarding its recent travel advisory warning Chinese nationals about safety concerns in Thailand.
The travel advisory is anticipated to negatively impact the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, despite recent increases in arrivals.
A meet-and-greet event featuring Chinese actress Bai Lu, a WeTV Global Ambassador, was abruptly cancelled just days after the Chinese Embassy issued its safety warning, though no official reason was provided.
The Chinese Embassy's advisory urged citizens to beware of job scams, fraudulent investments, suspicious travel arrangements, and the risk of illegal detention or being lured to the Thai-Myanmar border.
Chinese nationals were advised to verify job offers, use legitimate transport, avoid high-risk border areas, protect personal documents, and keep family informed of travel plans.