Flood Alert: Bangkok roads flooded after Nong Khaem recorded 102.5mm of rain in three hours on Oct. 17. The weather agency warned of heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Thailand through Oct. 25, with flood and landslide risks. Southern Violence: A police officer and three men suspected of separatist links were killed in a gun battle in Narathiwat; two rangers were wounded. Crime Crackdown: Thai authorities arrested a Chinese fugitive accused of overseeing a network of mule accounts linked to about 2.5 billion baht in laundering. Global Meetings: As the IMF-World Bank meetings wrapped up in Bangkok, Thailand promoted itself as a “trusted connector” for trade and investment. IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva praised global resilience but warned of mounting risks from debt, inflation, conflict and climate pressures. Travel Rules: Customs officers can now open checked luggage without passengers present if scans flag suspicious items.