President Trump said he would continue bombing Iran and was saving a devastating attack on their power plants for his final move unless Tehran comes to the negotiating table. 

Trump told Fox News on Tuesday that US forces would ‘hit them very hard tonight, very hard tomorrow night’ in a brutal campaign that began on Sunday. 

‘I’ll save the energy targets for last, but ultimately we’ll hit energy targets,’ Trump warned. 

‘We’re going to hit them very hard the night after, and then next week it gets really bad for them because next week comes the power plants.’

Trump also said the US would target bridges next week unless Iran was willing to negotiate a peace deal that included giving up their nuclear ambitions. 

The latest US bombing campaign comes after Trump notified Congress that the war would resume after Iran breached the memorandum of understanding by targeting commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump did not rule out using US ground forces to ensure that his key objectives are met, especially when it comes to removing Iran’s enriched uranium.

US forces had been careful not to harm Iran’s civilian population with strikes, but Trump warned Iran that everything was on the table. 

‘You better make a deal, or you’re not going to have anything left,’ he said.

In an interview with Fox News Channel, the president said the US plans to launch at least two more days of strikes against Iran and that such attacks will continue ‘until I say it’s enough’

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The President also likened Iran to ‘a great boxer’ that needed to be put to the mat.

‘You think you have them beat, then they’ll come back and give you a shot,’ Trump said. 

Trump suggested later in the interview with Fox News that he wasn’t interested in continuing negotiations immediately with Iran because ‘they lie.’

But he also said the last contact he had with negotiators was an hour ago.

The President praised his Cabinet for its work on the Iran issue, including Pete Hegseth, as he said ‘oil is flowing like never before.’

He also announced he was replacing the 20 percent fee the US was charging on the Strait of Hormuz to various Gulf States.  

‘Those Investments will be MASSIVE but, at the same time, extraordinarily good for them, and their future,’ he wrote on Truth Social.

The US military says it has reimposed its blockade of Iranian ports in response to Iran’s attacks on commercial ships on the Strait of Hormuz, as the interim ceasefire deal unravels.

There are at least 19 warships in the northern Arabian Sea, including two aircraft carriers, and an amphibious assault ship with more than 1,000 Marines aboard, to enforce the blockade.

A still image from handout video released July 14, 2026 said to show a drone being launched by Iran from an unknown location to attack U.S. positions at Azraq base in Jordan

Members of the public attend a memorial ceremony service for the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the Grand Mosalla of Tehran

US Central Command also said that there are ‘hundreds of military aircraft operating across the Middle East,’ in a social media post Tuesday.

The US military strikes that are hitting Iran just an hour ahead of the start of the naval blockade are aimed at limiting the country’s ability to strike merchant shipping, the military said. 

According to a social media post by U.S. Central Command, the military is trying to ‘continue degrading Iranian capabilities used to attack commercial shipping.’

The blockade goes into effect at 4pm eastern time and, according to U.S. Central Command, the strikes began at 3pm.

Iranian state media, meanwhile, reported the sound of explosions in the southwestern city of Ahvaz and the southern port city of Bandar Abbas. The reports did not immediately provide further details.

It comes as nearly a dozen civilians have been killed, injured or are missing following Iranian attacks on seven commercial ships over the last week, the US military said Tuesday, as fighting escalated between the US and Iran.

Adm. Brad Cooper, who leads US Central Command, said in a statement that Iran also launched dozens of missiles and drones at neighboring Gulf countries.

‘US forces are holding Iran accountable for unwarranted aggression that continues to endanger innocent lives,’ Cooper said.

The US has reimposed its blockade of Iranian ports in response to Iran’s attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping corridor in the Middle East, as an interim ceasefire deal unravels and concerns grow about a return to all-out war.

The US had carried out another wave of strikes ahead of reimposing the blockade, the US military’s Central Command said.

The truce between the two nations collapsed last week when Iran struck three vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and the US retaliated with two rounds of strikes.

Trump pronounced the deal dead from the NATO summit in Ankara: ‘There’s something wrong with them. They’re cuckoo. As far as I’m concerned, it’s over.’

The Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf chokepoint carrying about a fifth of the world’s oil, has been a central flashpoint since the war began in February, sending markets spiraling with every escalation.

Brent crude vaulted above $86 a barrel after Tuesday’s strikes, piling onto Monday’s 8 percent leap as traders braced for a chokehold on the world’s most vital oil artery. 

Over the last week, Iran has targeted various Middle Eastern countries that host US military bases, claiming responsibility for strikes in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar.

Some of the targets attacked by US forces included missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, and communication networks.

By LAUREN ACTON-TAYLOR, US NEWS REPORTER

Published: 00:35 BST, 15 July 2026 | Updated: 04:59 BST, 15 July 2026

Several people were rescued from the waters near Alcatraz Island after a boat fire broke out, as one person was killed and two more remain missing. 

A boat fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon near the island in San Francisco, as multiple people were pulled out of the waters, the San Francisco Fire Department told NBC News. 

Officials told KTVU that at least two people remain missing, while 16 have been rescued and another was killed as well as a dog in the incident. 

Crews with the SFFD and the US Coast Guard were deployed into the water at around 3.30pm, assisting those injured after the fire broke out around 600 yards from the island. 

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Upon arrival, emergency responders found the boat had capsized with fuel leaking from the vessel.

The coast guard told the outlet that those rescued from the water were taken to Gashouse Cove Marina near Marina Safeway. 

At least 19 people were on the boat when a ‘vessel fire’ broke out, the coast guard said in a statement. 

Around 13 were on the shore and safe, with three others transported to hospital, SF Fire Chief Dean Crispen told reporters on Tuesday afternoon. 

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A boat fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon near the island in San Francisco, as multiple people were pulled out of the waters

Crews with the SFFD and the US Coast Guard were deployed into the water at around 3.30pm, assisting those injured in the incident round 600 yards from the island

Around 13 people were on the shore and safe, with three others transported to hospital, SF Fire Chief Dean Crispen told reporters on Tuesday afternoon 

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Crispen confirmed that the person who died in the incident received life-saving measures, including CPR, after being brought to shore ‘severely injured.’

‘Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, and a triage area has been established ashore,’ USCG Southwest wrote. 

‘This is an all hands on deck search and hopefully rescue,’ Mayor Daniel Lurie said at a press conference. 

‘We’re gonna keep at it and I just want to say thank you to all of the agencies who have come together at this time.’

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According to the SFFD, some people remain in the waters. 

Water temperatures reached between around 60 and 65 degrees on Tuesday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

SF Fire Lieutenant Mariano Elias described the vessel as a three-deck ‘ponton pleasure boat.’

Crispen told reporters that most injuries have been reported as ‘impact injuries’ as they fell into the water, with no current reports of burns or other injuries. 

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Crispen told reporters that most injuries have been reported as ‘impact injuries’ as they fell into the water, with no current reports of burns or other injuries

It remains unclear how severe any injuries were. According to the SFFD, some people remain in the waters

The fire chief added that the boat is believed to have launched from near the Saint Francis Yacht Club. He noted that police did not witness any fire on the boat, despite the initial report of a vessel on fire. 

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An investigation is set to be launched, Crispen added. 

The identities of the missing persons and the person who died in the incident remain unclear. 

The Daily Mail reached out to the US Coast Guard and the SFFD for comment.  

This is a breaking news story. 

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Created in collaboration with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products, the collectable coins draw inspiration from the epic battle between opposing forces at the heart of the series.

The special edition collection is themed around the elemental duality that defines Game Of Thrones – ice and fire – capturing the enduring legacy of one of television’s most successful fantasy franchises.

A selection of 50p coins will feature colour, bringing both designs to life.

Game of Thrones first aired in 2011 and the show has inspired a passionate global fanbase.

Fans can order both coins from 9am on Wednesday from The Royal Mint, with delivery expected in autumn 2026.

One of two commemorative 50p coin celebrating 15 years of Game of Thrones. The collection is built around the elemental duality that defines Game of Thrones – ice and fire. Fans can order both coins from 9am on Wednesday from The Royal Mint, with delivery expected in autumn 2026. (Image: The Royal Mint/PA Wire)

Rebecca Morgan, director at The Royal Mint, said: “Game of Thrones captured the imagination of millions around the world, and 15 years on, that passion is still as fierce as dragon fire.”

She added: “Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the Seven Kingdoms for the first time, these coins are a stunning tribute to one of the greatest stories ever told.”

Prices for the coins start from £15 for a brilliant uncirculated coin and £27.50 for a brilliant uncirculated colour coin, with a silver coin priced at £92.50 and a gold coin available for £2,420.

“After so many decades, I feel truly blessed to still be working in an industry I adore”

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Rip Off Britain presenter Gloria Hunniford has said she has “no intention of stopping” after decades of broadcasting.

The Northern Irish TV and radio personality, 86, launched her broadcasting career in the 70s and became the first woman to have her own daily radio show on BBC Radio 2.

The Portadown-born broadcaster presented it continuously for 13 years, before going on to become one of the first female broadcasters to host her own TV chat show, Sunday, Sunday.

Over the years she has become known for fronting the hit BBC One consumer show Rip Off as well as appearing on ITV ’s Loose Women, with her decades-long career in broadcasting marked by BBC Four with an upcoming special night of programmes.

The TV tribute will feature a number of BBC archives over the course of Hunniford’s career and air on Saturday August 8 at 8pm.

She said: “After so many decades, I feel truly blessed to still be working in an industry I adore – and I can’t wait to roll back the years and watch some of the highlights again.

“It’s a privilege at 86 to still be fronting TV shows and connecting with so many viewers – I love every minute and have no intention of stopping.”

Hunniford had her first taste of showbiz as a four-year-old magician’s assistant in her father’s variety shows before going on to tour Ireland as a singer when she was seven.

She launched her career in television as a production assistant in the 70s before going on to front a number of series including Pebble Mill at One.

She has also been a news reviewer for ITV’s This Morning, hosted The One Show and appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and The Masked Singer.

Hunniford was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to cancer charities through breast screening services and cancer support in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2017.

The programming comes months after she received the Freedom of the City of London, recognising her contribution to entertainment and campaigning work as a breast cancer charity ambassador.

BBC Four’s tribute night is scheduled for Saturday August 8 2026 at 8pm.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter.

Celtic were well beaten by Sporting Lisbon

Celtic supporters have been going mad over the fact more strips have been launched this summer than new signings secured.

However, the one fresh face who has arrived immediately demonstrated his quality in the Hoops.

Colombian forward Camilo Duran netted on his debut just 10 minutes after entering as a substitute to make an instant impression.

The £6m man’s contribution provided a rare bright spot in a 4-1 defeat against Sporting in the Algarve.

Celtic have devoted the summer to commemorating the 60th anniversary of the club’s finest hour, with a collection of Lisbon Lions-inspired kits being sold, reports the Daily Record.

Yet it’s another date looming larger – with the vital Champions League qualifier just five weeks away and the league opener in slightly over a fortnight.

The Bhoys remain without several crucial players and were given something of a run-around by the Portuguese giants before capitulating late on following numerous substitutions.

They were lucky only to trail by one before Duran’s equaliser, with Sporting accelerating late on to win comfortably.

The striker has proved a welcome recruit but the fanbase desire more – and there were even some ‘sack the board’ chants from a section of holidaymakers in attendance.

It was somewhat light-hearted but the discontent will intensify if fresh arrivals aren’t secured to sport the stylish jerseys in the weeks ahead.

Celtic’s international contingent will return to action next week but it’s evident reinforcements are required – particularly with several important players virtually on their way out. Sporting CP were also without several key players, yet still fielded a formidable lineup—and Celtic were fortunate not to fall behind early on, with Ricardo Mangas and Geny squandering clear-cut chances.

The latter caused considerable problems for makeshift left-back Liam Scales throughout and eventually broke the deadlock, converting Gabriel Silva’s cutback on 24 minutes.

The Bhoys found it difficult to contain Sporting’s attacking tempo and were forced onto the back foot on multiple occasions.

However, they ought to have drawn level around the hour mark when Callum Osmand set up Luke McCowan, only for goalkeeper Joao Virginia to thwart the midfielder’s effort.

Duran wasn’t to be stopped though, as he pressured defender Eduardo Quaresma into an error before slotting home an equaliser.

Sporting responded immediately following defensive confusion between substitute goalkeeper Ross Doohan and Dane Murray, allowing Daniel Branganca to restore their advantage.

Branganca nearly added a fourth after Ricardo Manga had struck from close quarters during a chaotic eight-minute spell that saw three goals fly in, leaving Celtic reeling.

Here are five talking points….

Hungry like a wolf

While the evening didn’t go to plan for Celtic, Duran’s instant impact offered reason for optimism.

The 24-year-old overcame an upset stomach to emerge from the bench and swiftly claim a debut goal.

The £6m acquisition from Qarabag is capable of operating wide or centrally, but it’s the latter position he’ll be expected to fill until additional striking options are secured. His goal was quintessentially Daizen Maeda-esque, with the forward relentlessly pursuing a defender before slotting home.

While it’s still early, Duran appears to be the ideal replacement for the Japanese pressing dynamo.

Selling the jerseys

Celtic donned their Stadio National-inspired third strip here, just hours after unveiling their new away kit.

However, fans are becoming increasingly frustrated with more new jerseys than signings this summer.

A quick glance at social media reactions to each launch reveals many want the club to invest in players before they fork out for additional merchandise.

Duran has arrived for a substantial fee but presently the squad is weaker than the one that secured an incredible Double last season.

With several current stars also linked with departures – including skipper Callum McGregor – the chequebook will need to come out soon.

Midfield crossroads

Paulo Bernardo dropped so far down the pecking order last season he became virtually invisible.

The midfielder demonstrated considerable promise in his initial seasons with Celtic and the £3.5m deal to convert his loan spell from Benfica into a permanent transfer was a no-brainer.

However, the former Portugal under-21 skipper appears set for an exit, though conversely he might spot a chance to fight his way back with Arne Engels and Reo Hatate expected to depart. Bernardo featured for 45 minutes in the match and, while he saw an attempt cleared off the line and demonstrated some tidy play when afforded space, opportunities were limited and there wasn’t much to catch the eye.

He requires match practice, but having failed to impress O’Neill last term, don’t bet on it happening.

Help on the way

Supporters are eager for fresh arrivals, but the imminent return of several established players will undoubtedly alter the landscape over the coming days.

World Cup stars including Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston, Alistair Johnston, Auston Trusty, Benjamin Nygren, Yang Hyun-jun, Sebastian Tounekti and Daizen Maeda are all set to rejoin the squad shortly.

Celtic may need to resist approaches for players such as Johnston and Nygren, while Maeda is anticipated to depart.

However, the majority of that group will undoubtedly prove crucial to the team’s fortunes in the forthcoming weeks.

Style council

It remains pre-season and there’s no cause for alarm just yet. However, it will be intriguing to observe Celtic’s approach in their remaining warm-up fixtures ahead of the Premiership curtain-raiser.

O’Neill has indicated his desire to introduce his own philosophy this term, but with numerous absentees, evidence of that has been scarce thus far.

That ought to shift with key personnel returning – and potentially even fresh additions – though the Hoops have only Middlesbrough this weekend and AC Milan seven days later to trial any tactical innovations.

Plenty of uncertainties surround Celtic at present.

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Gary Cook’s amazing travel career has included working in resorts across four continents, and now he’s returned to the UK there’s one destination he recommends over and over that’s not far from the UK

Travel agent Gary Cook has had a career that many people would envy. Over 35 years, he’s worked overseas in plenty of bucket list destinations, including resorts in Thailand and the Caribbean.

Nowadays, the TUI retail agent sits behind the desk at the tour operator’s slightly less glamorous Colchester store, but his work overseas across four continents has given him the ideal experience to recommend destinations to customers who come through the door.

For those needing a dose of travel inspiration, Gary says his ‘ultimate’ destination isn’t long haul but just a four-hour flight from the UK, yet offers temperatures often exceeding 35C in the summer, incredible beaches, and great value for money.

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Gary revealed: “I’ve worked everywhere, but I keep coming back to Turkey – particularly the Antalya region and Marmaris on the Turquoise Coast.” He worked in Marmaris over 30 years ago, and since then has returned to the country as a tourist 17 times, putting it top of his list of recommendations.

He added: “It’s got everything you might want – stunning beaches, such as the Turunc Beach, incredible history, amazing food, and with an amazing selection of all-inclusive resorts, you can enjoy the views, sip on a cocktail and not have to worry about paying extra while you’re there”

Turkey also has a relatively long summer season, with many visitors flocking to the country between April and October and finding excellent deals during the shoulder seasons. “Even the winters are mild, which gives you so much flexibility for when to travel. Whether you want to go in the school holidays or off-season, you are sure to get your fix of sun.”

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If you’re trying to choose an area to visit, Gary says: “Compared to the finest golden sand beaches of the Antalya area, Marmaris offers a completely different vibe – a large beach dotted with bars and restaurants, a promenade stretching down to the old town with its markets and bazaars, plus a cosmopolitan harbour. The bay is absolutely stunning, especially at sunrise.”

And in addition to the beaches, Gary recommends booking some excursions to enjoy the country away from the coast. “There are beautiful day trips that you should try in Turkey to experience the culture heart of the Aegean icons”. TUI offers guided tours of Ephesus, including a pottery demonstration, with prices starting at £90 per person, where you can experience one of Turkey’s most impressive open-air archaeological sites.

Gary also recommends a day trip to Pamukkale, literally translated as the “cotton castle” which he describes as “a gem of Southwest Turkey that is home to unique landscapes and hidden terraces”.

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Turkey can be a more affordable option than other holiday hotspots, claims Gary: “With the Turkish lira, British holidaymakers find their money spreads much further.

“Marmaris especially has something for all budgets – from self-catering apartments to five-star hotels. You’ve got hundreds of great restaurants and bars, and eating out can be fantastic value. Turkey offers much better value than most European destinations. For your hard-earned summer holiday, Turkey sure won’t disappoint.”

Gary revealed some of his recommendations for hotels for people planning a visit, saying: “The [TUI Blue] Grand Azur is my absolute favourite hotel in Turkey. Run by an amazing General Manager, Sharon, and her staff who offer some of the best customer service I’ve experienced anywhere in the world. Looking out from the private beach to the famous Marmaris beach boulevard, enjoy the beach bar serving delicious cocktails and ice-cold beers and the picturesque views.”

For families, he recommends Hotel Trendy Lara, which he says has: “Modern accommodation with a great selection of restaurants, pools and activities for all ages. Lara Beach itself is right on your doorstep.”, while for beach lovers he suggests the Liberty Lara, a: “Beautiful hotel, very central, with the most amazing service and food. It’s situated right on the famous sandy Lara beach – you can’t beat waking up to that view.”

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Middlesbrough FC fans could get their hands on a genuine piece of the Riverside Stadium, after the club put its old crests and iconic signage up for sale.

Following the installation of the club’s new crest, the original stadium crests that stood proudly at the front of the ground for nearly 20 years are now available via sealed bid.

Two crests – from the North End and South End – are up for grabs for anyone looking for the ultimate Boro keepsake.

Old Middlesbrough FC West Stand (North End) badge up for auction. (Image: MFC Foundation)

The individual letters from the famous Middlesbrough FC Riverside Stadium sign that once hung above the main reception were also available.

But at £100 per letter on a first-come, first-served basis, they didn’t last long, with all letters already sold out.

All items show the weathering you’d expect from two decades of Teesside weather which, if anything, only adds to their charm.

The ‘M’ that once formed part of the MFC sign on the Riverside Stadium. (Image: MFC Foundation)

All proceeds from the auction will go to the MFC Foundation, which uses the power of football to give back to local communities. 

Fans can view the items at the Riverside Stadium main reception on Wednesday, July 15 from 11am to 1pm or Thursday, July 16 from 5pm–7pm.

Sealed bids must be submitted by 12pm on Monday, July 20, with collection from the Riverside Stadium by Friday, July 24.

Buyers will need to arrange their own transport and assistance for collection.

The crest auctions can be found via SliderStock – Stadium badges and letters website.

Police said the incident happened at around 3.45pm on Monday (July 13) on Allendale Road in Ormesby.

The suspect approached the two girls and tried to grab them.

When they refused, the man tried to entice them, and they managed to run away.

Following an initial appeal on Tuesday (July 14), police have now shared an image of a suspect that they’d like to speak to.

The suspect that police wish to speak to (Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: “Earlier we put out an appeal in relation to an incident that happened on Allendale Road in Ormesby on Monday 13th July.

“A big thank you to anyone who has already provided information.

“Below is an image of the suspect which we are sharing in the hope more information will be provided. If you recognise this individual, please get in touch.

“You can contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting reference number 137928, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at https://orlo.uk/6HnL3 or by calling 0800 555 111.

Acting Sergeant Donnelly from Greater Eston Neighbourhood Team added: “This incident will understandably have caused some concern for our communities.

“We have carried out several enquiries already, including speaking with the victims, the local school, CCTV enquiries and having officers speak to people in the local area.

“We have a high-visibility, uniformed presence in the area today and will continue this as we carry out enquiries to identify and locate the man responsible.

“We would appeal to the public who may have information to contact us on 101, as soon as possible.”

The COVID‑19 pandemic accelerated investment in health infrastructure across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Thailand.

Indonesia built over 600 COVID-19 testing labs between 2020 and 2021, expanded telehealth services, and introduced digital platforms to monitor diseases. However, these improvements were concentrated in urban areas, while many remote regions remains underdeveloped.

Thailand took a different approach. Alongside establishing more than 10,000 COVID-19 labs, it developed an integrated healthcare system that monitors disease outbreaks nationwide, including among migrant workers.

Research suggests that Thailand’s integrated approach has successfully strengthened the country’s preparedness for future public health emergencies — something Indonesia should learn from to broaden its public health access across the archipelago.

Thai government’s fast response

Thailand successfully detected and tracked a new COVID‑19 wave in mid‑2025, which recorded around 374,000 cases and 84 deaths.

The country had already demonstrated its capacity during the first wave in 2020. Among the first nations to detect COVID-19, Thailand contained the outbreak in less than six months. Of 3,195 confirmed infections, 3,072 patients recovered, resulting in an impressive 96% recovery rate.

Two factors explain this success.

First, the Thai Ministry of Public Health quickly established the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), which coordinated responses across ministries and delivered consistent public communication.

Second, public compliance with health measures was exceptionally high, particularly compared to Indonesia.

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A 2020 survey by Imperial College London found Thailand had the highest adherence to preventive measures in ASEAN, with 89–98% of respondents regularly wearing masks, washing hands, and following health guidelines.

This combination of good governance and public trust strengthened the country’s disease surveillance system.

Digital platforms to track disease

Thailand’s disease monitoring system links local and central governments through nationwide digital networkss.

Health data are collected in real time using everyday devices such as smartphones and computers. Two mobile applications play a central role.

MorChana uses GPS and Bluetooth to identify close contacts and people entering high-risk areas, allowing authorities to detect potential infections quickly.

Mohpromt manages digital vaccination records and electronic health records, enabling hospitals to access patients’ medical records instantly.

Together, the applications have around 36 million users, which is nearly half of Thailand’s population, including migrant workers, and are connected to Thailand’s broader digital disease surveillance system.

Test results from hospitals and clinics are uploaded within seconds, while residents can easily access their own health records.

Reaching remote communities

Indonesia illustrates the challenges of building an integrated health system across a vast archipelago.

During the pandemic, the Indonesian government developed at least seven health apps, including the national SatuSehat platform, which now integrates platforms such as e-HAC and SIRANAP.

However, many local governments also created their own apps — like Pikobar in West Java, Sawarna in Bandung, and PaPa Sulbar in West Sulawesi — which often cannot connect with the national platform.

This fragmentation, combined with geographical barriers and uneven internet access, limits nationwide disease surveillance and reduces the effectiveness of digital health services.

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Tracking symptoms of respiratory diseases online can give a picture of community health

Thailand addressed these challenges by expanding digital connectivity. Through the Net Pracharat project, the government installed broadband networks and free Wi-Fi hotspots in thousands of villages, allowing low-income households to access digital public services, including healthcare.

Thailand also strengthened healthcare access through its tax-funded Universal Coverage Scheme, which provides basic health services for all Thai citizens and increasingly for migrant workers.

In remote villages, trained health workers and volunteers regularly visit households to conduct health checks and deliver basic medical care.

Lessons for Indonesia

Thailand’s actions highlight that building laboratories and digital platforms alone is not enough.

Indonesia still needs to strengthen internet connectivity, improve integration between national and regional health systems and expand healthcare access in underserved areas.

Most importantly, an effective disease surveillance system depends on public trust. Without confidence that the government can protect the health of all residents, even significant investments in health infrastructure and digital technology will not achieve their full potential.