Buriram Marathon 2027, presented by Chang Natural Mineral Water, is launching its second decade with a pledge to become Asia's premier marathon destination while generating economic momentum through sports. The race will take place on the evening of Saturday, January 23, 2027, under the theme "Beat the Night, Run the Light," transforming Buriram's night into a festival of running and illumination. The event starts at the world-class Chang International Circuit and finishes at Chang Arena football stadium, offering four race categories: marathon (42.195 km), half-marathon (21.1 km), mini-marathon (10 km), and fun run (4.554 km).

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phanjaroen highlighted that Buriram Marathon has proven itself as a model mass-participation event linking sports, tourism, and the economy. Over the past 10 years, it has generated approximately 5.2 billion baht in economic circulation while distributing benefits to local communities through Buriram residents' participation and international-standard race management. The ministry is committed to supporting the event as part of efforts to position Thailand as a leading sports tourism destination in Asia.

Buriram Governor Piya Pichinam credited the marathon's success to provincial unity, from cheering squads and volunteers to local residents serving as hosts along the race route. He announced that the province aims to elevate the event across all dimensions to accommodate the growing influx of international tourists and runners. Surapol Utindoo, managing director of Chang Natural Mineral Water, expressed pride in supporting the marathon's growth for 11 years and pledged to continue enhancing the experience through entertainment, lights, colors, sound, and special activities for both returning and new runners.

Bangkok Asset Management (BAM) has purchased non-performing loans worth over 6 billion baht from Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) in an exclusive large-lot transaction, reinforcing its position as Thailand's premier asset management company. According to Raksa Worakitpokathon, BAM's Chief Executive Officer, this acquisition marks another significant step in expanding the company's asset portfolio and strengthening its growth potential.

BAM will immediately apply its "Fresh Start with BAM" program to borrowers in the acquired SCB portfolio, focusing on restructuring debts to match each borrower's financial capacity. The goal is to increase opportunities for debtors to achieve financial stability and make sustainable repayment, aligning with BAM's role as a creator of financial opportunities and a driver of economic recovery.

"We expect this investment to generate returns exceeding 15% and to collect no less than 500 million baht in cash from the portfolio by the end of 2025, which will be another important factor supporting the company's performance growth according to targets," Raksa stated. He noted that the debt purchase reflects BAM's confidence in the non-performing loan market's potential and underscores the company's disciplined investment strategy coupled with careful risk management. Beyond asset management, BAM continues its mission to revive the economy, create opportunities for borrowers to re-enter the financial system, enable productive assets to generate economic value again, and drive sustainable organizational growth.

On July 21, Wimol Suangam, 77, a resident of Muang Ti subdistrict in Muang district, Surin province, has submitted documentation multiple times seeking a state welfare card, or poor person's card, but has never been approved. Her latest application is even more troubling: her name does not appear in the system for eligibility verification, despite her physical disability, living alone, and extreme poverty with no means to eat.

Out of desperation, Wimol hitched a ride with a neighbor to inquire directly at Krung Thai Bank. Each time bank officials checked, they found no record of her in the system. They advised her to register again, but no one could tell her when new registrations would open.

Recently, Srachai Suphimars, chief of the Muang Ti subdistrict administration, along with community development officers and relevant agencies, visited Wimol's home to investigate and seek solutions. The moment Wimol saw the subdistrict chief, she rushed to embrace him and wept with relief, finally having an official body listen to her problem and offer help.

Initial investigation revealed that Wimol had completed a registration form in 2026 to verify eligibility for state welfare benefits for those left out of the census survey who face income and livelihood hardship. The village headman submitted her documents to Muang Surin District Office following proper procedure, but her information never appeared in the system.

Srachai stated that upon learning the elderly woman's name was missing from the system despite having submitted documents, he immediately went to verify the facts. He confirmed he would urgently trace every step to find where the documents were lost, not to blame any agency, but to resolve the problem quickly. He acknowledged that while the welfare card amount is small, it holds tremendous value for someone with nothing. "Though the money is modest, it matters greatly to someone truly in need," he said, his voice catching with emotion.

Wimol's home, built from salvaged materials years ago when she was strong enough to work as a laborer in Bangkok, now reflects her dire circumstances. She lives alone, in poor health, surviving on only 1,500 baht monthly in disability and elderly allowance—her sole possessions.

"The state welfare card may not seem significant to many, but for an impoverished elderly person like you, every baht carries profound meaning. We will do everything we can to ensure you receive the benefits you rightfully deserve," Srachai declared.

The village headman produced registration evidence confirming the documents were properly submitted, but acknowledged not knowing where the error occurred. He is now preparing to help Wimol file an appeal with the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC).

Wimol, tearfully opening her heart, expressed her bewilderment at why her information disappeared from the system despite following every step the headman instructed. She added that her physical condition makes travel difficult, and she cannot frequently inquire in person. Living alone after losing her child, she has struggled to understand why help remains out of reach.

Parameter has apologized after glass shards were discovered in a gelato product, injuring a customer's mouth. A young woman posted about the incident on social media on July 21, 2025, reporting that she found glass fragments in her cup while eating at the trendy gelato shop, which cut her lip and caused bleeding; she also accidentally swallowed some of the glass. The customer clarified she was not attacking the restaurant but expressed disappointment with the company's response and accountability measures.

Parameter released a statement acknowledging the accident and expressing sincere apologies, recognizing the impact on the customer's trust and confidence. The company's management and staff immediately assisted the customer, recommending medical treatment and covering all related medical expenses while monitoring her condition. After becoming aware of the social media posts, staff reached out to hear the customer's feedback and offered additional support if needed.

Parameter has reviewed and upgraded safety measures across all service stages, including glass container handling, pre-service inspections, operational standards review, and staff training to prevent similar incidents. The company stated that this incident is an important lesson that will drive improvements in customer care and safety standards. Parameter pledged to demonstrate its responsibility through continuous improvements and asked customers to trust in their commitment to ensuring confidence with every visit.

Take Toys Company Limited has introduced its latest original character, Tuta, a girl from planet TT195 living as a Gen Z teenager on Earth, launching the campaign "Tuta Teenage Taste Toys in Songwat" and opening a pop-up space called Taste Toys Pharmacy. Styled as a "heart medicine shop," this new healing space is located in the Songwat district, an art hub and historic area that has become a popular creative economy zone blending lifestyle and design.

Visitors are invited to experience joy and positive energy through the character, design work, and DIY activities that allow them to create their own personalized lifestyle. Admission is free from now through October 31, 2025.

The Taste Toys Pharmacy pop-up reimagines a historic building with the charm of old Chinese pharmacy architecture, while featuring beloved characters including Monchhichi, Care Bears, Teletubbies, and Disney favorites. The standout debut is Tuta, a new Thai character—a pink-haired girl with a mischievous personality—who brings color and joy to the space, offering relief from daily stress and representing the perspectives and lifestyle of the new generation.

The launch is supported by Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, which is promoting the creative economy, backing Thai brands, and encouraging creative ideas that generate new experiences and inspiration for the art toy community. Take Toys has also partnered with Lost in Songwat, Gu Long Pao, and Huan Jai to offer special menus and activities tied to the Tuta concept.

Take Toys is a Thai manufacturer and distributor of quality dolls and character merchandise licensee for global brands including Care Bears, Monchhichi, Disney, Sesame Street, Peanuts, Esther Bunny, and Teletubbies.

Nakhon Ratchasima has established an assistance center to help residents appeal welfare card denials. On July 21, 2025, the provincial treasury office at Nakhon Ratchasima City Hall opened the support center following a meeting called by Governor Anupong Sukkumnit to coordinate assistance for those appealing welfare card rejections, which affected many applicants who failed certain qualification criteria.

Provincial treasury officials reported modest foot traffic at the center, with only about 10 visitors throughout the day. Most residents chose to file appeals directly at five local banks or through other channels. Staff at the treasury office provided guidance on the appeal process and directed people to relevant agencies. Data showed that the primary reason for appeals was vehicle ownership—residents had registered vehicles in their names for their children, or owned vehicles that had been sold, damaged, or seized but still appeared in the transport office records, making them ineligible.

The provincial treasury reminded residents to carefully review all procedures and confirm their appeals by pressing a confirmation button in the system. The appeal period runs from July 17–31, 2025, with document changes accepted through August 16, 2025.

At Krung Thai Bank's branch at city hall, residents continued submitting appeals. Most had vehicles registered in their names but did not own them—typically registered for children. One woman reported owning two motorcycles, though one was seized in 2564 but still listed in the transport office system, making her ineligible.

NangNiphavarn, 74, explained her situation: "I own one motorcycle and still owe payments on it. I earn only 150–200 baht daily doing casual work. I also suffer from a heart blockage condition, making daily life difficult. I hope to qualify for the welfare card this time to ease my living expenses."