The Royal Thai Air Force celebrated 15 years of service for the Gripen C/D fighter jets and Saab 340 airborne warning and control aircraft at Wing 7 in Surat Thani Province on July 20, 2025. Supreme Commander General Ukritsadee Buntanon and Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Seksarr Khantha presided over the event, joined by former air force commanders including Air Chief Marshal Ittaporn Suphavong, who initiated the Gripen procurement program, along with General Prachin Chanthong and General Panthaphakdi Pattanagun.

Key activities included formation flying displays by Gripen C/D and Saab 340 aircraft, demonstrations of Gripen fighter capabilities, and an 'Elephant Walk' featuring 14 aircraft in total—nine Gripens and five Saab 340s—taxiing in unified formation on the runway. General Ukritsadee emphasized that the 2011 decision to acquire these aircraft has ensured Thailand's readiness for modern, multi-dimensional warfare. He noted that the air force continues developing modern warfare capabilities through sensor systems and cross-dimensional operational foundations, with plans to acquire additional fighter aircraft and enhanced systems that will strengthen Thailand's regional defense posture over the next decade.

Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Seksarr highlighted the crucial role Gripen aircraft played in supporting joint military operations during the Thailand-Cambodia border crisis, demonstrating the tangible benefits of the 15-year investment in advanced air capabilities and network-centric operations.

Police have arrested and charged two female hotel staff members with jointly assaulting another person in a case that has drawn significant public attention. On July 20, 2026, the victim—a 20-year-old culinary intern identified as Ms. A—was struck in the face with a hand, hit on the arm with a wooden spoon, and slapped on the head multiple times in front of coworkers. She was also forced to eat uncooked rice after handling raw rice in the kitchen.

After collecting evidence and identifying the two Thai suspects, aged 41 and 36, officers from Pa Tong Police Station brought them in for questioning and formally charged them with assault. They have been detained and forwarded to court for prosecution.

The case gained widespread public attention after a kitchen surveillance video showing the assault was circulated on social media, prompting police to accelerate their investigation and quickly bring charges against those involved.

On July 20, 2025, Kanjana Khamsuwon, director of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) office in Samut Songkhram, and Wiranya Thongkhiao, director of the State Audit Office (SAO) in Samut Songkhram, ordered officials to inspect and monitor budget spending for the Highway 3093 expansion project in Amphoe Amphawa. The inspection was prompted by public complaints that the contractor used sand that did not conform to construction specifications.

Road officials explained that the project expands the highway from two to four lanes over 10.3 kilometers at a cost of 619 million baht. The contract began August 19, 2024, and is scheduled to conclude October 7, 2025, with a construction timeline of 780 days. The project aims to improve transportation links between Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram provinces, support agricultural transport, and boost tourism.

Kanjana stated that preliminary inspections found no irregularities and confirmed that sand was indeed being used for the fill layers. However, additional documentation from the Department of Highways must be reviewed, including sand sourcing, procurement documents, and specifications. The NACC will request design plans, project details, and cost estimates from the Department of Highways for further verification. If any violations are found, legal action will be taken immediately; if approved, results will be published on the NACC website to reassure the public.

Orouma Suwanarak, director of the State Audit Office group in Samut Songkhram, reported that document reviews, material specifications, and fieldwork all appear to follow proper procedures. Most complaints related to the contractor's work methods, and no evidence of damage or fraud has been found so far. The NACC and SAO will continue monitoring the project and respond promptly to any additional complaints or information.

Pattaya gold shop robbery suspect held after leaving ID card at sceneLegacyA Thai man was arrested on Saturday, July 18, after robbing a gold shop in Pattaya and accidentally leaving his identification card at the scene. The robbery took place at about 5.45pm on July 17 at a gold store inside a shopping centre in northern Pattaya. Police said the suspect fled with a gold necklace worth more than 130,000 baht. According to shop employees, the man threatened staff during the robbery, saying, “Keep quiet. I don’t want to kill anyone.” The shop employees also told investigators that he claimed he needed money to repay gambling debts. Police said the suspect escaped with the necklace but dropped his identification card while leaving the shop, allowing police to identify him. However, he was identified in the public only as 34 year old Q. Photo via Facebook/ Parichad Chuanig CCTV footage reviewed by officers reportedly showed the suspect entering the shop wearing a black T-shirt, black jeans and a black cap. According to police, he asked to try on a gold necklace before threatening an employee and leaving with the jewellery. Investigators tracked the accused to a rented room in Soi Map Song in Chon Buri, where he was arrested. Q admitted to the robbery during questioning. However, officers did not recover the stolen necklace from the room. Q told investigators he had sold the necklace to a gold shop in Soi Noen Plub Wan for 117,000 baht and used much of the money to repay debts. He claimed about 65,000 baht remained in his bank account. Photo via Facebook/ Parichad Chuanig The suspect also told police that mounting financial problems had motivated the robbery. He claimed he had previously helped compensate victims after his sister became involved in a mule account case, placing him under financial pressure. According to police, the accused also admitted borrowing money from informal lenders before gambling on World Cup matches through online betting websites. He said he hoped to win enough money to repay his debts but instead lost the funds and accumulated further debt. Police have charged the accused under Section 336 of the Criminal Law in connection with the alleged robbery. The investigation is continuing. The story Pattaya gold shop robbery suspect held after leaving ID card at scene as seen on Thaiger News.

BANGKOK: The death toll in the Rong Beer Na Ladprao beer hall fire in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, has risen to 34, with another of the hospitalised victims succumbing to injuries.

Aye Kanyalaksana, Thailand's representative at Miss Supranational 2026, has arrived in Poland and officially reported to the pageant organization. She landed in the morning of July 18 local time and is now staying with competitors from around the world in Nowy Sącz, Poland, which serves as the host venue for the competition's training period.

For her first day with the pageant, Aye chose to appear in a modern Thai Chakri dress, presenting Thai identity and cultural beauty in a contemporary style to introduce herself to international contestants and showcase Thai culture on a global stage.

The dress was inspired by Queen Sirikit's Chakri dress, the late Queen Mother who played an important role in developing and promoting modern Thai dress suitable for royal state visits abroad. Her vision became a key model for presenting Thai identity to international audiences.

By wearing Thai dress on opening day, Aye expresses not only pride in her Thai heritage but also honors the cultural vision that has made Thai dress recognized and celebrated on the world stage to this day.

Miss Supranational 2026 will hold its training activities throughout July before the final judging round on July 31 in Poland. Thai pageant fans are welcome to show their support and follow Aye Kanyalaksana's performance as Thailand's representative throughout the competition as she competes on the international stage this year.