Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angsakulkiatti announced on June 29, 2569, at Parliament that the Transport Ministry has met with Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprasab and the Finance Ministry to propose a 400 billion baht loan package under a Royal Decree to support the energy transition from fossil fuels to electricity, particularly for public transportation. The initiative targets seven vehicle categories totaling approximately 80,000 vehicles, including taxis, app-based ride services, motorcycles-for-hire, three-wheelers, non-scheduled buses, scheduled buses, trucks, and student transport vehicles.

Siripong emphasized that this measure provides multiple benefits: enhanced public safety, reduced operational costs for operators without raising fares, and reduced dependence on oil energy. The Department of Land Transport calculated that converting all 80,000 vehicles to electric would reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 200,000 tons annually. The project, named "GOV TOPUP," allocates 240 billion baht with differentiated subsidy structures, such as upfront assistance for operators transitioning from old to electric vehicles.

Siripong clarified that the government initiative targets mass transit operators to ultimately improve service quality for the public rather than primarily benefit business operators. When asked about criticism that this isn't an urgent matter, he countered that with current high fuel prices causing widespread public hardship, this is precisely when action is needed. He added that other measures will follow for the general public, but this current focus addresses the public transportation sector where passengers bear fare costs.

Airports of Thailand (AOT) is advancing improvements to Hat Yai Airport to elevate service quality, convenience, and safety while supporting future passenger growth. The project aims to create a travel experience that reflects the area's distinct identity and warmth from the moment passengers arrive.

The improvements include renovations to the departure hall on the second floor, restrooms within the passenger terminal, and lounge areas, incorporating architecture and building systems that showcase the cultural diversity of Hat Yai residents—Thai, Chinese, and Muslim cultures. Artistic patterns and design elements will tell the story of a city that values both diversity and harmonious coexistence, maintaining modern aesthetics while improving passenger experience. This phase is scheduled for completion by September 2027.

Meanwhile, AOT is preparing a multipurpose building to accommodate Hajj pilgrims and their families. The design emphasizes a serene, simple, and open atmosphere to serve as a comfortable waiting area, reducing crowding and providing passengers peace of mind throughout their travel preparation. Improvements include air conditioning systems, renovated bathrooms and prayer rooms, additional ramps for accessibility, and enhanced building systems. This phase is expected to be completed by March 2027.

Regarding baggage security standards, AOT has implemented check-in counter and baggage conveyor belt system upgrades, including an In-Line Baggage Screening system with X-ray machines and automated baggage inspection to improve efficiency and provide passenger confidence in safety standards. This is scheduled for completion by December 2027.

AOT is also prioritizing airport access improvements by upgrading entrance and exit roads and security gates. The entrance traffic lanes will be expanded to three lanes, with six additional security checkpoints—four for vehicles and two for motorcycles—along with expanded vehicle queue areas. This will streamline airport access, with completion expected by August 2028.

AOT remains committed to continually developing the airport responsibly, transforming it from merely a travel destination into a welcoming space that reflects the city's character and warmth, leaving a positive impression from the first step and enriching every passenger's travel experience.

Chulalongkorn Rajamangala University of Technology is now accepting applications for a practical training program in personal health and wellness coaching, limited to 30 participants. The School of Human Kinetics and Health, Faculty of Health Science Technology, invites health science professionals and interested individuals to develop modern leadership skills in health and fitness. Training dates: July 16-17, 2026, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Location: CRA Hall, Chulalongkorn Rajamangala University of Technology. Applicant qualifications: Health science professionals and interested individuals wanting to become leaders in exercise and self-care wellness. Enrollment limited to 30 participants only. Registration period: Now through June 30, 2026. Online registration: https://wellnesspt.cra.ac.th/home or scan the QR code on the promotional poster. For more information, contact the School of Human Kinetics and Health at 064-5862429 or via Facebook at School of Human Kinetics and Health – CRA.

The UOB Business Outlook Study 2026 reveals that over 70% of Thai SMEs are deploying AI in their operations, outpacing the regional average and helping them reduce costs and boost operational efficiency. More than 80% are planning to expand internationally over the next 2-3 years, with ASEAN emerging as a key market for both growth and risk mitigation. Released on June 29, 2026, the survey gathered input from 265 business owners and senior decision-makers across various industries nationwide, marking UOB's first semi-annual publication of the study in seven years to better track rapidly changing global and geopolitical conditions affecting business.

Thai SMEs are leading the region in technology adoption, with over seven in ten survey respondents implementing AI in their businesses—above the regional average—and over eight in ten already using digital solutions. Among AI-adopting businesses, 58% reported reduced operating costs while 44% cited improved operational efficiency, demonstrating AI's tangible business value. However, rising operating costs remain the top concern for Thai SMEs, followed by ASEAN market uncertainty, high interest rates, and economic slowdown. These pressures are particularly acute for sectors with high operational costs and complex supply chains, such as manufacturing, construction, and consumer goods.

Despite these challenges, businesses prioritize long-term competitiveness over short-term cost-cutting, ranking ESG (37%), customer base expansion (33%), and digital transformation (27%) as higher business priorities than cost reduction (25%) over the next 1-3 years. UOB Bank Thailand Deputy CEO Veeranong Jiranakorn noted that Thai businesses are operating in an increasingly complex environment where cost pressures, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical uncertainty are no longer temporary challenges but structural changes requiring fundamental business model adaptation.

On June 29, 2026, Deputy National Police Chief Trairong Phiwphan, speaking as the spokesperson for the National Police Office, announced that following news reports of a Thai female flight attendant being detained by Australian authorities, the National Police Office has coordinated with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) office in Thailand. The AFP has confirmed that the individual is indeed in detention and is currently undergoing Australian legal proceedings.

According to preliminary information provided by the AFP, the person has no prior criminal record in Australia. She is currently being held at Dame Phyllis Frost Correctional Centre, a women's correctional facility in Victoria state, while awaiting the conclusion of Australian legal proceedings.

The National Police Office will maintain close coordination with relevant domestic and international agencies to monitor case developments, investigate the facts of the matter, and pursue appropriate legal action.

LAMPANG — A speeding sedan veered off a curve and slammed into a used car dealership in Lampang on June 29, 2026, damaging five vehicles before the driver died at the scene. Police also found suspected methamphetamine pills inside the wrecked car.

Rescue workers were dispatched to a used car lot on Chamathewi Road (Old Lampang–Hang Chat Road) in Bo Haeo subdistrict, Mueang district, after the 191 emergency call center received reports at around 12:51 that a sedan had overturned and crashed into the dealership, trapping the driver.

At the scene, rescuers found the dealership's steel roof structure had partially collapsed from the impact. The silver Nissan Almera, registered in Lampang, was severely damaged and wedged against vehicles on display.

A man believed to be 35-40 years old was found unconscious behind the wheel with critical injuries. Rescue workers used hydraulic cutting equipment to free him and performed CPR, but he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

A witness told police the sedan had been traveling at high speed, with two other vehicles following closely behind. The witness slowed down and pulled to the roadside, sensing danger. The sedan then failed to negotiate a curve and crashed into the dealership without hitting any other moving vehicles.

During an inspection of the wreckage, officers found a blue zip-lock bag containing approximately seven methamphetamine pills scattered inside the passenger compartment and near the rear door. The area was sealed off while investigators, forensic officers, prosecutors and a forensic pathologist examined the scene.

The crash damaged five vehicles in total, including the Nissan involved in the accident, an Isuzu SUV, a pickup truck parked beside the road, and two vehicles displayed inside the dealership.

Police are continuing to document evidence, verify the identity of the deceased and vehicle owner, and investigate the source of the suspected drugs found in the car.