Thailand's Board of Investment has approved a 7.4 billion baht investment by Auto Alliance (Thailand), a Mazda Motor Corporation joint venture, to upgrade production processes at its Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate facility in Rayong province. The expansion will support manufacturing of Mazda's new Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) models—hybrid vehicles combining fuel and electric power. Mazda has chosen Thailand as its primary MHEV production base, with production lines launching in 2027 to serve domestic markets and exports to Japan and ASEAN countries.

The investment reflects global market trends and vehicle technology evolution, and responds to Thailand's National EV Policy Board incentives offering fixed excise tax rates for seven years (2025-2031). Mazda operates four companies in Thailand covering vehicle manufacturing, automatic transmissions, automotive parts, sales, and regional marketing. Auto Alliance Thailand, established with Ford, serves as a key regional production hub for both pickup trucks and passenger vehicles, while Mazda Powertrain Manufacturing Thailand produces SKYACTIV engines and transmissions.

The investment will modernize production lines with automation and robotics for key processes including welding, body assembly, painting, and final assembly, improving efficiency and precision while meeting Euro 6 emissions standards and increasing clean energy use. The facility will produce B-segment SUVs with MHEV technology to boost fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions, for both domestic sales and export to ASEAN countries and Japan.

The EV Board has set special excise tax rates at 10% (for vehicles emitting 100 g/km CO2 or less) and 12% (for 101-120 g/km) for seven years (2025-2031), requiring minimum additional investments of 5 billion baht. Conditions include using domestically produced batteries from 2025, critical components like traction motors from 2027, and installing at least four of six intelligent safety systems (ADAS). Mazda's selection of Thailand as its primary MHEV hub affirms global confidence in Thailand's automotive capabilities and marks a significant milestone for the nation's electric vehicle industry.

Complete! Nakhon Nayok's new landmark, the Elephant Fountain Roundabout at the entrance to Khun Dan Prakanchon Dam, is now open for visitors to enjoy scenic views along Rural Road 4016. The project aims to reinforce the province's tourism image and promote sustainable economic development. On July 1, the Department of Rural Roads (DRR) invites the public to travel and explore this scenic route during the rainy season leading to Khun Dan Prakanchon Dam and check in at the new landmark located at the roundabout at kilometer 1+300 on Rural Road 4016 at the junction with Highway 3049 in Muang District, Nakhon Nayok Province.

Pichit Hun Siri, Director-General of the Department of Rural Roads, revealed that Nakhon Nayok is a province with beautiful mountains, stunning waterfalls, abundant natural resources, and pollution-free air, living up to its provincial motto. Khun Dan Prakanchon Dam is the province's renowned tourist destination and Thailand's longest compacted concrete dam, located at Ban Tha Duan in Hin Tang Subdistrict. The dam was constructed following royal initiative and was named by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Both residents and tourists can enjoy views of Khao Yai National Park from the dam crest and panoramic city views from behind the dam.

The Department of Rural Roads recently completed a maintenance project on Rural Road 4016 leading to Khun Dan Prakanchon Dam in Muang District. The work included landscaping improvements by transforming the original Elephant Roundabout into the new Elephant Fountain Roundabout, featuring elegant and distinctive design with international appeal. The design incorporates the provincial flower Suphannika and the famous provincial fruit Marian plum in decorative patterns around the fountain base to promote the province's tourism image.

The DRR also prioritized visitor safety by installing five additional CCTV cameras connected to the intelligent traffic management control center of Nakhon Nayok's rural road branch to monitor traffic and ensure security along the route. Visitors traveling to Khun Dan Prakanchon Dam can follow Highway 3049 from Nakhon Nayok city center until the Wat Tamnak intersection at kilometer 11+100, then turn right to continue on Highway 3049. This road is lined with resorts and various land and water activities. The route passes Wang Trai Khai Waterfall, and approximately 17 kilometers later, at kilometer 17+350, travelers turn onto Rural Road 4016, which quickly leads to the Elephant Fountain Roundabout landmark before accessing the dam itself.

Nakhon Nayok is a year-round travel destination. The Khun Dan Prakanchon Dam area also features another attraction, Khao Chong Lom, offering spectacular views surprisingly close to the roadside. For more travel information, visitors can contact the Nakhon Nayok Rural Roads Branch at 037-386-412 during business hours or call the Department of Rural Roads hotline at 1146.

Nara United, which recently earned promotion from Thai League 3 to Thai League 2, has issued a statement to the Football Association of Thailand requesting a second chance after its club licensing application failed to meet the submission deadline. Earlier reports suggested the club would be barred from competing in Thai League 2 due to the missed deadline, which would pass the promotion slot to fourth-place Mueang Loei United, or to Nakhon Si United, last season's Thai League 2 runner-up, if Mueang Loei also fails to secure licensing. In an official Facebook post, Nara United appealed to the football association to consider all possible regulatory pathways to allow resubmission.

The club's statement read: "We request the association's consideration to find every regulatory avenue available. Our club is prepared in all aspects—budget, players, stadium, and management—but we lost this opportunity due to a mistake in missing the documentation deadline. We are not asking for special privileges, only an opportunity to resubmit our documents if regulations still permit. This error does not reflect the club's unpreparedness but merely a procedural submission mistake. Those affected are not just the club but also the players, staff, fans, and residents of Nara who have built this team together.

If any regulatory pathway exists, we respectfully ask the association to consider giving Nara United the chance to resubmit. We ask only for an opportunity."

Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka has expressed anger at himself after his mistake contributed to Japan's elimination from the 2026 World Cup following a loss to Brazil. Tanaka lost possession near his own penalty area, allowing Brazil to score the winning goal in extra time during the Round of 32 match, ending Japan's World Cup campaign.

After the match, an emotional Tanaka broke down in tears over his disappointment, with Brazilian striker Mateus Cunha and teammates offering him consolation.

The Leeds United player subsequently stated that he is disappointed with himself over the decisive moment. "I still feel very sorry and apologize greatly. Even though others tell me it wasn't my fault, it doesn't make me happy. I'm very angry at myself and feel deeply responsible," he said.

Tanaka also indicated he will not rewatch replays of his costly mistake. "I don't think I'll watch it again," he added.

An AI system has analyzed Thai government lottery statistics dating back 10 years to forecast lucky numbers for the July 1, 2569 drawing. Using historical data and current trending numbers, the system calculated probability-based predictions for the draw.

Predicted two-digit combinations: 91, 61, 89, 16, 29, 83, 53, 26, 46 Predicted three-digit front numbers: 169, 680, 867, 281, 287, 242, 839, 975, 530 Predicted three-digit rear numbers: 261, 918, 647, 947, 491, 542, 511, 414, 778

Organizers stress that all numbers are AI-calculated statistical estimates based on historical patterns and probability analysis only, not guaranteed predictions. Meanwhile, lottery players continue seeking lucky numbers from various traditional sources and recent notable figures ahead of the draw.

Rabin Sulaika, a defender for Iraq's national team and player for Al-Zawraa FC, has announced his retirement from international football following the 2026 World Cup qualifying round. The 34-year-old made his decision public through Instagram after completing his campaign in the World Cup qualifiers.

Sulaika posted: "After 11 memorable years, it's time to close one of the greatest chapters of my life. Throughout this journey, we have endured sweat, blood, and tears together. We have celebrated wonderful moments, faced difficult times, and fought side by side for our country. Today, I have decided to retire from serving the national team. It's time to take off the national team shirt and become one of you, cheering for this amazing team from the stands with pride. Representing Iraq is the highest honor in my career. To my teammates, coaches, staff, and especially the incredible Iraqi fans, thank you for your endless support and belief in me. Every time I wore this shirt, I gave everything I had, and today I leave with pride, gratitude, and love for everyone. Thank you for everything. I love you all."

The official social media account of Iraq's national team responded with a tribute, saying: "Rabin Sulaika has announced his retirement from the Iraqi national team after 11 years of service. Thank you for everything."