Over 150 representatives from government agencies, private sector, international organizations, academia, and civil society gathered at the Pullman King Power Bangkok hotel for the MA-RE-DESIGN project closing ceremony. The event focused on reduction, sustainable design, and plastic packaging recycling to prevent marine litter under the theme "Creating the Plastic Future: Scaling Circular Economy with Collaborative Action." This marked both a celebration of accomplishments and a platform for partners to continue the mission ahead.

Thailand generates over 25 million tons of municipal waste annually, with approximately 12 percent being plastic waste, according to the Pollution Control Department (2020). This contributes to plastic leakage into the ocean. Thailand faces two key challenges: managing existing waste streams while building systems to prevent leakage from the source. Globally, UNEP estimates 11 million tons of plastic flow into the ocean yearly, a figure that could nearly triple by 2030 without effective intervention.

The MA-RE-DESIGN project began in 2023 and is implemented by Germany's International Cooperation Organization (GIZ), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and UNEP's Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA), working closely with Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The Pollution Control Department serves as the primary implementing partner, with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources as the main partner.

The project operates on three levels—local, national, and regional—to create replicable and scalable examples for plastic management following circular economy principles. Funded by Germany's Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUKN), the project applies circular economy principles throughout the plastic product lifecycle, from design through collection, sorting, and recycling. The closing ceremony was led by Alexander Simon Rendell, UNEP Goodwill Ambassador for Environmental Affairs, and Dr. Panjporn Wetchayan from GIZ Thailand, with distinguished guests reflecting the shared commitment of all sectors cultivated over the project's duration.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vosinha shared a touching moment about receiving praise from Lionel Messi, Argentina's captain, and called the opposing player the best in the world. Vosinha played in Cape Verde's 2-3 loss to defending champion Argentina in the 2026 World Cup qualifying round of 32 on July 3rd. After the match, Vosinha described his encounter with the superstar: "I approached him after the game ended. Before I could say much, he hugged me right away and said, 'You played really well. You're a truly excellent goalkeeper. Your family must be very proud of you.' Hearing that from someone like Leo meant a lot to me." He continued, "I thanked him and replied, 'Thank you Leo, you're the best.' Then I asked for his jersey. He smiled and said, 'Of course, I'll give it to you at the tunnel to the locker room.' This moment is something I'll remember for the rest of my life."

Young artist and actor Bikin Putipong Assakratanakul has been sharing more of his humorous and playful side with fans lately, leading audiences—especially older female fans—to joke that he looks good even when being silly. However, Bikin sees this as revealing another dimension of his personality that people don't typically witness.

Bikin recently attended the Central Nortville shopping mall opening celebration and discussed the Mini Reception clip he created for fans whose Korean concert tickets had to be cancelled. He also clarified remarks made by fellow artist PP Krit, who joked that Bikin said he wasn't jealous and didn't attend concerts. Bikin shared updates about his upcoming acting projects, music work, and other surprises planned for the year.

When asked about the singing clip that went viral as a meme, Bikin explained: "It was a Mini Live session intended to give fans who purchased tickets for the cancelled Korean show something special. I wanted to make it warm and intimate, but worried it might feel awkward, so I tried to find a special song to perform."

Asked why he chose that particular song, he said: "Because I was afraid it wouldn't be special enough. This one definitely is. It's not easy to sing because it requires a lot of inner emotion and courage."

Regarding fan comments wanting to see him cool and handsome rather than funny, Bikin responded: "Oh, that's sometimes the case. People have many dimensions—serious moments, cool moments, sad moments, funny moments. I want people to see that diversity. I'm at an age where I just want to do what I enjoy. Whether it's work or other things, if I'm into it, I want to try it."

When asked if fans should expect more funny content, Bikin cautioned: "Don't set expectations like that. If it's not funny, I'll be blamed. Let me just be myself. Whatever interests me, I want to try. It's entertaining and doing something different."

On whether he prefers the cool or funny angle, he said: "I can do anything. It depends on the context and feel. Lifestyle content like this shows dimensions people don't usually see during professional work. It's opening another angle that seems more fun."

Regarding how much he plans before posting content, Bikin revealed: "I barely plan at all. My online team selects interesting clips, and I choose which ones I want to do. There's no advance planning."

On how this content helps his future career, he explained: "I think it shows people more dimensions of who I am. In this social media era, seeing both serious and fun angles adds depth to my image. My goal is to be myself. If I enjoy and have fun doing something, it presents the real me best."

When asked about PP Krit's comment that he said he wasn't jealous and didn't attend concerts, Bikin clarified: "I may have used the wrong word last time. 'Not jealous' means we're not in a relationship where I'd need to be. He can do what he wants—that's his right. Why would I be jealous? Everyone has their own identity, preferences, needs, and life decisions. We shouldn't interfere too much with each other's lives. If he's happy with what he does, I think that's wonderful."

Asked if he's seen PP's work, Bikin said: "I've seen some. He's talented and keeps developing himself. I'm proud to see him moving forward on the path he wants. He's great."

Regarding his own acting projects this year, Bikin said: "Just wait and see. I've discussed several projects, but some didn't work out due to scheduling or other factors. Once a project is finalized, I'll announce it immediately."

As for music projects, he teased that updates would come soon.

Lisa Manobal returned to Thailand for SHISEIDO ULTIMUNE Studio: LISA'S BACKSTAGE, a major Asia-Pacific event hosted by the beauty brand at CentralWorld. Lisa, who serves as SHISEIDO's Global Ambassador, drew large crowds of fans to the venue, with many arriving early to secure spots inside the event area and along Ratchadamri Road for a glimpse of the Thai superstar. Her mother also attended the event to show support.

The event was joined by Win Metawin, Friend of SHISEIDO Thailand, along with Ann Thongprasom, Amy Thasorn, Bonnie Pattraphat, and two members of BUS, PHUTATCHAI and PEEMWASU. KOLs from nine other countries also attended.

Speaking to fans at the event, Lisa thanked them for waiting and supporting her. "Did you wait long? Sorry. Thank you for coming to see me," she said. Lisa also spoke about several of her major moments in 2026, including the FIFA World Cup and the Met Gala, and asked fans to stay tuned for her next major event.

She also shared her beauty routine, naming ULTIMUNE as one of her favourite items. Lisa said she uses it morning and evening, as well as before applying makeup, and has gone through several bottles, making it a regular item in her bag. Before leaving, Lisa invited fans to visit SHISEIDO ULTIMUNE Studio: LISA'S BACKSTAGE, saying the Bangkok event was even bigger than the one held in Japan.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the superstar forward for Portugal's national team, sent an encouraging message to Andrés Mieles, a Venezuelan boy who survived a devastating earthquake but lost everything. Ronaldo invited Andrés to attend one of his matches from a prime seat by the sideline.

Andrés lost his family in the earthquake and suffered injuries severe enough to require the amputation of one leg while recovering in the hospital. His only request was World Cup football stickers of Ronaldo, as his entire collection album was lost in the disaster.

The story was widely shared online before reaching Ronaldo himself, who recorded a video message of encouragement for Andrés. "I want you to come watch one of my games," Ronaldo said in the message.

Beyond the invitation, the 41-year-old footballer also arranged to send Andrés a signed jersey as a gift.

On July 4, 2025, Environment Minister Suchath Chomklin ordered the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to coordinate with the Border Affairs Department (BAD) to advance cross-border environmental cooperation at the ninth Thai-Myanmar High Level Committee (HLC) meeting. The effort seeks to strengthen collaboration in preventing and addressing transboundary forest fires, haze pollution, water contamination, and heavy metal problems to improve environmental quality and living standards for both nations' citizens.

Dr. Surin Vorakijthamnrong, PCD Director, revealed that on July 3, the PCD met with the BAD to prepare environmental issues for submission to the HLC-9 meeting. The collaboration focuses on managing transboundary fires, smoke pollution, and water quality in key shared river basins including the Kok, Sai, Ruak, Mekong, Salween, and Kraburi rivers.

Dr. Surin reported that the PCD and military border affairs have continuously driven cooperation on forest fire and haze prevention. They have supported establishing three war rooms in Myanmar—at Tachilek, Chiang Tung, and Tong Yi—to serve as coordination centers for monitoring, data exchange, and operational alignment. The departments plan to provide air quality monitoring equipment to expand future cooperation.

Regarding transboundary water pollution, the PCD proposes both countries jointly monitor water quality and sediment continuously while sharing data. The PCD will provide technical expertise and water quality monitoring stations in suitable areas to enhance joint basin management systems.

The PCD requested the Border Affairs Department present these issues at HLC-9 to promote concrete bilateral cooperation on preventing, addressing, and monitoring transboundary forest fires, haze, water pollution, and heavy metal contamination. This would lead to sustainable cross-border environmental management and improved environmental quality for both nations' populations.