Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his wife attended a reception celebrating the French Republic's national day on July 14, 2026, at the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai in Bangkok. The event was hosted by Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, the French Ambassador to Thailand. Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was welcomed by the ambassador and his wife, received flowers, and viewed a video documenting France's history, culture, and the enduring 170-year diplomatic relationship between the two nations.

The Prime Minister and distinguished guests paid respects to the late Queen Sirikit, Queen Mother, and Princess Bajrakitiyabha. The formal ceremony included the playing of both national anthems, remarks from the ambassador, and remarks from the Prime Minister on behalf of the Thai government, who expressed his pleasure in commemorating France's national day and highlighted the longstanding diplomatic ties between the countries. He also thanked France for the warm reception given to the Thai King and Queen during their official state visit to France.

Anutin spoke of the cultural dimensions connecting Thailand and France, exemplified by the Paris exhibition "La Mode en Majesté," under the patronage of Princess Sirivannavari, celebrating Thai craftsmanship and French creativity. He noted that culture will continue to be a bridge between the peoples of both nations across generations. The Prime Minister referenced his meeting with President Emmanuel Macron, calling it valuable for promoting bilateral cooperation and strengthening the strategic partnership through the new Thailand-France Joint Action Plan 2026-2028. He reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to walking alongside France as a trusted friend and partner for the mutual benefit of both countries. He concluded by praising the French ambassador's dedication to nurturing goodwill between the two nations.

Rescue volunteer Yadadakarn Bamrungphakdidi, known as Uam and a volunteer with the Kalasin United Heart Foundation, has been identified through DNA testing. On July 14, 2025, her mother and son came to view and identify her remains before taking her body back to their home in Pakham District, Buriram Province. Her mother performed a traditional coffin ritual, telling her daughter's spirit "Mother has come to take you home" before departing in tears with her body. Later that evening around 8 p.m., the body of Wipada (nickname Miao), who was with Uam during the incident, was also claimed by her family from Si Chiang Mai District in Nong Khai Province, marking the 25th body collected.

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Bangkok- A massive fire tore through the Rong Beer Na Ladprao in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district late on Sunday, July 12th, 2026, around 11:57 p.m., killing at least 30 people and injuring dozens more. The incident, one of the deadliest fires in Bangkok in nearly two decades, has triggered a wide-ranging investigation into suspected negligence, licensing […] Bangkok Bar Fire Update: Death Toll Reaches 30 as Investigation Probes Licensing Violations, Blocked Exits, and Safety Lapses at Rong Beer Na Ladprao -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

The mother of Mook, full name Ms. Tattapicha Seehabunyamak, 23, from Maha Sarakham province, was devastated to learn her daughter was among the casualties of the Lad Prao entertainment venue fire on July 12. The young woman had recently graduated from the National Sports University with a degree in sports science and had only been working in Bangkok for less than a month when she went out with friends on the night of the fire. Her mother, Nang Sutthat Seehabunyamak, recounted that Mook was a dutiful daughter who dreamed of joining the police force like her father, and had promised to send home 10,000 baht each month from her salary. According to eyewitness accounts, Mook and three friends tried to escape the flames by holding hands, but she fell after being knocked down and lost her grip, unable to save herself. Two other friends survived. Her mother said she initially did not pay attention to the fire news, thinking it was far from her, but collapsed multiple times upon learning her daughter was among the victims. She now appeals to all entertainment venue operators to strictly inspect safety systems, electrical wiring, equipment, and fire escape routes before opening for business, as these establishments serve not only young people but working-age adults seeking recreation. Mook's body remains at the Police Hospital pending DNA identification, with her father and brother assisting in the verification process, which is expected to take 6-8 hours. Once confirmed, the body will be returned home for Buddhist funeral rites.

BANGKOK — The Cabinet has approved draft regulations establishing a formal process for deporting foreign nationals who enter, work or conduct business in Thailand illegally, as well as those convicted of serious crimes.

Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said the Cabinet approved the draft Prime Minister's Office regulations on deportation during its meeting on Tuesday, following a proposal submitted by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt.

The regulations identify six categories of offences that may warrant deportation when authorities consider removal necessary to protect public order and public morality. They apply to foreign nationals who:

- Enter or remain in Thailand illegally; - Work in Thailand in violation of laws governing foreign employment; - Conduct business in Thailand in violation of the Foreign Business Act; - Forge official documents or use forged government documents; - Commit an offence carrying a prison sentence of three years or more; or - Act as a principal, instigator or supporter of any of the above offences.

The proposal follows a Cabinet resolution on 16 June appointing Pakorn to coordinate with relevant agencies on improving laws, regulations and procedures concerning immigration. The review was intended to speed up the removal of foreign nationals who commit crimes or enter the country illegally.

Thailand currently has no unified administrative regulations governing deportation, requiring agencies to coordinate closely on individual cases. The new framework is intended to make deportation procedures faster and more efficient.

Under the draft regulations, the director-general of the Department of Corrections must provide the Interior Ministry permanent secretary, or a designated official, with the names, nationalities, case files and other relevant information concerning foreign prisoners before their release. The permanent secretary or designated official must then report the case to the interior minister, who will consider issuing a deportation order without delay.

The Interior Ministry will be responsible for returning the person to their country of nationality. Where a person's nationality cannot be established, they may be deported to the country where they say they last lived before entering Thailand.

A person may also be transferred to another country where they are not a citizen, or to an international organisation, if a request is submitted through diplomatic channels. The receiving country or organisation must agree to cover all expenses associated with the person's care and removal, while the person facing deportation must also provide written consent to the transfer.

A fire at a beer hall in Ladprao has killed at least 30 people and injured dozens, evoking memories of similar past disasters that have been allowed to repeat. Previous tragedies have ended only in investigations and compensation without meaningful legal reform to match modern standards and actual practices, particularly regarding venue zoning laws. A major loophole is the misclassification of businesses: many operators register as "music restaurants" when they actually operate as pubs or entertainment venues with dancing, loud music, and late hours—escaping stricter safety standards through this legal gray area. Building and materials standards also remain inadequate; many establishments still use flammable materials, lack proper fire exits and emergency doors, and fire prevention systems are not regularly inspected. The article calls for updated regulations covering all hybrid restaurant-pub operations of any size, mandatory annual inspections, and steeper penalties for violations. It also urges mandatory liability insurance for high-capacity venues to ensure victims receive rapid compensation without years of civil litigation. Above all, laws must be genuinely enforced; good laws mean nothing if applied only ceremonially, leaving the door open for repeated tragedies. The article demands that the Interior Ministry, Bangkok authorities, and all relevant agencies conduct nationwide inspections of similar establishments and urgently push through legal reforms. While this may seem like "closing the barn door after the horse has bolted," it is better than allowing innocent lives to be sacrificed again and again due to regulatory gaps and weak enforcement.