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No. 01 · ENDLESS
Police

Armed Assailant Opens Fire on Police Officer's Home in Yala

An armed assailant fired multiple shots at a police captain's home in Yala's Yaha district on July 14, but the officer and his two sons escaped unharmed. Investigators recovered seven shell casings and are searching for the unidentified gun

Armed Assailant Opens Fire on Police Officer's Home in Yala
1d ago Khaosod

Police are investigating a shooting at the home of Capt. Merarobing Kari, 35, a Thar To Police Station officer, in Yala province's Yaha district on the evening of July 14. The officer was arriving home on a motorcycle with his two sons after completing religious observances when unidentified attackers fired multiple shots at the residence as he was closing the gate. The bullets struck only the walls and gate, and the officer and his children escaped unharmed. Investigators recovered three bullet casings inside the home and four 5.56mm shell casings from a nearby durian orchard approximately 15–20 meters away. The officer stated he has no known personal conflicts with anyone. Police explosives experts and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit are processing evidence to identify the weapon and locate the suspects for further prosecution.

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National

Panel Chief Skeptical Exam Fraud Case Will Catch Real Masterminds

A parliamentary committee investigating local government exam fraud expressed skepticism that authorities will catch the masterminds behind the scheme, warning that investigations risk arresting only low-level operatives unless investigator

Panel Chief Skeptical Exam Fraud Case Will Catch Real Masterminds
1d ago Khaosod

At a parliamentary session on July 15, Deputy Interior Minister Rangsiman Rom, vice-chairman of the ruling People's Party and chair of the House legal affairs committee, discussed the panel's investigation into cheating on local government exams. Previously, complaints were filed with the committee, and after analysis, officials determined the matter warranted investigation. The meeting summoned relevant government figures, including Interior Ministry and Department of Local Administration officials, as well as those connected to the TOR examination system. Rom hoped the session would yield enough detail to determine whether authorities would address the core problem or merely apprehend minor operatives. He stated the investigation is crucial because evidence and facts are unusually clear this time, offering an opportunity to dismantle the entire scheme rather than repeating past efforts that yielded limited results.

When asked whether the investigation would reach the top conspirators, Rom expressed concern that catching the "big fish" may not happen. Although thousands appear involved, many are likely test-takers, employers, or unwitting participants. The critical question, he said, is who ultimately received the money. Without tracing the financial trail to identify the principal beneficiary, authorities risk arresting only those without state power or influence. Rom emphasized that investigators must identify the masterminds behind the scheme to genuinely combat exam fraud. He noted multiple committees, both opposition and government-aligned, are examining the case and acknowledged challenges in securing cooperation from state agencies and officials.

Rom identified the TOR system itself as a key focus, asking whether its apparent vulnerabilities were intentional design flaws intended to facilitate cheating or simple mistakes. Sophisticated operators, he suggested, may have exploited loopholes, and investigators must analyze whether the system was deliberately opened to abuse. He stated that following the money and other evidence should reveal who truly benefited from the scheme. When asked about Deputy Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Manas Suwannarin's assertion that the TOR system is secure and resistant to fraud, Rom said officials' explanations must be heard first, though the committee's initial assessment suggests vulnerabilities exist. He indicated investigators must determine whether any flaws stemmed from contractor negligence, such as that of Srinakharinwirot University, or from the scheme's architects' sophisticated methods.

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National

Thai Party Submits Mining Data to China Over River Pollution

Thai lawmakers submitted data on 2,676 Myanmar mines to China's ambassador, requesting investigation into water pollution affecting Thailand and neighboring countries, with Beijing pledging support if evidence shows mines are exporting cont

Thai Party Submits Mining Data to China Over River Pollution
1d ago Khaosod

The Thai People's Party announced the results of talks with China's ambassador after submitting information on 2,676 mines in Myanmar, requesting investigation into water contamination and urging the government to lead the effort to resolve the issue. On July 15, 2024, at parliament, Nuttapong Ruangpanya, a Thai People's Party list MP and party leader, briefed reporters following a shadow cabinet meeting about water pollution problems. He stated that the party had discussed the issue directly with the Chinese embassy, and China expressed its readiness to support Thailand in addressing these problems, as the toxins affect not only Thai citizens but also millions in neighboring countries.

The embassy promised that if there is factual evidence showing that mines operating in neighboring countries are causing pollution and exporting minerals to China, China—which has strict laws on rare earth imports requiring environmental protection—would be willing to intervene, as it cares about its image and does not want the Thai public and international community to view the Chinese government as supporting improper business practices.

Nuttapong further stated that he and Pattrapong Leelapart, a Chiang Mai Thai People's Party MP, met directly with the Chinese ambassador on July 14 at the Chinese embassy. They compiled all factual data and scientific test results showing that the toxins may not originate from Thailand but from neighboring countries, and they thanked the ambassador for emphasizing that the information would be sent to Beijing and the Chinese government directly.

Nuttapong said that China has requested that the Thai government and neighboring countries work together to solve the problem, as China cannot resolve it alone. He expressed confidence that if Thailand uses proper diplomacy and takes the lead as a directly affected nation, the Chinese government will support Thai efforts and is ready to establish a multi-party working group with China, Thailand, Myanmar, and other countries to jointly verify facts.

Pattrapong stated that on July 14, he submitted a detailed memo with supporting documents to China, providing clear evidence beyond just water and soil test results. The submission includes the coordinates of 2,676 mines in neighboring countries, asking China to investigate them according to its own existing laws—not requesting China to take any action outside its legal framework. He explained that this is an initial request to enable the Thai People's Party to fulfill its role as a representative of all affected citizens, bridging China and the public to demonstrate China's sincerity and concern for this issue. The party submitted over 500 pages of documents, including scientific data and research supporting the fact that the toxins do not originate within Thailand, yet Thailand and all Mekong Basin countries are suffering the full impact.

"The environment has no borders, and all people are affected together regardless of ethnicity," Pattrapong said. "However, the Thai government must take the lead on this issue seriously, because Thailand gains no benefit from this problem."

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

US Chipmaker ADI Opens Design and Testing Hub in Thailand

US chipmaker Analog Devices opened a 19-billion-baht chip design and testing hub in Thailand's Chachoengsao province, projecting exports to reach 130 billion baht in 2025 while expanding its workforce from 1,300 to 2,500 employees.

US Chipmaker ADI Opens Design and Testing Hub in Thailand
1d ago Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprasit, chairing the Board of Investment, led executives to inspect Analog Devices' new manufacturing facility at Amata City Industrial Estate in Chachoengsao on July 12, 2026. The US semiconductor leader is establishing a global-class chip design and testing center with a combined investment of over 19 billion baht.

Analog Devices, a market leader in specialized chips for analog-to-digital conversion, sensor systems, and digital signal processing across automotive, telecommunications, aerospace, digital, energy, and medical sectors, began its Thai operations following a 2021 merger with Maxim Integrated Products. The expansion covers IC and PCB design centers, wafer and IC testing facilities, failure analysis and reliability laboratories, and advanced semiconductor R&D.

The company exported over 98 billion baht in products from Thailand in 2024 and projects exports will reach 130 billion baht in 2025. Currently employing approximately 1,300 Thai staff—including over 450 researchers and engineers—Analog Devices plans to expand to 2,500 employees, adding 500 engineers and 500 technicians. Notably, the company's senior management is entirely Thai-led by Managing Director Wirut Sriomrakkij, who also chairs the Thai Semiconductor Industry Association. The company has invested heavily in workforce development through partnerships with over 10 educational institutions nationwide, with intern-to-permanent-hire rates rising from 10% in 2023 to 53% in 2025.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
Police

Coroner Confirms 32 Dead in Brewery Fire, All Identified

All 32 victims from the brewery fire have been identified, with authorities releasing bodies to families for religious ceremonies by July 15, 2025. Most deaths resulted from smoke inhalation, with 27 killed at the scene and five others dyin

Coroner Confirms 32 Dead in Brewery Fire, All Identified
1d ago Khaosod

Medical examiners have confirmed a total of 32 deaths from the brewery fire, with all victims now identified and preparations underway to return bodies to families for religious rites by end of day July 15, 2025. Pol. Lt. Gen. Wirun Suphasing, director of the Police Hospital Institute of Forensic Medicine, stated that 27 victims died at the scene while 5 others died during hospital treatment—an increase of 2 from the previous day. Some patients who were transferred and subsequently died had been treated at Paolo Phahonyothin Hospital, Ladprao Hospital, and one case at Chonburi Hospital. The forensic institute's autopsy and identification process has been completed for all 32 victims. Of these, 28 bodies have been handed over to families for religious ceremonies, while 4 remain awaiting relatives' arrival and documentation submission. Authorities expect all bodies will be released today. Preliminary autopsy findings indicate that most deaths resulted from smoke inhalation, with some victims also showing severe burns across their bodies. Among the 5 additional deaths, victims had initially been classified in critical condition before deteriorating and passing away.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Uses Refinery Funds to Stabilize Oil Prices

Thailand is using refinery revenues and a 10.5 billion baht oil fund to cushion domestic fuel prices against global market volatility sparked by Middle East tensions, with the Energy Ministry pledging gradual adjustments rather than sudden

Thailand Uses Refinery Funds to Stabilize Oil Prices
1d ago Khaosod

Energy Minister Eknath Prom-on addressed domestic fuel price conditions on July 15, 2025, at Government House, following recent global market increases sparked by Middle East tensions. He noted that all fuel types had risen sharply over the past week, but Thailand continues using a refinery pricing mechanism to draw refinery revenues and reduce pump prices. The government also manages prices through an oil fund to align with market conditions without the sharp, frequent adjustments of the past. The Energy Ministry monitors the situation daily to prevent rapid or severe price increases tied to world markets.

When asked whether prices would remain stable, the minister said daily assessments are necessary, but any adjustments would be gradual rather than sudden. Oil supply management is also underway. Crude oil stocks remain stable and refined product reserves in storage tanks are nearly full, confirming no fuel shortage. Price management will follow market mechanisms.

Asked what conditions would trigger a price increase, Prom-on said the approach is gradual. Thailand does not constantly track Singapore prices; even when using them as a reference, the government reduces prices by deploying refinery funds. The 10.5 billion baht oil fund is currently being used to subsidize pump prices. When prices fall, the fund sees little drawdown due to prior deficits from before the minister's tenure. The government will continue using both refinery pricing and the fund to prevent prices from fluctuating sharply with global markets.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Eyes Private Disaster Insurance to Speed Payouts

Thailand is exploring private disaster insurance partnerships to speed up payouts to citizens affected by natural disasters, following Japan's model. The scheme aims to supplement insufficient government compensation of 9,000 baht per incid

Thailand Eyes Private Disaster Insurance to Speed Payouts
1d ago Khaosod

On July 15, Deputy Prime Minister Prakorn Nilpraphan outlined the government's new disaster insurance concept at Government House. As natural disasters intensify and occur more frequently, the government has been studying relief measures beyond direct state subsidies. The Cabinet tasked the Interior Ministry with exploring ways to increase compensation to citizens by partnering with the private sector on disaster insurance.

The Interior Ministry, Finance Ministry, Insurance Commission, and Thai General Insurance Association are jointly studying the scheme, modeled after Japan's earthquake, flood, and typhoon insurance approach. When private insurers participate, they reduce budget pressure and pay claims faster than government agencies when criteria are met.

Prakorn explained that the private sector is already willing to implement this concept, and citizens benefit from speedier and larger payouts. He noted that state compensation of 9,000 baht per incident is insufficient for home repairs, making higher private coverage necessary.

Under the Japanese model, insurers pay immediately upon meeting set conditions, with premiums varying by area risk level. The system offers faster disbursement compared to current government processes, which are often slow and burdensome. "Currently, budget disbursement is complicated and sometimes delayed, causing disaster victims considerable hardship," Prakorn said. "Insurance-style payments with set caps ease financial burden while maintaining state support."

Prakorn stated that relevant agencies have completed preliminary discussions and are finalizing figures to present the framework to Cabinet as soon as possible, adopting Japan's model for Thailand.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Police

Sister Mourns Tosakan Band Keyboardist's Death at Funeral Service

Tosakan band keyboardist Prutthiphong Pudmong, a 37-year-old air force officer, was laid to rest at a Sing Buri temple after his unexpected death, with his sister appealing for improved business safety standards nationwide.

Sister Mourns Tosakan Band Keyboardist's Death at Funeral Service
1d ago Khaosod

On July 15, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., the family of Prutthiphong Pudmong—a 37-year-old air force officer and keyboardist for the band Tosakan—collected his body from the Police Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine for a funeral ceremony at Wat Laem Khang temple in Sing Buri province. His 30-year-old sister, Chanyyanuch Pudmong, described the loss as devastating and unexpected, noting that Prutthiphong was a caring person who had looked after his family and close friends well. During the search for him, numerous people came forward to help, and the community continued to support the family until the very end.

Chanyyanuch expressed the family's gratitude to everyone who stood by them from the moment the search began. She said that if her brother were alive, he would want to be remembered for his musical talent and would not wish for others to grieve or question what happened. She emphasized that while the restaurant owner initially offered 10,000 baht in compensation, no money can truly compensate for the loss of a life or heal the family's emotional pain.

Regarding the accident's cause, which may have stemmed from the business operator's negligence, Chanyyanuch said the matter should proceed through the legal system, and the family would pursue compensation through proper channels. She made an urgent appeal to all business operators to review and improve their safety measures, as customers deserve to return home safely after seeking enjoyment. As her brother's body was placed in the hearse, she whispered, "Brother Gvaang, we're taking you home. We're going home together."

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Dismantle International Nominee Company Scheme

Police arrested seven suspects operating an international scheme using Thai nominees to illegally register 27 companies for Taiwanese investors in Pathum Thani, with investigations revealing 130 million baht in suspicious cash flows over fi

Police Dismantle International Nominee Company Scheme
1d ago Khaosod

On July 14, 2025, police officers led by Nattakitti Meesuk, superintendent of Pathum Thani provincial police, along with officers from Samkhok Police Station and Pathum Thani employment officials, executed a search warrant at a house in Samkhok subdistrict, Pathum Thani province. The operation resulted in the arrest of seven suspects: two Thai nationals aged 52 and 27, and five Taiwan-based individuals (Ming-Ke Chueh, Su Wei-Ya, Hao Chuan Yang, Kuan Feng Li, and Wang Cheng Yu), all aged between 28 and 56.

Investigators discovered that the residence was being used as an accounting office and company registration service facility. The single-story house served as the registered office for all 27 companies, with a fake office space set up in the ground-floor hallway. Among these, 17 companies were registered for Taiwanese nationals who each held 49 percent ownership, with Thai nominees holding the remaining 51 percent.

During questioning, the house owner confessed that he had been hired by Taiwanese clients to register 17 companies on their behalf by recruiting Thai nationals as proxy shareholders. Each Thai proxy received compensation of 12,000 to 15,000 baht per company registration. The recruited proxies were unemployed individuals or motorcycle delivery drivers with no real involvement in company operations.

Financial investigations uncovered that some company bank accounts linked to an online reporting system showed approximately 130 million baht in cash circulation within a five-month period. Police seized all registration documents, passport copies of the 17 Taiwanese nationals, and company seals.

The suspects have been charged under the Foreign Business Act (B.E. 2542): Article 36, which prohibits Thai nationals from assisting or supporting foreign nationals in conducting restricted businesses; and Article 37, which penalizes foreign nationals for operating businesses in violation of Article 8. All suspects were transferred to Samkhok Police Station for further legal proceedings.

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Police

Speeding Pickup Vaults Over Median, Injures Two

A speeding pickup truck collided with a center median on a Samut Prakan bypass road on July 14, injuring a 25-year-old driver and his 60-year-old employer, who was trapped under a following gas truck.

Speeding Pickup Vaults Over Median, Injures Two
1d ago Khaosod

At 8:20 p.m. on July 14, police from Sam Prakan City Station received a report of a pickup truck that had struck a center median near Sudsai Resort on the bypass road in Samut Prakan province, with two people injured. Officers arrived with rescue teams from Buddhassothorn Hospital and local rescue units.

At the scene, one male victim, identified as Kamlor (Laotian national, age 25), lay beside a gray Toyota pickup bearing license plate บร 246 Samut Prakan on the driver's side. A second victim, Chamu Saechee, 60, the employer of the driver, had been ejected from the truck and became trapped under a gas truck traveling ahead. A bag containing the employer's belongings was recovered on the road and secured by officers for later return to relatives.

Witnesses reported that the pickup was traveling at high speed with headlights flashing, apparently unaware that the area marked an intersection along a divided highway. A warning light that previously marked the center median had been destroyed in an earlier incident, leaving no alert signal. The speeding truck failed to notice the median and collided with it, causing the vehicle to flip. The gas truck ahead sustained minor damage to its front section.

Damage to the pickup's rear and side occurred as it impacted the ground. Police plan to further question the pickup driver regarding the circumstances of the accident.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Social Security Board Election Crosses One Million Registrations

Over one million voters have registered for Thailand's 2025 Social Security Board election, with 175 candidates also filing applications as of mid-July. The Social Security Office will announce the final voter roster and polling locations o

Social Security Board Election Crosses One Million Registrations
1d ago Khaosod

Registration for the Social Security Board election has surpassed one million voters as the final stretch heats up. The Social Security Office will announce the official voter roster and polling locations on August 10, 2025.

On July 15, 2025, the Social Security Office reported that candidate registration for the 2025 Social Security Board election began on July 1. The office accepted applications from insured worker representatives and employer representatives between July 1–20, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, including public holidays. Interested candidates could submit applications at the Bangkok Social Security Office and provincial offices nationwide.

As of 9:00 a.m. on July 15, a total of 175 candidates had registered: 72 from the employer sector and 103 from the insured worker sector. Meanwhile, 1,080,705 voters had registered to cast ballots—an increase from the previous day's total of 992,922. Employer-sector voters grew from 10,044 to 11,332, while insured-worker-sector voters increased from 982,878 to 1,069,373.

Candidates from the insured worker sector must be Thai nationals at least 18 years old, registered as insured workers under Sections 33, 39, and 40 with at least three months of contributions within the previous six months. They must not be bankrupt, legally incapacitated, stripped of voting rights, convicted of electoral fraud or related financial crimes, hold political office, be civil service politicians, or have other disqualifying characteristics under labor ministry regulations.

Employer-sector candidates must be Thai nationals at least 18 years old and registered employers or authorized representatives of corporate employers, with at least three months of contributions within the previous six months. They face the same disqualifying restrictions as insured worker candidates.

Eligible insured worker voters must be Thai nationals, registered continuously for at least six months, with at least three months of contributions in the previous six months, and must register by July 20, 2025. Employer-sector voters must be registered employers or authorized representatives meeting the same contribution requirements and must register by July 20, 2025 to vote on September 27, 2025.

The Social Security Office has extended the voter registration deadline and the deadline for changing polling locations.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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