Iconic Siam, a world-class landmark on the Chao Phraya River and Global Hub of Art & Culture, is advancing support for Thailand's art community by launching the ART DNA HUB: Visual Arts Talent Development Hub in partnership with the National Research Council (NRC). This knowledge hub offers the public, students, artists, and enthusiasts the chance to explore the thinking processes and creative methods behind Thai artists' work through the "Art DNA" concept—essentially decoding the artistic DNA that shapes each artist's unique identity, approach, techniques, and skills before transmitting this knowledge systematically across generations.

The ART DNA HUB opening ceremony was presided over by Danuphon Punnakanat, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, alongside Professor Dr. Suphachai Pathumnakaul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Professor Dr. Sutthiporn Jitmitra, Chair of the Advisory Working Group for the Hub of Talents and Hub of Knowledge development; Dr. Wipharut Deaung, Director of the National Research Council; Sompon Pantong, Director of the Fine Arts Department at the Ministry of Culture; Manyachaya Daphuadee, Manager of the Arts Center at Iconic Siam; and numerous National Artists including Preechar Thawtong, Kamol Tat Sananchali, and Decha Warachun, along with participating artists and international artist networks.

The ART DNA HUB project aims to build a learning ecosystem connecting National Artists, skilled expert artists, contemporary artists across generations, and artist networks to facilitate knowledge exchange through collaborative creative processes. It will organize Art DNA Workshops to decode knowledge from artists' real experience, create a digital archive database for visual arts research and intergenerational knowledge transmission, and foster cooperation between domestic and international art networks. Under the framework of "decode–transmit–develop–advance," the hub seeks to develop visual arts professionals capable of generating new knowledge, advancing artistic innovation, and linking knowledge with design, technology, culture, and management disciplines to create economic and social value based on Thai cultural capital, while supporting the creative economy in line with national strategy and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Visitors will experience learning through Art DNA Workshops, learning spaces, and interaction with over 60 artists including National Artists, contemporary artists, and artists from diverse disciplines who share their creative processes by decoding artistic heredity to develop concepts and advance contemporary works reflecting individual identity. The project will document knowledge and working processes throughout to create a database for future learning.

Four armed gunmen ambushed and shot a Kotabalaru police officer from Yala province who was on leave in Thung Yang Daeng district, Pattani on July 26, 2569. The officer sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and returned fire before the attackers fled the scene by both boat and motorcycle, with their exact escape route still unknown. The wounded officer was initially treated at Thung Yang Daeng Hospital in stable condition and later transferred to Pattani Hospital for continued care. Police have coordinated with relevant agencies to establish checkpoints and roadblocks along suspected escape routes while collecting ballistic evidence and examining the scene to identify and prosecute those responsible.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Chaiyawongse has confirmed he will pursue legal action against Yingcheep Atchanont, director of the internet law project iLaw, over allegations involving the disclosure of the PM's name and nine Bhumjaithai Party politicians in a Senate harassment case. After the "Raksa Phaendin" Facebook page posted in support of the legal action, saying "We ask the PM and those involved to sue Yingcheep and iLaw to the fullest extent," Anutin responded with a comment: "Noted and will comply."

Chakraphat Phaenkhae, a list-based MP for the Pheu Thai Party, met with the Professional Association of Human Resource Management Thailand (PMAT) to advance legislation setting professional standards for HR practitioners. The meeting included Vorapong Ravirat, chair of the Institute for Human Resource Development and former PMAT president; Marisa Chaoprueattipongs, deputy chair and former PMAT president; and Jinda Pasuk, board member and former chair of the Bangkok Personnel Management Club.

Chakraphat stated that the bill's objective is to establish clear professional standards for HR practitioners, similar to those already defined for 18 other professions in Thailand. He acknowledged that his initial view—that HR roles do not require formal professional qualifications—changed after careful review of the draft law and consultation with stakeholders. He emphasized that standardizing the HR profession will benefit Thailand overall, particularly by strengthening competitiveness for both Thai entrepreneurs and foreign investors who require professional personnel management systems.

Chakraphat committed to supporting the HR community's legislative efforts and pledged to present the matter to the Pheu Thai Party leadership, including the party's policy committee, while engaging relevant MPs and civil society organizations. He stressed that his support is motivated solely by the goal of elevating professional standards and enhancing Thailand's competitive capacity, with no personal interests involved.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's 77th birthday was marked by birthday tributes from his daughter, former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and political figures and supporters on 26 July 2026.

Paetongtarn posted an Instagram Story wishing her father a happy birthday, sharing a video featuring moments from Thaksin's life and the times he had been by her side.

On the same day, former Lampang MP Thanatorn Lorthsunthorn and his wife, Raphassorn Niyamosot, also shared photos on Facebook showing them dining with Thaksin. Raphassorn, a former Lampang MP who resigned from the People's Party before joining Pheu Thai for the latest election, wrote a birthday message wishing Thaksin good health and describing him as an inspirational figure for younger generations.

Thanatorn also shared his wife's post, writing: "Happy 77th birthday, Mr Thaksin, the prime minister in our hearts."

The posts drew numerous birthday wishes from members of the public and Thaksin supporters in Lampang. Many shared stickers and messages wishing the former prime minister well, with some describing him as their favourite prime minister. Some supporters also said they believed Thaksin was well suited to help address Thailand's economic difficulties and people's cost-of-living concerns amid the current economic climate.

A 50-year-old man died after collapsing on July 26 at Saphan Hin Sports Center in Phuket Municipality. At approximately 5:45 p.m., he was playing football with friends as usual when he suddenly lost consciousness and collapsed after just one match, and passed away shortly afterward, despite the full rescue efforts of teammates, bystanders, and emergency personnel.

Witnesses said the man was a regular in a senior football group that played every Saturday at the same facility. He normally played leisurely, without intense effort or running throughout the game. On the day of the incident, after finishing his first match and sitting down to rest, he suddenly collapsed to the ground. Teammates and others on the field immediately began CPR to revive him and called for an ambulance. A nurse who happened to be exercising nearby also provided first aid and retrieved an automated external defibrillator (AED) from behind the nearby beach volleyball court, which is believed to be municipal equipment.

However, the ambulance took nearly 30 minutes to arrive. The man was rushed to the hospital, but doctors were ultimately unable to save his life.

Witnesses expressed deep sadness, saying the man was a regular member of the football group and that his sudden death shocked and devastated his friends and those at the facility. They urged sports enthusiasts, especially elderly players engaging in strenuous activities like football, to get a health assessment beforehand if they have chronic conditions or poor physical condition, and to choose activities appropriate for their age to prevent unexpected incidents. They expressed their condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased.