Thailand's Department of International Trade Negotiations said the ASEAN Secretariat is hosting the 19th round of ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) talks from June 30 to July 3, 2025, in Jakarta, Indonesia, to complete negotiations by year's end. The talks are now 80% complete, with negotiations covering 19 of 26 chapters finalized. In this round, negotiators aim to conclude seven additional chapters including intellectual property, services trade, rules of origin, technical barriers to trade, investment, preamble provisions, and anti-corruption measures.

The negotiations have entered a critical phase with both sides seeking to resolve outstanding issues including goods trade, rules of origin, government procurement, and sustainable trade and development. Both parties plan to hold continuous meetings in physical and online formats and have set a goal to announce final results during the ASEAN Leaders' Meeting in November 2025. Thailand is also separately pursuing bilateral trade negotiations with Canada, which would be Thailand's first FTA with a North American country, with talks expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025.

Bilateral trade between Thailand and Canada reached $3.915 billion in 2024, up 21.44% from 2023. Thai exports to Canada totaled $2.587 billion, increasing 21.25% year-on-year, while imports from Canada reached $1.328 billion, up 21.82%. Major Thai exports include computers, electronic equipment, steel products, canned seafood, rice, and rubber products, while key imports are electrical circuits, gemstones, precious metals, fertilizers, pesticides, plant products, and machinery components.

On July 16, Thitiporn Luangprasertsri, director-general of the Fisheries Department, addressed public concerns about fish species identification in canned products. The department emphasized that its testing follows international laboratory standards using morphology identification and taxonomy methods—the same techniques applied to seafood exports and approved by trading partners including the European Union, United States, and South Korea.

The Food and Drug Administration sent three sets of samples for testing on May 5. The Fisheries Department's aquatic taxonomy specialists examined them and submitted results starting May 6. Set 1 contained 10 cans labeled as mackerel in tomato sauce (Bonus brand), but morphological analysis identified them all as sardines in tomato sauce. Sets 2 and 3 were unlabeled cans—4 and 6 respectively—both identified as tilapia in tomato sauce.

Thitiporn explained that tilapia and black chin fish can be distinguished using morphological principles because they possess clearly different characteristics under taxonomic classification, such as differing numbers of scale rows above the lateral line. DNA sequencing represents an alternative scientific technique but requires complex molecular preparation, lengthy processing, and high costs before comparison with genetic databases like GenBank. Both methods are scientifically recognized and internationally standard.

Differing results from other agencies may reflect samples from different production batches or manufacturing runs, as factories source raw materials from multiple suppliers per batch. Environmental factors affecting samples can also produce different species identifications. Quality control and ingredient traceability remain the responsibility of the Food and Drug Administration under the Food Act of 1979.

The Fisheries Department noted it enforces regulations controlling black chin fish possession and movement under a 2567 (2024) Agricultural Ministry announcement. The department welcomes concerns about black chin fish proliferation and remains open to information from the public, academics, and other agencies, assessing population prevalence in natural waterways through representative sampling across river systems.

Nichcha Dang Wathanavanitchya has been named the first ambassador for JEWELLISTA, a fast-growing Thai jewelry brand, reflecting the image of a confident, capable modern woman who navigates life's challenges with skill, conviction, and the philosophy of Know Your Worth. The brand's Self-Love collection and new online advertising film will inspire women to prioritize self-care in all aspects—from physical appearance to inner confidence and self-acceptance.

Nichcha shared her enthusiasm about the partnership, saying the brand's mission aligns perfectly with her own values. She emphasized that jewelry serves as a powerful form of self-expression, urging women to choose pieces like rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and ear cuffs that reflect their identity and complement their outfits. According to Nichcha, the right jewelry not only completes a look but also enhances its memorability and personal charm.

Bangkok, 16 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is collaborating with the production team behind Season 42 of The Challenge, filmed in Thailand and set to premiere on Paramount+ on 5 August 2026. The partnership supports TAT’s film-tourism direction to present Thailand’s destinations, culture and travel experiences to international audiences.

Ms. Chompu Marusachot, Director of the TAT New York Office, said, “International productions can bring destinations to life through stories that reach audiences worldwide. This collaboration presents Bangkok, Pattaya and Chon Buri through a globally recognised entertainment format, while reinforcing Thailand’s readiness for international filming and encouraging viewers to discover the country beyond the screen.”

Led through the TAT New York Office, the collaboration advances TAT’s long-term film-tourism strategy by linking on-screen visibility with Thailand’s culture, destinations and travel experiences. Engagement with global media and streaming platforms helps build travel interest while strengthening Thailand’s profile as an international production and film-tourism destination.

Filmed across Bangkok and Thailand’s eastern seaboard, including Pattaya and locations throughout Chon Buri, the season places Thailand at the centre of its setting and story. Urban locations, coastal scenery and outdoor landscapes frame the competition while introducing viewers to the diverse experiences of Amazing Thailand.

Mr. Justin Booth, Executive Producer of The Challenge, said, “Going into Season 42, we wanted to showcase not only the competition fans know and love, but also the incredible sense of place that Thailand brings to the series. From the vibrant energy of Bangkok to the stunning coastal landscapes of Pattaya and Chon Buri, Thailand elevated every aspect of the season. We’re excited for viewers around the world to experience the country alongside the competition and discover what makes it such a remarkable destination.”

Now entering its 42nd season, The Challenge is one of reality television’s longest-running competition franchises. MTV’s The Challenge: Cutthroat brings together 24 veteran and new competitors divided into three teams. They will face physical and mental challenges for a share of the US$500,000 prize, with success depending on individual performance, team loyalty and the ability to cross the finish line together.

Mr. T.J. Lavin, host of The Challenge, said, “The Challenge is known for pushing competitors to their limits, and Thailand provided an unforgettable setting for some of the most intense and exciting moments we’ve ever captured. Thailand gave us an incredible backdrop for the competition. The scenery, scale, and sense of adventure elevated every challenge, and I think fans are going to be blown away by what they see this season.”

Additional details on the partnership and featured filming locations will be announced in the coming weeks. Season 42 of MTV’s The Challenge: Cutthroat will premiere on Paramount+ on 5 August 2026.

The post TAT brings Amazing Thailand to global audiences through The Challenge Season 42 appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

Devotees are invited to participate in a major merit-making project at Wat Sangkharam in Sukhothai province to construct a 35-meter Buddha statue dedicated to Thailand's former kings. The project, titled "Phutthauthayan Chaloem Phra Kiarti" (Buddha Park Commemorating Royal Glory), aims to honor past Thai monarchs who upheld the nation's independence and to express gratitude for their contributions to the country and Buddhism.

Reverend Phra Rajvaj Dharmmrangsi, abbot of Wat Indraviharn in Bangkok, recently visited the construction site at Wat Sangkharam (Luang Pho Jong) in Ban Dan Lan Hoi District, Sukhothai province, to oversee progress on this auspicious endeavor. The project symbolizes the profound faith of Buddhists and was established to dedicate merit to all former Thai monarchs, who were instrumental in protecting the nation's sovereignty, while expressing gratitude toward past kings, the nation, and Buddhism. The project aims to preserve virtuous deeds and faith for future generations.

The main Buddha image, standing 35 meters tall and magnificently crafted, is mounted on a pavilion for a total height of approximately 45 meters. Construction work is progressing steadily, with gold mosaic being applied to the Buddha image and protective nagas being sculpted to safeguard the faith. The Buddha Park will serve as a place for Buddhist practice and as one of Thailand's most beautiful Buddhist monuments.

This construction project is considered a major merit-making endeavor that requires the spiritual strength and support of Buddhists throughout the country to ensure its successful completion. The public is invited to contribute financially to support the project and share in this historic display of faith.

Those wishing to participate in the merit-making can contribute at Wat Indraviharn, Bang Khun Phrom, Bangkok (Account Number 070-0-31564-0) or at Wat Sangkharam (Luang Pho Jong), Ban Dan Lan Hoi District, Sukhothai province (Account Number 020485864738).

May the merit of your generosity bring blessings and the benefits of constructing this Buddha image and honoring the compassion of Thailand's former kings bring happiness, prosperity, good health, and success to you and your families.

On July 16, 2025, Wat Pradu Royal Temple in Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram, held a merit-making ceremony marking the 65th birthday anniversary of Phra Ratchapavanavachirajarn, the abbot and provincial Buddhist leader. The morning featured monk alms offerings for 66 monks, fish releases, blood donation drives in cooperation with the Thai Red Cross, and education scholarships for Pali students and pupils from three local schools.

The event's highlight came when Ms. Phongpan Pathapi, 51, a cold storage business owner, and MPS Interfood company donated 10 tons of premium export-grade fruit — 5 tons of durian and 5 tons of mangosteen — for distribution to attendees. The generosity drew thousands of people from inside and outside the district, prompting the temple to issue queue cards for orderly distribution with assistance from temple staff, local officials, and Amphawa police.

Phongpan explained that her donation stemmed from deep respect for the abbot's spiritual merit, noting that he has always blessed her home and business endeavors, leading to continuous prosperity. Beyond honoring the abbot on his birthday, she said the gesture also supports local durian farmers during peak harvest season. The event exemplified both gratitude toward the respected religious leader and broader community values of charity, educational opportunity, and mutual aid.