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National

Bangkok Governor Appoints Nipat Thongleak As New Advisory Chair

Bangkok's governor appointed retired General Nipat Thongleak as the new Chairman of the Governor's Advisory Board on July 14, replacing Chakkapat Phiwngam who recently resigned from the position.

Bangkok Governor Appoints Nipat Thongleak As New Advisory Chair
2d ago Khaosod

On July 14, 2025, at Bangkok City Hall, Governor Chatchat Sittiphan chaired the 7th executive committee meeting, attended by deputy governors, department heads, and district directors from all 50 districts. Chatchat announced to the assembled officials that General Nipat Thongleak has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Governor's Advisory Board, replacing Chakkapat Phiwngam, who had announced his resignation on July 9 before traveling to another province, though he had initially declined the role. Chatchat confirmed that Chakkapat remains an elder brother who will continue to provide advisory support, while General Nipat, who is already familiar with the administration, has been invited to work alongside them. The list of expert advisors is expected to be finalized later that day.

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National

Legendary Thai Film Director Prayoon Wongchuen Dies at 81

Legendary Thai film director Prayoon Wongchuen, who shaped Thai cinema from the 1980s through the 1990s with acclaimed works including "The Conscripts" and "Time in a Bottle," has died peacefully at age 81 in Nonthaburi Province.

Legendary Thai Film Director Prayoon Wongchuen Dies at 81
2d ago Khaosod

The Thai film community mourns the loss of renowned director Prayoon Wongchuen, who died peacefully at his residence in Soi Rewadee, Nonthaburi Province, at age 81. According to an interview with his son, Jen Krit Phon Wongchuen, the director passed away quietly in his sleep around 1:20 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2025.

Prayoon had been suffering from a right-hemisphere cerebral hemorrhage with left-hemisphere swelling following an earlier illness. His son recounted that after his initial symptoms—including a headache while sitting in a public park—his father was hospitalized and eventually discharged, but his condition did not improve. Over the past six months, Prayoon experienced progressive memory loss, loss of appetite, reduced speech, and appeared to have lost interest in life, until he passed away peacefully last night at age 81.

Born on January 12, 1945, Prayoon Wongchuen was a master-level Thai film director and producer whose career flourished from the 1980s through the 1990s. His directorial debut was 'Big Father Gun' in 1976. He went on to create acclaimed films including 'The Conscripts' (1984), 'The New Conscripts' (1985), and 'Conscripts Ka-Ga-Bo' (1986). His teenage-oriented films 'Time in a Bottle' (1991) and 'It Hides in the Dorm' brought him widespread recognition. Other notable works include 'Father Jigko' (1983), 'Debt Collector' (1984), 'Sergeant Star String' (1986), and 'Takian Kanong.' Prayoon received numerous awards recognizing his significant contributions to Thai cinema. A funeral service will be held at Wat Samrongkot in Nonthaburi Province on Wednesday, July 15, 2025.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand to Remove 5,000 Officials Over Local Exam Cheating Scandal

Thailand will dismiss roughly 5,000 civil servants caught cheating on local government exams, with the central civil service commission reviewing cases on July 15 for final approval. Police will investigate financial ties and evidence while

Thailand to Remove 5,000 Officials Over Local Exam Cheating Scandal
2d ago Khaosod

Interior Ministry Deputy Secretary-General Akaradet Sampantharatana announced on July 13, 2026, that about 5,000 civil servants implicated in local government exam fraud will be referred to the central committee for dismissal. The central civil service commission will convene on July 15, after which findings will be sent to the central committee for a final decision on revoking appointments. When asked about potential lawsuits from dismissed officials, Akaradet stated that the government has empirical evidence and is confident in the correctness of its actions, citing the principle that "if today is right, there is no need to fear tomorrow."

Akaradet confirmed that all government officials involved in the misconduct will face legal proceedings. Police will investigate financial trails, testimonies, and other evidence. The inquiry extends beyond those initially flagged, encompassing all witnesses and related parties. The deputy director of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Theeraphattana Katcamat, who chairs the serious disciplinary investigation committee, stated that the process is just beginning and must be completed within 120 days. He added that no additional information has yet been received from other agencies, and that further names may emerge through separate legal processes depending on the findings.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Police

Friends Leave Flowers After Bar Fire Claims Lives, Two Laotians Missing

A deadly bar fire in Bangkok's Ladprao area has claimed lives and left two Laotian travelers missing, with friends leaving flowers at the scene to honor the victims.

Friends Leave Flowers After Bar Fire Claims Lives, Two Laotians Missing
2d ago Khaosod

At 9 a.m. on July 14, 2025, at a beer bar in Bangkok's Ladprao area, Pakhin, 25, a friend of two missing men, placed a single rose at the fire scene to commemorate the victims and his missing friends whom he could no longer reach. Pakhin said the two missing men were fellow travelers from Laos whom he knew through group trips. On the day of the fire, they had invited him to join them, but he declined. Upon learning of the fire, he panicked and tried repeatedly to contact them but has been unable to reach them since. When asked about his frequency of visits, Pakhin explained he rarely came to this bar because he smokes, and the establishment confiscates lighters at the entrance, which he disliked. He also felt uncomfortable due to the low ceiling. Whenever he visited, he would enter and exit only through the front door, never using the back exit, and would typically stay for just a brief moment because of his discomfort with the venue. Meanwhile, passersby in the surrounding area have been bringing flowers to pay respects to those who died in the fire.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Develops Chiang Saen Port as Mekong Trade Hub

Deputy Minister of Transport Sanphet Bunyamanee visited Chiang Rai province on July 13, 2026, to assess transport infrastructure and logistics development aimed at strengthening cross-border trade and...

2d ago Thailand.go.th Issues

Deputy Minister of Transport Sanphet Bunyamanee visited Chiang Rai province on July 13, 2026, to assess transport infrastructure and logistics development aimed at strengthening cross-border trade and...

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Bangkok Governor Orders Nightly Bar Inspections After Deadly Fire

Bangkok's governor has ordered nightly inspections of bars and entertainment venues following a deadly fire at a beer hall in Lat Phrao that killed 28 people and exposed multiple safety violations.

Bangkok Governor Orders Nightly Bar Inspections After Deadly Fire
2d ago Khaosod

On July 14, 2569, Bangkok Governor Chatchat Sittiphan presided over the seventh meeting of the executive committee at City Hall, attended by deputy governors, the permanent secretary, district chiefs from all 50 districts, and relevant officials. The meeting opened with a moment of silence to pay respects to the victims of the Lat Phrao beer hall fire that killed 28 people.

Governor Chatchat announced that a fact-finding committee has been established to investigate the fire, which revealed critical safety failures including blocked emergency exits, non-functional emergency lighting, uncertainty about fire door locks, and flammable materials on ceilings. He stressed that while inspections are normally scheduled for specific months, the incidents revealed require continuous monitoring and vigilance.

Governor Chatchat instructed district chiefs to conduct nightly inspections of bars and entertainment venues, with authority to immediately order closures if safety risks are identified. He emphasized that compliance with regulations alone is insufficient—district officials must exercise judgment and consider broader patterns of concern. Additionally, a fact-finding committee will examine at least 500 to 1,000 cases of unlicensed shrine registrations across five other districts, requiring further investigation and enforcement action.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Government to Announce First Phase Local Exam Fraud Probe Results

Thailand's government will announce preliminary findings today from an investigation into alleged fraud in last year's local government recruitment exam, with national police and the anti-corruption commission leading the probe.

Government to Announce First Phase Local Exam Fraud Probe Results
2d ago Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Niltraphand announced at Government House at 7:30 a.m. on July 14, 2569 that this afternoon's fact-finding committee meeting will address alleged fraud in the 2568 recruitment examination for local government officials. The national police commander will head the session, with the NACC secretary-general presenting preliminary findings from the investigation. Pakorn declined to reveal details before the meeting, saying he had not yet reviewed the results. DSI Director-General Yutthana Praedamrongkul explained that the DSI is investigating fraud-related matters in the local government recruitment case and will coordinate with other agencies if it becomes a special case. He noted that the investigation is still in the inquiry stage and separate from the central police investigation, with the DSI handling fraud aspects and tracking financial flows if the case is elevated to special status.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Police

American Tourist Held Over Jet-Ski Operator Assault

An American tourist arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport faces assault charges after allegedly attacking a jet-ski operator in Patong, with authorities moving to revoke his visa.

American Tourist Held Over Jet-Ski Operator Assault
2d ago The Phuket News

PHUKET: Patong Police have confirmed that an American tourist arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport over the alleged assault of a Patong jet-ski operator is being held in custody while prosecutors prepare assault charges and immigration authorities move to revoke his visa.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Thai Interior Ministry Says Ladprao Brewery Operated Illegally

The Ladprao brewery operated illegally as an entertainment venue while registered only as a restaurant, Thailand's Deputy Interior Minister said, adding that Bangkok authorities will intensify inspections of similar establishments.

Thai Interior Ministry Says Ladprao Brewery Operated Illegally
2d ago Khaosod

Deputy Interior Minister Arsit Sampanthawattanakul gave an interview at Government House on July 13, 2025, regarding an investigation into the Ladprao brewery fire. He stated that the establishment was registered as a restaurant but operated like an entertainment service venue, which requires specific components including live music, alcohol sales, and dancing. Without proper registration as a service establishment, operating with these features constitutes a legal violation.

When asked whether stricter inspections of similar establishments would be undertaken, Arsit said the Bangkok governor has ordered intensified oversight of restaurants operating in this manner. In Bangkok, the Metropolitan Police Bureau oversees service establishments, while provincial governors handle the same in their jurisdictions.

Regarding whether laws need to be strengthened to close loopholes, Arsit said that exploiting legal gaps is an operator's responsibility, and the government's duty is to act when violations are found. He emphasized that the public also plays an important role—anyone discovering illegal operations can report them to the Interior Ministry, after which authorities will take enforcement action.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Safety Violations Found In Bangkok Beer Hall Fire

BANGKOK: A preliminary inspection into the deadly inferno at Rong Beer Na Ladprao beer hall has uncovered multiple safety violations, as police investigate the blaze that killed 28 people and injured 71 others.

Safety Violations Found In Bangkok Beer Hall Fire
2d ago The Phuket News

BANGKOK: A preliminary inspection into the deadly inferno at Rong Beer Na Ladprao beer hall has uncovered multiple safety violations, as police investigate the blaze that killed 28 people and injured 71 others.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Gold Price Falls Again on July 14

Gold prices dropped 650 baht per baht-weight on July 14, with ornamental gold trading at 62,186 baht for buying, though traders expect a potential surge of 1,000–2,000 baht when markets reopen.

Gold Price Falls Again on July 14
2d ago Khaosod

The Thai Gold Traders Association announced that gold prices continue to fall on July 14, 2025. Ornamental gold (96.5% purity) is trading at 62,186.32 baht per baht-weight for buying and 64,450 baht per baht-weight for selling, down 650 baht from the previous day's closing price. Gold bars are being bought at 63,450 baht per baht-weight and sold at 63,650 baht per baht-weight. International spot gold prices are currently at $4,010 per ounce. Gold traders speculate that prices may surge 1,000–2,000 baht per baht-weight when the market opens the following day, potentially breaking through the 80,000-baht threshold.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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