Heavy rain in Chonburi sparked environmental alarm on Saturday when black wastewater was observed pouring from a drainage pipe directly into the sea at Jomtien Beach in Pattaya. The incident gained wider attention after Chonburi MP Thanatharn Pramoonpong posted video footage of the dark water discharge, prompting concerns about water pollution and damage to Pattaya's tourism image.

Inspectors who visited the area near tourist boat ramp A, across from Siam Commercial Bank on Jomtien Beach, confirmed that black water continued flowing from the drainage pipe into the sea. Though the discharge volume decreased as rainfall subsided, local boat operators reported the problem occurs regularly during heavy downpours, eroding the boat ramp and complicating vessel movements.

Operators have urged Pattaya City and relevant agencies to implement a lasting fix, warning that repeated discharges harm both their livelihoods and the reputation of one of the city's premier tourist destinations.

The wastewater incident was not isolated. Heavy rain also caused structural damage elsewhere in Chonburi when a partially constructed factory wall in Si Racha district collapsed, releasing large quantities of foam packaging waste into surrounding neighborhoods. Residents reported foam fragments scattered across streets and drainage systems, sparking concerns over environmental damage and demands for cleanup and investigation of the construction site.

Authorities have faced pressure to investigate both incidents and implement preventive measures ahead of future rainfall.

Prime Minister Anuthut Chaiyaweerakul led a delegation including Culture Minister Sabeeda Taiyasakul and other high-ranking government officials to participate in a water ablution ceremony for seven monks at Wat Ban Nam Khun in Ubon Ratchathani province on July 4, 2025. The monks—Yothin Wanasri, Rochat Thongburan, Nikum Angkap, Sakda Sila, Samruay Rawang, Chaisonn Nanthasingh, and Yuth Phongsawiseth—died when they were struck by a pickup truck while on an alms-round pilgrimage near Ban Na Sineuan village in Mukdahan province on July 2. The PM placed wreaths, expressed sympathy to grieving families, and presented financial aid to those affected. He pledged the government's full support and instructed relevant agencies to expedite assistance, rehabilitation, and legal proceedings. After the ceremony, the PM met with residents from border communities affected by recent Thai-Cambodian tensions, listening to their concerns about border checkpoint closures and cassava prices before returning to Bangkok.

A husband-and-wife team charged with operating a heroin smuggling operation appeared in Bangkok Criminal Court on July 4, 2569, without posting bail. Nai Atit and Nang Tat Saporn were brought before the court by investigators from the Special Cases Investigation Division on charges of jointly distributing Class 1 narcotics for commercial purposes without authorization.

Both suspects confessed to the allegations presented by investigators but denied any connection to a larger drug trafficking network. They also denied involvement in heroin smuggling cases linked to a female flight attendant.

Investigators opposed bail, arguing they need to interview 30 additional witnesses and warning that the suspects pose a flight risk and could tamper with evidence. Their detention order expires on July 6. Authorities requested a 12-day remand from July 4 to July 15, which the court granted. Following the court hearing, neither Nai Atit nor Nang Tat Saporn filed any bail applications. Authorities transferred both suspects to Bangkok Special Prison and Bangkok Women's Correctional Institution respectively.

Cultural artist Keng Thachaya recently released professional photoshoot images dressed as Samanak Kha, a giantess character from the Ramakien. The costume was meticulously designed with elaborate clothing and styling.

Shortly after posting, fellow The Voice Thailand artist Poo commented suggesting that as a royal character of high rank, the costume should include specific headdress styles. Keng responded with a white heart emoji.

Costume designer Smart Kandhorn then clarified that Samanak Kha's costume can be styled in three different ways according to classical dance performance traditions, including different headdress options. He explained that the giantess character can wear either the framed headdress or the crowned version, and that this reflects aesthetic choices rather than strict rules.

Kandhorn further noted that if costume choices are analyzed through strict artistic theory, debate could be endless. However, considering historical performance practices, aesthetic and visual beauty should take priority. The specific hairstyle choice—whether curled or coconut-palm style—may also depend on character recognition and audience clarity.

The artist herself has not yet made an official statement. This incident highlights how cultural and costume details can become contentious even in artistic interpretations, and observers are watching to see whether the controversy escalates further.

At 4:16 p.m. on July 4, 2025, police took into custody Uthai Kanaphiwat, 57, the man in the blue hoodie who delivered heroin-concealed parcels to Mina, a female airline hostess. Officers used FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) to analyze white powder scraped from elephant-patterned fabric remnants, which confirmed the substance was heroin.

Deputy Police Commissioner Samran Nualma questioned Uthai about the elephant-patterned fabric containing narcotics, and he nodded in admission. Officers explained that the white powder samples from the fabric tested positive for heroin. The case will proceed with detailed laboratory analysis to determine exact quantities.

Uthai, a Hmong national from Nan Province, confessed during interrogation that on June 20 he traveled to Chiang Kham District, Phayao to collect four elephant-patterned bags (12 units) and two elephant-patterned bags (6 units) containing pre-loaded heroin. After learning the airline hostess was arrested in Australia, he disposed of remaining heroin down toilets and scattered bags at various locations to destroy evidence. The evidence found today came from items recovered on Soi Suea Yai.

Forensic testing revealed heroin residue inside the confiscated bags, scoring nearly 900 out of 1,000 points, confirming heroin traces. Uthai admitted he knew the bags contained heroin from the start. He received them from a masked person in Chiang Kham, Phayao, transported them to Bangkok by tour bus, stored them in a rented room, and delivered them to a condo in the Bang Na area for 60,000 baht per trip—claiming he completed three such deliveries.

Uthai stated he was contacted through a Line group by a Thai person using coded account names like "Rinrin" but could not recall their real name. He denied packing the heroin himself, only receiving pre-packed bags before repacking and shipping them. All three deliveries used the same driver, Atirach (nicknamed "Peah"), 59, contacted by phone rather than through an app.

Deputy Commissioner Samran stated police remain skeptical of Uthai's claims of not knowing the driver personally and are gathering additional evidence. If connections are found, police will seek arrest warrants from the court.

On July 4, 2025, Thailand's Meteorological Department forecasted heavy rainfall in some areas over the next 24 hours, with very heavy rain in parts of the upper North, upper Northeast, and East regions. A monsoon trough is passing through the upper North and northern Laos, moving into tropical storm Maysak, while a strong southwest monsoon covers the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The public is urged to be cautious of heavy to very heavy rainfall and accumulated precipitation, which may cause flash floods and flash flooding, especially in hillside and low-lying areas near water sources.

Waves in the upper Andaman Sea are moderately strong, with heights of 2-3 meters, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. The lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand have waves around 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm zones. Fishermen are advised to navigate carefully and avoid thunderstorm areas. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should remain ashore.

Weather forecast for Thailand from 6:00 PM today to 6:00 PM tomorrow:

North: 70% thunderstorms with heavy rain in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun; very heavy rain in Chiang Rai, Phayao, and Nan. Low 23-26°C, high 31-34°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

Northeast: 70% thunderstorms with heavy rain in Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani; very heavy rain in Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, and Nakhon Phanom. Low 23-26°C, high 30-34°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

Central: 70% thunderstorms with some heavy rain in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Low 22-27°C, high 34-36°C. Southwest winds 10-25 km/h.

East: 70% thunderstorms with heavy rain in Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, and Rayong; very heavy rain in Chanthaburi and Trat. Low 24-28°C, high 30-33°C. Southwest winds 20-35 km/h. Waves around 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

South (East Coast): 30% thunderstorms with some heavy rain in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan. Low 23-25°C, high 32-35°C. From Surat Thani upward: southwest winds 20-35 km/h, waves 1-2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorms. From Nakhon Si Thammarat downward: southwest winds 15-30 km/h, waves around 1 meter, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorms.

South (West Coast): 30% thunderstorms, mainly in Ranong and Phang Nga. Low 23-27°C, high 30-34°C.