A large fig tree collapsed onto the Naga Bridge at Kham Chanod Island around 3:30 a.m. on July 9, causing nearly 4 meters of damage to the sacred structure that serves as the main pathway to the shrine of Sri Suthod and Sri Prathum. The incident occurred at night, which fortunately prevented major disruptions. The collapse is believed to have been caused by severe weather conditions with strong winds or heavy rainfall, combined with the weight of the ancient tree in the Kham Chanod forest.

Lottery enthusiasts visiting the sacred site spotted lucky numbers appearing at various locations: figures 42, 24, 49, 94 visible on the tree trunk; numbers 73, 37 from candle wax at the altar table; and what they considered particularly auspicious numbers 450, 054 from the incense sticks. At a lottery vendor near Kham Chanod Island, an elderly woman seeking to purchase ticket 944—the last digits of a pickup truck involved in a fatal accident with a monk—found that number sold out, settling instead for ticket 244, the only remaining option.

On July 11, Prompong Nopruedee, former spokesman for the Pheu Thai Party, characterized the travel by former Prime Ministers Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck Shinawatra, and Paetongtarn Shinawatra to meet senior leaders in Southeast Asia as an important opportunity for Thailand in the face of intensifying global economic competition.

While acknowledging that some groups view the mission with suspicion and disagreement—a normal occurrence in a democracy—Prompong argued that such political discord should not overshadow opportunities to generate income, create jobs, and improve citizens' living standards.

Prompong clarified that the mission is conducted on a personal basis and does not represent government or party operations, nor is it a political power measurement or a vehicle for hidden interests. He noted that although the three former premiers hold no official positions, their concern for the nation and its people makes it commendable if they bring ideas that could benefit the country through coordination efforts.

He emphasized that in today's rapidly changing world of innovation and modern economics, Thailand should capitalize on every beneficial opportunity—whether from the government, private sector, or Thai nationals with foreign networks—to open markets, attract investment, build confidence, and expand economic cooperation.

"Former prime ministers should be viewed as quasi-economic envoys of the private sector, helping create opportunities to earn foreign revenue," Prompong said. "Political conflict and biased blame only erode progress. We should focus on the end goal: economic opportunities, job growth, and improved people's incomes."

Prompong called on the government to swiftly translate these opportunities into concrete results across trade, investment, exports, tourism, and modern economic development, while simultaneously upgrading agriculture, SMEs, community enterprises, and Thai labor to enhance competitiveness and distribute income broadly.

"Thailand must convert every opportunity into commerce, every cooperation into investment, and every beneficial connection into people's income," he concluded. "The nation's success is meaningful only when people have jobs, earn more, entrepreneurs access new markets, farmers sell well, and Thailand's economy grows alongside improved quality of life for all Thais."

A dramatic incident unfolded in Connecticut, USA, when a bear approached a young boy playing in front of his home. The family's Siberian Husky, Bella, immediately rushed to protect her owner, charging at the bear without hesitation and biting it forcefully on the rear. Startled, the bear fled back into the woods.

Bella's bravery kept the boy completely safe with no injuries sustained. Family patriarch Jeffrey Tazzara explained that he was packing for a Fourth of July celebration when he heard Bella's unusual barking. Upon investigating, he found the dog standing protectively in front of his son, facing down a large bear without showing any fear.

"Bella bit it on the rear, then the bear charged into my boat before crawling underneath and running around the back of the house into the woods," Tazzara recounted. Following the incident, Tazzara decided to reward his four-legged hero with a special prize: a large steak at their next family meal, in recognition of her bravery in protecting his son from danger.

The Metropolitan Police Bureau has launched an operation to dismantle the "Po Tip-Mae Tip" birth registration fraud network, which allegedly produced forged documents to grant foreign children illegitimate citizenship rights. Suspects include both Thai and Chinese nationals, as well as state officials and medical personnel. On July 11, 2025, at Bang Yi Ruea Police Station, Lt. Col. Ratkla, Deputy Commander of Bang Yi Ruea Station, ordered officers to transport 27 suspects—12 women and 15 men—in four separate vehicles for detention court hearings at the Central Criminal Court for Corrupted and Misconduct in Taling Chan District. Strict security measures were coordinated with nearby police stations.

Among the suspects was Prachuap, previously implicated in a nominee case involving China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Ltd. regarding a collapsed building. Group 2 included Siriporn, an officer from Thonburi District Office, and Sunee, a medical records staffer at a private hospital. Group 3 consisted of male Chinese nationals, while Group 4 included female Chinese nationals, one of whom was pregnant and transported separately in a van.

Journalists attempted to question suspects about their involvement, including whether they were nominees for Chinese nationals and how they were connected. However, all 27 suspects refused to answer any questions, keeping their heads down as officers escorted them away, with some covering their faces.

All suspects face charges of complicity in official misconduct. Siriporn was charged additionally under Article 157 for misconduct by a state official, as she held an official position.

BANGKOK — 11 July 2026, Thailand's Commerce Ministry is preparing to launch a nationwide programme encouraging participating restaurants to sell rice-and-side-dish and other ready-to-eat meals for no more than 40 baht per plate, with the government providing financial support to help offset ingredient costs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun said the proposed initiative, tentatively named "Khao Kaeng Thai Chuay Thai" (Thai Helps Thai Rice-and-Side-Dish Programme), will build on the existing Thai Help Thai Plus programme as part of broader efforts to reduce living costs for the public, particularly salaried workers.

Under the proposal, restaurants joining the scheme would voluntarily offer selected ready-to-eat dishes that meet quality and portion standards at a maximum price of 40 baht per serving. A typical meal would include rice served with at least two side dishes.

To help participating businesses absorb costs, the government plans to provide subsidies for cooking ingredients. Officials are considering assistance packages of 3,000 baht, 5,000 baht or 10,000 baht per restaurant.

The ministry expects to pilot the programme with 100,000 restaurants from a network of around 250,000 eateries already affiliated with the Commerce Ministry or participating in the Thai Help Thai Plus scheme.

The project is expected to run for at least three months and could begin immediately after receiving Cabinet approval. The Department of Internal Trade is finalising the proposal for submission to the Cabinet during the third week of July.

Suphajee stressed that participation would be entirely voluntary and that the government would not impose price controls on restaurants. Instead, businesses choosing to join the programme would receive support in exchange for offering affordable meal options.

Participating restaurants would also receive official signs to display at their storefronts, making it easier for customers to identify outlets offering the subsidised 40-baht meals.

If the pilot proves successful, the Commerce Ministry plans to expand the programme and increase the number of participating restaurants nationwide.