As the proud host of the 2026 International Monetary Fund – World Bank Group Annual Meetings, Thailand is set to captivate the world by showing our cultural identity through local textiles and cuisi...
As the proud host of the 2026 International Monetary Fund – World Bank Group Annual Meetings, Thailand is set to captivate the world by showing our cultural identity through local textiles and cuisi...
Thai entertainers Nas Chutarat and Chok publicly reconciled with Ball Cheun Yim after a four-year dispute, exchanging apologies and well-wishes in a heartfelt Facebook photo that marked an end to their concert-booking conflict.
Nas Chutarat and Chok have publicly reconciled with Ball Cheun Yim, with the pair greeting and bowing to Ball in a Facebook photo while Ball hugged them both. Nas expressed that she was delighted the day she had waited four years for had finally arrived, thanking everyone and apologizing for her past aggressive behavior. Ball responded in the comments, saying he wishes both of them well, that he holds only good intentions with no ill will, and has let go of the past, encouraging them to find happiness in their remaining time and continue making a living together. He thanked them and wished happiness for their families. The reconciliation comes after years of conflict between the entertainers over concert bookings and on-set tensions that had led them to announce they would not work together again, before Nas and Chok later posted apologies seeking Ball's forgiveness.
A 45-year-old Australian tourist drowned in a luxury villa's swimming pool in Phuket on July 21 after relatives pulled her from the water and attempted CPR, but she could not be revived at the hospital.
A 45-year-old Australian tourist, Hai Yan Hong, drowned in a 3-meter-deep swimming pool at a luxury villa in Phuket. At 8 p.m. on July 21, 2025, Thalang Police Station received notification from Thalang Hospital about the death of a foreign tourist. Deputy Investigation Officer Kriang Krai Dao Krajai reported the incident to Thalang Station Commander Nikorn Chutong before proceeding to investigate with hospital medical staff.
The victim drowned in the pool of a luxury villa in Pa Khlok subdistrict, Thalang district, Phuket. Initial questioning of the victim's husband, Ya Si, revealed that he arrived with his wife and 12 other family members on July 20, with lodging scheduled through July 25, 2025. On July 21 at approximately 4 p.m., he and his wife rented a jet ski and played near Naka Island before returning to the villa around 5:15 p.m. They then went swimming in the villa's 3-meter-deep pool with approximately eight relatives.
While swimming, relatives discovered the victim drowning in the pool. They immediately pulled her out and performed CPR while contacting emergency services 1669. She was transported to Thalang Hospital, where doctors attempted resuscitation but she was pronounced dead shortly after. An initial autopsy by police and hospital medical staff determined the cause of death as drowning. The body is being held at Thalang Hospital pending a detailed autopsy. Investigators will continue interviewing relatives present at the scene, review security camera footage, notify the Australian Embassy, and proceed with legal proceedings.
A woman's viral post claiming sexual assault by a motorcycle taxi driver after a concert was investigated and found to be fabricated; the driver's sister later revealed the woman suffers from mental health issues and sought reconciliation.
A woman posted a viral clip on social media claiming she was sexually assaulted by a motorcycle taxi driver after leaving a JAY B concert at Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani. She alleged the driver took a shortcut through a narrow soi, touched her thigh twice, and that she jumped from the moving vehicle in fear, suffering injuries that required nine stitches. The post went viral with over 10 million views, prompting concern from JAY B and his fanbase, who subsequently investigated the claim by reviewing CCTV footage at Pak Kret Police Station. The investigation revealed the woman had fabricated the entire incident.
On July 21, 2026, at Pak Kret Police Station, Phat (alias), 56, a motorcycle taxi driver employed in Muang Thong Thani, came forward to file a police report. The driver revealed that on the night of July 12, 2026, the woman had hailed him for a ride to a hotel near Chaeng Wattana Road, Soi 21. He chose to take a shortcut along Khlong Bang Phood to save distance—only 2 kilometers instead of the usual 8-kilometer route—which would have cost 200 baht instead of the 80 baht he eventually charged her. He said she even gave him 100 baht, and he complimented her on being both beautiful and kind-hearted. The driver stated he was unaware of the post until Muang Thong Thani's security center informed him, as the viral post had drawn millions of views and countless comments.
The driver explained he could not have committed the alleged assault because his motorcycle taxi has a clutch, and the soi is only 80 centimeters to 1 meter wide—too narrow to ride one-handed without risking falling off the bridge. The security center instructed him to file a police report on July 19, 2026, as evidence. The following day, the woman's sister contacted him to arrange a reconciliation meeting at a hotel, explaining that her sister suffers from mental health problems. The driver, displaying compassion, agreed to meet and expressed willingness to forgive if the matter could be resolved amicably. He stressed that the woman's false accusations caused him significant harm and requested an apology for the damage to his reputation from the fabricated social media post.
Thailand has developed a new cloud-seeding agent called AR23 that works effectively during severe droughts when humidity is too low for traditional methods, potentially generating over 13 million cubic meters of water daily to support agric
The Agricultural Research Development Office (ARDA) is supporting research to help farmers cope with climate change by increasing rainfall opportunities during dry seasons and generating over 13 million cubic meters of water daily.
Dr. Taveesak Thanadechopol, ARDA director, emphasized that every rainless day represents not just seasonal drought but a threat to national food security. Thailand has over 149 million rai of agricultural land, with more than 70 percent located outside irrigation zones and depending on rainwater for 75 percent of water needs—totaling over 65,000 million cubic meters annually. Climate change has intensified droughts, erratic rainfall, and PM2.5 pollution, making the royal rain-making program increasingly vital to water resource management.
Previous cloud-seeding operations faced significant limitations because traditional seeding agents required relative humidity above 60 percent, making them ineffective during severe droughts when water is most needed. ARDA therefore funded the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR) to develop AR23, an alternative seeding agent led by Dr. Arissa Jaiyu, which can function at humidity levels of 56–60 percent.
AR23 increases cloud condensation nuclei by approximately 12 percent and extends rain-making capabilities during droughts and irregular rainfall periods—previously the most restricted times for cloud seeding. This innovation is built on meteorology and cloud physics science, with evaluation systems using empirical data including upper-atmosphere measurements, cloud condensation nucleus counts, cloud water droplet measurements, weather radar analysis, and statistical analysis to ensure all operations rest on verifiable scientific evidence.
Research confirms AR23's effectiveness and has passed testing for real-world use by the Royal Thai Navy's Meteorological Department and the Department of Agricultural Aviation. Nationwide deployment began in fiscal year 2567, enabling rain-making operations under previously limiting atmospheric conditions while improving cloud formation and precipitation efficiency. AR23 supports water augmentation, drought relief, and mitigation of haze and PM2.5 pollution.
Within just two years, ARDA-supported research through collaboration between TISTR, the meteorological department, and the agricultural aviation department successfully developed AR23 and transitioned it from laboratory to operational use. Production has exceeded 35 tons, with knowledge transfer and training provided to over 30 personnel. Plans call for expanding annual production capacity to at least 100 tons to support nationwide rain-making operations.
The initiative can increase water supply in agricultural areas by an average maximum of over 13 million cubic meters daily, benefiting more than 1 million rai and generating approximately 2,107 million baht in economic value through reduced agricultural damage, enhanced dry-season rain-making capability, drought impact mitigation, and air pollution relief. It also reduces state budget burdens for long-term drought recovery and rehabilitation, representing an important project that advances the nation's water management efficiency.
An unidentified male body was discovered decomposed in a Nakhon Si Thammarat townhouse on July 21, while the homeowner, a transgender woman known as "Off," has gone missing and cannot be reached.
On the evening of July 21, 2569, authorities including Lt. Col. Kittishai Krainara, the superintendent of Muang Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat, along with a medical examiner from Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital and officials from the Prachachart Foundation, investigated a townhouse in Soi Thai Bandit along the Nakhon Si Thammarat-Ban Tarn Road in Tambon Phothisaden, Muang District. Upon arrival, a strong stench of decomposition was detected. Police found an unidentified male body slumped against a pillow on the second-floor bedroom. The corpse was heavily decomposed and appeared to have been dead for at least 3-4 days. The homeowner, known as "Off," a transgender woman, has been missing for three days and cannot be contacted, though calls are being routed through but not answered. Strange occult rituals were observed inside the home, including the spirit house wrapped in white cloth, possibly intended to sever the deceased's spirit from the household shrine or to perform other occult practices. Initial autopsy was inconclusive due to the body's advanced decomposition; a detailed examination is required. According to investigation details, Off had called police about 2-3 days prior requesting assistance in removing a boyfriend from the house, but officers found no one present. A neighbor reported that since Off's father died over a year ago, Off had become reclusive, keeping the house draped with cloth and rarely seen by others. The neighbor also noted that Off practiced occult rituals and was involved with mystical activities. Police are now urgently searching for Off to determine the identity of the deceased, locate relatives, and proceed with legal action.
Thailand's men's futsal team began training July 21 to prepare for the Continental Futsal Championship 2026, starting August 1 in Nonthaburi with a 20-player roster coached by Rakphol Sainetrngam.
Thailand's national men's futsal team reported for their first training camp on July 21 at the FA Thailand facility to prepare for the Continental Futsal Championship 2026, which will take place August 1-6 at a gymnasium in Nonthaburi province. Head coach Rakphol Sainetrngam, nicknamed "Coach Mee," led the 20-player roster and coaching staff.
Coach Mee explained that the squad was assembled by combining players from recent AFC Asian and ASEAN championship campaigns, plus one new player, Sirawit Buattonglert from Phetchaburi Rajabhat University. He noted the challenge of preparing a competitive team in just two weeks with only eight training sessions before the tournament. "We're trying to blend experienced players with rising stars quickly," he said, acknowledging that three months have passed since the last ASEAN championship.
The coach praised clubs for releasing players outside the FIFA window and mentioned that international player Muhammad Usmanmussa was unavailable due to club commitments. He emphasized that this tournament serves as preparation for the Asian Indoor Games and provides an opportunity to evaluate the squad's direction moving forward.
Player Ranchai Juengwongsuk expressed honor at being called up and reported being in full physical condition. He noted this was his second camp after recovering from an injury suffered during the ASEAN championship and expressed readiness to contribute to the team's goals.
Phuket authorities are investigating discolored seawater at Patong Beach again, with officials blaming a possible phytoplankton bloom while critics point to ongoing wastewater pollution concerns.
PHUKET: Phuket authorities have launched yet another investigation into brown seawater off Patong Beach, with officials again suggesting a phytoplankton bloom may be responsible despite longstanding concerns over wastewater entering the bay.
Thai Yamaha Motor continues backing the Buriram Marathon for its eleventh consecutive year, with the 2027 race scheduled for January 23 in Buriram province under the theme "Beat the Night, Run the Light.
Thai Yamaha Motor is pressing ahead with its eleventh year of sponsoring the Buriram Marathon 2027, underscoring the brand's dedication to fostering an active lifestyle alongside sports tourism and creating valuable experiences for participants. The announcement was made at a press conference attended by Pongchorn Ueangmongkhchai, executive chairman, Panupon Kittikamron, senior management consultant, and Ukrit Phakwivorn, deputy general manager of commerce and marketing at Thai Yamaha Motor, alongside Nevin Chidchob, chairman of Chang International Circuit, and race organizers.
This year's event runs under the theme "Beat the Night, Run the Light" and marks the full entry into the marathon's second decade, positioning Buriram province as Asia's premier marathon destination and establishing it as an internationally recognized running event. The race is scheduled for Saturday, January 23, 2027, in Buriram province.
Under its "Feel The Unique Experience" philosophy, Yamaha believes memorable moments come from experiencing new things, meeting new people, and participating in inspiring activities. This year the company is inviting Yamaha motorcycle customers, dealers nationwide, and media to experience the world-class night race atmosphere and be part of Thailand's major sports festival.
Yamaha will also provide special activities for runners and participants, including hydration stations, Yamaha merchandise, activity booths, and photo corners at the start and finish lines to enhance the overall experience. The press conference took place recently at The Stories Square, ground floor, One Bangkok shopping center.
A 13-member family in Chai Nat province lost state welfare benefits due to a system error listing them as owning three motorcycles, though one was sold over 20 years ago and never transferred. The ministry is accepting appeals until July 31
A 13-member family in Chai Nat province is appealing for the restoration of their state welfare benefits after being disqualified due to a system error showing them owning three motorcycles, even though they sold one more than 20 years ago. The Ministry of Finance has announced results of the 2025 state welfare program eligibility verification, allowing those denied to request a review by July 31, 2025, with corrections due by August 16, 2025, before final results are announced on September 21, 2025, and benefits resume October 1, 2025.
On July 21, 2025, a reporter visited a home in Khao Tha Phra Subdistrict, Muang District, Chai Nat, and met 48-year-old Somchit, who was stripped of her welfare benefits. She explained that her household of 13—seven adults and six children aged 3–17—lives together with many unemployed members, making survival difficult. She used to collect and sell garbage from a landfill, earning 500–600 baht per sale, but after the landfill closed permanently, she switched to construction work. Now she collects garbage from neighborhood bins, accumulating it over 6–7 days to sell for only 300–400 baht, often borrowing money from neighbors to cover expenses. She received the 300-baht monthly state welfare benefit since the program began, which was vital to her family's survival. However, the 2025 eligibility check found her disqualified because the system listed her owning three motorcycles, exceeding the program's asset limits.
Somchit confirmed that one of those three motorcycles was sold over 20 years ago, but the buyer never transferred ownership, leaving her name still registered with the Chai Nat Provincial Transportation Office, inflating her vehicle count above the program's threshold. "I feel hopeless, disappointed, heartbroken, and very stressed," she said. "That 300 baht a month matters so much to us—it buys rice to feed the children. My partner earns the main income but it's still not enough, and we have many children. Without that help, life becomes very difficult."
Although the state opened a window for appeals, Somchit admitted feeling discouraged and unwilling to apply, knowing she still appears to own three motorcycles in the system and fearing rejection. She pleaded with relevant agencies to review her case fairly, noting her family is genuinely poor and the motorcycles are only work vehicles. If she regains her welfare benefits, it would ease her burden and help her buy food and care for her family during periods of irregular income and high living costs.
A 26-year-old man was shot dead outside a shop in Trang after leaving a cockfighting event, with police investigating the killing as a premeditated ambush by an occupant in a black Toyota Vios that fled the scene.
At 5:20 p.m. on July 21, 2569, police in Mueang Trang received a report of a man shot with a shotgun outside a general store on Nah Muea Rat Road in Na Bin La subdistrict, Mueang district, Trang province. Officers arrived to find Thaninchay, known as "Nin," age 26, suffering multiple shotgun wounds to the chest. He was lying next to a black Honda Forza 350 motorcycle (Trang license plate 1 KS 4992). Emergency responders performed CPR and rushed him to Trang Hospital, but he died from his injuries.
Investigators found one shotgun shell casing, shell fragments, and pieces of the perpetrator's car mirror at the scene, which they collected as evidence. The victim's motorcycle contained herbal drink and rice he had just purchased. Police coordinated a manhunt across Trang province and neighboring areas, seeking a black Toyota Vios with a Trang license plate that fled toward Nah Pod intersection. The plate was later suspected to be fake.
Witness accounts indicated the victim had arrived alone on his motorcycle and spent about five minutes inside the shop buying rice before walking out, placing his purchases under the seat, putting on his helmet, and preparing to leave. A black car suddenly pulled alongside at close range, the window lowered, and the occupant fired two shotgun rounds with a five-second gap before speeding away. Investigators believe the shooter had carefully planned and tracked the victim from a cockfighting arena in Ban Khuan subdistrict, where the victim had just finished livestreaming a match. The victim was heading home to Na Khao Siao subdistrict when he stopped at the store. Police are treating this as a premeditated ambush, though personal dispute is the primary theory; other motives have not been ruled out. The victim had no prior arrest record or criminal history.