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Police

Brother Grieves After Fire Kills Sibling, Pleads for Body's Return

A 24-year-old Laotian worker grieves his younger brother, killed in a fire at their workplace, and pleads for authorities to return the body so his family can take him home to Laos.

Brother Grieves After Fire Kills Sibling, Pleads for Body's Return
2d ago Khaosod

At 1:50 p.m. on July 13, 2025, at the Police Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine, Khaeowudon Pungpani, 24, the older brother of Phonpasert Pungpani, 21, one of the fire victims, tearfully recounted his account. Both brothers are Laotian workers at the same establishment, where they had worked since its opening. On the night of the fire, they clocked in at 6 p.m. and were scheduled to finish around 2 a.m. They had eaten and chatted together before the incident—their last moments together.

Khaeowudon explained that he was in the bathroom when the fire broke out, so he did not witness the initial blaze or early events. When he emerged and attempted to re-enter the shop, he found crowds of people fleeing. He ran out with them without hearing any fire alarm or emergency announcement at that moment. Once outside, he immediately searched for his brother, starting from the rear entrance and moving around to the front, asking staff and evacuees if they had seen him or knew his location, but received no answers.

Unable to find his brother, Khaeowudon grabbed a fire extinguisher with another employee and attempted to spray the entrance area. He walked inside approximately 2–3 steps, calling his brother's name repeatedly, knowing he typically worked in the shop's central zone. However, he could see nothing due to thick smoke. While attempting to help, he heard people calling for help from inside, intensifying his desire to reach his brother, but the dense smoke and intense heat made it impossible to proceed further without risking his own life.

Regarding safety measures, Khaeowudon stated that the shop had previously informed staff about emergency exits and fire extinguisher locations, with four exits in total, all reportedly functional. However, he acknowledged that no evacuation drills were ever conducted at the shop, though he had previously participated in fire safety training elsewhere. He was unsure whether the shop had a sprinkler system or automatic fire suppression system.

On the matter of the emergency door now being scrutinized, Khaeowudon indicated that to his knowledge, it operated normally and was not locked, though the shop assigned staff responsibility for opening it during emergencies. On the night of the fire, he exited through the door near the bathroom, believed to be an emergency exit for employees. Regarding reports that customers were required to pay bills before leaving or that items were blocking emergency exits, Khaeowudon could not confirm these claims, as he was in the bathroom during the fire. Regarding merchandise tables near exits, he observed that people were still able to flee through those areas.

When asked who should be held responsible, Khaeowudon stated he did not wish to assign blame at this time, as the family's most pressing concern is returning his brother's body home. He expressed worry about his family's mental state and called on relevant agencies to provide comprehensive care and support to those affected. Regarding compensation, he emphasized that money is not the priority right now, as his parents are waiting for their son to come home. "All I want right now is to bring my brother's body home. Our parents are waiting for him to return. He's gone. If possible, I want to take him back to Laos as soon as we can."

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National

Thailand's Weightlifting Stars Chase Asian Games Medals

Thailand's weightlifting team will field 10 athletes at the upcoming Asian Games, led by Olympic medalists Wave Weeraphol Wichuma and Oy Surajana Kumbao, aiming to deliver medals for the country.

Thailand's Weightlifting Stars Chase Asian Games Medals
2d ago Khaosod

Thailand's weightlifting team will send its strongest squad to chase medals at the 20th Asian Games, led by two Olympic medalists, Weeraphol Wichuma (Wave) and Surajana Kumbao (Oy). General Wisut Dechsakul, secretary-general of the Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association, is confident the team's capabilities place it at the forefront of Asia and will not disappoint fans.

General Wisut revealed that Thai weightlifters are training at the National Weightlifting Training Center in Chiang Mai with support from Thailand's Sports Authority (SAT). The team has a quota of 10 athletes—five men and five women—selected through intensive trials to secure the strongest competitors with the best records. Weightlifting is among Thailand's medal-winning opportunities at the Asian Games.

The stars anchoring Thai hopes include Wave Weeraphol Wichuma, a gold medalist at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and Oy Surajana Kumbao, a gold medalist at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Both are key pillars in Thailand's bid for medals.

"The association has fully applied sports science to build athletes' physical condition to peak performance and aid injury recovery, with strong support from SAT," General Wisut said. "Thai weightlifters have consistently delivered for the country, and we will do our best this time. Though we face strong rivals like China, South Korea, and Indonesia, our elite-level athletes should not let anyone down. We ask Thai sports fans to support us."

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Police

Police Committee Launches Full Probe Into Deadly Ladprao Beer Hall Fire

A House Police Committee has launched a comprehensive investigation into the Ladprao beer hall fire that killed at least 27 people, vowing to prosecute those responsible and audit enforcement of safety regulations across entertainment venue

Police Committee Launches Full Probe Into Deadly Ladprao Beer Hall Fire
2d ago Khaosod

On July 13, Watchrapong Khuwijitsuwat, a Saraburi MP and chair of the House Police Committee, said the deadly Ladprao beer hall fire—which claimed at least 27 lives—is a major tragedy that has drawn attention both domestically and internationally. He noted the disaster echoes lessons from the Santika pub fire in 2009 and the Mountain B fire in Chonburi in 2022.

Watchrapong said the committee will treat the matter as a priority, inviting the national police chief, Bangkok police commander, and investigating officers to brief it on case progress, evidence collection, and fire cause determination. The investigation will be transparent and fair, he added, with full prosecution of those responsible.

The committee will also audit enforcement of all related laws—from venue licensing and building safety standards to fire alarm systems, escape routes, and structural integrity—and check whether any state agencies or officials were negligent. It will coordinate with Bangkok authorities, the Public Works Department, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, and local agencies to establish preventive measures.

Watchrapong said the committee will also call on the Rights and Liberties Protection Department to explain support and compensation plans for the deceased, injured, and bereaved families. After gathering all facts, the committee will submit a report with policy recommendations to the government and parliament, while pressing for full legal proceedings against those responsible for the tragedy.

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National

Thailand Unveils 2027 Tourism Strategy Targeting High-Value Visitors

Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Phancharoenworakul opened the Tourism Authority of Thailand Action Plan 2027 meeting in Bangkok on July 13, 2026. He was joined by Permanent Secretary and Board ...

2d ago Thailand.go.th Issues

Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Phancharoenworakul opened the Tourism Authority of Thailand Action Plan 2027 meeting in Bangkok on July 13, 2026. He was joined by Permanent Secretary and Board ...

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National

Three Man Down Singer Urges Better Safety Standards After Bar Fire

A deadly Bangkok bar fire that killed multiple people and injured over 60 has prompted Three Man Down's lead singer to demand better safety standards, citing years of ignored warnings about fire exits, electrical hazards, and inadequate ven

Three Man Down Singer Urges Better Safety Standards After Bar Fire
2d ago Khaosod

A devastating fire at a beer hall in Bangkok's Ladphrao district has claimed multiple lives and injured over 60 people, marking a major tragedy affecting the community. Krit, lead singer of Three Man Down, took to Facebook to voice concerns about systematic safety failures in entertainment venues and festivals that musicians and workers have been attempting to highlight for years without meaningful action. He outlined recurring hazards including absent fire exits, electrical faults on stage, inadequate ventilation, unsafe stage structures, security lapses, and dangerous special effects—issues he says the industry has repeatedly communicated but which have been dismissed as overcomplaining or attributed to lack of professionalism.

In his posts, Krit emphasized that musicians raising these concerns are not trying to be difficult; rather, they are attempting to drive change to protect future generations from electrical shocks, falls, and fires. He expressed genuine sorrow over the tragedy and appealed to venue owners, event organizers, and authorities to listen to feedback without defensiveness. Krit urged those who have criticized musicians for raising safety issues to reconsider, stating that even if change doesn't occur during their generation, it could prevent similar disasters for upcoming performers and workers. He called on all stakeholders to genuinely prioritize safety standards and respond constructively to safety concerns raised by industry professionals.

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National

Thailand Cracks Down on Buses Emitting Illegal Black Smoke

Thailand's environment ministry launched inspections of intercity buses after finding 58 percent of vehicles tested exceeded black smoke emission limits, ordering immediate repairs and enforcement action across all depots nationwide.

Thailand Cracks Down on Buses Emitting Illegal Black Smoke
2d ago Khaosod

Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin ordered the Pollution Control Department to coordinate with the Land Transport Department and National Police to conduct rigorous inspections of all intercity bus depots following spot checks on 36 buses across three depots that revealed 21 vehicles—58 percent—exceeding black smoke emission standards. The minister instructed enforcement action against all non-compliant buses and rapid engine repairs without waiting for the air pollution season. The inspection was prompted by a complaint from parliament member Suphannath Meenchaiyanan of the Thai People's Party regarding routes 26, 191, and 510. Results showed the Minburi depot detected 8 non-compliant buses out of 16 inspected, Suanluang depot found 12 out of 14, and Thammasat depot found 1 out of 6, though route 510 bus number 1-40194 that was complained about passed standards. Suchat emphasized that black smoke control must continue year-round, not just during the PM2.5 crisis period, and urged both state and private bus operators to maintain engines regularly and promote safe driving habits to reduce gear-dragging, a major cause of black smoke. Bangkok's Mass Transit Authority plans to gradually introduce 1,520 electric buses starting with 500 vehicles by March 2025 and completing the full fleet by May 2025 to improve public transport cleanliness and reduce air pollution.

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National

Sansiri and Kasikornbank Launch Green Real Estate Initiative

Sansiri and Kasikornbank have partnered to create Thailand's first green real estate financing ecosystem, issuing the nation's first residential green bond and approving 4 billion baht in green project loans for low-carbon developments cert

Sansiri and Kasikornbank Launch Green Real Estate Initiative
2d ago Khaosod

Sansiri has partnered with Kasikornbank to revolutionize the "comprehensive three-dimensional green real estate ecosystem" (Green Loan – Green Bond – Green Retail Loan), spanning the entire supply chain from capital markets and project development to consumer financing. According to Uthai Udom Saengsukhaphan, Chief Executive Officer of Sansiri Public Company Limited, this collaboration demonstrates the company's genuine competitive advantage in green real estate at international standards. Sansiri embedded sustainability into its thinking and design processes (Sansiri Sustainable Design) from the outset, and the Thailand Taxonomy has served as both a catalyst and validator, making Sansiri Thailand's first property developer to receive green loans and the first residential developer to issue green bonds, certified by international assessors such as Bureau Veritas for low-carbon project development.

Kattiya Intrawijit, Chief Executive Officer of Kasikornbank, stated that in a world with new rules, sustainability is not merely a bonus—it is a business license. The financial sector acts as a critical engine that accelerates business transformation. Kasikornbank is committed to connecting clients and partners to comprehensive climate finance, tools, knowledge, and solutions. The partnership with Sansiri as a supply chain leader will serve as a model showcasing the practical application of Thailand Taxonomy as a project evaluation tool, giving early adopters competitive advantage in accessing lower-cost green financing and enabling large enterprises and SMEs across the supply chain to overcome challenges and grow sustainably toward Net Zero.

The collaboration between Sansiri and Kasikornbank delivers concrete results: (1) Thailand's first green bond for residential real estate, with Kasikornbank as the arranging bank, directing fundraising toward low-carbon projects on the Sathon site; (2) Green Project Loan approving 4 billion baht in green project development financing for three prototype condominium projects meeting strict Thailand Taxonomy criteria in construction and real estate, certified by Bureau Veritas to guarantee 25–35% energy savings and translate environmental benefits into cost reductions for consumers.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Lawmaker Fears Budget Scheme Will Resurface With Stricter Scrutiny

A Thai lawmaker warns that a cancelled 400-billion-baht budget scheme for energy projects will likely resurface with better-hidden irregularities, making parliamentary oversight harder to enforce.

Lawmaker Fears Budget Scheme Will Resurface With Stricter Scrutiny
2d ago Khaosod

On July 13, 2025, at Parliament, Sirikanya Tansakul, a party-list MP and Pheu Thai deputy leader serving on the special budget committee, commented on the Department of Local Administration's decision to cancel its proposal for projects funded by a 400 billion baht emergency decree. Sirikanya said the cancellation was fortunate, as she had received information about the plan long ago but was awaiting the Constitutional Court's ruling. After she posted her concerns just one day ago—flagging the inclusion of projects that may not genuinely meet energy transition requirements, such as solar installation on equipment and vehicles—the department decided to withdraw the proposal. However, she believes this is not the end of the matter and expects the administration to resubmit the projects using revised procedures.

"This is a very large slice of the budget—200 billion baht—and every ministry wants a piece of it," Sirikanya explained. "The next time they submit, the conditions may not be as transparent. They will likely hide and obscure the details much more, making oversight significantly harder."

Despite this concern, she stressed the importance of close monitoring and thanked those who had provided tip-offs and civil servants and local government officials who have raised red flags. She said that if irregularities emerge again, these groups would likely come forward with information, allowing problems to be caught before projects begin.

Sirikanya noted that many ministries have already submitted projects through a screening committee. She hopes the parliamentary committee will rigorously track spending from the 400 billion baht emergency loan, scrutinizing every baht. She reiterated that the original scheme was flawed from the start, as achieving genuine energy transition within one year—despite the large budget—is unrealistic. She vowed to minimize spending in this area in favor of other priorities, such as the smart grid transmission line project funded by state enterprises.

When asked whether any projects in the 400 billion baht decree duplicate those in the 2570 fiscal budget, Sirikanya confirmed she had found approximately 3 billion baht in overlaps, including solar roof and solar irrigation projects. She instructed relevant agencies to clarify which budget source should be used and to avoid drawing from both simultaneously.

She also flagged potential overlap between the 400 billion baht decree and the 12 billion baht economic recovery plan budget. Notably, the 12 billion baht scheme involves cost-sharing between the government and budget-holding agencies—such as the government funding half and local authorities funding the other half—which she sees as an opportunity to mobilize accumulated funds. However, if agencies also draw from the emergency loan, she expressed concern about project effectiveness and suggested reallocating that money to underfunded areas, such as research budgets that were cut by 1.3 billion baht or welfare programs that fell short of announced levels, to ensure every baht delivers maximum value.

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Police

Father-in-Law Shoots Son-in-Law, Then Takes Own Life

A 71-year-old man shot his son-in-law in Kanchanaburi before taking his own life in a sugarcane field on July 13, following years of disputes over cattle raising that had escalated into repeated confrontations.

Father-in-Law Shoots Son-in-Law, Then Takes Own Life
2d ago Khaosod

On July 13, 2569, police in Samrong District, Kanchanaburi received reports of a shooting involving a father-in-law who shot his son-in-law, causing severe injuries, before fleeing and fatally shooting himself in a sugarcane field along the Nong Tak Yai–Khao Chong Phran road. Emergency responders from Somdet Phra Sangkharat Luang 19 Hospital and local rescue teams were dispatched to the scene.

At the first location, a residential home in Nong Tak Yai Subdistrict, Tha Muang District, only bloodstains were found. The injured man, Prassom, 52 years old and the house owner, suffered gunshot wounds and was transported to hospital. At the second location in the sugarcane field, authorities discovered the body of Rattha, 71 years old and the father-in-law, lying supine with gunshot wounds to the head. A homemade Thai 12-gauge shotgun and one round of ammunition were recovered. A motorcycle was found nearby with two handwritten notes stating: "Don't take it home, take it to the temple instead. Burn it in one night."

Preliminary investigation revealed that Rattha and Prassom, living in the same house, had previously quarreled severely over cattle raising, though that dispute occurred long ago. Subsequently, they had multiple confrontations, prompting police from Samrong Station to intervene at the home on numerous occasions before the shooting incident occurred. Police transported Rattha's body to the hospital for examination and proceeded with legal procedures. The family was later allowed to take the body for religious funeral rites.

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National

Buddhist Ceremony Honors Princess Chulabhorn's Birthday

Buddhist officials and government representatives held a merit-making ceremony at Wat Suvarnnaphum Buddhachayanti temple in Samut Prakan Province on Thursday to honor Princess Chulabhorn Walailak's birthday, celebrating her dedication to Bu

Buddhist Ceremony Honors Princess Chulabhorn's Birthday
2d ago Khaosod

On Thursday, July 2, 2026, Phra Phromvachirphothiwong (Veerayut Veeryuthot), abbot of Wat Thai Buddha Kaya and head of the Buddhist missionary delegation to India and Nepal, presided over a religious ceremony. Deputy Culture Minister Sabida Thaisetrect delegated Prasop Riangnguean, Permanent Secretary of the Culture Ministry, to lead the lay delegation in a merit-making Buddhist chanting ceremony honoring Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, Deputy Registrar, on the occasion of her birthday on July 4. The ceremony was held at Wat Suvarnnaphum Buddhachayanti temple in Bang Saothong District, Samut Prakan Province, attended by Provincial Governor Supahmit Chinsri, Deputy Director of the Department of Religion Patthanachat Pannyasilp, Culture Ministry administrators, officials, and citizens.

On the occasion of her birthday on July 4, Thai people of all backgrounds gathered to express reverence and loyalty by performing merit-making activities in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, Deputy Registrar, who has dedicated herself to Buddhist patronage and countless public service endeavors across religious, cultural, artistic, and social development sectors.

In Buddhist affairs, she serves as a devoted patron and supporter of the faith, continually promoting Buddhism both domestically and internationally. She chairs the project to construct the Dharma Museum and Stupa of Luang Ta Maha Bua Yannasampanno at Wat Pa Ban Tat, and supports a radio station broadcasting dhamma to the public. In 2020, she traveled to India to oversee merit-making activities and a mass ordination ceremony marking the tenth anniversary of Chulabhorn Hospital. During that journey, she visited significant Buddhist sites including Kushinara in Uttar Pradesh, where Buddha attained parinirvana. She led the lay delegation in ordination ceremonies, circumambulated the Bodhi Tree, offered robes and gold leaf to Buddha statues, and brought joy to Buddhists from Thailand and worldwide.

In arts and culture, she demonstrates remarkable artistic talent in visual arts and painting, creating valuable works whose exhibition proceeds support public welfare. She continuously promotes, preserves, and disseminates Thai art and culture. In recognition of her outstanding creative contributions and cultural stewardship, the Culture Ministry's National Culture Committee presented her with the "Sirisalapin—National Artist" award for 2024, honoring her as a creator of precious artistic works and guardian of national identity.

Prasop stated that the Culture Ministry, through the Department of Religion and in cooperation with Wat Suvarnnaphum Buddhachayanti in Bang Saothong District, Samut Prakan Province, held this Buddhist chanting merit ceremony to honor and pay tribute to Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, Deputy Registrar.

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Tourism

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka Brings Big Bowl Tour to Bangkok

Award-winning comedian Atsuko Okatsuka brings her new "Big Bowl Tour" stand-up show to Bangkok on November 27 at Union Hall. The global comedy sensation, fresh off 200+ sold-out shows, is known for her viral clips and signature bowl cut sty

Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka Brings Big Bowl Tour to Bangkok
2d ago Khaosod

Welcoming global comedy sensation Atsuko Okatsuka and her iconic bowl cut to Bangkok with the brand-new "The Big Bowl Tour" at Union Hall on November 27. BOHM and VIJI are thrilled to announce that award-winning comedian and actress Atsuko Okatsuka is bringing her highly anticipated brand-new stand-up world tour, "The Big Bowl Tour", to Thailand for an unforgettable performance on Friday, November 27 at Union Hall, Bangkok.

Atsuko Okatsuka is making waves across the globe with her one-of-a-kind humor, boundless energy, and infectious charm. Fresh off the massive success of her "FULL GROWN" tour (2024–2025)—which sold out over 200 shows in more than 100 cities across 20+ countries—Atsuko has cemented her status as a global comedy powerhouse. Her recently premiered second stand-up special, "FATHER", available on Hulu (US) and internationally on Disney+, quickly landed a spot on Hulu's top 10 list, paving the way for her newly announced North American and international tour.

Atsuko first captivated critics and audiences alike with her brilliant HBO debut special, "THE INTRUDER". The groundbreaking special won a prestigious Gracie Award for "Best Comedy Special" in 2023, with The New York Times crowning it the "Best Debut Special of 2022," and both Vulture and Variety naming it one of the "Best Specials of 2022." Her stellar rise earned her a spot on Variety's coveted "10 Comics to Watch" list in 2022, a nomination for "Best Comedian" at the Wowie Awards, and critical acclaim for her late-night debut on The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Beyond the stage, Atsuko is a true queen of the internet. Her stand-up clips from THE INTRUDER have racked up over 100 million views globally. Her viral moments are legendary—most notably starting the global #DropChallenge which famously helped bring Beyoncé's hit song "Partition" back onto the music charts. Atsuko connects deeply with her audience, so much so that fans frequently show up at her live gigs wearing wigs styled after her signature, unforgettable bowl cut.

BOHM and VIJI are proud to present this spectacular night, proving once again that humor has no borders. Bangkok audiences are in for a night of brilliant comedy that will leave everyone wanting more.

Event Details: Show Date: Friday, November 27, 2026 Venue: Union Hall, Bangkok Artist Presale: Monday, July 13th at 12:00 PM – Friday, July 17th at 10:00 AM local time General On-Sale: Friday, July 17th at 10:00 AM local time onwards Ticketing Platform: www.ticketmelon.com/vjbm/atsuko

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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