BUS Singer Phu Takes to Ice Hockey in Asian Championship

BUS band member Phu Tatchai will compete in an exhibition ice hockey match with his professional athlete brother at the XPENG International Ice Hockey Cup 2026 in Thailand on July 20.

17 Jul Khaosod

AIS PLAY is calling on sports fans and followers to watch BUS band member Phu Tatchai Limpanyakul compete in an exhibition match at the XPENG International Ice Hockey Cup 2026 – Asia Elite Series on July 20, 2026. He will partner with his younger brother Pheem Thanat Limpanyakul, a Thai national ice hockey athlete, to display their skills at the Asian-level youth international ice hockey championship held at MGC-ASIA and XPeng Thailand between July 18-20, 2026, capped off with an exclusive performance by Phu.

Beyond the anticipated moment with Pheem, he is also a rising star athlete for the Thai national team, having been selected for multiple age-group teams and competing consistently on the international stage. The Thai team roster also includes Jed Chayapol Charaskul, captain of the Thai U18 national team and World Ice Hockey Champion at the under-18 division (Division 3 Group B) who has advanced to Division 3 Group A, as well as Kingston Chu Jun Puan, the Thai U18 national team goalkeeper.

The XPENG International Ice Hockey Cup 2026 – Asia Elite Series runs from July 18-20, 2026, hosted by MGC-ASIA and XPeng Thailand, providing a platform for youth ice hockey athletes from across Asia to develop their skills and gain international competition experience. The tournament is divided into two age categories: Under 15 (U15) and Under 20 (U20), with teams from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Thailand competing for the championship.

Sports fans and supporters are encouraged to cheer on the Thai team and watch the special exhibition match and exclusive performance by BUS's Phu Tatchai live on AIS PLAY. AIS customers can watch free across all platforms including the AIS PLAY app, AIS PLAYBOX, GIGA TV, Samsung Smart TV, Android TV, Apple TV, LG Smart TV, and via PC at aisplay.ais.th or https://m.ais.co.th/ICH.

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Police

Narcotics Police Raid Community, Arrest Three Drug Dealers

Police arrested three drug dealers and seized crystal methamphetamine during a Narcotics Suppression Bureau operation in Bangkok communities along Khlong Phra Khanong on July 17.

17 Jul Khaosod

On July 17, Pol. Lt. Gen. Achayon Kraitong, commander of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, led a multi-agency operation in communities along Khlong Phra Khanong in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, the Department of Special Investigation, Bangkok authorities, and community networks. The operation resulted in three arrests and the seizure of 3.3 grams of crystal methamphetamine, with additional community sweeps conducted. Officers also distributed essential supplies to 19 bedridden patients and elderly residents to provide relief and strengthen public morale.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Achayon explained that the "Safe Community" program builds on previous initiatives by integrating cooperation between police, government agencies, community partners, and residents in areas still affected by drug trafficking. The goal is to strengthen preventive and suppressive measures while creating mechanisms for community participation and long-term vigilance.

The commander emphasized that the program's objective extends beyond arrests and prosecution to sustaining safe neighborhoods, protecting children and youth in drug-free environments, and ensuring lasting quality of life. He called on all segments of society to participate in safeguarding their communities from drug threats, as solving the problem requires collective effort. The public is encouraged to report drug-related information to the police hotline 191, local police stations, or the narcotics hotline 1599 available 24 hours daily, with strict confidentiality assured.

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Police

Court Jails Scammer in Online Hotel Reviewer Fraud Case

A Bangkok court sentenced a final account holder to 16 months in jail for running an online hotel reviewer scam that defrauded actress Best Chanida of 1.2 million baht in a single day through escalating payment requests on Telegram.

17 Jul Khaosod

A Bangkok court has sentenced the final account holder to 16 months in jail for conspiring to defraud the public and facilitating cybercrime in an elaborate online hotel reviewer scam. Actress Best Chanida Phongsilpipat, who appeared at Bangkok South Criminal Court on July 17 to give additional testimony, lost 1.2 million baht in a single day after being lured into the scheme.

Best recounted how the scam began when she was recruited through a Facebook marketing influencer page advertising positions for hotel reviewers. She was directed to Telegram, where she completed test reviews earning small payments of tens of baht. The scheme promised that accumulating 100 points would qualify her for genuine hotel reviews. However, she was gradually drawn into an elite group where scammers convinced her to make escalating fund transfers—starting at 400 baht and eventually reaching hundreds of thousands—under the pretense of resolving payment issues and unlocking accounts. Within hours, she transferred 250,000 baht, then 490,000 baht, then 600,000 baht, and finally 500,000 baht before realizing the pattern and stopping. Best reported the fraud to police and froze her bank accounts, then pursued the case as a plaintiff alongside prosecutors.

Best emphasized she initially believed the opportunity was legitimate, having verified the company existed, but the scammers were impersonating it. She appealed to the public to avoid becoming repeat victims and hopes her case serves as a warning about how modern scammers exploit people's desire to work and earn money.

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Police

One Fishing Vessel Crewman Found Dead; Four Still Missing

One crewman from the fishing vessel Chok Kanya has been found dead after the boat capsized off Koh Kood on June 28, with four others still missing; divers searching the wreck at 25 meters depth found abandoned life jackets and undisturbed c

17 Jul Khaosod

Rescue teams have recovered one body from the fishing vessel Chok Kanya, which capsized at sea 3 nautical miles off Koh Kood after losing contact on June 28. Four crew members remain missing. Underwater search divers inspected the sunken vessel at 25 meters depth in normal visibility and current conditions, finding the captain's cabin door slightly ajar with no signs of disturbance inside, personal items in their normal places, and the crew quarters door wide open with a phone charger still plugged in and bedding neatly arranged. Five life jackets and two gas cylinders were found on the upper deck. Based on the undisturbed condition of belongings and the life jackets left behind, rescue teams will analyze the evidence to plan expanded search operations in a wider radius. At 1:27 p.m., volunteers recovered a male body washed ashore on Koh Kood beach in Trat province. Family members confirmed the deceased is Thit Yim, a 47-year-old Cambodian crew member from the Chok Kanya. Sea and beach search operations are ongoing.

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National

Thailand Partners with UK University to Transform Thai Higher Education

Thailand is launching a new Chief Innovation Officer Exchange Programme with the UK's University of Strathclyde to train senior university leaders in commercializing research and forging industry partnerships, addressing a critical gap betw

17 Jul Khaosod

Thailand's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation is partnering with Mahidol University's Institute of Management Technology and Innovation (iNT) and the University of Strathclyde to launch the Chief Innovation Officer Exchange Programme (CIOX) 2026, positioning universities as engines of national competitiveness rather than mere research producers. The program addresses a critical challenge in Thai higher education: despite abundant research talent and output, mechanisms to convert intellectual property into concrete economic and social value remain weak. The initiative will develop 23 senior leaders from 21 Thai institutions into "Chief Innovation Officers" capable of forging industry partnerships, managing intellectual property, and commercializing technology. After four days of intensive domestic training to align with private sector needs, participants will attend strategic workshops at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow from May 18–22, 2026, where they will study successful university-industry collaboration models and witness how research ideas transform into million-pound industries. The program aims to create "change agents" and "bridge builders" who will shift Thailand's science, research and innovation system from publication-focused work to delivering practical, market-ready innovations through joint ventures and strategic asset management.

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Police

Drunk Customer Smashes Noodle Bowl, Scatters Condiments in Rage

A drunken customer twice smashed noodles and condiments onto the floor at a Khon Kaen porridge shop early July 17, scattering glass that injured a female customer after he misunderstood staff's polite request to wait for his order. The man

17 Jul Khaosod

On July 17, a male customer became agitated at a porridge shop on Ban Kaset Road in Khon Kaen municipality and hurled a bowl of noodles before sweeping condiments and containers onto the floor, alarming the owner, staff, and other customers. Security footage revealed that after the man walked back to his car, he returned because he had left his car keys on the table, then swept more items to the ground a second time, sending glass shards that struck a female customer who had just entered—though she was not seriously injured. He then drove away.

Shop owner Wisawachit, 35, posted a warning saying the incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. when three men came to order food. One appeared intoxicated, repeatedly changing his mind about what to eat. Staff politely invited him to wait at a table while his food was prepared, but he misunderstood this as being thrown out and became angry, using foul language before causing the disturbance. The owner said he submitted CCTV footage to investigators at Khon Kaen City Police Station to proceed with charges due to concern for staff and customer safety.

Employee Thipsuda, 61, explained that the intoxicated customer stood at the counter for a long time, changing orders multiple times between noodle soup, noodle stir-fry, and instant ramen. Staff politely told him they understood his order and invited him to sit and wait while his food was prepared. The customer misunderstood this as being asked to leave and became upset, repeatedly complaining he was being kicked out despite the staff not responding. When the customer's companion paid the bill, he threw a 1,000-baht note at the employee's hand and said, "Take it, and don't treat other customers like this again." The man then lifted his food bowl and dumped it on the floor, swept containers and condiments across the ground, and walked back to his car.

Realizing he had left his keys at the table, he returned, grabbed them, and swept the remaining items onto the floor again before getting in his car, staring out the window briefly, and driving away. Staff believed he was intoxicated. Thipsuda added that all employees were shocked and frightened because they did not know if the man was armed. The second sweep of condiments sent glass fragments that hit an incoming female customer, who fortunately was not seriously hurt and did not press charges. The shop owner is handling the case with police. Staff remain fearful that the man might return, and believe he may be a past customer based on his statement.

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National

Power Plant BLCP Balances Energy Security With Environmental Sustainability

Thailand's BLCP power plant exceeds national emission standards for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter while using advanced pollution-capture technologies and closed-loop cooling systems to balance energy security with

17 Jul Khaosod

BLCP power plant addresses the challenge of maintaining Thailand's energy stability while advancing sustainable environmental practices amid global climate warnings. Data from Copernicus Marine Service shows that average global sea surface temperatures in June reached historic highs, with marine heat waves covering over 82% of oceans, and 2025 is projected to rank among the four hottest years on record. The ocean heat crisis impacts not only coastal ecosystems and coral bleaching but also raises critical questions for the energy industry: how to balance reliable electricity production with sustainable environmental protection.

BLCP, a major independent power producer operating continuously as a baseload power plant for over 20 years, has demonstrated success in meeting this global challenge by converting its mission into a tangible sustainability equation.

Stricter standards than the law requires BLCP's recognition in the industry stems from its philosophy of "prevention is better than cure." It has set air pollutant emission standards in its Environmental Impact Assessment that exceed Thailand's standards across all parameters:

– Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): BLCP limits emissions to 262 ppm, stricter than Thailand's 320 ppm standard – Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): BLCP limits emissions to 241 ppm, compared to Thailand's 350 ppm standard – Particulate Matter: BLCP limits emissions to 43 mg/m³, nearly three times stricter than Thailand's 120 mg/m³ standard

These rigorous standards reflect BLCP's concrete commitment to environmental and air quality protection.

Three key technologies capture pollution at the source To achieve its goals, BLCP integrates three international technologies into its production process:

– Low NOx Burner: Controls combustion and air flow to prevent nitrogen oxide formation at the start – ESP (Electrostatic Precipitator): Uses static electricity to capture particulate matter with up to 99.7% efficiency – FGD (Flue Gas Desulfurization): Uses seawater to capture sulfur dioxide gas

All pollutants are monitored continuously 24 hours through an automated system (CEMS) from a 200-meter stack, with data sent directly to government agencies. Additionally, four air quality monitoring stations (AQMS) around the plant provide real-time surveillance and transparent data sharing via signboards, website, and social media.

Three-tier cooling water system protects marine ecosystems In response to concerns about rising sea temperatures, BLCP uses a closed-loop cooling system, an international standard, where seawater undergoes multiple filtration stages before being returned to the marine ecosystem.

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National

Thai Durian Prices Plunge as China Slows Imports

Southern Thailand's durian harvest surged 30% to 752,000 tons in 2025, but prices have plummeted due to China's reduced imports, quality issues with underripe fruit, and competition from other Thai regions. The Commerce Ministry is launchin

17 Jul Khaosod

Witthayakorn Maninetr, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, revealed that southern Thailand's 2025 durian harvest reached approximately 752,000 tons, a 30% increase from the previous year. Currently, about 35% or 260,000 tons have reached market, leaving 490,000 tons to be managed in coming months.

Southern durian prices have fallen due to multiple factors: China's market slowdown, increased domestic fruit availability in China, competition from rival exporters, and durian shipments from other Thai growing regions like Uttaradit, Sisaket, and Nakhon Ratchasima. A critical issue is quality: some batches shipped to China proved underripe, causing Chinese buyers to pause orders. The ministry emphasizes quality control from orchard to export, particularly the starch content standard of 32%, noting that fruit harvested at 34-36% starch reaches consumers in better condition and commands higher prices. Major production areas in the south include Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Yala, with Chumphon alone producing over 300,000 tons.

The Commerce Ministry plans to manage and absorb approximately 300,000 tons of southern fruit including durian, mangosteen, rambutan, and longkong. Previous forward-purchase contracts covered over 3,700 tons, with live-commerce and promotional activities targeting 9,000 tons. Distribution will extend through fresh markets, wholesale centers, modern retail chains, and local shops nationwide, aiming to move over 200,000 tons. The ministry coordinated with Talad Morakot, a major wholesale market, to encourage mid-size and small retailers to buy durian directly.

For lower-quality fruit damaged by heavy rain, poor care, or surface defects, the ministry partnered with large cold-storage facilities and processing plants to absorb at least 15,000 tons of whole fruit or 5,000 tons of pulp. Externally blemished but internally sound durian will be promoted for consumption and processing, encouraging consumers to prioritize internal quality over appearance. The ministry is also organizing promotional events for southern durian targeting tourists and buyers from the Middle East and Central Asia, with visits planned to Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces for product trials.

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Police

Ex-Police General Disputes Buddha Amulet Valuation in TV Appearance

A retired police general disputes an amulet expert's televised valuation claims, pointing to contradictions with the expert's own published book on a rare imperial-series gold Buddha amulet. He's offering 100,000 baht to anyone who can prod

17 Jul Khaosod

A retired police general and well-known amulet collector, who previously valued a solid gold Buddha amulet at 300 million baht, has expressed frustration with a prominent amulet expert over recent television statements about pricing and specifications. On July 17, 2025, Pol. Lt. Gen. Somsak Chai Amornsongjareun responded after the amulet expert appeared on a television program discussing a rare imperial-series gold Buddha amulet, claiming it must feature specific flower petal designs on the front and stamped garuda codes and the year 2411 on the back with embedded pins. The general argues that the expert's stated valuation conflicts with information in the expert's own published book, which valued the amulet at only 1 billion baht rather than the 3 billion mentioned on air.

Somsak Chai explained that he has long respected the expert and even allowed him to examine his own imperial-series amulet in January 2022, receiving praise and advice to preserve it carefully. He supported publication of the expert's recent book issued for the expert's birthday in October 2024 and is listed as a donor in it. However, he contends that the televised statements contradict the book's own text at pages 122–123, which acknowledges uncertainty about how many versions of the imperial-series amulet actually exist, creating confusion among followers.

Regarding pricing, Somsak Chai points out that page 128 of the expert's book itself states that a wealthy Japanese collector purchased an imperial-series gold amulet for 3 billion baht per unit, contradicting the expert's televised claim of 1 billion baht. To resolve the matter and locate other genuine specimens, Somsak Chai announced he will immediately pay 100,000 baht to anyone who can produce a gold amulet matching his own, subject to verification through X-ray fluorescence scanning, high-magnification imaging, and assessment by the PSDA Standard Institute or other recognized authorities—and provided the mass of the specimen does not vary by more than 10 percent from his own. He believes the amulet was genuinely produced but contends that the exact number of variants remains unknown and can only be determined through scientific material analysis and age verification of the ancient gold.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Film Fund Launches Documentary Series on Legendary Boxer Buakaw

A new documentary series launched in Thailand chronicles the life of legendary Muay Thai boxer Buakaw, showcasing his journey from childhood through becoming a world champion to inspire audiences globally about discipline and perseverance.

17 Jul Khaosod

The Media Development Fund unveiled the semi-documentary short film "BUAKAW THE SERIES: Dust, Sweat And Glory" on July 17, 2025, at Rattana Bundit University, in partnership with the Banchamek Foundation, Thailand's Tourism Authority (TAT), the Thai Boxing Commission, the Thai Amateur Muay Thai Association, the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA), and the university. The film tells the life story of Lieutenant Colonel Samart Banchamek, known as Buakaw, one of the world's greatest Muay Thai boxers, aiming to inspire audiences by showcasing values of determination, discipline, perseverance, and self-development while promoting Muay Thai as Thailand's cultural heritage and international soft power.

Dr. Thanakorn Srisiksai, manager of the Media Development Fund, explained that the film uses creative media to transmit inspiration and convey lessons about discipline, determination, resilience, and never giving up through the real-life story of a role model, enabling youth and citizens to apply these principles in their own lives while raising awareness of Muay Thai's significance. Buakaw Banchamek himself participated in the project, sharing his experiences from childhood through training, overcoming obstacles, and becoming a world champion. He expressed excitement and gratitude for the filmmakers' efforts in capturing his personal journey, explaining that every step toward victory required immense patience and perseverance.

Buakaw noted that he also served as an assistant director and guide in conveying his authentic story, with the film drawing partly from his real experiences and partly from the director's creative interpretation. The production is not limited to Thai language; it has been translated into multiple languages to reach international audiences. Director Isara Nadi stated that the film will allow viewers to experience Buakaw's struggles, determination, and inspiration under the theme "Every success begins with small steps that never stop moving." The project comprises six episodes of 25 minutes each, documenting Buakaw's journey from his first steps in boxing to becoming a world champion.

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National

Nakhon Ratchasima High-Speed Rail Project Stalled, Contractor Abandons Work

The Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed rail project is severely delayed and stalled, with a contractor abandoning work on a key 12-kilometer section that's only 18% complete. A local politician is now demanding parliamentary answers on wh

17 Jul Khaosod

Nakhon Ratchasima — Following a meeting of the Provincial Land Transportation Management Subcommittee, a representative from the Department of Rail Transport reported that the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed rail project (Phase 1, 250.77 kilometers) is 55.272% complete as of June 2025, falling 32.93% behind schedule. In Nakhon Ratchasima province, seven contracts are active, with two completed and five under construction. Contract 3-5 (Khok Khuad-Nakhon Ratchasima, 12.38 kilometers) is particularly problematic, with only 18% progress and an 81.92% schedule delay.

The contractor's financial difficulties, labor shortages, material supply issues, and site access problems have caused delays. Additionally, a design change from ground-level to elevated track (Elevated) through community areas requires cabinet approval. The latest estimate suggests full operations will not begin until 2025.

Representative Chatthawan Suphattrawanit (Pheu Thai, District 1) conducted a site inspection after receiving public complaints via Facebook and Line. He found the work site abandoned for over two months, with temporary worker camps dismantled and equipment removed. The infrastructure—electrical, water, and utilities—has been stripped and cleared. Suphattawan announced he would file an interpellation in parliament's August session, demanding the Prime Minister or Transport Minister explain the repeated delays and provide a concrete timeline for when Nakhon Ratchasima residents can use the rail service. Contract 3-5, valued at 7.75 billion baht and running from January 26, 2021 to January 10, 2024, covers construction of ground-level track over 7.85 kilometers.

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