Activist Kan Jompluang (Kanthisorn Phongpaibulwethai) has taken up the case of a 13-year-old girl allegedly gang-raped by six boys at Sukhothali Waterfall in Bannang Sata district, Yala province. According to investigation, the victim went to the waterfall with six female friends. After a quarrel with one friend, she walked down to retrieve a forgotten hijab but was dragged into a public bathroom by six teenage boys, three of whom sexually assaulted her until she lost consciousness. The remaining three boys allegedly repeated the assault. A friend of the victim later revealed that the attack was premeditated—the female friends had conspired with eight boys (including one girl's boyfriend) to lure and attack her. The family fears a video recording was made.

The victim's mother stated she works and lives in Bangkok with her daughter, returning home to Yala only during school breaks. After filing a report with Bannang Sata police, the investigation made no progress and officers allegedly attempted mediation, proposing a 150,000-baht settlement. The mother refused, demanding justice and vowing to pursue the case fully. Kan Jompluang argued that under Thai law, sexual assault of a child under 15 cannot be settled by compromise or mediation regardless of consent, especially when force was used. He said he has briefed the Region 9 Police Commander, who has agreed to personally oversee the case and investigate the officer accused of offering the bribe.

Investigators have issued arrest warrants for suspects Phong and Thong in connection with the disappearance of two Russian brothers on abduction charges, alongside warrants for two accomplices accused of digging graves and facilitating their escape. The case began when the missing brothers' gray Honda ADV 150 motorcycle was discovered dismantled and buried in scrubland near Chak Taeng intersection in Huai Yai subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chachoengsao province, after the men vanished early on July 26. Officers from Pattaya Tourist Police and Chachoengsao Immigration conducted raids on the suspects' residences on July 30.

Two additional suspects, known as Tiger and Pang, helped Phong and Thong evade a police cordon of over 200 officers by fleeing in a sidecar motorcycle covered with canvas during the night. They were identified as the individuals who buried the motorcycle and provided information to investigators. After locating Tiger and Pang's shelter in the Mapfaktong area, officers initially found neither at the hideout. Tiger was later spotted leaving his mother's house on a sidecar motorcycle and was detained for questioning, as was Pang. Both initially denied any knowledge of or connection to Phong and Thong.

Police remain skeptical of their denials and are conducting intensive interrogations at Huai Yai Police Station to uncover links to the brothers' disappearance. Investigators have requested Pattaya Court issue arrest warrants for Thana alias Phong Kaeng Thong, 43, and Thongchai alias Thong Srinil, 39, on charges of theft at night using a vehicle or receiving stolen goods. Currently, the motorcycle is the primary physical evidence in the case.

July hotel occupancy rates are projected at just 53%, marking a decline compared to the same period last year, according to Tieanprasit Chaiyapattranant, president of the Thai Hotel Association (THA). The drop reflects the arrival of the low season combined with Middle East tensions dampening international travel, forcing hotels to cut room rates and boost marketing while reducing expenses to maintain liquidity. The industry expects tourist arrivals to continue declining through the third quarter of 2024, with price-sensitive markets like India potentially deferring travel due to the cancellation of the 60-day visa exemption, which has raised entry costs. Tieanprasit called on the government to implement tourism stimulus measures for the second half of the year, including promoting both primary and secondary destinations, increasing flights, and reconsidering visa policies. Additional support is sought through reduced energy costs, government fee waivers, and tax incentives for corporate and personal income as well as property taxes. The Tourism Authority of Thailand's "Thailand 365 Days" initiative aims to distribute tourism income across all regions year-round and boost economic growth through quality tourism experiences encompassing nature, culture, cuisine, and local experiences.

Senator Nanthana Nantaviropass responded sharply to Supachai Jai Samutr, legal advisor for the Phum Jai Thai party, who threatened to lodge a complaint with the election commission over allegations that a gathering of 300 People's Senators candidates at Muang Thong Thani constituted electoral manipulation. Nanthana challenged Supachai on why he would defend the blue-shirt senators if he had no ties to them, suggesting his intervention revealed a deeper connection. She maintained that the June 27, 2024 national senator election exhibited clear abnormalities, with vote blocks arriving in chunks of 70–80 votes alongside documented evidence of vote buying, vehicle convoys, uniform clothing, and the circulation of black folders—all visible to the public.

Nanthana described efforts to paint her side as unethical while claiming equal wrongdoing as "wagging a dog's tail," stating the public could plainly see how evident the electoral fixing was. She referenced CCTV analysis showing that 60–70 candidates out of 150 voted for the same 10 sequential candidates in identical order across ballot boxes 1–10, an occurrence with odds of one in billions but consistent with systematic electoral fraud.

Concerning the 300-candidate gathering at Muang Thong Thani, Nanthana clarified it was an open event monitored by media and the election commission. Candidates organized through the Senate67 website run by the iLaw group to present themselves and constitutional reform ideas. She stressed that candidates funded their own registration fees (2,500 baht), shared meeting room rentals, and purchased their own clothing—not resources provided by any patron—contradicting accusations of external backing.

On the appointment of senate candidate assistants, Nanthana denied her side had hired former candidates into such roles but called for investigation of groups that did hire former candidates and then saw salaries returned to certain individuals—a pattern she identified as another form of vote-buying and electoral fraud. She expressed no concern about legal action, stating she had engaged in no fraud and welcomed judicial review through the Supreme Court's election division.

Travel YouTuber Backpacker, who runs the Backpaeger channel with over 1.29 million followers, has posted an update on his journey following an outpouring of concern after the death of fellow travel influencer Hloun Solo. The cause of Hloun's death remains under investigation by Georgian police. In his post, Backpacker confirmed his travel plans will continue for another 10 months, with a return to Thailand expected mid-next year. Reflecting on the uncertainties of traveling, he wrote: "Every time I leave home, I never know if I'll make it back. Thank you all so much for your concern." Backpacker had previously posted about his shock upon learning of Hloun's death, writing: "I was following the news yesterday. No one expected this. I'm speechless, just as shocked as everyone else." Georgian police have not found any signs of injury or foul play on Hloun's body.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand's domestic market division is driving the creative economy and supporting the Night Economy policy to appeal to younger travelers. The agency has launched the "Myth Night Season" festival, tapping into the night tourism trend while showcasing deep cultural heritage and experiential travel. The initiative aims to distribute tourism revenue and extend visitor stays.

Achaiyai Chattcharoemkij, deputy governor of the Tourism Authority's domestic market division, stated that Thailand possesses rich cultural assets and diverse local legends but lacks systematic mechanisms to link them to valuable tourism products. The new festival transforms these cultural resources into innovative travel experiences that generate economic and social value, guiding visitors through the parallel worlds of Thai myth, belief, and folklore blended with contemporary culture, cuisine, and pop culture. The effort involves collaboration between artists, creators, communities, and partners to develop destinations as unique experiential destinations for relaxation and self-discovery.

The festival presents the folklore of Kudeejeen community under the concept "Kudeejeen Night: Alley of Connected Realms, Multi-Legend Haunting," featuring three experience zones: Zone 1 (Understanding) offers an interactive exhibition decoding the beliefs of three religions and four faith traditions; Zone 2 (Communicate) provides a space where celebrities like "Jack the Ghost" and "Everest" share supernatural experiences; and Zone 3 (Experience) features food, drinks, workshops, and activities inspired by local stories. Influencers will also document experiences for target audiences. The Tourism Authority invites visitors to experience creative horror and support Thai soft power through local legends at Lido Connect Siam from July 31 to August 1, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.