Sanprasert Panniayam explained that Wat Salaekhuean is an ancient temple dating from the late Ayutthaya to early Rattanakosin period, housing one historical dharmasala believed to be over 100 years old. The carved wooden structure had been stored for safekeeping after the temple renovated its sermon hall. When the temple committee expressed interest in restoring the dharmasala, the university's conservation unit coordinated with the Phranakorn Khiri National Museum to oversee the work while providing educational guidance to residents and school students on preservation techniques.

The restoration partnership involved monks, local administration, cultural networks, and textile expert Thanit Pumsai, who taught students how traditional Thai patterns featured in the dharmasala could inspire design work. "This project represents community participation from home, temple, school, and relevant agencies," Sanprasert said, "serving both heritage preservation and educational outreach while building local pride."

Museum director Prajin noted that conservation work began with careful cleaning of the dharmasala's carved wooden components featuring inlaid gold and decorative glass, using gentle dusting and cotton swabs before reassembly. The hands-on activity engaged students, monks, and residents in understanding conservation as cultural inheritance. Resident Samang Nutchompoo, known as "Aunty Toom," shared that the dharmasala originally stood in the temple's older sermon hall for monastic teachings before being relocated and stored when the hall required rebuilding. The new abbot and temple committee have now launched its restoration and reinstallation.

Bangkok, 17 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) joined a strategic review and operational inspection at Suvarnabhumi Airport on 16 July, led by Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, to accelerate existing measures to improve passenger flow, ease congestion, raise service standards and strengthen the visitor experience.

Mr. Surasak said, “Our priority is to ensure that Suvarnabhumi Airport serves as an international gateway that delivers a strong first impression. By strengthening existing coordination and accelerating practical improvements, we can manage rising passenger volumes more effectively and raise service standards. More efficient arrival and departure processes will contribute directly to the sustainable growth of Thailand’s tourism economy.”

The review brought together the Ministry of Transport, TAT, the Department of Tourism, the Tourist Police Bureau, the Immigration Bureau and Airports of Thailand. Building on established inter-agency coordination, the review assessed current operations, with agencies reaffirming their commitment to stronger data integration, more proactive management of pressure points and wider use of immigration technology.

The agencies will further strengthen the real-time exchange of flight schedules and passenger-volume data, enabling staffing levels to be adjusted more accurately throughout the day. This will support faster responses during peak periods and improve coordination across airport, immigration and tourism-related services.

In parallel, the respective agencies will continue to assess operational measures to address bottlenecks in areas where passenger volumes exceed existing capacity. These include temporary waiting areas, improved queue management and more efficient passenger movement through immigration and other high-traffic points.

Technology remains central to improving the visitor experience. Biometric identity verification will be expanded, while capacity at automated passport-control channels will be increased. These channels are currently available to eligible passport holders from Singapore and Hong Kong.

The second phase of the system is scheduled to begin in September 2026. Authorities will also consider extending eligibility to travellers from other lower-risk markets. The expanded automated-channel capacity is expected to reduce congestion in immigration areas by more than 50 per cent.

Following the review, Mr. Surasak inspected immigration operations and met frontline officers. The visit reinforced the government’s commitment to accelerating service improvements at Suvarnabhumi Airport and strengthening its role as an efficient international gateway.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “TAT is strengthening every stage of the visitor journey, from planning and reliable information to arrival, travel within Thailand, on-ground assistance and departure. This coordinated action at Suvarnabhumi Airport advances our Value over Volume direction and Partnership 360 approach by aligning public and private sector efforts to raise service quality, strengthen travel confidence and deliver a more seamless experience.”

The post Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry accelerates service improvements at Suvarnabhumi Airport appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

On July 17, 2569, Pol. Col. Tweesuwan Sod Suang, leader of the Prachathai party, posted on Facebook criticizing the local government civil service exam cheating scandal. He likened the fraud to a television drama titled "When the Accused Becomes the Investigator," arguing that it allows wrongdoers to operate above the law in a tragicomedy that leaves Thai citizens bewildered and questioning whether they are witnessing a theatrical production.

As a member of the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee, Sod Suang received complaints investigating the fraudulent civil service recruitment examination for local government officials. After reviewing the facts and applicable law, he expressed profound sadness, as the situation inevitably raises public suspicion that a "theatrical show" is being staged.

The facts reveal a stark discrepancy: correct exam scores remain with the universities contracted to administer the exams, and local government organizations confirm that the scores stored in their systems are also accurate. However, the results publicly announced by the Central Local Government Civil Service Exam Committee (CSCB) included 5,814 individuals who scored below the passing threshold or failed entirely, and these individuals have already been appointed as local government officials.

If the facts are as they appear, this is not merely an administrative error but constitutes the completion of multiple criminal offenses from the moment the fraudulent results were announced and used for appointments. The critical question is: who had the authority to approve or order the announcement of these fraudulent results?

Under the Local Government Personnel Administration Act, B.E. 2542 and the Head of the National Council for Peace and Order Order No. 8/2560 dated February 21, 2560, the Central Local Government Civil Service Exam Committee (CSCB) is responsible for conducting all civil service recruitment examinations. The CSCB comprises 19 members, including six ex-officio members (Permanent Secretaries of Interior and Education, the Civil Service Commission Secretary-General, the Budget Bureau Director, the Comptroller General, and the Local Government Promotion Department Director), six experts selected from provincial and municipal councils, six representatives of local government organizations, and one deputy director appointed by the Local Government Promotion Department Director to serve as secretary and chair.

The law grants the CSCB authority to conduct examinations, establish curricula, determine examination procedures, set candidate qualifications, establish passing criteria, maintain and remove candidates from the successful list, and handle all related matters. The contractual scope of work (TOR) explicitly stipulates that the contractor must prepare the list of successful candidates as determined by the CSCB and announce it on the website as specified by the committee, meaning the contractor lacks independent authority to determine the list.

During late 2568 to early 2569, the CSCB conducted and announced results for sections A and B on February 20, 2569, officially listing successful candidates. However, 5,814 names required revocation due to irregularities. This fraudulent announcement constituted the completion of the crime. On June 22, 2569, officers from the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Metropolitan Police Bureau conducted searches at locations in Nonthaburi province where exam scores had been illegally altered, approximately four months after the results were announced.

The Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra (TKWO), a legendary wind ensemble from Japan internationally recognized as one of the world's most influential wind orchestras, has performed across Japan, Europe, America, and Asia. The ensemble is now bringing over 40 elite wind musicians to Thailand for the first time on September 11-12, 2026, at Mahidol Sithakorn Auditorium at Mahidol University's Salaya campus.

The concert, titled "Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra Concert in Bangkok," is organized through a collaboration between the Thai Saxophone Association and Mahidol University's College of Music Arts. This marks a significant opportunity for classical music and anime enthusiasts. The concert will feature renowned conductor Daichi Deguchi, a winner of the Khachaturian International Conducting Competition, alongside Thai guest conductor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanapol Settaprahm from the Mahidol Wind Orchestra.

With over 65 years of influence in wind orchestra development, TKWO is celebrated for its performance standards, high-quality recordings, and beloved anime music performances. For this Thai performance, the ensemble will showcase three legendary anime pieces: "Tank!", "Lupin the Third Theme '78," and "Spy x Family Medley," along with other masterworks including the Alvamar Overture by renowned American composer James Barnes and compositions by Gustav Holst.

Daichi Deguchi is an accomplished conductor who has studied under masters including Junichi Hirokami, Tatsuya Shimono, and Christian Ehwald, and has trained in opera conducting with Hans-Dieter Baum. He has participated in master classes with world-class conductors Neeme Järvi and Paavo Järvi, and has been invited to conduct leading orchestras including Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Armenian National Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestre Victor Hugo.

This visit marks an important milestone for Thailand's wind orchestra community. Interested individuals can find more information on the Thai Saxophone Association's Facebook page and reserve tickets through Eventpop or by calling 081-174-4794.

The Royal Irrigation Department is advancing feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments for the Khlong Ichi Reservoir Project in Khlong Lan District, Kamphaeng Phet Province, as part of the Khlong Suan Mak Watershed Development Plan. The project aims to strengthen water security, resolve chronic water shortages, and improve living standards for area residents sustainably.

On July 16, 2026, the department organized a mobile media event and presented site selection study results for the Khlong Ichi Reservoir Project at Kamphaeng Phet Provincial Hall and conducted field outreach in the Noen Sawang area, Nab Bo Kham Subdistrict. The activities aimed to build public understanding of water resource development based on scientific data, facts, and community participation.

The Khlong Ichi Reservoir Project is a key strategy for water management in Kamphaeng Phet Province, designed to increase dry-season water storage capacity and ease water scarcity for domestic use and agriculture. The project will enhance water security for communities and the productive sector in the Khlong Suan Mak basin, which has experienced persistent water supply fluctuations.

Beyond immediate water needs, the project is part of long-term water resource management planning to adapt to climate change, which is making water availability increasingly variable due to both severe droughts and irregular rainfall patterns. The Royal Irrigation Department prioritizes impact assessment across all dimensions—environmental, social, and economic—while inviting public and stakeholder input throughout the study process.

The field visit was a critical opportunity to gather community feedback firsthand, ensuring the project develops in a comprehensive, transparent manner that maximizes community benefit. Feedback received will inform the complete feasibility study. The Royal Irrigation Department confirmed its commitment to developing water resources while protecting public welfare and natural resources, aiming to create sustainable water security for all sectors to support community growth and future area development, ultimately improving quality of life in Kamphaeng Phet Province.

A luxury resort owner has voluntarily demolished structures within Khao Yai National Park, marking the second such voluntary demolition following a final court order. The structures being demolished number eight items covering approximately 11 rai 3 ngan 28 square wah of land.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin announced that the government continues to verify land rights within Khao Yai National Park according to the 1997 park boundaries. The verification process for residents in zones 2 and part of 4 must be completed within six months to clearly distinguish legitimate residents from commercial encroachers and capitalist operators. This will protect affected residents' rights while strictly enforcing the law against violators in a transparent and fair manner.

According to a report from Arthapol Charunchansai, director of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the resort owner submitted a request on July 7, 2569 and began demolition on July 14-15, 2569. The case originated from an inspection on May 1, 2555 that found forest encroachment. The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court ruled on July 9, 2567 ordering complete demolition and requiring the owner to pay 300,000 baht in damages plus interest.

Pravatsatat Chanthep, head of Khao Yai National Park, reported the demolition is 50 percent complete and should finish by July 30, 2569. A related project at Imphubhill Resort is 70 percent complete, with delays caused by continuous rain. The park is preparing notices to 15 hotel and resort operators whose administrative court cases have concluded, ordering them to notify their intention to demolish structures within 15 days or face forced demolition by the park authorities.