Couple Sentenced for Stealing Lottery Ticket Worth 150,000 Baht

A husband and wife were sentenced to one year in prison for stealing a neighbor's winning 150,000-baht lottery ticket and burning it to destroy evidence, though they agreed to pay compensation and help her claim the prize.

31 Jul Khaosod

A court has sentenced a husband and wife to one year in prison for stealing a first-prize lottery ticket belonging to Pa Khayan and burning it to destroy evidence. The couple has agreed to pay 150,000 baht in compensation and apologized in court. Pa Khayan has reserved her right to claim the prize money from the national lottery office.

The case began when Pa Khayan asked her neighbors to check her lottery ticket. The neighbors initially told her it had won the grand prize but then suggested she leave it with them for safekeeping. When Pa Khayan returned the next day to retrieve it, they claimed the ticket was a loser and had been thrown away. Police investigation revealed the neighbors had actually stolen the winning ticket and burned it to avoid legal trouble.

At trial, both defendants confessed to theft and destruction of property. The court sentenced each to one year imprisonment (reduced from the original charge), imposed a fine of 10,000 baht each, and ordered them to perform 24 hours of community service and report to a probation officer four times. The couple has committed to cooperating as witnesses to help Pa Khayan claim her lottery winnings from the national lottery office.

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Regional

Parliamentary Committee Reviews Phuket Airport Expansion Plans

A parliamentary committee visited Phuket International Airport to review expansion plans aimed at increasing passenger capacity and streamlining immigration processes to support anticipated tourism growth.

31 Jul The Phuket News

PHUKET: A parliamentary committee has inspected operations at Phuket International Airport as part of a field study into tourism management, with airport officials outlining plans to expand passenger capacity and improve immigration processing ahead of future tourism growth.

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Regional

Pattaya Spartan Race Set to Draw 5,000 Athletes Worldwide

Over 5,000 athletes will compete in Thailand's 2026 Pattaya Spartan Race, with a record 2,000 kids participating and an expected economic impact of 250 million baht for the region.

31 Jul Khaosod

Over 5,000 athletes from around the world are preparing for the 2026 Pattaya Spartan Trifecta Weekend & HH12HR, which will set a new record for Spartan Kids with more than 2,000 participants, positioning Thailand as Asia's second-largest Spartan venue and generating an estimated 250 million baht in economic circulation.

A press conference was held on July 31, 2025, at The Tee, Club House building at Pattana Sports Resort in Sri Racha district, Chon Buri province, to announce the readiness for the 2026 Pattaya Spartan Trifecta Weekend & HH12HR at Wisdom Valley in Pattaya and Spartan Kids at Pattana Sports Resort in Chon Buri, scheduled for August 1–2, 2025.

The event was attended by Chaiyaporn Paepphimrattana, Deputy Governor of Chon Buri, who highlighted the province's capacity to host international competitions and welcome athletes and spectators from around the world. Rattanchai Sutthidechanuay, representing the MICE industry marketing office for the Eastern region under the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), discussed the successful acquisition of this world-class race license and cooperation among all sectors in advancing the MICE and sports tourism industries to create economic value for the region.

Also present were Bunperm Intanpasadhorn, CEO of Runrio Thailand; Thumbie Remigio, Race Director; Bodintr Chongruangreung, CEO of Pattana Sports Resort; and Jayakumar Tharmalingam, Brand Ambassador, all discussing their readiness to host the 2026 event and participating in a gift presentation to partners and sponsors.

TCEB, in collaboration with Chon Buri province, Runrio Thailand, and both public and private sector partners, is organizing the 2026 Pattaya Spartan Trifecta Weekend & HH12HR to elevate Thailand as a global hub for Spartan Race obstacle course running. This year's Spartan Kids event has set a record with more than 2,000 participants, ranking second in Asia and the world after China, which hosted nearly 20,000 Spartan Kids World Championship participants, reflecting the sport's growth among families and youth and reinforcing Thailand's capacity to host international competitions.

The festival features the Spartan Trifecta Weekend Pattaya at Wisdom Valley with three distances: Sprint at 5 kilometers with 20 obstacles, Super at 10 kilometers with 25 obstacles, and Beast at 21 kilometers with 30 obstacles. It also includes Hurricane Heat 12HR (HH12HR), a 12-hour continuous team challenge without official timing that emphasizes mission completion, endurance, and physical and mental strength. The Spartan Kids Race at Pattana Sports Resort targets children ages 4–14 with distances of 1–3 kilometers and includes family activities, with both events drawing nearly 5,000 total participants.

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Community

Rescue Volunteer Warns Against Fake Charity Scams

A veteran rescue volunteer warns donors to verify charity credentials and avoid fake fundraisers, cautioning that social media now exposes fraud that once went unnoticed in the rescue sector.

31 Jul Khaosod

Sai Thar, a veteran rescue volunteer, has criticized fraudsters posing as charity workers, warning donors to be cautious or risk "handing a knife to a thief." He emphasized that those without proper ethical standards should not enter the rescue field. Against the backdrop of recent scandals in the rescue community, public scrutiny has grown over the transparency of donated funds. Sai Thar noted that such problems have existed for decades, but social media now makes every action visible. He called on relevant authorities to address these issues seriously and prevent lasting damage to organizational and national reputation.

Sai Thar shared an example of someone falsely claiming to represent his foundation to solicit donations, stressing that genuine volunteers should not damage their organization's credibility. He urged the public to verify information before donating, cautioning that knowingly supporting someone with a questionable track record is equivalent to enabling fraud. He emphasized that the heart of volunteerism is integrity, not greed, and warned that people sometimes perceived as entirely good may not be what they appear.

When asked about drama in the rescue sector, Sai Thar acknowledged the issue has existed for years but notes the difference is social media exposure. He stated: "Everyone should know that even if no one sees what you do, you yourself know the truth in your heart. How can you claim to be good after acting that way?" He recounted encountering someone claiming to represent his foundation soliciting donations for coffins, which his organization already provides for free. He stressed that while people may have different perspectives on giving, knowingly supporting someone with a bad track record is risky.

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National

Thai Animated Series Ayothaya Ayeyarwady Debuts on YouTube

Clover Book releases Thai animated series Ayothaya Ayeyarwady on YouTube starting September 26, adapting a popular comic about two young royals from warring kingdoms who form an unlikely friendship despite their nations' conflict.

31 Jul Khaosod

Clover Book has released the first trailer for Ayothaya Ayeyarwady, a Thai animated series based on the popular comic by Thai illustrator Amulin, with its first two episodes premiering free on YouTube on 26 September. Set against the conflict between Ayothaya and Hongsawadi, the story follows the eldest son of the ruler of Song Khwae, who is sent to Hongsawadi as a prisoner of war and forms an unlikely childhood friendship with the son of Hongsawadi's viceroy. As the two kingdoms remain divided by war, their bond is tested when the young royals must eventually face one another as enemies.

The nearly two-minute trailer, released by Clover Book on 27 July, previews scenes from episodes two to eight. Episode one is produced by Animetix Production, while Mitta Studio will produce episode two onwards. Clover Book Studio serves as executive producer, with the project supported by the Culture Promotion Department under the Ministry of Culture and snack brand Koh-Kae. Singer Songkran Rangsant has been named as the lead vocalist for the animated series' soundtrack.

Amulin, whose real name is Chalisa Limpipolpaiboon, told Matichon that Clover Book acquired the rights to adapt her comic. The publisher initially intended to finance the animation independently to retain full control over the story but later sought support that would not require changes to its content. The series will be released weekly due to high animation production costs, with income from book and merchandise sales intended to help finance subsequent episodes. Amulin also revealed that the comic's rights have been acquired for a separate series adaptation.

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National

Thailand Eyes Exit From US Watchlist as Tech Exports Buoy Economy

Thailand's tech-driven exports and data center investments are steadily supporting economic growth, while the country eyes removal from the US trade watchlist as its current account surplus narrows below the monitoring threshold.

31 Jul Khaosod

The Bank of Thailand reported on July 31 that Thailand's June economy held steady month-on-month, with private consumption improving thanks to government stimulus and rising electric vehicle sales. Merchandise exports and private investment continued to expand, driven by technology products, a global electronics industry upturn, and data center investments. However, industrial manufacturing declined across multiple sectors, particularly petroleum refining due to scheduled maintenance shutdowns and non-EV vehicle production, while the services sector slowed as foreign tourist arrivals and tourism revenue fell, hitting hotels and restaurants hard. Overall second-quarter economic growth decelerated from the first quarter due to higher energy prices and travel restrictions from Middle East conflict, weakening tourism and private consumption despite government support measures. Technology exports and data center investments helped offset the services slowdown. General inflation fell in June with crude oil prices, though core inflation rose as businesses passed along costs. The current account deficit narrowed while labor markets remained stable. Key factors to watch include war developments and US trade policy, tourism recovery, living costs and business expenses, government measures, and potential El Niño effects. The Bank of Thailand also noted that in the latest US Treasury report released July 24, Thailand remains on the US monitoring list, meeting only one of three criteria—a trade surplus with the United States of approximately $72 billion—after its current account surplus fell from 3.8 percent to 2.8 percent of GDP. The US Treasury acknowledged that the central bank's repatriation relaxation and gold transaction oversight measures aim to stabilize the baht rather than gain trade advantage. Thailand has a chance to be removed from the monitoring list in the next assessment round if it meets only one criterion, with the central bank tracking progress toward that goal.

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Regional

Tourist Risks Life Posing on Abandoned Building Edge in Phuket

A foreign tourist drew criticism after sitting on the edge of an eight-storey abandoned building in Phuket's Wichit district while posing for photos, with locals warning of the dangerous conditions and a previous fatal fall at the same site

31 Jul The Thaiger Crime

Foreign tourist criticised for posing on abandoned building in PhuketLegacyResidents raised safety concerns after a foreign tourist was filmed sitting on the edge of an abandoned building in Phuket while friends took photographs. The incident at the abandoned building in the Wichit district of Phuket was recorded by residents and shared on social media, where the footage attracted widespread attention before being republished by several Thai news outlets. In the video, the Thai man filming can be heard warning about the danger, saying, “What will happen if this foreigner falls? Don’t do this. Such a quality tourist. This is dangerous, very dangerous.” The unfinished building consists of an eight-storey concrete structure with no protective walls or balcony railings on any floor. Photo via Channel 7 The report added that construction materials and exposed steel reinforcement bars remain on the ground floor, presenting additional hazards to anyone entering the property. The footage showed the foreign tourist sitting on the edge of the top floor with both legs hanging over the side while posing for photographs. It was not clear how many people had entered the building or whether others accompanying the tourist also climbed to the rooftop. Locals told Channel 7 that the construction project had been abandoned for more than four years. They said the owner of the land allows vendors to operate businesses at the entrance to the property in exchange for helping watch over the site. Photo via One News According to the vendors, they noticed the tourists entering the building while operating their stalls nearby. One resident told the media that a Thai national had previously died after falling from the rooftop of the same building. The resident urged both Thai and foreign visitors not to enter the abandoned structure, citing the risk of serious injury as well as the possibility of legal consequences for entering private property without permission. The report did not state whether the incident had been reported to the property owner or whether any action would be taken against the tourist featured in the video.

The story Foreign tourist criticised for posing on abandoned building in Phuket as seen on Thaiger News.

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Police

Stepfather Admits to Drunk Fall That Killed 3-Year-Old Stepson

A 19-year-old man has confessed to striking his 3-year-old stepson while drunk and falling in Mukdahan, resulting in the child's death. Both the stepfather and the boy's mother are facing drug possession charges after testing positive.

31 Jul Khaosod

A 19-year-old stepfather has confessed to accidentally striking a 3-year-old stepchild with his knee while drunk and falling, resulting in the child's death. The biological mother, age 24, initially claimed the boy had a high fever and had lost consciousness before being rushed to hospital, but doctors discovered bruises across his body. Police arrested both the mother and stepfather, Nai Lokhine, and are pursuing drug possession charges after both tested positive for drug use based on purple-colored urine samples.

Nai Lokhine, 19, has been remanded in custody at Mukdahan Provincial Court. He confessed that on the night of July 28, while the boy's mother was out topping up her mobile phone credit at a neighborhood stand, he was alone with the child while intoxicated. He claimed he stumbled and fell, his knee striking the child's abdomen forcefully, causing the boy to become unresponsive. The next morning, the child showed signs of distress with diarrhea and remained unresponsive, prompting the mother to call for an ambulance to Mukdahan Hospital.

Police Colonel Phrairojn Thaiphuttra, commander of Mukdahan Provincial Police, revealed that investigators have interviewed four witnesses and plan to call 2-3 additional witnesses for further statements. Preliminary autopsy findings show bruises on the child's body, but doctors cannot yet definitively determine the exact cause or what inflicted them. No signs of struggle or physical violence were found inside the residence. Both adults have been charged with drug possession, while the cause of death and all bruising patterns will be examined through detailed autopsy to properly pursue criminal charges.

Nai Lokhine's mother stated that she lives in a separate house and works in fields, so she did not witness any abuse. She said she was ill and sleeping in another house on the day of the incident, which prevented her from hearing any unusual sounds. She noted that Nai Lokhine has suffered from mental illness since age 10 and requires medication. The boy's mother moved in with them only recently.

Neighbors, however, reported frequently hearing the child crying continuously over several days, and each time the child cried, loud music would play simultaneously, suggesting an intentional effort to mask the child's cries.

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National

Ajinomoto Thailand Launches 2025 Health Strategy and Restaurant Support Program

Ajinomoto Thailand revealed its 2025 wellness strategy and launched a new restaurant support program to help local food entrepreneurs improve operations and reduce costs. The company, which generated 34 billion baht in revenue last year, ai

31 Jul Khaosod

Ajinomoto Thailand has unveiled its 2025 business direction, aiming to become a trusted wellness partner by advancing AminoScience expertise and developing food and nutrition innovations under the "Eat Well, Live Well" concept. A major initiative is the launch of "Ajinomoto Restaurant Partner," a new solution supporting Thai food entrepreneurs and chefs through cost reduction, operational efficiency, and quality improvement.

Managing Director Satoshi Utagawa revealed that the company logged 34 billion baht in revenue in 2024, with flagship products including Rosadee seasoning (90% market share), Ajinomoto MSG powder (80% market share), and Buddy canned coffee (50% market share). For 2025, the company will integrate global innovation with Thai consumer insights to enhance quality of life through food and nutrition, creating shared value across the food ecosystem.

Three key food trends are shaping consumer behavior: value for money, with two-thirds of consumers comparing prices; health and longevity, with increased focus on nutrition and healthy lifestyles; and convenience solutions tailored to specific occasions and lifestyle needs throughout the day.

The company's three strategic pillars for 2025 are: promoting "Eat Well" through AminoScience-driven innovation, enhancing "Live Well" with consumer lifestyle products and services, and developing into a Trusted Well-Being Partner creating shared prosperity. Beyond the restaurant program, Ajinomoto is expanding health products, launching Better Meal and Winning Meals projects for athletes and consumers, growing its frozen food business under the "Ajinomoto Umami" brand, and preparing to open the Ajinomoto Amino Museum to offer nutrition, wellness, and innovation experiences through art and technology. In 2024, the company achieved significant sustainability milestones in emissions reduction.

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Police

Wanted Suspect Impersonates Cop, Crashes Checkpoint in Chanthaburi

A wanted suspect impersonating a police officer broke through a Chanthaburi checkpoint on a motorcycle and escaped after a 10-kilometer chase in the early hours of July 31, prompting an intensified manhunt across the region.

31 Jul Khaosod

At 12:49 a.m. on July 31, 2025, a man impersonating a police officer on a motorcycle broke through the Baan Khao Lam joint security checkpoint in Chachang Subdistrict, Soi Dao District, Chanthaburi, heading toward Sa Kaew Province. Officers pursued the suspect for more than 10 kilometers, but he used his familiarity with the local area to escape into a side soi. Investigation confirmed the suspect was a wanted person.

Deputy Superintendent Yingyong Buppahom, commanding officer of the Baan Khao Lam checkpoint (a joint operation between police, Royal Thai Marines, and Border Patrol Police Company 114), reported that while conducting routine checkpoint operations, two men on a motorcycle approached matching an earlier alert. The driver was dressed as a police officer wearing an overlay shirt and an official police hat to deceive officers. When signaled to stop for inspection, the officers quickly recognized the suspects as Thanat ("Ai Bpong") and Thamchai ("Nai Thong"), both wanted by Pattaya Provincial Court in connection with the mysterious disappearance of two Russian siblings and a motorcycle dismantling case in Chon Buri Province.

Realizing he had been identified, the suspect accelerated and sped through the checkpoint toward Sa Kaew Province. Officers gave chase for over 10 kilometers, but the suspect turned into connecting sois and disappeared from view. Near the checkpoint, officers recovered an official police hat that the suspect had dropped approximately 100 meters from the checkpoint and logged it as evidence.

Police Regional Commander Phudungsak Raksuk convened an urgent meeting with commanding officers and investigation teams from all police stations in the area to coordinate an intensified manhunt. Police believe the suspects may be using secondary roads, village routes, natural passages, and local plantations to avoid checkpoints, and suspect they may attempt to flee across the border into Cambodia through natural channels. Police warned the public that several social media videos circulating about the incident contain false information, including old clips and unverified details.

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National

39th King's Cup Sepak Takraw Draws 19 Nations Worldwide

Nineteen nations will compete in the 39th King's Cup Sepak Takraw Championship, one of the sport's most prestigious tournaments, running August 4-11 at Fashion Island Shopping Centre in Thailand with nearly 700 athletes across five competit

31 Jul Khaosod

The 39th King's Cup Sepak Takraw Championship will welcome athletes from 19 countries worldwide to compete in one of the sport's oldest and most prestigious tournaments. On July 31 at the Grand Forvung Hotel, Thana Chaiyaprasit, president of the Thai Sepak Takraw Association, and Datuk Abdul Halim Kader, secretary-general of the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF), held a press conference announcing the world championship for the royal "King's Cup" trophy running from August 4-11 at Fashion Island Shopping Centre. Thana remarked that the King's Cup is one of the most honored and historically significant events in sepak takraw, having served over four decades not just as a competition but as a platform unifying the global sepak takraw community. He stressed that Thailand has made comprehensive preparations covering competition management, venue facilities, athlete amenities, transportation systems, and opening and closing ceremonies, committing to making this tournament successful and memorable for all 19 participating nations. Datuk Abdul Halim Kader stated that the King's Cup remains one of the most valued and prestigious competitions in international sepak takraw, serving as an important platform that brings together world-class athletes and reflecting confidence in Thailand's experience and capability in hosting world-level sporting events. He noted that the King's Cup has long been recognized as a leading competition in the international sepak takraw calendar, functioning as both a showcase for elite athletes and a crucial mechanism for advancing the sport internationally. The ISTAF has introduced several rule and format improvements to enhance modernity, increase competitive intensity, create greater excitement for spectators, and expand the sport's appeal to younger audiences worldwide. The 39th King's Cup features five competition categories: men's singles, mixed doubles, women's pairs, mixed four-person teams, and men's and women's hoop sepak takraw, with nearly 700 athletes from 19 countries participating in competitions held August 4-11 at Fashion Island Shopping Centre.

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