Court Denies Bail for Mallika in Forex Fraud Case

A Thai forex trading executive was denied bail after being charged with fraud involving her company QRS Global, with courts citing the severity of the offense and flight risk concerns.

2h ago Khaosod

On July 16, 2025, at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road, Special Case Investigation Bureau officers brought Ms. Mallika Maakslud, executive and director of QRS Education Limited (the Thai operator of QRS Global), before the court on charges of fraud in foreign exchange trading. She was held in custody and subsequently applied for bail with collateral, but the court rejected her request. The court found that the charges carry severe penalties, involve substantial damages, and reflect organized criminal activity with divided responsibilities. Considering the gravity of the offense and its wide-ranging economic impact, along with concerns she might flee or tamper with evidence, the court denied her release pending further investigation. Mallika was transferred to Central Women's Prison.

No. 01 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Thailand Awaits World Heritage Decision on Nakhon Si Thammarat Temple

Thailand awaits the World Heritage Committee's decision this month on whether to designate Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn in Nakhon Si Thammarat as a cultural World Heritage Site, which would be the country's first such recognition in the

2h ago Khaosod

Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin announced on July 16 that Thailand has just 10 days left before the World Heritage Committee decides on the nomination of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn in Nakhon Si Thammarat as a cultural World Heritage Site. The decision will be made during the 48th ordinary session of the World Heritage Committee, held July 19-29, 2024 in Busan, South Korea.

Chomklin revealed that Prime Minister Anuthine Charnvirakul has appointed him to lead the Thai delegation, alongside Dr. Raveevan Phooridetch, Permanent Secretary of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry. The team will advocate for the temple's inscription, a crucial mission to gain international recognition of Thailand's cultural heritage.

Chomklin emphasized that the nomination represents the hopes of all Thai people, as Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn is a vital Buddhist religious center of the Thai peninsula, reflecting regional cultural and civilizational exchange. The temple boasts over 1,500 years of continuous history, art, and beliefs that meet UNESCO's criteria for Outstanding Universal Value.

If approved, the temple will become Thailand's sixth cultural World Heritage Site, its ninth World Heritage Site overall, and the first in southern Thailand. Chomklin called on all Thai citizens to support the delegation and anticipate this historic recognition, noting that success would bring pride to the entire nation and ensure this invaluable heritage endures for future generations.

No. 02 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Thai King and Queen Receive British Princess Anne

Thai King and Queen welcomed British Princess Anne and her husband at Dusit Palace on July 16, during an official state visit to Thailand.

2h ago Khaosod

At 5:07 p.m. on July 16, 2026, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen received Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, The Princess Royal (sister of King Charles III of the United Kingdom), and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, her husband, at Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall in Dusit Palace during their official visit to Thailand.

Following the reception at 5:58 p.m., the royal couple granted an audience to Buddhist monks and various dignitaries who presented offerings, including:

– Venerable Thep Watchardhamma (Sila Sirijon), abbot of Wat Phra That Muen Hin in Kalasin Province, and members of the sangha, who presented Buddha images and auspicious items on the occasion of His Majesty's birthday on July 28, 2026.

– Venerable Thep Wachirwithayanusin (Wrah Punnyavaro), abbot of Wat Pho Thong in Bangkok, and other dignitaries, who presented Buddha images and carved elephant tusks with wooden bases.

– Venerable Prom Wachirodom (Suthat Worathasee), abbot of Wat Molilokyaram in Bangkok, along with monks and individuals, who presented Buddha images, auspicious items, and gifts.

– Mom Rajawongse Chiyakorn Abhakorn, chairman of the Abhakorn Royal Family Foundation, presenting a seated Buddha image and commemorative coins marking the centennial of Admiral Prince Chumporn's death, along with special stamps, historical books, and traditional medicine texts.

– Surasak Pansangcholapkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, presenting sports honors awards to Her Majesty the Queen in recognition of her support for Thai sailing athletes who won gold medals at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in 2026 in the Keelboat SSL47 category and achieved runner-up status in the IRC Zero sailing competition.

No. 03 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Nakhon Nayok Governor Wins 12 Million Baht Lottery Prize

The governor of Nakhon Nayok won 12 million baht in the July 16 government lottery draw after regularly buying tickets ending in 14 based on her grandson's birth date.

2h ago Khaosod

The governor of Nakhon Nayok Provincial Administrative Organization won first prize in the government lottery draw held on July 16, claiming the full 12 million baht payout for two winning tickets. The winning number was 639214. Ms. Nida Khanayoung, known as Governor Palm, received congratulations from residents and staff members after the news was announced on the provincial Facebook page. Governor Palm explained that after learning her grandson's due date, she has made a habit of buying lottery tickets ending in 14 whenever she travels for work or passes a lottery vendor.

No. 04 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Bangkok Firefighters Rescue Overweight Cat Stranded on High Ledge

Bangkok firefighters rescued an overweight cat stuck on a high ledge in Bang Rak district after it climbed up but was too frightened to descend on its own. The animal was safely brought down unharmed, drawing amused reactions on social medi

3h ago Khaosod

BANGKOK — 15 July 2026, Firefighters in Bangkok rescued an overweight cat that became stranded in a high place and was unable to climb down on its own, in an incident that amused social media users.

The rescue took place on 15 July in Charoen Krung Soi 44 in Bang Rak district after officers from the Bang Rak Fire and Rescue Station responded to a report of a cat trapped above ground.

Firefighters safely retrieved the cat and brought it back to the ground without injury.

The Bang Rak Fire and Rescue Station described the call-out simply as involving "a fat cat afraid of heights", a remark that quickly drew light-hearted reactions online. Many social media users joked that while the cat had managed to climb up without difficulty, it became too frightened to make its way back down.

The incident also highlighted the role of Bangkok's firefighters, who respond not only to emergencies involving people but also assist animals in distress. The rescue was completed safely, and the cat was returned unharmed.

No. 05 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Thailand Grapples With Growing Chinese Influence Concerns

Thai authorities have launched investigations into dozens of cases where children were allegedly fraudulently registered as Thai citizens despite being born to Chinese parents, raising national security concerns. The crackdown comes amid gr

3h ago Khaosod

The past week saw tensions mount among Thais who are becoming increasingly alarmed about China's growing influence and role in Thailand. Four issues have emerged that patriotic Thais should, at the very least, be concerned about and contemplate within the larger context of Sino-Thai relations.

First, there is the ongoing crackdown on cases involving children allegedly fraudulently registered as Thai despite being born to Chinese parents. As of press time, dozens of cases have emerged, with several Thai and Chinese nationals arrested. The Thai government has ordered nationwide scrutiny of other potential cases.

One must ask: What is the ultimate goal of such deception? Are these long-term attempts by suspected Chinese criminals to embed Chinese interests driven by economics, or worse, a coordinated political effort to position future Manchurian candidates who could seek to run the Thai government a few decades from now? While the intended goal is inconclusive, it is not far-fetched to consider this a potential threat to national security, and not just the actions of some small-time Chinese criminals. Some have already expressed such concerns.

Then there are the anti-mining demonstrations outside the Chinese Consulate in Chiang Mai and the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok. Protesters accuse Chinese companies of mining in neighbouring Myanmar that, they say, have caused toxic pollution, rendering the Kok River in northern Thailand unsafe to drink from and its fish unsafe to eat, and potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of people, if not more. The Chinese Embassy has flatly denied that Chinese companies were involved. However, the main opposition People's Party is taking the matter seriously and submitted a petition concerning it to the Chinese ambassador earlier this week.

These two issues in themselves pose potential problems for Thai-Chinese relations, but the Chinese Embassy further complicated matters last week by "requesting" that the Thai press exercise self-censorship. It did not take long for some Thai journalists to say that the Chinese Embassy had contacted their media outlets in an attempt to have them censor images of Thai protesters wearing masks depicting Chinese President Xi Jinping.

While some Thai media outlets yielded to the "requests", others did not. One veteran journalist from a major Thai-language mainstream media outlet said the embassy had made such behind-the-scenes approaches.

When Thai PBS blurred the faces of demonstrators wearing masks depicting Xi and posted about it on social media, the post prompted two activists to demand an explanation from the news organisation. They met with the station's director, Vanchai Tantiwitayapitak. One of the activists who met with Vanchai last Friday said the director had acknowledged facing pressure from "Chinese authorities" but decided after the meeting to reconsider the outlet's editorial stance.

No. 06 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Bangkok Launches Month-Long Inspection of 1,000 Bars and Restaurants

Bangkok launched a month-long safety inspection of over 1,000 bars and restaurants across all districts, focusing on fire prevention and emergency protocols with authority to close high-risk venues immediately.

3h ago Khaosod

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt led a meeting on July 16, 2026 at Bangkok City Hall with city officials and police leadership to discuss improved oversight of service establishments throughout the capital. Officials analyzed fire safety issues, citing weak law enforcement and outdated regulations as contributing factors. The Prime Minister has scheduled a separate meeting with relevant parties to discuss legislative amendments.

Starting immediately, all 50 districts and 88 police stations will coordinate a comprehensive inspection campaign targeting over 1,000 establishments to be completed within one month. While the inspection aims to prevent incidents, facilities found with multiple deficiencies and high safety risks can be ordered closed by the city on the spot.

Inspections will focus strictly on fire prevention and emergency protocols, including clear evacuation routes, unobstructed fire exits, functional fire alarm systems, accessible fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems, and proper electrical panels with emergency shutoffs. Inspectors will also verify legal compliance for construction permits, renovations, and decorations, and confirm that emergency response drills are conducted at least annually.

Bangkok is encouraging the public to report unsafe establishments through the Traffy Fondue application. The city will implement an open data system that protects the anonymity of informants to ensure their safety.

No. 07 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Thai Rugby Sets Medal Target for 2026 Asian Games

Thailand's rugby association unveiled an ambitious plan to win medals at the 2026 Asian Games, with the women's team training alongside New Zealand's Black Ferns and the men's squad preparing in Japan to crack Asia's top five.

3h ago Khaosod

The Thailand Rugby Football Association opened its new office and introduced Wycombe Abbey International School Bangkok as the national team's headquarters, setting targets for the 2026 Asian Games. The women's team will train with New Zealand's Black Ferns squad and has committed to winning at least one medal—gold, silver, or bronze—while competing against Kazakhstan and Hong Kong. The men's team training in Japan aims to finish in Asia's top five. The association also confirmed participation in the Union Cup, Asia's premier 15-a-side rugby championship, which Thailand is hosting this year. To support university-level rugby, identified as crucial for national team development, the association will provide partial funding to Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The association signed sponsorship agreements with Sapience Hospital, providing medical personnel and ambulance support, and with Ascarde Infinite Company's Helios sports brand, which committed 1.25 million baht annually for uniforms and equipment. An ASEAN Rugby Leaders' Summit was held with representatives from twelve nations, welcoming Vietnam and Cambodia into the federation. Malaysia confirmed that 15-a-side rugby will not be included in the 2027 SEA Games, with only seven-a-side rugby featured.

No. 08 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Police Confirm Charges Against Uniformed Impostor Despite Denials

A former military officer has been formally charged with impersonating a government official after appearing in uniform alongside Thailand's Prime Minister at a brewery fire inspection in Bangkok. Despite his denials, police say they have v

3h ago Khaosod

On July 16, 2025, Police Commissioner Siam Bunyasorn disclosed details of the case against former second lieutenant Chit Phong Katphong, also known as 'Muat Nut,' who has surrendered to investigators and been temporarily released on bail due to his voluntary surrender. The suspect wore military-style clothing and positioned himself alongside Prime Minister Anuthín Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister during an on-site inspection of a brewery fire at Lat Prao. During the investigation, the suspect denied all allegations and requested to submit a written statement at a later date. Investigators formally charged him with three primary offences: impersonating and acting as a government official without lawful authority, possessing and operating an unlicensed radio communication device, and disseminating false information that caused public panic. Body armor and a helmet found during the investigation are undergoing further forensic examination. Commissioner Siam stated that although the suspect denied the radio charge, investigators have gathered substantial physical evidence, including video clips and transcripts from his press conference appearance with Chomphalang. The suspect previously admitted to purchasing the radio from Khlong Thom and installing it in the uniform, and police will proceed with prosecution on all three charges as planned. A criminal record check revealed the suspect has no prior convictions and no previous history of military uniform violations. His only prior records are as a victim or plaintiff in defamation cases involving images posted online at Bang Yi Khan and Udom Suk police stations, as well as a traffic accident case. Investigators will continue proceedings according to legal protocols and update on progress.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Community

Yoga Class Combines Tibetan Sound Therapy at Bangkok Skyscraper

Instructor Bennie combines yoga with Tibetan sound bowl therapy in a special class on August 8 at King Power Mahanakhon's 74th floor, aiming to reduce stress and promote relaxation through synchronized movement and healing vibrations.

3h ago Khaosod

Yoga practice offers far more than just physical flexibility and muscle building—it profoundly benefits mental health by training focus and reducing stress. Instructor Bennie, who runs the Yoga Love by ครูเบญ social media channel, is leading a special yoga class with Tibetan sound bowl therapy on August 8 at the 74th floor of King Power Mahanakhon. Bennie specializes in various yoga forms—Hatha, Vinyasa, Rocket Yoga, and Yin Yoga—and tailors difficulty levels to suit each participant's experience.

Her teaching method seamlessly blends different yoga disciplines, synchronizing body movement with breath in a systematic flow. Each pose connects continuously, building both physical strength and breathing capacity while strengthening the lungs and muscles. For this special session, Bennie combines Tibetan sound therapy with the yoga practice. Tibetan sound bowls use sound waves and vibrations to balance the body and mind, promoting deep relaxation. The specific frequencies help relax the central nervous system at a profound level and rebalance brain waves, allowing participants to receive positive energy, stimulate energy circulation throughout the body, and reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue while improving sleep quality.

The class is limited to 40 participants on August 8. Registration opens from 6:00–6:30 a.m., followed by a Vinyasa Fun Flow session from 6:30–7:30 a.m., sound therapy and tarot card reading from 7:30–8:00 a.m., sponsor giveaways from 8:00–8:45 a.m., and a casual rooftop tour. Tickets cost 1,200 baht per person and can be booked at https://kpmn.welovebooking.net/book/kpmn/home for August 8, 2026.

No. 10 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Princess Anne Opens Football Program for Thai Youth in Bangkok

Princess Anne visited a Bangkok football program for disadvantaged youth, where former Liverpool star Emile Heskey played alongside participants to promote education and youth development through the sport.

3h ago Khaosod

On July 16, 2025, Sports Minister Surasak Pun Chaeomvongkul received Princess Anne, Princess Royal and Patron of Save the Children UK, during her visit to Thai children and youth participating in a football program. The visit was made in connection with her tour of Save the Children projects, accompanied by Reverend Sir Tim Lawrence. Education Minister Prasert Chanthrawong, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, and Football Association of Thailand President Nualpan Lamsam led the Thai national football team in welcoming the Princess.

The visit took place at Pattana Community School in Khlong Toei district, Bangkok, where the Princess toured classrooms, spoke with students, and engaged closely with schoolchildren before observing the youth football development program, which was filled with warmth and smiles.

The activity was organized through collaboration between Save the Children, the British Embassy in Thailand, and the Liverpool FC Foundation to promote educational opportunities, youth development, and use football as a tool to inspire Thai children. A major highlight was the appearance of Emile Heskey, the legendary former Liverpool forward, who played alongside the young participants and shared his experiences with them, creating excitement and making a lasting impression on all attendees.

No. 11 of ∞ Read at source → Next