Customs Seizes 30kg of Etomidate at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Customs seized 30kg of etomidate worth over 21 million baht at Suvarnabhumi Airport on July 20, hidden in a blue drum that was being trafficked from India to Laos through Thailand.

23 Jul Khaosod

The Customs Department, in coordination with the Airport Narcotics Interception Task Force (AITF)—comprising the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, the Narcotics Suppression Police Command, and the Thai Armed Forces Security Center—seized 30 kilograms of etomidate with an estimated value exceeding 21 million baht on July 20, 2025. The drug was found hidden in silver plastic bags concealed inside a blue plastic drum and was confirmed through laboratory testing to be etomidate, a Class 2 controlled substance under Thailand's drug laws. The shipment originated from India, transited through Thailand, and was destined for Laos, making it subject to charges of illegally trafficking a Class 2 drug through the kingdom and violations of the Customs Act.

Etomidate is a fast-acting anesthetic used exclusively in medical settings. It was reclassified from a special-control drug to a Class 2 controlled substance in late July 2024 and is now in the same category as ketamine. Customs Director Panthong noted that this seizure represents a significant success in disrupting transnational drug networks and demonstrates the department's commitment to preventing Thailand from becoming a production base or transit route for narcotics and controlled substances destined for other countries.

During the first 10 months of fiscal year 2025, the Customs Department has seized over 200 drug-related cases involving methamphetamine, heroin, ketamine, cocaine, stimulant pills, and etomidate, with total contraband exceeding one ton valued at more than 1.4 billion baht. The department pledged to continue strengthening risk management measures, intelligence analysis, and international cooperation to intercept drug smuggling and other contraband trafficking in line with government policy.

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National

AIS Business Launches World's First Multi-Operator eSIM Network

AIS Business launched the world's first multi-operator eSIM network for enterprise IoT devices, developed with Bridge Alliance and Thales, allowing organizations to manage connectivity across multiple operators in Thailand and the Asia-Paci

23 Jul Khaosod

AIS Business has partnered with Bridge Alliance and Thales to launch the world's first multi-operator eSIM network for enterprise customers, using the latest GSMA SGP.32 standard to enhance IoT connectivity for businesses in Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region. The platform allows organizations to connect, manage, and switch IoT devices seamlessly across multiple mobile operators in various countries through a single orchestration platform, simplifying connectivity management and efficiently supporting regional enterprise-level IoT expansion. The project involves collaboration with four Bridge Alliance member network operators: AIS (Thailand), Globe Telecom (Philippines), Optus (Australia), and Singtel (Singapore), which have jointly tested the multi-operator platform until it was ready for live deployment, demonstrating Thailand's readiness to support cross-border enterprise IoT services and elevate digital connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

Globally, organizations are increasingly accelerating digital technology adoption to drive business growth and develop smart services through IoT devices. GlobalData forecasts that cellular IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) connections in the Asia-Pacific region will reach 1.3 billion by 2030, driving rising demand for secure, flexible connectivity solutions that support cross-border expansion. However, organizations operating across multiple countries still face challenges managing dispersed connectivity, handling different provisioning systems from various operators, and managing complex operational processes, resulting in higher costs and service continuity impacts.

Bridge Alliance and Thales have developed a platform integrating Thales's end-to-end IoT eSIM technology with the GSMA SGP.32 standard and advanced orchestration systems, enabling organizations to manage connectivity centrally. Devices can automatically select the most suitable network, switch operators automatically, and maintain continuous service without requiring physical SIM card changes. The platform has been tested on devices supporting both IoT Profile Assistant Embedded (IPAe) and IoT Profile Assistant on Device (IPAd) per GSMA SGP.32 standards, allowing organizations to automatically manage IoT device connectivity throughout its lifecycle, improving operational efficiency and enhancing service security across all countries where the organization operates.

Phubpha Akavibhat, head of enterprise customer management at Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS), stated: "AIS Business is committed to developing reliable digital connectivity infrastructure to support business growth and accelerate sustainable digital transformation. As Thailand's leading digital infrastructure provider, we are proud to collaborate with Bridge Alliance..."

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Police

Burglars Raid Home of Isaan Music Star Phaeng

Thieves stole around 100,000 baht from the home of prominent Isaan mor lam singer Phaeng while she was performing in Bangkok, with CCTV footage showing a female suspect in her 40s–50s entering the property on July 13.

23 Jul Khaosod

A burglary at the home of Nattathidaporn Khankham, known as Phaeng of Isaan, a prominent mor lam singer and band leader, has resulted in losses totaling around 100,000 baht. While she was on a mini concert tour in Bangkok between July 8–19, 2024, thieves entered her residence and made off with 70,000 baht in fan donations that had been given to her during the season closing, as well as approximately 30,000 baht in savings kept in a piggy bank for performance expenses.

Neighborhood surveillance cameras captured footage of a female suspect, appearing to be between 40–50 years old, riding a bicycle to scout the area in the early morning hours of July 13, 2024, at 3:50 a.m., before parking and entering the home. The suspect was unfamiliar to neighbors and is believed to be from outside the community. Police at Muang Udon Thani Police Station were provided with the CCTV images and launched an investigation.

At 2:30 p.m. on July 23, 2024, police officers conducted an inspection of the two-story concrete house. On the ground floor near the television, thieves had taken all bank notes and emptied two wooden savings jars of approximately 10,000 baht, as well as 20,000 baht from a basket in a TV stand drawer. They left behind 20-baht and 50-baht notes.

Upstairs in the room where fan donations were stored, thieves took all 70,000 baht in 100, 500, and 1,000-baht notes that had been placed on the floor and hanging from iron rails. Theerawat Sriubonlee, Phaeng's 36-year-old personal manager, explained that the internal security cameras did not record footage but did alert to movement at 3:51 a.m. on July 13. Neighbor footage showed a female suspect, estimated between 40–50 years old, arriving by bicycle. Neighbors confirmed they did not recognize her.

Phaeng stated that she returned home late on July 19 after the concert tour and noticed nothing amiss initially. The following morning, upon opening the storage room to withdraw funds, she discovered the donations missing. She then checked the back door and found that the wooden frame had swollen, preventing the lock from functioning properly, and the steel gate had not been locked. The thief had pushed through the screen door, reached in to unlock the steel gate, and stolen the money. The suspect took all the larger denomination notes but left approximately 500 baht in 50-baht notes and 200 baht in 20-baht notes behind.

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National

SCG Q2 Profit Surges 85% to 11.5 Billion Baht

SCG's second-quarter net profit jumped 85% to 11.5 billion baht, driven by stronger chemical margins and improved packaging operations in Indonesia, with the company projecting full-year revenue to exceed 516.9 billion baht.

23 Jul Khaosod

Thai Cement Public Company Limited (SCG) reported robust second-quarter 2025 performance, with net profit of 11.535 billion baht, a surge of 85% from the previous quarter, according to CEO Tharmsak Sethakudom. The recovery was driven by improved margins in the chemicals business and better operational results from the packaging business (SCGP) in Indonesia. Second-quarter revenue reached 136.243 billion baht, up 10% year-on-year, bolstered by higher petrochemical product prices and increased sales volumes from SCGP and cement operations.

Adjusted cash EBITDA for the quarter came in at 27.984 billion baht, improving from both the previous quarter and year-on-year comparison, reflecting strong cost management and cash generation despite global economic volatility. For the first half of 2025, the company recorded net profit of 17.758 billion baht, down 4% year-on-year, but adjusted profit (excluding special items and inventory revaluation) reached 12.649 billion baht, up 8.196 billion baht from the prior year. Revenue for the period totaled 259.570 billion baht, up 4% from the same period last year.

The board approved an interim dividend of 3.50 baht per share, totaling 4.2 billion baht, with an ex-dividend date of August 5, 2025, and payment on August 21, 2025. SCG expects full-year 2025 revenue to exceed the prior year's 516.954 billion baht, supported by higher petrochemical prices and increased packaging sales. Adjusted cash EBITDA for the full year is projected at 54-55 billion baht, with first-half results already reaching 42.913 billion baht.

Despite headwinds from global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, intense price competition, inflation, and volatile energy costs, the company remains confident in its ability to manage through aggressive strategy execution and efficient cost control. SCG expects clarity on its joint venture negotiations with PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC) for petrochemical business development by September 2025. For 2026, the company plans continued organizational transformation, accelerating ethane feedstock use in its Long Son Petrochemicals project in Vietnam, expanding business partnerships, managing ASEAN production facilities, restructuring management, and implementing robotics and AI technologies to enhance operational efficiency by year-end 2026.

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Community

Singer Cha Nongphani Marks 100 Days for Late Father

Singer Cha Nongphani held a 100-day merit-making ceremony for her late father at her home in Ang Thong Province, with plans to donate an ambulance to her birthplace hospital as part of ongoing tribute efforts.

23 Jul Khaosod

On July 23, 2569, singer Cha Nongphani Mahadthai held a 100-day merit-making ceremony for her late father Pradis Mahadthai at her home in Sawaeng Ha District, Ang Thong Province. The event was simple and intimate, attended by close family and devoted fans, with emphasis on Buddhist rituals and merit-making for ancestors. Cha explained that her father had appeared in her dream only once after she complained to his photograph that he visited someone else in a dream instead of her. In the dream, her father asked if she had made merit that day and said he could not eat anymore before waking up. She noted that her mother still grieves daily after 40 years together, and that while Cha herself does not gamble, monks at the ceremony whispered lottery numbers—21 monks attended though only 20 were invited. Cha also revealed ongoing merit-making projects, including serving as major patron for a three-day robing ceremony and planning to donate an ambulance to Sawaeng Ha Hospital, the hospital where she was born.

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National

Thailand Launches Sports Talent Festival to Develop Young Athletes

Thailand's Department of Physical Education launched a Sports Talent Festival to identify and develop young athletic talent through sports science, featuring elite athletes sharing insights on discipline, training, and injury prevention.

23 Jul Khaosod

The Department of Physical Education is hosting the 'Sports Talent Festival,' a major showcase to identify and develop athletic talent among Thai children and youth, cultivating future world-class athletes. Director-General Mongkol Wimolrat stated that Thailand is entering a new era of sports development, making youth talent identification and development systems critically important. The Department of Physical Education, as a key organization driving sports science initiatives, recognizes the importance of developing young athletes and creating pathways for Thai youth to compete at national and international levels. The Sports Talent Festival marks the beginning of building a stronger and more efficient Thai sports future, offering young people opportunities to discover their potential, learn from elite athlete role models, and gain knowledge in sports science. The department believes that every step children take today will become the foundation for tomorrow's national team athletes.

The event reflects Thailand's approach to sports development that prioritizes identifying and nurturing talent from childhood using sports science as a tool for creating equal opportunities. A key highlight is the inspirational talk and activity session 'Find the Stars: Discovering Thai Youth Sports Talent,' featuring renowned athletes and influencers sharing their experiences and insights. Featured speakers include Grace Uthida Kulthada Pakorn, Thailand's ice hockey national team goalkeeper; Omsorn Anunavee Srisahakij, former taekwondo poomsae champion; and First Thanadol Glinnim, Thailand's international fencing athlete. They will discuss how success in national-level sports comes not from talent alone but from discipline, strong mental fortitude, and applying sports science to develop individual potential and prevent injuries.

Nicola Franco, Thailand's basketball player; Tor Tevin Chatsuwarn, Thailand's men's ice hockey player; Oy, a certified runner, personal trainer, and nutrition coach; and Kai Paveena Thongsuk, former Olympic gold medalist and Thailand's female weightlifter, will share knowledge on nutrition and muscle development, emphasizing that body and mind must be properly restored and maintained according to sports science principles to endure competitive pressure and maintain optimal physical condition.

The festival also features more than 10 activity stations where participants can assess their physical fitness, practice movement skills, and learn basic sports science concepts through age-appropriate activities designed to help each person understand their potential and apply it appropriately to sport selection, training, and exercise. Special performances include 'Opening Performance: Find The Stars' and 'Sport Science Performance Show' demonstrating the fusion of physical ability and sports science, along with fun activities, prize giveaways, and group aerobics sessions to promote community health.

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Weather

Thailand Issues Heavy Rain Alert for July 26-30

Thailand's Meteorological Department warns of heavy to very heavy rain across the eastern region and western southern coast from July 26-30, with risks of flash floods in hillside and low-lying areas near waterways.

23 Jul Khaosod

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued the first warning (No. 128/2025) regarding heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thailand from July 26-30, 2025. The rain is expected in the eastern region and western coast of the southern region, caused by a monsoon trough passing over the upper north, Laos, and northern Vietnam, combined with strengthening southwest monsoon winds over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The public is advised to be cautious of dangers from heavy rainfall and accumulated water that may cause flash floods and flash flooding, particularly in hillside and low-lying areas near waterways.

Wave conditions in the upper Andaman Sea will be moderately strong, with waves 2-3 meters high and exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. The upper Gulf of Thailand and lower Andaman Sea will have waves around 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas. Fishermen are urged to navigate carefully, avoid thunderstorm areas, and small boats in the upper Andaman Sea are advised to remain ashore during this period.

A tropical depression in the Pacific Ocean is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm and move through the upper Philippines toward the northern South China Sea on July 24-25, then landfall in China's Guangdong Province on July 26-27. This storm will not enter Thailand. The public should monitor weather updates from the Thai Meteorological Department via http://www.tmd.go.th or call 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182 available 24 hours daily. The next update will be issued on July 24 at 5:00 AM.

Weather forecast for the next 24 hours shows heavy rain in the upper region and western southern coast due to a low-pressure depression over northern Vietnam combined with moderate southwest monsoon winds. Wave conditions in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand will be moderate with 1-2 meter waves, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

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National

Gulf Edge Partners with Cognizant to Advance AI Across Thailand

Gulf Edge and Cognizant partner to accelerate AI adoption across Thailand, combining digital infrastructure with AI expertise to help businesses implement AI safely while positioning the country as a regional technology hub.

23 Jul Khaosod

Gulf Edge, a digital infrastructure business under Gulf Development Public Company Limited (GULF), and Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH), a global technology and services leader and AI development specialist, have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate AI technology adoption across Thailand and support the country's transition to a fully AI-native economy.

Against the backdrop of rapid AI transformation reshaping industry, economy, and society worldwide, this collaboration aims to create a digital ecosystem as a critical foundation for Thailand's next phase of digital transformation. Gulf Edge and Cognizant will combine secure and robust digital infrastructure with AI engineering expertise and global organizational advancement experience, enabling businesses to adopt AI safely, responsibly, and efficiently at scale.

This partnership merges Gulf Edge's strengths as a leader in digital infrastructure, energy, cloud services, and strategic partnerships in key Thai business sectors with Cognizant's global expertise in AI, digital engineering, cloud modernization, data management, and intelligent operations. Both companies will jointly deliver end-to-end AI solutions—from infrastructure and AI platforms to enterprise solutions, system integration, and professional managed services.

The initial phase will focus on accelerating AI adoption in key sectors including finance and banking, energy, healthcare, telecommunications, manufacturing, and government agencies, with industry-specific AI solutions designed to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experience, enable more accurate decision-making, and automate complex processes to drive innovation and sustainable growth.

Beyond enterprise advancement, Gulf Edge and Cognizant aim to position Thailand as a regional AI hub by attracting global technology talent, spurring investment in advanced digital infrastructure, and creating high-value job opportunities across disciplines such as AI engineering, data science, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Both companies also plan to collaborate with educational institutions, research centers, technology partners, and government agencies to develop AI talent, promote responsible technology use, and build a sustainable innovation ecosystem for Thailand.

Saratchad Rattanavatdee, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Development Public Company Limited, stated: "Our partnership with Cognizant is a critical step in driving Thailand toward an AI-native economy. We are committed to leveraging Gulf's strengths in digital infrastructure, energy, cloud systems, and deep understanding of the Thai market to deliver transformative AI solutions across the country."

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National

Officials Uncover Exam Score Rigging Scheme Affecting Nearly 6,000

Authorities uncovered a scheme where 11 officials altered exam scores for nearly 6,000 failed candidates in a local government recruitment test, with investigations suggesting collaboration between university staff and examination committee

23 Jul Khaosod

On July 23, Asapon Sannathrirat, a Phumi Jai Thai party member representing Sisaket and chair of parliament's anti-corruption committee, reported that investigations have revealed 11 officials were involved in altering exam scores for 5,960 people who failed the local government employee recruitment test. The anti-corruption commission's figure does not match the 5,924 candidates announced publicly by the local government examination committee. The scheme allegedly involved collaboration between Srinakharinwirot University staff, who were tasked with verifying scores, and officials at the examination committee. Investigators are pursuing the case within a compressed 10-month timeline instead of the standard two years. Asapon stated that the 5,960 candidates who received altered scores are considered complicit in the wrongdoing, but those who come forward to the anti-corruption commission with useful information may request witness immunity. Officials revealed that senior exam committee administrators ordered one of three suspects and a university staff member to change failing scores to passing ones via messaging apps, and the committee requested protective measures for all three suspects due to fears of retaliation. The investigation has uncovered high-level ministry director involvement and is examining whether senior permanent secretaries or politicians were connected to the scheme. The anti-corruption commission explained the extended timeline involves three months for evidence collection, one month for data processing, and six months for defendants to respond to charges.

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National

7-Eleven Urges Thais to Protect Planet by Refusing Plastic Straws

7-Eleven's "Heal the Planet" campaign encourages Thai customers to refuse plastic straws and use alternative lids instead, addressing Thailand's growing plastic waste crisis. The chain offers reusable options for beverages and allows delive

23 Jul Khaosod

7-Eleven, the 24-hour convenience store committed to environmental sustainability, is advancing its "7 Go Green" policy through the campaign "Heal the Planet, Heal the Heart 24/7 at 7-Eleven." The initiative encourages consumers to reduce single-use plastic consumption by simply declining plastic straws and instead using alternative lids or drinking directly from containers at both in-store and 7-Eleven delivery service options via 7App.

The world currently faces a climate crisis, while Thailand struggles with urban waste overflow due to inadequate source-based waste separation systems and insufficient incentives to shift away from disposable consumption patterns.

According to Beyond Plastics, a coalition of environmental policy experts and grassroots activists at Bennington College in the United States, most plastic straws are designed for single use and discarded within minutes. Plastic straws rank among the top 10 most common plastic waste items found in oceans, and their small size and light weight make them easily become litter, potentially clogging drainage systems, polluting water sources, and persisting in the environment for hundreds or thousands of years.

7-Eleven invites consumers to protect the environment through simple behavioral changes—merely declining plastic straws when purchasing beverages that do not require them. The chain now offers reusable lids for both hot and cold drinks across All Café, All Select, Gulp, 7Select, and Kudsan (at participating locations). Customers ordering through 7-Eleven Delivery on 7App can simply check a box to decline straws, allowing everyone to contribute to environmental conservation.

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National

ARV and SKYLLER Partner on Smart Industry Solutions

Thai robotics and AI developer ARV partnered with drone specialist SKYLLER to showcase smart technology solutions at an open house event in July, featuring live demonstrations of surveillance drones, delivery systems, and solar panel inspec

23 Jul Khaosod

AI & Robotics Ventures (ARV), Thailand's leading developer of advanced robotics and artificial intelligence, announced on July 23 that it has partnered with SKYLLER Solutions, a specialist in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and drone services, to host the grand "ARV & SKYLLER Open House 2026" technology exhibition and demonstration at Reignwood Park, a luxury real estate development. SKYLLER presented its technological advances, innovations, and solutions alongside real-world case studies demonstrating measurable value and returns across diverse industries. Naphaphatch Hongsaprapaas, head of human resources and operations at ARV, stated the goal was to offer participants hands-on experience of technologies developed from real-world application while exchanging perspectives and building new partnerships to advance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The event thanked Reignwood Park for hosting and trusting SKYLLER's solutions to enhance management and security systems within the project, demonstrating the practical application potential of drone technology. Thasaphichya Thawarasuk, head of ARV's business unit, emphasized the desire to showcase the true potential of UAV innovation and intelligent solutions ready to drive industries into the digital age and establish international standards for partners and clients. Kunachat Withursunsorn, technology solutions team manager at SKYLLER Solutions, revealed that amid current industrial challenges, drone solutions play a crucial role in improving efficiency, safety, and data-driven decision-making. The choice of Reignwood Park as the venue aimed to clearly demonstrate that drone solutions have real-world applications beyond industry, extending to other infrastructure effectively. The event featured live technology demonstrations including fixed-wing drone remote surveillance showcasing UAV capabilities for comprehensive security and safety monitoring over large areas, drone delivery integrated with ColdCare Solutions technology allowing real-time temperature, humidity, and shock tracking via the ColdCare Platform to revolutionize medical transport to remote and disaster-affected areas, and floating solar panel inspection using high-resolution and thermal cameras for rapid and accurate assessment.

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