The Ministry of Finance's Office of Fiscal Policy launched a training program on June 24-25 for liaison officers from government agencies and financial institutions tasked with hosting the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings. Participating organizations included the Bank of Thailand, Commerce Ministry, Foreign Affairs Ministry, the National Economic and Social Development Council, and the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

The training aims to prepare staff to represent Thailand with distinction while accommodating over 15,000 delegates from 191 countries. Nattavut Thammasiri, deputy director of the Office of Fiscal Policy, welcomed trainees and emphasized the meeting's significance as one of the world's most important international conferences, expected to attract finance ministers, central bank governors, government officials, private sector representatives, and media from around the globe.

Thailand's selection as host reflects its prominent role in the global economic arena and provides an opportunity to showcase national capabilities. The training covered diplomatic protocol, international conference management, etiquette, international coordination, and communication skills. Officials stressed that reception staff serve as the country's face, making thorough preparation essential to create confidence and positive impressions among international delegates. The initiative forms part of the "Road to Thailand" campaign to ensure readiness for hosting what has been called the "financial Olympics."

Young actor Big Nattaraschaya Charusmas has returned to television after a two-year absence, taking on the role of Norinthorn, a composed young doctor in the period drama "Took Onu Ruthai" on Channel 7HD. The role marks a significant character departure for the actor.

Big recently updated fans on his current projects and personal life with girlfriend Ice Atichinan Srisawak.

When asked about his current work, Big shared: "I'm currently in the drama 'Took Onu Ruthai' on Channel 7HD and also a vertical series on TrueID."

Regarding the challenges of the period drama, Big explained: "Playing a period piece is quite difficult, especially portraying a doctor. The language and terminology of historical doctors differ from modern times, though the medical principles remain the same. Medical instruments and technology were vastly different back then. I had to study how they treated patients historically. For me personally, the dialogue is the biggest challenge. Some historical phrases don't come naturally to my lips, and some words are unclear, but I try to deliver them as naturally as possible."

Asked about the industry slowdown, Big revealed: "For the past two years, there haven't been many acting jobs. There were occasional short films and invitations, but not many long dramas. The industry landscape has changed, and I understand that the world evolves quickly. Sometimes working alone, I miss being on set—I've been in the industry for 12-13 years since childhood. But I've had to accept the gaps in work and focus on personal development, maintaining myself physically and mentally, staying ready whenever opportunities come. If acting work comes, I'll continue accepting it as before."

On the vertical series format, Big said: "A senior invited me to audition. When I tried it, I realized it's still acting, but the pacing is faster because the monitor screen is smaller. Working in a single frame requires different technique. Usually I like expressive movements, but in a narrow frame I have to be careful, and the editing pace is much quicker."

Asked about now being a freelance actor, Big confirmed: "Yes, I've been a freelance actor for two and a half years now. I can work with any channel, though I've continued with Channel 7 when they've called. When I decided not to renew my contract, I had to move forward and encourage myself to keep fighting. On the day I didn't renew with the channel, my heart was torn—part of me wanted to stay, part of me wanted to embrace new challenges."

Regarding his relationship with Ice, Big shared: "We've known each other for over 10 years since our university days at Chulalongkorn. She was a senior, and I knew she was at Channel 7. We'd greet each other at work but never collaborated until recently when we worked together on a vertical series. That's when we started talking and it felt comforting. We sparked on many topics. I consulted her about life, and it turned out we were both single at the right time. The more we talked, the more I wanted to know her. So I tried to initiate a conversation.

Ice is a capable, disciplined, and very mature woman, so I approached her carefully. I tend to move forward in life, so I was honest about my feelings when I told her, admitting I was nervous about what would happen if she didn't feel the same. But she's very professional, both in work and relationships. After talking with her, I thought if we click, let's move forward; if she doesn't feel the same, we can remain colleagues as before."

When asked how long it took before they became a couple, Big said: "Two to three months. I always respect her—first, she's older than me; second, she has a very good temperament. As for those who think it was too fast, it's because we both had just become single. Whether it's love or loneliness is a fair question. I think everyone has the right to their own interpretation, but love isn't about time. We might spend our whole lives together."

Bangkok University's College of Business has officially closed out the Advertising Mastermind Challenge 3 (AMC 3) following an intense four-month learning and development program. The initiative was designed to equip students for the digital-age job market through integrated learning with real businesses, covering skills, knowledge, and strengthening ties between academia and industry.

During the closing ceremony and final pitching event at The Banquet hall in the A5 building, student teams presented advertising campaigns developed from real-world briefs provided by major partner brands: KFC (under Yum Restaurants International Thailand and The QSR of Asia) and Alibaba Cloud (Thailand). Their work demonstrated sophisticated use of Generative AI and marketing technology tools across strategy, content creation, and data analysis.

Throughout the program, students participated in various activities including workshops led by KFC and preparation sessions from Alibaba Cloud. Senior executives mentored participants directly, including Pattra Pattasuwan, Associate Marketing Director at KFC; Ornrat Pukaphonrat, Managing Director at The QSR of Asia; Charlene Sawasdee, Country Managing Director; and Jaru Nartboon, Lead Solution Architect at Alibaba Cloud (Thailand). They covered topics such as brand essence, global franchise brand building, text-based and image-based Generative AI, and marketing applications.

AMC 3 demonstrates Bangkok University's "Practical University" approach successfully produces graduates equipped for the digital job market. Students gained knowledge in AI prompting, data-driven marketing, and creative thinking while developing portfolio-ready work for their future careers.

BANGKOK — 30 June 2026, A man driving a newly registered Mercedes-Benz allegedly rammed eight vehicles after losing control of his emotions following a break-up with his partner. While he tested negative for alcohol and illicit substances, police have officially pressed charges, and the suspect has expressed a willingness to compensate all affected parties.

Following a Facebook post that went viral, dramatic video footage captured the incident on Sriwara Road in Wang Thonglang district. The bronze-grey Mercedes-Benz with temporary red license plates was filmed violently rear-ending multiple vehicles, leaving a trail of wreckage. Witnesses reported that the outburst stemmed from a domestic dispute, during which the male driver lost his composure and used his vehicle to vent his frustration, ultimately damaging eight cars.

On Tuesday, a 36-year-old motorcycle delivery rider who witnessed the incident and later assisted the driver said the crash occurred around 17:00 while he was waiting to accept a food delivery order. He heard a series of loud crashes and saw the car speed forward without stopping, striking multiple vehicles and injuring two occupants.

When traffic police arrived, they initially suspected the driver might be intoxicated. However, officers detected no smell of alcohol. The motorcycle rider spoke with the driver, identified as a man in his 30s, who was trembling and crying. The man allegedly said he had just received a phone call from his partner ending their relationship, causing him to lose emotional control.

The rider attempted to comfort the driver while urging him not to take out personal problems on others. The man reportedly agreed to compensate all victims. Police took him to Wang Thonglang Police Station for legal proceedings.

At the station, the suspect's heavily damaged Mercedes-Benz was impounded as evidence, alongside several victims' vehicles. Investigators questioned both the driver and victims. The driver told officers he had argued with his partner and became overwhelmed after the relationship ended, unable to maintain emotional control.

Police will summon relevant individuals for further questioning and gather additional evidence before proceeding with prosecution. The driver was initially charged with reckless driving causing injury and property damage. The two injured victims, who were in one of the rear-ended cars, suffered minor injuries. Police continue gathering statements from those affected.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled Thailand Health Excellence 2026 under the theme "The Next Chapter of Global Healing," launching a strategic initiative to position Thailand as a Global Health & Healing Destination. The strategy integrates medical excellence, science-based wellness, and Thai traditional wisdom to create a comprehensive health and healing ecosystem covering prevention, treatment, recovery, and therapy under the concept "Healing is the New Luxury."

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatyongpibul announced that Thailand's tourism success will no longer be measured solely by visitor numbers, but by the value and quality of experiences offered. Thailand's competitive advantages stem from combining Medical Excellence, Science-Based Wellness, and Science-Based Local Wisdom with nature, culture, and Thai-style service to create an internationally distinctive health ecosystem.

The initiative introduces 10 Signature Health Journeys designed to address modern travelers' needs across specialized disease management, post-treatment recovery, preventive health promotion, and quality longevity. Additionally, Thailand Surf Therapy – The Wave of Healing has been launched as the country's first science-based wellness program, developed in partnership with South Africa's Waves for Change to promote mental health and emotional wellness, with Phang Nga designated as a pilot area.

The Siripat Thai Traditional Medicine Center at Siriraj Hospital was presented as a model for applying traditional Thai wisdom based on research and scientific evidence, elevating local knowledge to international health service standards. Professor Chiriyalse Jintanakrok, a pulmonology and geriatric medicine expert at MedPark Hospital, noted that global wellness economics are worth approximately 6.8 trillion, with the modern wellness concept evolving from a supplementary health service to a core component of contemporary medicine, aiming to "add life to years" rather than merely extend lifespan.