Major Cineplex Group and the Tourism Authority of Thailand have launched a campaign to promote domestic tourism by highlighting Thai films. The initiative encourages travelers to visit filming locatio...

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak gave an interview on July 22, 2025 at Government House regarding the vote-buying case investigation, which identified nine individuals connected to the scandal, including himself. He stated that when his name was linked to parliamentary vote-buying allegations—which he understands to be unlawful—he will pursue legal processes to defend his rights and seek damages if he has been harmed. When asked whether publicly naming him constituted a political attack, Somkid said he did not wish to characterize it that way, but acknowledged that those who disclosed the names should exercise clarity when making allegations without confirmed facts. He noted that political criticism of public figures is routine, but when actual harm results, legal recourse is necessary to vindicate legitimate rights. He stated that Bhumjaithai Party's legal team is already pursuing the matter. When asked whether he would file a personal complaint or leave it to the party's legal team, Somkid explained that since multiple government ministers were named, he needs to consult with them, as most of those implicated hold ministerial positions. He emphasized that as a politician and public figure, he accepts being subject to criticism, but any legal action must first establish clear evidence of how the allegations harmed him, including the method and capacity in which they were made, and whether the legal elements of a lawsuit are present.

On July 22, 2025, at the Avani Plus Riverside Bangkok hotel, Defense Minister General Adul Bunyathaveechai expressed concern that Thai men might follow the example of political activist Netiwit Chotiphatphaisarn, who refused to participate in mandatory military conscription in an act of civil disobedience. A court sentenced Netiwit to six months imprisonment, but suspended the sentence for one year because he had no prior criminal convictions.

Adul stated that legal frameworks and regulations already exist, but the government must identify and address any gaps in the law to ensure fairness. He stressed that all Thai men at age 21 must undergo military conscription screening, noting that he has presided over such screenings nine times and loopholes are rare. Student deferments are already available through established processes.

"We believe there may be loopholes, but we will find ways to close them to ensure fairness for all Thai men, regardless of wealth or poverty," Adul said. He noted that government policy emphasizes promoting volunteer military service. Thailand requires approximately 80,000 to 90,000 soldiers annually, and there are already volunteers and online recruits. If recruitment targets are met, compulsory conscription may not be necessary. When asked whether legal knowledge could be used to exploit draft loopholes and create inequality, Adul acknowledged this was an issue that requires discussion and remedial action.

LOVEiS Entertainment held the official TACE DEBUT STAGE at Paragon Hall for the company's first new girl group, which includes Leah, the accomplished daughter of actors Peck Saketchai and Tanya Tanyares. The couple attended to support their daughter on the important day and spoke to media afterward about their feelings watching her become a full-fledged artist. Peck said they were thrilled and nervous because they didn't know beforehand what songs she would sing or how she would dance. Tanya added that Leah kept everything a surprise and didn't spoil any details. When asked if there were tears, Peck joked that Leah always looks stern and doesn't show much emotion. Notably, during her thank-you speech, Leah mentioned her family first, though Peck playfully complained she didn't specifically thank him. Tanya revealed Leah acknowledged how her father cooks her meals every time she comes home—particularly homemade pasta—to help her gain weight, as she is naturally thinner than other members. Peck expressed how proud he felt when Leah, who had previously told him she was exhausted and couldn't continue, managed to push through and perform so well. He gave her a perfect 10 out of 10 for her dancing across all songs. The moment that impressed everyone most was when Leah performed a dramatic leg split on stage, which moved Peck emotionally. Tanya became tearful watching her daughter, saying she felt emotional on behalf of all the girls and their parents because of how hard they had trained to reach this day. The parents praised the entertainment company for supporting them so well. When asked if it felt like sending a child to school on the first day, Tanya said it was similar to the day they dropped her off at school. Peck noted this is just the beginning and they look forward to watching her climb higher. Tanya closed by saying they will support whatever their daughter wants to do, with the entire extended family backing her dreams.

Bangkok, 22 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with Ubon Ratchathani Province and partners across the public and private sectors, is elevating the 125th-anniversary edition of the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession to a Signature Thailand Event. Held from 25–31 July at Thung Si Mueang, with the main programme taking place from 28–30 July, the festival preserves its time-honoured traditions while introducing new presentation and participatory elements to expand its international appeal.

Rooted in the Buddhist Lent tradition of candle offering, the procession has evolved into a major expression of faith, craftsmanship and local identity. Its longevity reflects the collective contribution of temple communities, candle masters, educational institutions, residents, government agencies and other stakeholders committed to preserving and passing on specialised skills.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession has earned its standing through the faith, craftsmanship and collective effort behind it. TAT is giving this living heritage a stronger platform by pairing its cultural foundations with contemporary presentation and meaningful participation. This will broaden international awareness, encourage longer stays and channel greater tourism value to local communities, artisans and businesses.”

The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession is one of three homegrown traditions TAT is elevating as Signature Thailand Events, alongside the Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession and the Christmas Star Parade in Sakon Nakhon. Together, they support TAT’s strategy to bring distinctive regional celebrations to wider international audiences and strengthen Thailand’s cultural soft power.

As part of this approach, TAT is spotlighting the main venue at Thung Si Mueang from 25–31 July through lighting installations designed to create a more distinctive setting. On 29 and 30 July, TAT will stage four light-and-sound performances each evening, combining tradition with contemporary storytelling rooted in Ubon Ratchathani’s heritage.

Two large-scale three-dimensional sculptures of ‘Nong Mamuang’, a popular Thai cartoon character, will form an illuminated landmark at Lan Thian Chaloem Phra Kiat, from 23 July–13 August. Reimagined in contemporary Thai dress, one reclines while the other strikes a classical Thai dance pose. The installations combine traditional motifs with modern pop culture, reflecting the province’s identity as the “City of Beautiful Lotuses”.

TAT’s ART SPACE, open from 25–30 July, will offer hands-on activities based on local knowledge and craftsmanship, including candle carving, wax-flower making and gold-leaf decoration, encouraging visitors to engage with local crafts.

The main events take place from 28–30 July, beginning with the Candle Gathering on 28 July. A total of 47 elaborate pieces — one showcase candle and 46 competition entries — will represent Ubon Ratchathani’s three principal candle-making categories: traditional, moulded-wax and carved-wax.

On 29 July, the royally bestowed Buddhist Lent candle and monastic bathing cloth will be taken in procession from 08.29, followed by a candle parade, dance troupes, and folk cultural performances. The official opening on 30 July will also begin at 08.29, followed by another candle parade, dance troupes and the Phanom Phra boat procession from Surat Thani.

Across both days, more than 37 dance troupes involving temple communities and educational institutions throughout the province will take part. More than 5,000 complimentary seats will be available at five viewing points: Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram, Lan Khwan Mueang, U Hotel, Siam Commercial Bank and Bangchak service station.

Evening highlights on 29 July include the “Amazing Light of Isan: Stunned” light-and-sound production and illuminated candle displays, beginning at 19.00 at Wat Si Ubon Rattanaram and Lan Khwan Mueang. On 30 July, candle competition awards will be presented at 17.30, followed at 19.00 by a light-and-sound programme featuring a candle procession at both venues.

Award-winning candles will remain on display from 31 July–1 August at Thung Si Mueang and the City Pillar Shrine.

The wider programme includes visits to nine temple communities from 13–27 July, where visitors can learn about wax decoration. From 27 July–1 August, the “Candle Road of Dharma” event at the cultural plaza near Ubon Ratchathani City Pillar Shrine will feature candle making alongside local and One Tambon One Product markets.

Additional highlights include the “Stories of Ubon Ratchathani” light-and-sound performance at Lan Thian Chaloem Phra Kiat, on 31 July and 1 August at 18.00; the “Ganesha Barami UNSEEN” illuminated candle-flower field at Ubon Ratchathani Zoo from 25–31 July, from 16.30–20.00, with daytime viewing from 25–30 August, from 09.00–16.30; and “Ubon Candles on View Throughout the Month” at Wat Phra That Nong Bua from 3–17 August.

For further information, contact the TAT Contact Centre 1672 or LINE @tatcontactcenter; follow the Thailand Festival and TAT Contact Center Facebook pages, or @1672travelbuddy on Instagram, TikTok, LINE and X; or visit www.tourismthailand.org and www.1672travelbuddy.com.

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