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National

Debate Over Abolishing Thailand's Internal Security Agency

A Thai parliamentary advisor proposed dissolving the Internal Security Operations Command, citing budget waste and overlap with other security agencies, though the prime minister and military opposed abolition amid concerns the agency has e

Debate Over Abolishing Thailand's Internal Security Agency
3h ago Khaosod

During parliamentary committee review of the fiscal 2570 budget, a proposal emerged to disband a major government agency. Wan Muhamad Nor Matha, a committee advisor and prime ministerial consultant, called for abolishing the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), established in 1965, citing significant overlap with the National Security Council and the Royal Thai Police. He pointed to a pattern of ISOC recruiting personnel from other agencies and increasing their allowances, which drains the budget while the agency pursues non-core activities. Academics and the public have endorsed the proposal, arguing the agency's original anti-communist mission became redundant after the Cold War ended. However, after recent military coups, successive juntas have actually expanded ISOC's authority and embedded it across all government units, deepening its influence. The prime minister opposed abolition, asserting that ISOC has long been essential to national security policymaking. The army commander defended ISOC as a coordination hub integrating expert agencies beyond security matters, including humanitarian assistance. Yet ISOC has faced widespread public criticism over alleged rights violations, disinformation campaigns, and credible evidence linking personnel to the assassination of a Narathiwat MP, including the vehicles and weapons used. Nevertheless, investigations have stalled due to alleged interference and obstruction preventing full accountability. The editorial concludes that proposals to reform or restructure ISOC merit serious consideration; complete dissolution may not be necessary, but the agency's mandate must be reviewed, its functions streamlined to eliminate overlap, and its authority clearly restricted.

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Police

Customs Raids Illegal Food Warehouse, Seizes 15,000 Items Worth 3.5M Baht

Customs officers seized over 15,000 items worth 3.5 million baht from an illegal food warehouse in Nakhon Ratchasima that had been smuggling uncertified and expired goods for a decade.

Customs Raids Illegal Food Warehouse, Seizes 15,000 Items Worth 3.5M Baht
3h ago Khaosod

On July 12, 2569, Nayaprasit Deejongjarun, Chief of Chong Chom Customs Post in Surin Province, announced a major enforcement operation called "The End of Luxury Food." Customs officers executed a search warrant from Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court at a large wholesale food import warehouse located on Suranaree Road in Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima city, which had operated for over 10 years. The operation uncovered extensive illegal activity involving tax evasion and distribution of substandard goods.

The chief explained that the raid resulted from government and customs policy aimed at protecting the public from counterfeit goods harmful to health, particularly in the Chong Chom Customs jurisdiction covering three lower northeastern provinces: Nakhon Ratchasima, Surin, and Buriram. Officials enhanced surveillance and gathered evidence leading to the search warrant and warehouse inspection, which revealed the operation conducted comprehensive distribution through wholesale, retail, online channels, and prepared ready-to-eat food sales.

Inspection of the single warehouse discovered over 15,000 items including canned food, condiments, snacks, alcoholic beverages, and other products valued at approximately 3.5 million baht in customs duties and merchandise value. Many items were smuggled in without customs clearance, lacked Thai FDA certification marks, and some were expired. Staff were actively repackaging goods for nationwide delivery when officers arrived.

Authorities impounded all seized goods for legal proceedings under economic law. The shop owner is expected to file settlement petitions following customs law procedures. The customs chief warned this case is extremely concerning because such goods reach consumers directly. The customs department will intensify anti-smuggling and substandard goods operations continuously to ensure fair competition for legitimate businesses and protect public safety in accordance with government policy.

Officials reminded business operators to conduct operations honestly and responsibly toward consumers, cautioning against prioritizing profit margins over public safety, as customs officers are actively monitoring and enforcing regulations across all jurisdictions.

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Police

Illegal Chemical Waste Dumped in Pineapple Field Fouls Water

Illegal chemical waste discovered piled in a Rayong pineapple field has turned an adjacent pond black and foul-smelling, prompting authorities to order immediate removal and launch contamination tests.

Illegal Chemical Waste Dumped in Pineapple Field Fouls Water
3h ago Khaosod

On July 12, 2025, Roongniran Modsiri, chief administrator of Mae Naam Khuu Subdistrict in Pluak Daeng District, Rayong Province, along with officials from the district and relevant agencies, conducted an urgent inspection following complaints of illegal industrial waste dumping. They discovered approximately five rai of chemical waste and debris piled near a large pond in a pineapple field in Moo 4, Mae Naam Khuu, along the Nikom Phattana-Pluak Daeng Road.

The inspection revealed that water in the pond had turned completely black and was emitting a strong, pervasive stench. Workers were observed maintaining the site, which authorities believe is an unsanitary industrial waste sorting and recycling operation. Roongniran stated that the subdistrict municipality coordinated immediately with Pluak Daeng District to prevent environmental and public health damage. Water samples have been sent to a certified laboratory for contamination and residue testing, with legal action promised if standards are exceeded.

The operator has been ordered to immediately transport all chemical waste off-site for proper, environmentally sound disposal and has agreed to complete the work quickly. The municipality will closely monitor the situation to ensure the area is restored and poses no further risk to neighboring communities.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Police

Former Singapore Airline Staff Dies After Ankle Surgery Complications

A 40-year-old former Singapore Airlines flight attendant died from a pulmonary embolism and organ failure just nine days after undergoing ankle surgery following a slip-and-fall accident.

Former Singapore Airline Staff Dies After Ankle Surgery Complications
3h ago Khaosod

A 40-year-old former Singapore Airlines flight attendant, Venecia Ng, died suddenly following surgery to repair a fractured ankle sustained in a slip-and-fall accident. The surgery, initially expected to be straightforward with normal recovery, was performed on June 30. However, just two days after the operation, Ng experienced severe breathing difficulties before losing consciousness. Doctors attempted resuscitation without success. The cause of death was determined to be a pulmonary embolism that led to multiple organ failure.

According to reports, on June 22, Ng slipped and fell on a disabled-access ramp while walking between an office building and the hospital where she worked, fracturing her ankle. She was admitted for surgery on June 30 and was initially scheduled to be discharged the next day but chose to remain for an additional day due to leg pain. After surgery, she posted updates about her injury on social media.

On July 2, Ng experienced sudden respiratory distress and collapsed. Medical staff performed CPR for approximately two hours before transferring her to the intensive care unit. She never regained consciousness and passed away in the evening of July 9.

Magdalene Tay, a close friend who knew Ng for 18 years, revealed that Venecia had worked as a Singapore Airlines flight attendant for 10 years before transitioning to healthcare. Tay described her as a selfless, cheerful person who was a source of light and encouragement to everyone, particularly to friends and their families battling cancer.

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National

Suzuki Carry Gets Upgraded Features, New Colors

Suzuki Motor Thailand has launched an upgraded Carry pickup truck with simplified design and enhanced customization options for small business owners, removing factory decals and standard features to let entrepreneurs personalize their vehi

Suzuki Carry Gets Upgraded Features, New Colors
3h ago Khaosod

Suzuki Motor Thailand has unveiled an upgraded Carry, a small multi-purpose pickup truck with enhanced features aimed at reducing operational burdens for small business owners. The vehicle remains popular among entrepreneurs and business owners nationwide due to its agility, affordability, and versatility for various business applications including food trucks, retail operations, transport services, and community businesses. Since its launch through June 2026, the Carry has sold over 62,617 units in Thailand, cementing its place in the hearts of Thai consumers, particularly among small and medium enterprises, under the concept "Carry Your Dream, accompanying every dream path."

Despite current consumer challenges, including changes to the excise tax structure affecting small pickup purchases, Suzuki positioned the Carry as an affordable solution while maintaining competitive pricing and value standards. The updated Carry features a simplified design with a uniform front bumper color, enhanced durability, and simplified paint or customization options. The model removes factory door decals, rear box badges, rear cabin dividers, and MP3 radio systems to give entrepreneurs maximum freedom to customize the vehicle according to their brand specifications and business needs.

Performance remains the Carry's core strength, powered by a K15B gasoline engine with 1,462cc displacement producing 97 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 135 newton-meters of torque at 4,400 rpm. The five-speed manual transmission supports E20 fuel. The vehicle features a durable flat cargo bed made from galvanized reinforced steel, opens on three sides, and handles loads up to 945 kilograms. Measuring 4,195mm long, 1,765mm wide, and 1,910mm high with a turning radius of just 4.4 meters, it offers excellent maneuverability in confined spaces.

Safety features include ABS anti-lock brakes and Engine Drag Control to maintain wheel balance during hard braking, ensuring comprehensive driver protection.

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National

Ex-Official Defends Stand Against Inflated Land Compensation in Highway Project

Former deputy director-general Sakchai Tangho defended his role in blocking inflated land compensation claims for Highway 7 construction, saving the state roughly 300 million baht. A businessman who lost the compensation dispute filed a fal

Ex-Official Defends Stand Against Inflated Land Compensation in Highway Project
4h ago Khaosod

Sakchai Tangho, former deputy director-general of the Department of Local Administration, disclosed the behind-the-scenes details of a land reclamation case for the Highway 7 construction project spanning the Nong Prue to Ban Chang corridor. The dispute stretched over 10 years before the Supreme Court sentenced a businessman to four years imprisonment for filing a false lawsuit, without awaiting final execution of sentence. Sakchai noted that his objections to the compensation assessment helped save the state budget approximately 300 million baht.

The incident occurred in 2014 after the then-Transport Minister appointed a committee to set preliminary compensation rates for land reclamation for the Highway 7 project, with representatives from various local agencies serving as committee members.

During deliberation, six land plots were found to have been proposed for compensation at rates significantly higher than surrounding areas. Notably, one plot was quoted at 75,000 baht per square wah, while most areas were set at approximately 5,000 baht per square wah, and even high-potential areas around 10,000 baht per square wah.

Sakchai stated he raised objections at the meeting, believing the prices were abnormally high. He conducted fieldwork and inquired with original landowners, discovering that the six plots had actual transaction values totaling approximately 99 million baht, significantly different from the proposed compensation value of approximately 390 million baht.

He subsequently requested a price review meeting. Although the initial vote opposed reconsideration, a subsequent meeting saw majority committee members agreeing to adjust prices based on actual transaction data, ultimately setting compensation at approximately 89-90 million baht.

Sakchai noted that this compensation reduction saved the government approximately 300 million baht.

However, the businessman subsequently filed a lawsuit against him at the Anti-Corruption Court, alleging abuse of power that prevented him from receiving the claimed compensation. The court dismissed the case at all levels, and it reached finality.

Sakchai then filed a counter-suit for false accusation. The Supreme Court ruled on June 30, 2023, sentencing the defendant to four years imprisonment without awaiting execution. Sakchai noted the defendant did not appear for the verdict and remains a fugitive.

Sakchai also commented that law enforcement in Thailand should become more efficient, particularly in tracking fugitives. He observed that certain interpretations of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) may hinder disclosure of information about fugitives to enable public assistance in providing leads.

Furthermore, he urged all civil servants to uphold integrity, perform duties for public benefit, and resist pressure or illegal interests, viewing honesty and transparent work as vital safeguards in public service.

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National

Democrat Leader Pushes Gov't for Flood Relief, More Funds Needed

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva called for the government to increase flood relief funding beyond the current 99.5 million baht allocation, proposing an additional 200-300 million baht for canal dredging and recovery efforts in Hat

Democrat Leader Pushes Gov't for Flood Relief, More Funds Needed
4h ago Khaosod

On July 12, 2569, at Buri Sri Phu Hotel in Hat Yai, Songkhla province, Abhisit Vejjajiva, Democrat Party list MP and party leader, spoke following a party seminar on addressing recent flooding in the province. He stated that Hat Yai's flood crisis has been politicized unnecessarily, but acknowledged that the government has already allocated 99.5 million baht and proposed solutions to the government. However, he emphasized the government should do more, as problems persist.

Abhisit reported that the party seminar proposed accelerating disaster recovery and processing outstanding compensation claims. He called for the government to assist businesses, particularly through flexible credit policies and interest rate holidays from financial institutions. He also advocated for the Bank of Thailand to monitor relief efforts.

During the seminar, participants identified a need for 200-300 million baht for canal dredging and replacement equipment beyond the existing 99.5 million baht allocation. Abhisit stressed the government should prepare evacuation and shelter plans, with local authorities and private sectors ready to serve as coordinators.

Proposals also included future flood prevention through road elevation, railway repairs, embankment reinforcement, and Songkhla Lake development. Participants suggested developing high-potential urban areas for wellness, food, and technology industries, alongside enforcing water management and city planning regulations. Abhisit emphasized these were non-political matters aimed at preventing recurrence and assuring residents of sustainable solutions.

The party's seminar theme, "Clear Southern Sky, Moving Forward Together," signified the Democrat Party's commitment to supporting and providing hope for the southern region's development, requiring unified cooperation.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Community

Thai Influencer Draws Lucky Numbers at Spirit Shrine

Influencer Jack Fanchan visited a spirit shrine dedicated to "Mother Bee" and drew lucky lottery numbers to share with followers for this week's Thai lottery draw.

Thai Influencer Draws Lucky Numbers at Spirit Shrine
4h ago Khaosod

Thai influencer Jack Fanchan visited a spirit shrine dedicated to Phumsavaang Duangchan, known as "Mother Bee," for the first time to pay respects and draw lucky lottery numbers, obtaining a complete three-digit set to share with fans for this week's draw. Jack explained in a social media post that this was his first visit to the shrine, where believers traditionally request good fortune and draw lottery numbers. He appealed to followers: "First time here. People say that at this place, if you ask for good luck and draw numbers or use Mother Bee's birth date digits, you can try your luck together. For anyone wanting lucky numbers, come try it. Help me out, Mother Bee—three digits please." After drawing at the shrine, Jack obtained the numbers 281, which he shared with his followers to try their luck for the July 16, 2026 lottery draw, sparking keen interest among lottery enthusiasts.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Election Commission Reverses Senate Graft Findings Against 229 Suspects

The Election Commission reversed graft findings against 229 suspects in a Senate election fraud case, with the newer panel dismissing charges the previous panel had identified, prompting calls for transparency and legal reform.

Election Commission Reverses Senate Graft Findings Against 229 Suspects
4h ago Khaosod

At a July 12, 2025 parliamentary event titled "Two Years of Senate Elections: Deep Dive into Election Fraud Evidence," Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prinyya Thevaranimit of Thammasat University's Law Faculty stressed that Senate elections must be conducted with integrity and fairness, as they represent the public's participation in state power. The Election Commission's scrutiny over its performance is significant, she argued, because the Constitution grants the commission authority to refer cases of unfair elections to the Supreme Court.

The commission is currently establishing two subcommittees to investigate and adjudicate the Senate election within 90 days. Prinyya highlighted that using incentives to influence voting choices violates electoral law, similar to vote-buying rules for House elections and carrying criminal penalties within the commission's purview.

On the matter of lottery tickets ("pouy") found at polling stations, she noted that while a graft court previously ruled the tickets themselves are not inherently illegal, that does not equate to fair elections—these are separate issues for the Supreme Court. The commission's decision not to submit lottery tickets as evidence does not constitute dereliction of duty, since commissioners voted to preserve them on election night.

Problematic, however, is a legal deadline: the commission's secretary must submit investigation findings within one year—a deadline the commission has already missed. The law requires notifying affected parties of delays, which the commission failed to do, constituting dereliction of duty.

Prinyya stressed that only the Election Commission can refer Senate election fraud cases to the Supreme Court. If the commission does not act, no one else can—a gap that needs legal reform. In criminal cases, victims may file through the Department of Special Investigation if prosecutors decline.

Most troubling is the reversal: the 26th Election Commission panel identified 229 individuals involved in the case, but the 36th panel deemed the allegations baseless and moved to dismiss all charges. She called on the public to invoke the Information Access Act to request the 26th panel's investigation summary and demand transparency from the Election Commission.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Women's Volleyball Ends VNL 2026 Campaign

Thailand's women's volleyball team finished their 2026 Nations League campaign in Osaka with a loss to Turkey, ending the tournament with 3 wins and 9 losses but securing qualification for next year's league.

Thailand Women's Volleyball Ends VNL 2026 Campaign
4h ago Khaosod

Thailand's women's volleyball team, ranked 17th globally, finished their 2026 Nations League campaign in Osaka, Japan during week three with a loss to Turkey (ranked 4th) in a 1-3 set match (27-25, 21-25, 19-25, 22-25). Star middle blocker Pimpichaya Kokram led the team with 25 points, including 22 spikes, 2 blocks, and 1 ace, while Taddao Nuk-Chang contributed 12 points and Varisara Seetaleirt added 12 points. Thailand finished the tournament with 3 wins and 9 losses for 12 points, securing a spot in next year's Nations League.

Top Point-Scorers for Thailand VNL 2026: 1. Pimpichaya Kokram: 192 points 2. Sasiphaprorn Chantvisut: 151 points 3. Taddao Nuk-Chang: 129 points 4. Ajcharaphorn Kongkod: 78 points 5. Kaew Kalya Gomulthala: 55 points 6. Varisara Seetaleirt: 54 points 7. Pornporn Koedprachai: 14 points 8. Prapatchaya Ponthama: 13 points 9. Vimlratana Tananathphan: 10 points 10. Nattanica Jaisenai: 5 points 11. Nannapassena Muljackum: 4 points 12. Kanyarat Khunmuang: 3 points 13. Piyanucha Paennoi: 1 point

Thailand's next competition will be the BYD DMI 6th SEA V Cup, with the first leg in Vietnam from July 31 to August 2, 2025, and the second leg in Chiang Mai, Thailand from August 7-9, 2025, before competing in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan in September 2025.

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National

Chery Unveils Future Mobility Vision at Tech Day Event

Chery unveiled advanced automotive technology at TECH DAY 2026, highlighting intelligent driving systems and an automated parking solution called SIVP designed for Thai drivers, with the first SIVP-equipped vehicle launching in late 2025.

Chery Unveils Future Mobility Vision at Tech Day Event
4h ago Khaosod

Chery Group and OMODA & JAECOO (Thailand) held TECH DAY 2026 to present a vision of innovation and future automotive technology through demonstrations of new energy systems, intelligent driving platforms, driver assistance technology, smart parking systems, and new energy ecosystem solutions designed for modern Thai consumers.

TECH DAY 2026 reflects Chery Group's advancement of world-class technological foundations to support Thailand's future mobility direction, meeting modern consumers' demand for intelligent vehicles, user convenience, safety, and performance suited to real-world driving conditions across all dimensions.

During the event, Chery Group presented its core technological foundations under five key pillars: Mars Architecture, Kunpeng Power, Lingxi Smart Cockpit, Falcon Pilot, and Galaxy Ecosystem—driving the development of new energy vehicles and intelligent mobility systems to support long-term company growth.

A major highlight was the Falcon Pilot Intelligent Driving System, featuring intelligent assisted driving and intelligent parking technology. Chery introduced SIVP (Super Intelligent Valet Parking), an advanced automated parking system designed to enhance urban driving experiences, making parking easier, more convenient, and safer.

SIVP can perceive surroundings, plan parking trajectories, and control vehicle operations during key stages including turning, acceleration, braking, and parking under specified conditions. It simplifies parking in challenging environments such as shopping malls, office buildings, condominiums, hospitals, and mixed-use developments with limited space, parking spots, and heavy traffic.

Thailand is a strategically important market for Chery Group to deploy intelligent technology in real-world applications. The first product equipped with SIVP is scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025, with testing and demonstrations already underway in key Bangkok areas to study and refine the technology for Thai driving behaviors, environments, and travel patterns.

Cedric Chui, President of OMODA & JAECOO (Thailand) Limited, stated that Thailand plays a crucial role in Chery Group's global technology strategy. TECH DAY 2026 demonstrates this commitment, and Thailand's selection as one of the first markets to launch the SIVP-equipped product reflects strategic confidence in Thai market potential and consumer readiness for future innovation.

Today's presentation is more than product showcasing—it represents comprehensive Intelligent Mobility vision built on global technological foundations, refined through testing in real Thai contexts, ensuring innovations meet Thai consumers' lifestyle, travel, and expectations. The goal is to create a technology experience that truly serves users.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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