A Phuket resort faces demolition after the Supreme Court found it illegally encroached on Sirinat National Park, with authorities beginning to post removal orders today.
PHUKET: Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee arrived in Phuket today (July 10) to oversee the posting of demolition orders at a resort after the Supreme Court ordered the removal of buildings found to have encroached on Sirinat National Park.
Thailand's Tourism Authority is promoting the Bangkok-Hua Hin corridor as a premier wedding and honeymoon destination, targeting affluent couples from India and the Middle East through curated experiences combining luxury hotels, adventure,
As global tourism competition intensifies, countries are racing to tap into new revenue streams from affluent travelers. Romance tourism—centered on couples and the wedding market—has emerged as a high-value segment that many nations now prioritize. These visitors spend lavishly, generate significant economic value, and support a diverse range of tourism businesses spanning hotels, resorts, event services, and local products.
With romance becoming a lucrative tourism market, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched an aggressive push through its "Romance in Thailand" initiative. The program brought together media representatives and destination management companies (DMCs) to explore romance and wedding tourism services along the Bangkok-Hua Hin corridor under the theme "Capture the Moment: Where Love Becomes Timeless." This campaign aims to position Thailand as a premier global destination for honeymoons and destination weddings, particularly targeting Indian and Middle Eastern markets.
The itinerary was designed as a three-day, two-night trip offering diverse experiences—from adventure and cultural heritage to luxury, gastronomy, wellness, and destination weddings—reflecting how modern travelers seek not just journeys, but meaningful stories and unique experiences that last a lifetime.
The first day began at voco Bangkok Surawong, an IHG property emphasizing sustainability and privacy. Guests experienced adventure romance at King Power Mahanakhon via the Mahanakhon SkyWalk, Thailand's highest observation deck, featuring the immersive "Mahanakhon Bangkok I-Tilted" experience. The day concluded with a romantic sunset dinner at Sky Beach Bar on the 78th floor of the Mahanakhon tower, or a private Supatra Boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River—offering couples an intimate alternative.
Before heading to Hua Hin, the group visited The Siam Bangkok, a luxury riverside property in the Dusit area positioned as a romantic destination and wedding venue for privacy-seeking couples. The hotel features diverse event spaces including Thai pavilions designed by renowned architects overlooking the river, offering Thai engagement ceremonies and romantic tea-for-two experiences. Private events start at 1.1 million baht per night, while partial packages begin at 450,000 baht for 50 guests. European and Australian couples form the primary clientele, though Indian markets are increasingly interested in larger event spaces. Recent bookings have accommodated 200-250 guests.
From Bangkok to Hua Hin, the journey showcased distinctive experiences in local lifestyle, cuisine, crafts, and beaches. The group visited Khun Tob's Palm Sugar Plantation, an educational site preserving traditional palm sugar-making knowledge established in 1992, where participants demonstrated fresh sugar production and crafted palm-stem souvenirs. Lunch featured local cuisine at Baan Suan Win before heading to SO/ Sofitel Hua Hin for a romantic beachside wedding experience.
A review of local government employee recruitment exams found irregularities affecting 35.84% of nearly 15,000 candidates, with Southern Thailand test centers showing the worst problems—Songkhla recorded 75.96% irregularities.
The Department of Local Administration (DLA) announced on July 10 the completion of a comprehensive review of test scores from the local government employee recruitment and appointment process. Of 14,988 candidates who reported for appointment (out of 15,520 total called, with 532 no-shows), the investigation found that 9,217 passed with normal scores, representing 61.50%. However, 5,372 candidates—or 35.84%—showed irregularities, with an additional 399 (2.66%) pending further review.
The investigation identified three main categories of problems: general system irregularities affecting 3,044 candidates (20.31%); discrepancies between actual answer sheets and database records involving 1,522 candidates (10.15%); and 806 candidates (5.38%) who scored below 60% in Section C or below 10 points in English.
When broken down by test center, the Northern Region 1 center in Chiang Mai showed the highest transparency with 79.15% normal scores. In stark contrast, the Southern Region 2 center in Songkhla recorded alarming irregularities at 75.96% (477 out of 628 candidates), followed by Southern Region 1 in Nakhon Si Thammarat at 74.09%. The Nakhon Si Thammarat center also reported the highest number of candidates nationally failing to meet minimum English and Section C standards, with 691 such cases.
The DLA has committed to conducting fair and transparent document and answer sheet verification to protect public interest and maintain confidence in the local government system.
True Corporation and Thailand's Tourism Authority partnered to launch "True5G Delicious Signal," identifying 1,000 restaurants nationwide with excellent food and strong 5G coverage to boost gastronomy tourism and support local businesses.
True Corporation partnered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to launch a new dimension in Thai gastronomy tourism through the "True5G Delicious Signal" project, championing the slogan "Tasty Dishes, Strong Connectivity." The initiative identifies excellent restaurants across Thailand that combine culinary appeal with strong True5G network signals, ready to support modern digital travelers. The project targets 1,000 restaurants this year to elevate Thai cuisine as an important national soft power, generate economic value, attract tourists worldwide, and support local and small-scale Thai restaurants as new destinations for digital-age travelers, creating opportunities for local economies and Thai tourism. This aligns with TAT's "Feel All The Feelings" campaign, which aims to inspire travel through food, culture, community, and Thai experiences, while leveraging True's 5G network capabilities.
Tapanee Kiarti Paiboonpuen, TAT Governor, stated that modern traveler behavior has changed—tourists now seek specific experiences rather than choosing destinations alone, often discovering restaurants through food critics, influencers, and online platforms. The collaboration between TAT and True Corporation combines Thai cuisine's unique appeal with 5G connectivity to promote gastronomy tourism, creating meaningful digital experiences for modern travelers. The initiative supports local communities, small restaurant operators, and aligns with TAT's "Instant Joy When Traveling Thailand" campaign.
True's network data shows that foreign tourists using roaming services increased 23% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with average data usage per user rising 25%. Indian tourists notably increased data usage by 70%, reflecting India's growing importance to Thai tourism.
Thailand's Meteorological Department issued a level-five weather alert on July 10 for heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds across southern and eastern regions through July 15, with waves exceeding 4 meters in the Andaman Sea during
At 5 p.m. on July 10, 2025, Thailand's Meteorological Department issued alert number five regarding strong winds in the Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand, along with heavy to very heavy rainfall across southern Thailand's west coast, parts of central Thailand, and the eastern region, with impacts lasting until July 15, 2025.
From July 10-15, the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand will intensify, generating waves of 2-4 meters in the upper Andaman Sea, exceeding 4 meters in thunderstorm areas. The upper Gulf and lower Andaman Sea will see waves of 2-3 meters, exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms. Sailors are urged to exercise caution and avoid thunderstorm areas, while small boats should remain ashore during this period.
Between July 11-14, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in southern Thailand's west coast, parts of central and eastern regions, particularly in Ranong, Phang Nga, Chanthaburi, Trat, and Kanchanaburi provinces. The public is warned of dangers from heavy rainfall and accumulated water that may cause sudden flooding and flash floods, especially in sloped terrain near waterways and low-lying areas.
Typhoon Bavi in the Pacific Ocean is forecast to pass through Taiwan and make landfall along Fujian Province, China, on July 11-12, 2025. The typhoon will not directly affect Thailand but will strengthen the southwest monsoon affecting the country. Travelers to affected regions should check weather conditions before departing.
The public is advised to plan activities and travel carefully during this period and monitor weather updates from the Meteorological Department via www.tmd.go.th or by calling 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182, available 24/7. The next alert will be issued on July 11, 2025, at 5 a.m.
Affected provinces:
July 11: Kanchanaburi and Trat expected very heavy rain; Chanthaburi, Ranong, and Phang Nga expected heavy rain.
July 12: Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Chanthaburi, Trat, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, and Phang Nga expected very heavy rain; Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Sa Kaew expected heavy rain; Chumphon, Surat Thani, Phuket, and Krabi expected heavy rain.
July 13: Kanchanaburi, Chanthaburi, Trat, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, and Phang Nga expected very heavy rain; Ratchaburi expected heavy rain.
Actor Boy Pakorn Chatchborirak fulfilled a lifelong dream by performing at Bangkok's prestigious Rachadalai Theatre for the first time in "Once Again—The More It Hurts, The More I Remember, The More I Love," crediting his mother's early pas
Young actor Boy Pakorn Chatchborirak has achieved a lifelong dream by performing on the Rachadalai Theatre stage for the first time in the production "Once Again—The More It Hurts, The More I Remember, The More I Love." In an emotional Instagram post following the show's closing performance, he expressed his deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this dream a reality.
Boy revealed that performing at Rachadalai had long been a dream he never expected to achieve, admitting he lacks singing skills and doubted he would ever have the opportunity. He has been watching Rachadalai theatre productions since before entering the entertainment industry, attending shows with his entire family. He recalled how he would return home after each performance to post tweets praising the actors' talents, always wondering how they could be so skilled.
The production proved to be a challenging yet invaluable experience. Despite his inexperience, Boy committed fully to the role, describing theatre as incredibly charming, fun, challenging, and stressful. He expressed profound gratitude to the audience for their support at every show, his director for the opportunity, and his co-star and partners for their exceptional work.
Boy also thanked his acting coaches for their guidance and encouragement, the production designer for creating a well-crafted character with depth, and his fellow cast members. He particularly praised his co-star, highlighting her as one of the finest and most talented actors he has worked with, serving as an example of true professionalism.
Most significantly, Boy expressed heartfelt thanks to his mother, who introduced him to Rachadalai theatre as a child because she loved it. His mother attended every performance, and he realized that his mother's passion for theatre had become his own. He credited her as the spark that ignited his love for stage performance.
PM Anupong downplayed Thaksin's recent visits to Malaysia and Indonesia as personal travel, rejecting speculation that the trips signal political maneuvering or a power assessment among the Shinawatra family.
Prime Minister Anupon Paojinda dismissed suggestions that Thaksin Shinawatra's recent visits to Malaysia and Indonesia signal a political power assessment, characterizing the trips instead as personal matters. Speaking at the Signature Hotel in Songkhla on July 10, 2026, Anupon noted that as a former national leader, Thaksin has every right to visit and meet with other leaders, and is traveling in a personal capacity rather than representing the government.
When pressed on whether the recent gatherings of three Shinawatra family members—Thaksin, his sister Yingluck, and his daughter Paetongtarn—held political significance, Anupon dismissed the concern as family business. He urged the media to stop speculating and emphasized that the three individuals enjoy the same freedoms as any ordinary citizen to travel wherever they choose.
Asked directly whether the trips constituted a political power gauge, Anupon initially deflected before firmly stating that there was no political dimension to the visits. He characterized all three as simply exercising the friendly relations between regional leaders.
Dragon emblems have appeared at both Chakravarti and Huay Khwang police stations, sparking public debate over the symbols' appropriateness and whether they represent local cultural identity or unauthorized affiliations.
A dragon emblem has appeared at Chakravarti Police Station, where officers are being distributed two emblems each, as the Royal Thai Police spokesman addresses ongoing criticism of the dragon emblem worn on uniforms at Huay Khwang Police Station. On July 10, 2026, the emblem design drew public scrutiny, prompting the police spokesman to explain that the dragon symbol represents the identity of Huay Khwang Police Station's area, which hosts large numbers of Chinese tourists and residents and is home to the Chinese embassy. The spokesman emphasized the emblem was not formally approved through proper channels and has no affiliation with Chinese business interests or organized crime groups.
Regarding the current case, Chakravarti Police Station's Facebook page posted an image of its own dragon emblem, differing from Huay Khwang's version, with a notice stating: "Notice to prevention division police officers: You are invited to collect the Chakravarti Metropolitan Police Station emblem, two pieces per person, at the prevention division office during business hours. We request your prompt cooperation to maintain order and uniformity in the appearance of our personnel." Following the post's publication, numerous social media users posted comments and reactions.
A foundation filed a formal complaint with Kanchanaburi police on behalf of 11 girls aged 11-15 who allegedly suffered sexual abuse by their school principal in Sri Sawat District, with interviews scheduled to begin July 13 with support fro
On July 10, at the Kanchanaburi Provincial Police Operations Center, Paveena Hongsukul, chairwoman of the Paveena Hongsukul Foundation for Children and Women, accompanied by director Ekpap Hongsukul and foundation staff, brought 11 female students aged 11-15 from grades 5 and 3 at a school in Sri Sawat District—who allegedly fell victim to sexual abuse by their school principal—to meet with provincial police leadership including Pol. Maj. Gen. Pesawir Rueangpoo.
The parents and children filed a formal complaint against the school director. Deputy Education Minister Akkranun Kannittin assigned attorney Sirisak Kanakaput to represent the victims. Multiple agencies attended, including representatives from the Kanchanaburi Social Development Office, the primary education office, and related units.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Pesawir confirmed investigators are prepared. The students' interviews will be conducted at appropriate venues such as the Kanchanaburi Provincial Prosecutor's Office, with a multidisciplinary team including prosecutors, investigators, psychologists, social workers, and persons requested by the children. Given the victims are under 18, special consideration will be given to their psychological state. Interviews are scheduled to begin Monday, July 13.
During the meeting, Paveena's representative and parents described the incidents, which have been covered by media since July 9. Officials expressed concern about the families traveling over 100 kilometers for questioning. To assist, the Child and Family Residential Home in Kanchanaburi has offered temporary accommodation for the 11 students during the interview process, with proper care provided. The education office will ensure their schooling continues without delay.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Pesawir reported that police have maintained coordination with the foundation and have informed National Police Chief General Kittirat Phan-iset and Metropolitan Police Region 7 Commander Lieutenant General Pisit Tanprasertsai. The police chief has ordered full investigation to ensure justice for the student victims, noting they represent the nation's future.
Thailand's deputy PM has ordered price controls on prepared foods after retailers raised menu prices by 5-10 baht since July, despite declining oil costs that should enable lower prices instead.
Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Suthammapant has ordered the Department of Internal Trade to implement price control measures for prepared foods. Since July 1, retailers have been gradually changing prices, with smoothie menu items increasing by 5 baht as of July 10, 2569.
On July 10, Department of Internal Trade Director-General Withayakorn Maneenet discussed price monitoring for consumer goods and prepared foods following declining oil price trends. The department has held discussions with retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers to review product prices to align with reduced costs.
While several product categories will see price reductions and others remain unchanged, the government requested cooperation to either freeze prices or adjust them lower than previously elevated cost levels. Products like sugar and vegetable oil will not increase in price, and eggs will not see further price increases.
Oil-dependent products such as fertilizer have already dropped 20% from 1,400 baht to 1,100 baht. The government also invited modern retailers to discuss profit margins with a request not to increase them to avoid burdening small-scale operators.
"Regarding prepared food prices, Deputy PM Supachai Suthammapant has instructed relevant agencies to discuss and find supplementary measures to help traders manage expenses without excessive increases, so prices need not rise to reduce public burden. A resolution will be finalized soon," Withayakorn said.
Reporters noted that since July 1, most food and beverage shops have gradually adjusted prices, averaging 10 baht per menu item—increasing from typical 50-60 baht to 60-70 baht per dish, following earlier increases in March averaging 5-10 baht per item. Smoothie drink shops raised prices an additional 5 baht.
MST Golf, Southeast Asia's leading golf retailer, opened its first flagship store in Thailand at Bangkok's Chanya Issara Tower, expanding into its fourth regional market after Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. The store offers multiple pr
MST Golf Thailand, the leading golf retail business in Southeast Asia, officially celebrated the opening of its first flagship store in Thailand at Chanya Issara Tower 1 in Bangkok. This represents a major step in the company's regional expansion plan, marking the company's entry into its fourth market after establishing successful operations in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.
The opening ceremony was honored by the presence of Dr. Meechai Inwood, Deputy Secretary-General of the Sports Authority of Thailand, who presided over the event. The highlight included a special fashion show featuring brand ambassadors led by renowned professional golfer Pajaree Sattayaroj, alongside prominent Thai actors and sports celebrities including Tao-Sertthapong Piangpo, Leesoh-Theerathep Vinothai, and Darling-Ardha Aranyavuthi, held on July 9, 2026.
The launch reflects MST Golf's long-term commitment to Thailand, one of Asia's most vibrant and important golf destinations. The company aims to introduce a new shopping experience that brings together world-leading golf brands, expert advice, and premium shopping atmosphere under one roof.
Yong Yap Siew, Chief Executive Officer of MST Golf Group Berhad, stated: "Thailand is one of the fastest-growing, most vibrant, and most important golf markets in Southeast Asia. Opening our flagship store here is not merely expanding our retail branches, but delivering our complete golf ecosystem to Thai golfers. We're not just selling golf equipment—we're providing experience, innovation, world-class technology, entertainment, and sports lifestyle all in one place. We believe this landmark will become a new community hub that elevates golf standards in Thailand."
Unlike traditional mono-brand retail stores, MST Golf differentiates itself by allowing golfers to compare products from multiple leading brands in one location, supported by expert golf specialists and certified fitters who provide personalized recommendations rather than promoting any single brand. The integration of equipment, apparel, accessories, and expert services creates a seamless, customer-centric shopping experience.
Key highlights of MST Golf Thailand include exclusive distribution rights to sought-after brands unavailable elsewhere, led by Sun Day Red, Tiger Woods' lifestyle apparel brand, with MST Golf as the sole distributor across four major markets (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand). The store also carries WAAC, a trending Korean-American golf fashion brand; Disney Golf licensed merchandise; and leading brands such as ONOFF and Daiwa.