On July 15, 2025, Deputy Director-General Dech Lekvichai of the Royal Irrigation Department, together with officials from Regional Irrigation Office 7 under director Prinyachah Katchamat, conducted a field inspection of water conditions in Ubon Ratchathani province. The team, including Wuthichai Sritong (Director of Water Management and Maintenance) and Wasant Khaimani (Director of Machinery Operations), monitored and analyzed water trends in the Mun and Mekong rivers. The inspection aimed to gather data and management strategies to inform planning and align water management approaches with current conditions, ensuring efficient and comprehensive coverage of all scenarios.

The team inspected three key locations:

Location 1: Sirindhon Dam in Sirindhon District, Ubon Ratchathani—currently holding 1,118.64 million cubic meters (56.89% capacity), with usable water of 287.26 million cubic meters (25.31%).

Location 2: Pak Mun Dam in Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani—current water level at 106.3 meters above mean sea level. At both locations, Akrapol Pothsri, a Level 7 engineer from the Sirindhon Dam Power Plant of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), provided data on water volume, levels, and management strategies for close assessment.

Location 3: Two-Color Rivers Confluence in Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani—where the Mun and Mekong rivers meet. Current water level in the Mekong at Khong Chiam District stands at 97.83 meters above mean sea level.

The Deputy Director-General instructed Regional Office 7 and its affiliated irrigation projects to closely monitor water conditions and weather forecasts, maintain standby machinery, equipment, and personnel in at-risk areas, and coordinate with all relevant agencies. This preparedness ensures rapid assistance to affected communities and mitigation of potential impacts.

Thailand and China have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding transportation cooperation, with both sides pledging closer coordination to accelerate major infrastructure projects and stre...

On July 16, 2025, Metropolitan Police Division 3 officers arrested Ratnawalee (surname withheld), 24, and Jariyaporn (surname withheld), 22, in connection with manufacturing and distributing e-cigarettes mixed with etomidate. Police seized 2,936 port-k vaping devices, three liters each of VG and PG base liquids, 27 bottles of VGPG solution, 300 grams of etomidate powder, fruit flavoring concentrates, mixing equipment including magnetic stirrers, beakers, and a digital scale from a house in Nuan Chanthorn subdistrict, Bueng Kum district, Bangkok.

The investigation began after authorities monitored dark web social media and discovered advertisements selling port-k devices to customers in Bangkok entertainment venues or shipped to provinces. On July 15 around 5 p.m., officers spotted the two women carrying boxes from the target house and apprehended them with 400 vaping devices. Further searches revealed large quantities of port-k, liquids, and equipment inside. Both women confessed to producing the devices weekly using a simple formula they called "moo tuu" (refrigerator pork), mixing VG, PG, fruit-flavored liquid concentrate, and etomidate powder. They were paid 20,000 baht per production session and delivered portions to customers across provinces via courier services using phone numbers registered by their employer.

Both suspects face charges of unlawfully manufacturing and distributing Class 2 psychotropic substances (etomidate) for commercial purposes and distribution to the public. They have been handed over to Kokkhram Police Station for legal proceedings.

Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation(MHESI) is strengthening efforts to combat PM2.5 pollution in northern Thailand by promoting the “Zero Burn to Earn: S...

Experience an immersive 360° underwater world with free entry from July 29 to August 12, 2026, at NEX Hall in Siam Paragon. "YOUNG Sea Guardians: SEA THE CHANGE—Building a New Ocean World With Our Hands" is Thailand's flagship marine conservation exhibition, inviting visitors to explore the underwater realm through innovative learning experiences that are visually stunning, entertaining, and inspiring. The event transforms awareness into action and calls on everyone to help restore Thai seas sustainably. Organized by the Thai Coral Reef and Marine Life Conservation Foundation, this exhibition brings together support from government agencies, the private sector, researchers, conservationists, and young people to share Thailand's ocean stories through modern technology and inspire all to become "protectors of Thai seas." The event runs from July 29 to August 12, 2026, at NEX Hall, Level 5, Siam Paragon shopping center, with free admission throughout.

Highlights not to miss:

Dive into the underwater world via 360° immersive experience: Experience a virtual underwater world with surround sound and visuals, encountering schools of marine animals and glowing giant jellyfish. The exhibition then gradually educates visitors about the crises facing Thailand's seas and invites everyone to become part of the solution.

Learn ocean restoration from real practitioners: Discover the behind-the-scenes work of researchers and conservationists through accessible, participatory exhibitions covering microplastic surveys, coral reef restoration, marine emergency rooms for injured sea creatures, and the marine conservation legacy of Queen Sirikit and Princess Sirivannavari.

Over 30 activities and talks and workshops throughout 15 days: Enhance your experience with workshops and activities for all ages, including coral restoration, marine waste reduction, and conservation diving preparation, plus discussions by researchers, conservationists, and marine experts sharing knowledge and inspiration.

Community market supporting coastal communities: Browse eco-friendly products and goods from coastal communities nationwide that reflect conservation principles while supporting community income and sustainability.

Because change starts with everyone: Whether you're a child, youth, family, student, diver, or someone who never thought the sea was relevant to daily life, SEA THE CHANGE will help you discover that every aspect of our lives is connected to the ocean, and everyone can help create a "new ocean world" by starting with themselves.

Join this year's major marine conservation experience—YOUNG Sea Guardians: SEA THE CHANGE—Building a New Ocean World With Our Hands, July 29 to August 12, 2026, at NEX Hall, Level 5, Siam Paragon shopping center. Free admission throughout. Register at: https://forms.gle/2zkKCb7M94x7j2DX8

The Royal Irrigation Department is accelerating weed and water obstruction removal across national irrigation areas to boost drainage and water storage efficiency during the rainy season while minimizing flood risk and maximizing agricultural benefits. Operations include clearing water hyacinth and weeds from irrigation and drainage canals and critical water sources using specialized equipment—weed-removal boats, excavators, and support machinery—deployed nationwide to improve water flow, reduce blockages during heavy downpours, and enhance water retention for dry periods. The department has emphasized that all units must monitor work progress and tailor machinery deployment to suit local conditions, ensuring efficient removal operations that support comprehensive water management. The Irrigation Department reaffirms its commitment to sustained weed and obstruction removal alongside continuous water monitoring and multi-faceted management to maintain irrigation system performance, reduce flood risk, increase water storage capacity, and deliver lasting water security for people and agriculture.