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No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Doctors Warn: Snoring Not Normal, Raises Risk of Four Diseases

Doctors warn that snoring shouldn't be dismissed as normal, as it can signal obstructive sleep apnea and increase risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Nearly half of people screened had sleep apnea, w

Doctors Warn: Snoring Not Normal, Raises Risk of Four Diseases
27 Jul Khaosod

Doctors are warning against dismissing snoring as normal, as it can increase the risk of four chronic diseases and identifying four at-risk groups, most commonly affecting men. Many people mistakenly believe that snoring is merely a nuisance or a sign of sound sleep, but physicians caution that this misconception may lead to missing a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which not only affects sleep quality but also increases the risk of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease.

A case example involves Mr. Chen, age 69, who had suffered from loud snoring for a long time, disrupting his spouse's sleep. When he underwent a detailed evaluation, he was found to have moderate sleep apnea with a snoring index as high as 323.9 times per hour.

Almost half of those screened were found to have sleep apnea. The Lian An Preventive Medicine Institute analyzed home sleep test results from 879 individuals between 2019 and 2025 and found that 48% of those tested had sleep apnea, meaning nearly 1 in 2 people have breathing abnormalities during sleep, with more than half of patients at moderate to severe levels.

Long sleep duration does not equal quality sleep. Professor Cheng Nianyuan, director of the Lian An Preventive Medicine Institute, stated that many people mistakenly believe that sleeping for a long time means sufficient rest, but what truly matters is that breathing must be regular during sleep, blood oxygen levels must be adequate, and sleep structure must be intact.

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea experience repeated collapse of the upper airway, resulting in breathing pauses, shallow breathing, and oxygen deficiency. Even if sleeping for a full 8 hours, nighttime sleep disruptions prevent the body from fully recovering. The analysis also found that nearly 70% of those aged 60 and older were diagnosed with sleep apnea, more than 50% of those aged 40 and older were affected, 82% of those with a BMI greater than 24 had moderate to severe sleep apnea, and men had a detection rate as high as 76%. This data reflects that men, the elderly, and those who are overweight are at high risk.

Loud snoring may not be normal. Professor Cheng Nianyuan stated that loud and continuous snoring may signal repeated upper airway collapse during sleep. If accompanied by the following symptoms, one should undergo sleep assessment and not dismiss snoring as merely a noise disturbance: excessive daytime sleepiness, waking up feeling fatigued, high blood pressure, or obesity.

It impacts deep sleep and increases the risk of heart disease and cognitive decline. The study also found that 85% of OSA patients had insufficient deep sleep, and 72.4% had insufficient REM sleep. Deep sleep plays an important role in body repair and immune system regulation, while REM sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and emotional regulation. If both stages decline over time, the risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic abnormalities, and cognitive impairment may increase.

Data also indicated that among sleep apnea patients, 41.3% had elevated systolic blood pressure, 53.8% had elevated total cholesterol levels, and 55.8% had insulin resistance. This shows that OSA is not merely a sleep disorder but is closely linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and metabolic diseases. Doctors recommend sleep evaluation screening for those with such symptoms.

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National

Thailand Exporters Must Prepare for EU Forced Labor Ban

Thailand's exporters must comply with new EU forced labor regulations taking effect December 14, 2025, requiring businesses to implement supply chain transparency systems and verify goods are produced without forced or child labor.

Thailand Exporters Must Prepare for EU Forced Labor Ban
27 Jul Khaosod

The Department of Foreign Trade has warned Thai exporters to prepare for new European Union regulations banning the sale and export of goods produced using forced labor, which take full effect on December 14, 2025. The department recommends businesses accelerate development of supply chain traceability systems and upgrade standards to maintain competitiveness in EU markets.

On July 27, 2024, the Department of Foreign Trade revealed that the European Union has published guidelines on compliance with the Forced Labour Regulation (FLR), which prohibits the sale and export of goods produced using forced labor, including child labor. The guidelines, released by the European Commission in June 2024, define forced labor products according to International Labour Organization (ILO) standards as goods using forced labor in any stage of extraction, harvesting, production, or related supply chain processes.

The guidelines were developed through public consultation with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and labor stakeholders to ensure comprehensive, realistic, and effective implementation. Key provisions include directives for government agencies to establish inspection and enforcement procedures through customs authorities; requirements for businesses to conduct due diligence checks to ensure goods are free from forced labor; and mechanisms for civil society to report suspected forced labor violations and allow victims to file complaints directly with EU member state authorities.

These guidelines will improve enforcement efficiency, promote supply chain transparency, and raise ethical standards in global trade while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8.7 to end forced labor, human trafficking, and child labor. The European Commission will continue monitoring, evaluating, and updating the guidelines based on stakeholder feedback and changing economic and social conditions before the FLR takes full effect on December 14, 2025.

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National

Energy Conservation Fund Drives Quality of Life for Thais

Thailand's Energy Conservation Fund supports public welfare through subsidized solar panels and efficiency upgrades in hospitals, schools, and farms nationwide, though the government faces questions about why citizens still contribute to th

Energy Conservation Fund Drives Quality of Life for Thais
27 Jul Khaosod

The Energy Conservation Fund serves as a crucial mechanism supporting public welfare. Since the latest energy crisis, triggered by Middle East conflicts and the closure of the Hormuz Strait shipping lane, oil prices have surged, directly affecting the cost of living. This has prompted scrutiny of Thailand's domestic oil pricing structure and questions about why the government relies on fuel fund subsidies to manage price pressures, creating long-term debt. A parliamentary budget committee question has gained traction: why citizens must still contribute 5 satang per liter to the energy conservation fund. This reflects widespread public sentiment and represents a major issue the Energy Ministry must address.

Understanding the Oil Pricing Structure: The current collection rate of 5 satang (0.05 baht) per liter is significantly lower than historical rates, which ranged from 7 to 25 satang per liter. The reduction was designed to ease public burden during volatile global oil markets. The accumulated fund balance of over ten million baht may appear idle, but within the government budget system, these are "committed budgets"—funds already approved for multi-year projects such as community clean energy programs and energy efficiency upgrades in hospitals and schools nationwide, disbursed according to actual project milestones rather than idle cash.

Tangible Returns to Citizens: The conservation fund has increasingly shifted toward grassroots implementation. These include subsidizing solar panels and energy-efficient equipment in hundreds of health centers and community hospitals across Thailand, reducing electricity costs by hundreds of millions baht annually and freeing budgets for medicines and medical equipment. Agricultural solar-powered water pumping systems in drought-prone areas reduce farmers' diesel costs. Solar drying systems improve crop quality and reduce losses. Enhanced energy efficiency in agricultural processing factories and community enterprises further increases productivity. State sector improvements in high-efficiency electrical equipment reduce long-term government spending. Transparency and accountability in fund usage remain paramount priorities.

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National

Buddhist Festival Sales Slow as Shoppers Stay Away

Religious supply shops in Khon Kaen report unexpectedly weak sales ahead of Asalha Bucha and Buddhist Lent, with shoppers staying away despite stocking ceremonial goods. Meanwhile, fresh flower prices have surged sharply, with cosmos, jasmi

Buddhist Festival Sales Slow as Shoppers Stay Away
27 Jul Khaosod

Khon Kaen — As the Buddhist holidays of Asalha Bucha and the start of Buddhist Lent approach, traders in the city's religious supply district on Chuan Chuea Road report unexpectedly slow business. Although these important festival dates are imminent, shoppers have been sparse, with notably few purchases of Lenten candles, incense, rain-bathing cloths, umbrellas, and Buddhist alms sets. Retailers have stocked a variety of ceremonial candles and bathing cloths, but consumer demand remains weak.

Fresh flower prices, however, have climbed sharply. Cosmos flowers have jumped to 130–150 baht per 100 blooms, jasmine has risen from 500 baht per kilogram to 700 baht, and orchids have doubled in price from 120 baht to 300 baht per bunch.

Trong Worrwiriyaprasert, 69, owner of Charoen Paiwan shop, attributes the slowdown to the extended holiday period, which has likely sent people traveling out of province. She notes that while older shoppers traditionally bought nine alms sets for nine temples, modern buyers purchase only one or two. Factory-produced goods have seen price increases; small candles and incense have risen by about 200 baht per case, though she continues to offer rain cloths at 100 baht per piece and alms sets starting at 80 baht.

Sukanya Butpon, 60, a fresh flower vendor, confirms that flower prices have edged up across the board due to back-to-back holidays beginning with the King's birthday, Asalha Bucha, and Buddhist Lent. Although business has not been as brisk as hoped, she has placed advance orders to ensure supply. Despite higher wholesale costs, she is adjusting bundle sizes downward rather than raising retail prices, making purchases more accessible to budget-conscious shoppers.

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Police

Thai Woman Arrested in Japan for Unknowingly Smuggling Meth

A 28-year-old Thai woman was arrested at Fukuoka Airport on July 12 after Japanese authorities discovered 12 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine hidden in her luggage, which her parents claim she unknowingly transported while operating a c

27 Jul The Thaiger Crime

Thai parents seek help, says daughter unknowingly traffics crystal meth to JapanLegacyThe parents of a Thai woman arrested with crystal meth in Japan are seeking government assistance, claiming their daughter was unknowingly recruited by a drug trafficking network. The case came to light after 53 year old Thanasak and 45 year old Kanyawee spoke to several Thai media outlets yesterday, July 26, appealing for help for their 28 year old daughter, Juthathip. According to the family, Juthathip was arrested at Fukuoka Airport on July 12 after Japanese authorities found crystal methamphetamine in her luggage. The 12 kilogrammes of meth were reportedly hidden in coffee and tea packages. They were informed of her arrest through a letter received on July 22. Kanyawee said she believed her daughter had been deceived into transporting the drugs and subsequently reported the matter to Bang Bua Thong Police Station. Photo via MGR Online The mother added that she has been unable to contact either her daughter or Japanese authorities since the arrest and is concerned about her welfare. She urged Thai authorities to assist with the case. Juthathip’s boyfriend, 28 year old Sarawut, told reporters that he and Juthathip operated a courier service, charging 300 baht per kilogramme to transport goods for customers travelling overseas. Juthathip managed customer enquiries through a LINE group called Thienthien Shop. He said a LINE user identified as “Ing Ing” contacted Juthathip on July 10 and asked her to carry 12 kilogrammes of goods from Thailand to Japan. Sarawut said the same customer had previously used the service in May without any reported problems, leading Juthathip to accept another delivery. Juthathip’s parents | Photo via Matichon Sarawut said the customer transferred 3,500 baht to Juthathip using a bank account registered under the name Ho Thi Mai. He added that a tightly sealed brown cardboard box was later delivered to Juthathip’s home. Sarawut said he did not know whether his girlfriend had inspected the contents before travelling. He, Juthathip and another companion travelled to Japan on July 12 carrying nine parcels. According to Sarawut, all three were detained for questioning by Japanese immigration authorities after arriving at Fukuoka Airport. Sarawut said he and the other traveller were questioned from 8am until 7pm before being released, while Juthathip remained in custody. Juthathip’s mother | Photo via MGR Online He said officials did not explain why she was being detained, telling him only that the investigation was continuing. He later learned from her family that she had been arrested on drug-related allegations. Sarawut also claimed that all customers collected their parcels at the airport except for Ing Ing. He said he later found that the customer had blocked Juthathip’s contact details. Sarawut believes the person may be a Vietnamese national, although authorities have not confirmed the claim. Kanyawee said she has provided CCTV footage from the family’s home to Thai police in the hope that investigators can identify the person who delivered the parcel and determine who was behind the shipment. The investigation in both Thailand and Japan remains ongoing. The story Thai parents seek help, says daughter unknowingly traffics crystal meth to Japan as seen on Thaiger News.

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National

Parliament Speaker Leads Grounds Cleanup, Defends Maintenance Role

Parliament Speaker Sophon Saramae led a grounds cleanup at the 100-acre parliamentary compound on July 27, defending his role in building maintenance despite budget constraints and criticism from opposition lawmakers who question whether up

Parliament Speaker Leads Grounds Cleanup, Defends Maintenance Role
27 Jul Khaosod

At 9:30 a.m. on July 27, 2025, Sophon Saramae, President of Parliament and Speaker of the House of Representatives, presided over a ceremony honoring the King's birthday on July 28, 2025. The morning began with monks chanting and parliamentary staff presenting alms to ten Buddhist monks. Sophon then opened a royal tribute project at the statue of King Rama V, where staff signed loyalty pledges and recited a volunteer oath centered on the phrase "We do good with our hearts."

During the grounds-keeping activity around Parliament's 100-acre compound, Sophon watered trees, ordered pipes extended to tree roots, cut grass, and climbed a crane to trim dried fronds from palm trees to improve the building's appearance. In an interview, he acknowledged that maintaining the massive structure after the warranty expired was a heavy responsibility. He noted budget constraints and a shortage of skilled landscaping staff, but explained that since Parliament now owned the building, it had a duty to care for it properly. He emphasized that maintaining public buildings built with taxpayer money requires genuine commitment and should become a new standard for Parliament as an institution.

When asked about opposition lawmakers who claimed building maintenance is not the speaker's responsibility, Sophon firmly disagreed, stating that managing the building is precisely his duty as Parliament's leader. He rejected accusations of grandstanding, saying "I'm exhausted but I do this with my heart," and stressed that his motivation is to serve the public, not create a photo opportunity. He added that he would prove his commitment through action, not past blame, and that critics' opinions would not deter him from his responsibilities.

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National

Palang Pracharath Official Denies Election Commission Violation Claims

Palang Pracharath MP Suksomruay Wanthaniyakul denied election commission violations, claiming the opposition presented old video footage from a campaign event two years ago that was already investigated and cleared by authorities.

Palang Pracharath Official Denies Election Commission Violation Claims
27 Jul Khaosod

At 10 a.m. on July 27, 2025, Suksomruay Wanthaniyakul, ministerial aide to the Prime Minister and Amnat Charoen MP from Palang Pracharath, responded to opposition claims by Democrat Party list MP Priś Watcharasindhu, who had called on nine Palang Pracharath politicians to clarify allegations. Suksomruay emphasized that the video the opposition presented on July 26 during a parliamentary evidence session on election commission violations was footage from a white cloth campaign event held in Amnat Charoen two years prior, unrelated to the election commission. She noted the event was livestreamed throughout and the opposition had already filed a complaint with the Election Commission, which found no wrongdoing and never summoned her. She accused the opposition of misusing old information to harm people, noting that Supansa Wanthaniyakul—her sister-in-law—was a women's group candidate who failed to advance past the provincial stage, a fact widely known in the province.

When asked if she had previously been summoned for clarification, Suksomruay stated she received a letter naming her among 100 alleged violators from a subcommittee but without specifying which issues to address. She responded that she had not violated the stated charges, and a separate investigation was concluded within the provincial Election Commission two years ago. Regarding the timing of the allegations, she remarked that Priś was delayed in raising the matter and was rehashing information already proven and settled. She said she would not comment further, trusting the court rulings and Election Commission findings. When asked if the election commission case threatened Palang Pracharath's stability, she replied it did not, as the party had weathered many attacks.

Suksomruay suggested the legal team review the original broadcast, stating they possess both the court judgment and Election Commission conclusions from two years ago, and that raising the issue was designed to incite hatred and criticism. When asked about Yingluck Achananont, the head of iLaw, announcing readiness to face the other side if they would clarify the election commission case, Suksomruay said there was no issue with the other side reporting any information to the Election Commission and the Special Cases Investigation Department.

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National

NBTC Chair Asserts Authority Amid Board Walkout

NBTC Chair Dr. Sorin Bunyabaichaipruk rejected claims he resigned and asserted he will remain in post until removed by royal decree, as three commissioners walked out of a July 27 board meeting in Bangkok, forcing postponement.

NBTC Chair Asserts Authority Amid Board Walkout
27 Jul Khaosod

At 10:45 a.m. on July 27, 2025, NBTC Chair Dr. Sorin Bunyabaichaipruk addressed the failed board meeting, explaining that it was scheduled as usual and proceedings began normally with full secretarial documentation. He rejected the selection committee's claim that he had resigned, asserting his disagreement and his intention to contest their authority, which is currently pursuing legal action through the administrative court within a 90-day window—a matter therefore still unresolved.

"Removal from office must comply with Section 20, Paragraph 2 of the Frequency Allocation Act, requiring royal approval," Dr. Sorin stated. "Since this organization operates under the Constitution, taking or leaving office requires royal decree. So long as there is no royal decree approving my removal, I have a duty to perform my functions according to law."

Dr. Sorin disclosed that today's meeting concerned critical legal business that could cause harm if not addressed, and that all board members share responsibility. Of the six total commissioners, three walked out during his remarks, breaking quorum. After waiting, the meeting was postponed, with a new session scheduled for August 5-6.

"As I have said, nothing is greater than the royal decree," Dr. Sorin concluded. "Court rulings are not greater than the royal decree either. I must fulfill my duty until there is a royal decree removing me from office, as I was appointed by royal decree to serve and exercise my judgment."

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National

Thailand Urged to Prepare for Indonesia's Strict Halal Rules

Thailand's exporters have less than a year to obtain halal certification for food and beverage products destined for Indonesia, where new regulations take effect October 2026 and will affect $1.42 billion in annual Thai agricultural exports

Thailand Urged to Prepare for Indonesia's Strict Halal Rules
27 Jul Khaosod

The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) under the Commerce Ministry is urging Thai businesses to accelerate their readiness as Indonesia upgrades its halal certification measures, requiring all food and beverage products to obtain halal certification before sale, effective October 17, 2026. On July 27, 2026, Nanthapong Jiralessapong, TPSO director, revealed that Indonesia is elevating and expanding its halal requirements under the Halal Product Assurance Law (Law No. 33/2014) and the Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) guidelines, following a two-year grace period.

Once fully implemented, all food and beverage products sold in Indonesia must carry halal certification. Thailand exported $9.34 billion worth of goods to Indonesia in 2025, with agricultural and food products alone accounting for $1.42 billion, making halal-affected categories including sugar, cassava products, fresh and frozen fruits, pet food, rice, wheat products, ready-to-eat meals, and beverages critical to Thai export strategy.

Under the new regulations, Indonesia has clearly classified products requiring halal certification and those exempt (Positive List), with particular focus on primary agricultural goods, seafood, and processed foods—all major Thai export categories. Processed products with multiple ingredients or additives must obtain halal certification from Indonesia or BPJPH-recognized foreign certifiers before import. Certain exempted agricultural products must be naturally halal, free of additives or contaminants in processing, with documentary proof of transparent production and supply chains free of Islamic-prohibited substances.

Indonesia classifies processed seafood with added flavoring, sauces, spices, or oils, as well as dried fruits with additives or coatings, as requiring formal halal certification and cannot claim Positive List exemptions. Examples include frozen fruit with added ingredients, dried longan, and fresh fruit coated with wax or beeswax for preservation, all of which are now considered processed and requiring certification. Genetically modified organism (GMO) products also require halal certification. Beyond product standards, Indonesia is developing comprehensive "halal logistics" measures covering transportation and distribution processes.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

UNESCO Heritage Site Took Five Governments, Minister Urges Maturity

Nakhon Si Thammarat's Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn has been approved as Thailand's newest UNESCO World Heritage Site after five governments pursued the recognition since 2019. The minister urged Thais to celebrate the achievement withou

UNESCO Heritage Site Took Five Governments, Minister Urges Maturity
27 Jul Khaosod

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin on July 27 announced that UNESCO's World Heritage Committee unanimously approved the registration of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn in Nakhon Si Thammarat as a new cultural world heritage site. He emphasized this represents a major cultural achievement for Thailand, achieved after deliberation by a global committee of representatives.

Chomklin attended the meeting in Busan, South Korea, where he represented Thailand alongside Culture Minister Sabida Thaiset and related agencies. He noted the application process spanned five governments starting in 2019 under General Prayut Chan-o-cha, then Srettha Thavisin, Yingluck Shinawatra, and finally Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's administrations.

The minister stressed that the success reflects 1,500 years of cultural heritage and 32,000 ancient artifacts that required UNESCO documentation. He urged critics to approach the achievement with maturity rather than politicizing Thailand's cultural pride, noting the approval required community and local leader cooperation. Chomklin added that Thailand plans to propose seven temples around Chiang Mai's ancient walls as a heritage site next, similar to Luang Prabang in Laos. He appealed to media to highlight this positive news, pointing out that UNESCO recognition has boosted visitor numbers from 30,000 to 200,000 during major festivals.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Arrest Top Gunman in Sugarcane Field Shooting

Police arrested a 34-year-old gunman in a Kanchanaburi sugarcane field for his role in a shooting outside an entertainment venue that stemmed from a long-standing gang feud.

Police Arrest Top Gunman in Sugarcane Field Shooting
27 Jul Khaosod

Police arrested a top-ranked gunman in a sugarcane field in Kanchanaburi on July 27 in connection with a shooting that erupted outside an entertainment venue after a long-standing feud. Nakarin, 34, was accused of attempted murder, illegal weapons possession, and firing a gun in a populated area. He was the 143rd most-wanted fugitive on the national police wanted list.

The incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute between two groups. On the night of December 27, 2568, both sides, each with about six members, ended up at the same entertainment venue on Saengchuto Road in Muang Kanchanaburi and sat near each other. Tensions ran high as members stared at each other, but no violence occurred inside.

When the venue closed, both groups left separately. As they reached a hotel parking area, Nakarin's group leader approached Chalathit's group and fired first, claiming the rival group had drawn weapons. An intense gun battle ensued between the two groups. Phuwadet, the victim, was shot and injured while Chalathit's group fled. After gathering evidence and obtaining arrest warrants, police tracked down and arrested Nakarin at a sugarcane field. During interrogation, he confessed to the charges before being transferred to Muang Kanchanaburi police station for further legal proceedings.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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