On July 17, Doi Tao Lake in Chiang Mai's Doi Tao District has changed dramatically from its former pristine state as a popular tourist attraction. Once lined with floating raft accommodations and teeming with speedboat enthusiasts and freshwater fishermen who departed daily in search of fish, the lake now presents a stark contrast. Water levels have dropped sharply to below 10 percent of capacity, leaving floating rafts stranded on cracked earth as grass and weeds flourish across the exposed lakebed. Fish stocks have dwindled, forcing fishermen to venture 5–10 kilometers to find catches. The dried lakebed has been converted into a motorbike racing track, with riders practicing to the roar of engines, and fireworks competitions also launched into the sky. Despite this crisis, Doi Tao Lake continues to serve a purpose as the region heads into the dry season.

RAYONG: An 80-year-old Norwegian man who financially supported a Muay Thai boxing camp in Rayong and was accused of sexually abusing boys there died two days before police raided the camp and arrested its supervisor, authorities said yesterday (July 16).

On July 17, 2025, criticism spread across social media after a Facebook user posted images of a durian purchased from a shop near the small roundabout in Phayao city center, warning others not to buy there. The customer reported finding worms inside the fruit and said the cheap price did not compensate for the poor quality and inability to eat it. The post sparked extensive comments, with some users sharing their own durian purchases—both positive and negative—while others suggested the customer should have contacted the seller directly to claim a refund or replacement before posting publicly. The shop owner, a well-known TikTok personality, responded fiercely in the comments, confirming that the store has a clear policy allowing customers to return or exchange fruit that is underripe, damaged, or of poor quality, with signage posted in the shop. The owner urged customers to contact the shop directly so the store could verify the facts and resolve the issue. Nevertheless, the exchange between the customer and the shop owner has become the subject of widespread online discussion, drawing numerous shares and comments.

Mitsubishi Electric Gangyongwatana Limited, the authorized distributor of Mitsubishi Electric and Mr. Slim air conditioners and Japanese-standard home electrical appliances, has reinforced its success as a beloved brand among Thai consumers in the home air-conditioning and water pump categories. The company recently won two "No.1 Brand Thailand 2026" awards based on a nationwide consumer opinion survey by Marketeer magazine. Managing Director Toshiyuki Isuka and Deputy Managing Director Praphan Pothiwora received the awards for home air-conditioning in its 14th consecutive year and water pumps in its ninth consecutive year at the Siam Kempinski Hotel in Bangkok.

New recipients of Thailand's 2025 State Welfare Card must complete identity verification (e-KYC) beginning July 17, 2025, through one of two methods. Existing cardholders can continue using their benefits without re-verification, but new beneficiaries and those acting as proxies must complete the e-KYC process to access their benefits.

The verification can be done via the "Pao Tang" mobile application with G-Wallet activation, or at one of five participating banks: Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (July 17–October 14), Government Savings Bank (July 17–October 14), Krung Thai Bank (July 17, 2025–January 12, 2026), Government Housing Bank (July 17–October 14), and Islamic Bank of Thailand (July 17–October 14). Each bank operates during its regular business hours.

Arrest made after shopping courier exposes Japan-bound meth parcelLegacyPolice arrested a man in Pathum Thani yesterday, July 16, in connection with methamphetamine hidden inside tamarind paste jars allegedly destined for Japan, following an investigation launched after a shopping courier discovered the drugs in a parcel. The arrest followed the discovery of approximately 2.059 kilogrammes of methamphetamine concealed inside six jars of tamarind paste found in a parcel beneath a condominium in Bangkok. The drugs were uncovered after a shopping courier reported suspicious contents to Bang Yi Khan Police Station. Photo via TV5HD At about 10pm yesterday, officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Narcotics Suppression Operations Centre, together with investigators from the Metropolitan Investigation Division and Bang Yi Khan police, arrested 50 year old Sompong at his home in Pathum Thani. He has been charged with participation in a transnational criminal organisation. Police are also expanding the investigation into a Vietnamese woman, identified only as Mali, who they believe may have hired the shopping courier to transport the drugs. Photo via TV5HD During questioning, Sompong told investigators he had been in a relationship with Mali for more than one year and had allowed her to use two of his bank accounts because she was a foreign national. According to him, Mali is currently in Vietnam and told him she plans to return to Thailand next month. Police are continuing their investigation into her alleged role in the case. TV5HD reported that police have issued arrest warrants for four people allegedly linked to the case, including three Thai nationals and one Vietnamese national. Investigators estimate the network may involve around 15 people. Sompong was handed over to investigators at Bang Yi Khan Police Station for legal proceedings. Photo via TV5HD Police have also sent the seized methamphetamine to the Central Police Forensic Science Division for fingerprint examination as investigators continue efforts to identify those responsible for the shipment. The investigation will continue as police pursue legal action over the alleged possession of a Category 1 narcotic with intent to sell for commercial purposes, an offence they allege contributed to the distribution of drugs among the public. The story Arrest made after shopping courier exposes Japan-bound meth parcel as seen on Thaiger News.