MUKDAHAN: At least eight monks were killed and 18 others injured after a pickup truck driven by an 11-year-old boy ploughed into a morning pilgrimage in Muang district of Mukdahan province today (July 2).
MUKDAHAN: At least eight monks were killed and 18 others injured after a pickup truck driven by an 11-year-old boy ploughed into a morning pilgrimage in Muang district of Mukdahan province today (July 2).
Thailand and Malaysia are negotiating expanded agricultural trade, with Thailand proposing beef and pork exports while Malaysia seeks approval for chicken feet imports. Both countries say they'll move forward once sanitary and disease contr
Agriculture Minister Suriya Chungrungreung announced that following successful negotiations between Thailand and Malaysia on controlling exports of five Thai shrimp species and importing Malaysian groupfish, Thailand is now proposing to open markets for beef and pork exports to Malaysia. Malaysia has responded positively and is prepared to approve these products once they meet sanitary standards and disease control requirements.
In exchange, Malaysia has requested permission to export chicken feet to Thailand. The Thai side views this as a fair trade exchange, noting that if both countries can implement sanitary standards correctly and efficiently, it will benefit both nations' agricultural exports. However, the standard inspection process must remain rigorous to meet both countries' food safety requirements. While the procedures are time-consuming and require careful attention, if both parties collaborate to accelerate the process, it will significantly speed up the expansion of agricultural trade between the two countries.
Four candidates failed to report for local government positions in Nakhon Ratchasima on July 1, with officials confirming no exam fraud was involved—two chose police careers instead, one cited illness, and one had incomplete documents.
Officials clarified that four candidates who did not report for appointment as local government officials have no connection to exam fraud. Two are police officers who voluntarily forfeited their positions, one is ill, and one has incomplete documents.
The exam reporting ceremony for appointing local government officials in Nakhon Ratchasima province took place on July 1, 2025 at the Nong Bua Sala sub-district administration building. Deputy Governor Wijit Kijwirut presided over the ceremony, attended by Anant Tham Thong, Nakhon Ratchasima provincial official, and Samroeng Pla Kratoke, mayor of Nong Bua Sala sub-district.
Anant Tham Thong revealed that 191 candidates were appointed in total, comprising 179 sub-district administrative organization positions, 11 municipal positions, and one provincial administrative position. Of these, 187 candidates reported for duty.
The four who did not report consisted of two men currently serving as police officers who passed the local government exam but chose to forfeit their positions. The third candidate is a woman with a chronic illness who requested to forfeit her position. The fourth is a woman with incomplete supporting documents and therefore did not meet the selection criteria.
Authorities confirmed that all four absent candidates have no involvement or suspicion of exam fraud, with each case having clear and verifiable reasons. The appointment process followed all established regulations and procedures transparently.
Prime Minister Anuthon Chanyawong denies prior knowledge of a district officer exam cheating scheme while defending his administration's response, stating he was the first to cancel the exams and has now ordered a comprehensive investigatio
On July 2, 2569 at 12:55 p.m., Prime Minister Anuthon Chanyawong and Interior Minister addressed progress in investigating corruption in local government civil service exams. He stated that multiple agencies, including the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, were being consulted that afternoon to report investigation findings on exam cheating. "Whoever is involved will be punished," he said, emphasizing this applies to everyone without exception.
Addressing claims he was unaware of the issue since his father's administration through his own tenure, the PM defended his record: "My father had no problems with district officer exams. As for myself, I asked why we didn't know about the cheating after years in office—because we did know. I was the first to cancel the exams. After that, for three years when I was away, there were no exams. Yet they claim it's because I was in office that exams stopped over the past two years."
He clarified that while exam administration is a departmental matter, procedures must be correct. "The reason I'm involved now is because things aren't being done properly. I signed an MOU with seven agencies when I cancelled exams two years ago—how can anyone say I'm not taking action?" he asked.
When asked if Interior Ministry personnel were involved, the PM said the investigation had progressed to financial scrutiny, implying involvement was evident. Regarding whether this constituted an organized corruption scheme, he confirmed it was.
The PM explained he had ordered that no unqualified candidates be hired, but when the Civil Service Commission voted to accept over 20 local government appointees, with only the Interior Ministry objecting, the decision stood. "If damages occur later from their decision, they must take responsibility. I did my duty in prevention; now I'll do my duty in prosecution by finding those responsible," he stated.
When asked if a system overhaul was necessary given corruption in nearly every exam venue, the PM said: "If the truth emerges and investigation results come out, we'll need a major review. If we can clean it up, we will. This is a large-scale process, not something that ends once we make arrests today."
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has partnered with the Thai Coral Reef and Marine Life Conservation Foundation under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Narira...
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has partnered with the Thai Coral Reef and Marine Life Conservation Foundation under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Narira...
Italy's Olympic sprinter Lamont Marcell Jacobs clocked 9.67 seconds to win the 100m at Austria's Reuffen Open, marking his return after injury, though excessive wind assistance prevented it from being ratified as an official record.
Lamont Marcell Jacobs, Italy's former Olympic gold medalist in the 100 meters at Tokyo 2020, returned to form with a 9.67-second run to win the 100-meter championship at the Reuffen Austrian Open in Austria. This marks the second-fastest time ever recorded, trailing only Usain Bolt of Jamaica.
Jacobs, who had been absent from major competitions due to injury, reclaimed his champion status in Austria with a 9.67-second finish. However, the record was registered only as Jacobs' personal best because wind assistance measured +4.1 meters per second exceeded the allowable standard of +2.0 meters per second.
Nevertheless, this performance signals Jacobs' triumphant return to form, as the time ranks as the world's second-fastest speed, behind Bolt's 2012 world record of 9.58 seconds and ahead of Tyson Gay's 9.68 seconds from the 2008 U.S. Olympic trials.
"I'm very happy because I was able to improve in every race," Jacobs said. "Of course the wind helped too. Only Bolt has a better time than this. I'm very satisfied with this achievement."
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul endorsed Vira Theerapatthanon's appointment to review Thailand's 2570 fiscal budget, praising his experience and critical perspective while noting parliament handles such decisions independently.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul praised the appointment of Vira Theerapatthanon to the special committee reviewing the 2570 fiscal budget bill. Speaking at Government House on July 2, 2569, Anutin said he does not need to approve such parliamentary matters, as these are decided by parliament through its own processes. Regarding whether Vira's involvement will improve government budget explanations, the PM noted that Vira is an experienced person who came through parliamentary procedures, and the executive branch views it positively to have knowledgeable, courageous, and critical-minded individuals who can help protect national interests. However, Anutin acknowledged he was unable to closely follow the committee's proceedings due to official duties in France, where time zone differences made it difficult to keep up.
Nakhon Ratchasima is hosting the Korat Marathon 2026 on November 8, 2025, expecting over 10,000 runners for a world-class event showcasing local heritage. The province aims to secure World Athletics Road Race Label certification with compre
Nakhon Ratchasima province is partnering with RaceUp Work Company to organize the Korat Marathon 2026 on November 8, 2025, under the concept "The Memorable Marathon." The event will showcase local heritage through distinctive Monogram designs while offering an internationally-standard running experience. Organizers expect more than 10,000 runners to participate.
At The Mall Korat, provincial officials and organizers held a press conference with Deputy Governor Manas Suvarnnrin, Regional Commander Sukonthat Chaowpong, The Mall Korat Operations Manager Preeya Limaew, and RaceUp Work Managing Director Alongkorn Jeeamanukulkij. Deputy Governor Suvarnnrin stated that Korat residents are united to make this marathon the province's premier event with world-class standards, including certified routes, comprehensive safety measures, and world-class cheerleading support. He emphasized that Korat Marathon 2026 will be bigger than previous years and reaffirm Korat's commitment to hosting World Athletics Road Race Label-certified events.
Regional Commander Sukonthat expressed the military's readiness to support the event by providing personnel and security throughout the route, ensuring runners have an excellent experience. The Mall Korat Operations Manager Preeya noted that shopping malls serve not just as commercial centers but as community hubs that enhance quality of life. The Mall Korat, which has served Nakhon Ratchasima for over 26 years, takes pride in supporting this meaningful community event.
An 11-year-old boy crashed a stolen pickup truck into a Buddhist monastic procession in Mukdahan province on July 2, killing eight monks including the father of singer Oy Saeng Sil.
An 11-year-old boy with special needs stole a pickup truck and crashed it into a Buddhist monastic procession in Mukdahan province, killing eight monks and injuring 13 others. The collision occurred on July 2, 2026, along Ban Na Sinuan Road in Mueang District. Among the fatalities was the father of popular singer Oy Saeng Sil, who confirmed his death on social media. Saeng Sil shared a group photo of the monks taken at Roi Phra Phutthbat Phumirom Temple, identifying her father as the monk seated in the front row on the far right. In her post, she wrote: "One of the monks in the news is my father. He has passed away." The announcement has garnered significant expressions of sympathy from the public.
An 11-year-old boy stole a pickup truck in Mukdahan Province and crashed into a monks' procession, killing eight people and injuring dozens more before police could intervene.
An 11-year-old boy in Mukdahan Province's Mueang District has caused a fatal collision after stealing an Isuzu pickup truck and driving it into a monks' procession, resulting in eight deaths. The boy's mother told investigators that she discovered her son had stolen the vehicle—his first incident of this kind—and immediately called police emergency line 191 to help stop the truck. However, the vehicle veered out of control and collided with the procession of 34 monks before authorities could intercept it.
Police Colonel Phairojn Taiphuthorn, the provincial police commander, revealed that the boy remains in shock and unable to provide a statement. He noted that cases involving juveniles under 15 years old require a multidisciplinary investigation process and that parents may also face charges. The investigation will determine how the incident occurred and examine the vehicle for evidence.
Mukdahan Hospital reported that four patients are classified as critical, ten as serious, two have internal bleeding, and most of the remaining victims have fractures.
Prime Minister Anutin Chaiyawongsa dismissed rumors of internal conflict within the Bhumjaithai Party on July 2, refusing to explain what he called a family matter while deflecting questions about party unity.
Prime Minister Anutin Chaiyawongsa addressed rumors of internal discord within the Bhumjaithai Party on July 2 at Government House, stating the party secretary already responded that the matter involves family relations. When asked for clarification, Anutin refused, saying there was no need to explain since party members had previously changed their names to 'Netin' and 'Anuwin.' He told reporters not to dwell on non-issues. Pressed on whether the relationship remained solid, Anutin replied cryptically that "it doesn't need translation." When asked about lower-ranking party members' conflicts, the Prime Minister laughed and remarked that whenever he says the leadership isn't quarreling, people claim subordinates are. He sarcastically challenged party members to try bickering, noting that many have already faced criticism and mockery, and joked that several have been "roasted." When asked whether he was confident the party had no internal contradictions, Anutin referenced his previous answer, mentioning that on one occasion about four to five members had been "roasted," and invited reporters to ask who specifically.