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No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Election Commission Says Vote-Buying in Some Provinces Won't Cripple System

Thailand's Election Commission says isolated vote-buying cases won't undermine the entire electoral system, with investigators gathering evidence and a decision expected in August.

Election Commission Says Vote-Buying in Some Provinces Won't Cripple System
1d ago Khaosod

On July 15, 2569, Sitthichote Inthrawiseth, an Election Commission member, briefed the media on progress in investigating parliamentary vote-buying cases. He stated the Commission's deliberations are conducted impartially and based solely on evidence compiled by the 26th investigative panel. Since the cases involve covert activity, witnesses are scarce and identities must be protected for safety. Scientific evidence has been gathered with support from the Special Investigation Bureau and the Anti-Money Laundering Office, though admittedly it is harder to obtain than in typical cases.

Sitthichote explained that criminal liability requires clear proof of wrongdoing. If evidence falls short of criminal standards but suggests probable guilt, the Commission may recommend disqualification or removal from office without criminal charges. The seven Commission members will ultimately decide whether evidence reaches sufficient thresholds to warrant court proceedings. Regarding recent forum clips circulating in media, Sitthichote noted they are already within the Commission's purview and collected by the investigative panel. New clips are irrelevant, and even witness statements made outside formal proceedings cannot serve as evidence—only testimony given before the panel carries weight. When asked whether vote-buying in one province would damage the entire electoral system, he replied it would be case-specific and not invalidate the entire process. The Commission's decision is expected in August.

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National

Chaiyanond Challenges Commerce Minister on 30-Baht Curry

Democrat MP Chaiyanond challenged Commerce Minister Supa over her denial of 30-baht curry, insisting the dish exists in provincial offices and schools while demanding the government set price standards and investigate why consumer goods hav

Chaiyanond Challenges Commerce Minister on 30-Baht Curry
1d ago Khaosod

On July 15, 2569, at Parliament, Chaiyanond Detchdetcho, a Democrat Party list MP and deputy party leader, addressed the 40-baht curry controversy, stating that Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supa Jutatumpon, whom he views as skilled, had challenged him to produce evidence of 30-baht curry, offering to investigate with him. Chaiyanond argued that Supa should understand that 30-baht curry exists in other provinces and in Bangkok government offices and schools. He called on the government to verify the current lowest curry price and set that as a standard nationwide. He criticized the Commerce Ministry for failing to reduce product prices despite falling oil costs, saying energy prices have dropped but consumers see no relief. "I've told this eloquent minister repeatedly, but she doesn't listen," Chaiyanond said. "I think she should spend her time solving problems instead of inventing excuses. Check which consumer goods rose in price when energy costs went up, and verify if they've fallen now that costs have dropped. If shops haven't adjusted prices to match lower costs, what legal measures will you take?" He also warned of an impending fruit surplus in the southern harvest season and urged the Commerce Ministry to coordinate with Thai Post, private firms, the Agriculture Ministry, and domestic trade authorities to manage distribution, rather than dismissing the issue. When asked whether Supa should evaluate her own performance, Chaiyanond said the Prime Minister should decide that, but from his perspective, the public will be the judge. If goods remain expensive, wages stay the same, and living costs rise, Supa should reflect on her work. He emphasized that Thailand is a state, not a private enterprise that can do whatever it pleases.

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National

Thailand Shuts Down 55,000 Illegal Betting Sites During World Cup

Thailand's Digital Economy Ministry blocked over 55,000 illegal betting sites and social media pages during the World Cup period, using AI technology to enforce a court-ordered crackdown that carried criminal penalties for participants.

Thailand Shuts Down 55,000 Illegal Betting Sites During World Cup
1d ago Khaosod

Thailand's Digital Economy Ministry has launched a comprehensive crackdown on illegal online gambling networks during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Between June 1 and July 12, 2025, authorities blocked 55,377 social media pages, websites, and URLs linked to illegal betting, implementing a court-ordered enforcement action in coordination with digital platforms. The effort included 29,402 removals in June and 25,975 between July 1–12, carried out under Digital Economy Minister Chaichanok Chidchob's policy directive and using AI technology to detect and analyze gambling URLs. The ministry warned that distributing gambling-related content on social media or participating in online fraud unknowingly could constitute a criminal offense under the Computer Crime Act.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Police

Two Myanmar Men Arrested Running Beauty Salon and Wedding Business

Tourist police arrested two Myanmar nationals operating an unlicensed beauty salon and wedding planning service from a rented house in Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, earning up to 100,000 baht monthly from migrant workers.

Two Myanmar Men Arrested Running Beauty Salon and Wedding Business
1d ago Khaosod

On July 15, 2025, tourist police arrested two Myanmar men, identified as Kao Mia and Ang Ye, at a rented house in Koh Phangan district, Surat Thani province, after discovering they were illegally operating a beauty salon and wedding planning service catering to migrant workers. When undercover officers posed as customers seeking hair services, police found the suspects actively working on clients inside the house. One suspect attempted to flee through the back door but was apprehended.

Authorities conducted a detailed search and seized beauty equipment, wedding decoration items including bride and groom suits, artificial flowers, decorative fabrics, contraband goods smuggled from Myanmar, and 70,000 baht in cash. Evidence from the suspects' phones and Facebook accounts revealed numerous photos and videos of their wedding services for Myanmar workers. Both men confessed to running the beauty salon jointly and operating the wedding business, charging 100-200 baht for haircuts, 600 baht for hair extensions, 400 baht for dyeing, and 100 baht for wash and dry services. Their wedding planning business charged 13,000-20,000 baht per event, generating 50,000-100,000 baht monthly depending on season.

They face three charges: operating unlicensed businesses (beauty salon and wedding planning), working in a profession reserved for Thai citizens (as foreign nationals), and handling smuggled goods that entered the kingdom without proper customs clearance. The suspects have been transferred to Koh Phangan police station for legal proceedings.

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Police

Lawmakers Summon Navy Arms Officials Over Missing Gun

A parliamentary committee has summoned navy officials to testify on July 24 about a missing M16 rifle allegedly used in the assassination of a Narathiwat MP, after the weapon was supposedly destroyed.

Lawmakers Summon Navy Arms Officials Over Missing Gun
1d ago Khaosod

On July 14, Rangsiman Rome, a Pheu Thai list MP and deputy party leader, signed an urgent letter to the defense minister and navy commanders inviting them to testify before the House committee on law, justice, and human rights on July 24 at the Naval Weapons Department in Chon Buri province. The meeting aims to investigate legal issues, justice obstacles, and human rights violations related to weapon management and security operations. The committee specifically requested testimony on the handling of an M16 rifle numbered 8122935, which was transferred from the Naval Weapons Department to the Royal Thai Navy command and later distributed to field units. The investigation will examine whether the actual weapon was returned for disposal or if only paperwork was submitted, whether the navy established proper committees to inspect the damaged weapon, and whether the rifle was physically returned to the Naval Weapons Department for destruction. Media reports indicate that the rifle in question was supposedly destroyed but allegedly appeared in the assassination of Kamlasak Leewamao, a Narathiwat MP from the People's Party.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Kuwaiti Tourists Claim Pattaya Police Extortion Scheme

Kuwaiti tourists in Pattaya reported being repeatedly stopped by uniformed police who demanded cash payments of 3,500-5,000 baht and issued grocery store receipts instead of official citations, refusing alternative payment methods or police

Kuwaiti Tourists Claim Pattaya Police Extortion Scheme
1d ago Khaosod

A group of Kuwaiti tourists aged 20 to 30 has alleged systematic extortion by uniformed police officers in Pattaya following traffic stops. The tourists claim they were repeatedly apprehended, forced to pay cash fines of 3,500 to 5,000 baht at isolated locations, and issued what turned out to be grocery store receipts rather than official police documents. When they requested to pay fines at a police station or provided previously issued receipts as proof of payment, officers allegedly rejected their requests and claimed the receipts were fake.

The group said officers refused all payment methods except cash and demanded an additional 500 baht just to receive a receipt. They were told they would have to pay at an unidentified vehicle impound facility in Pattaya and warned that motorcycles would be impounded if they did not comply. Some nights the tourists were stopped and fined between two and five times. Though they acknowledged committing traffic violations and said they would accept proper legal prosecution, they described the officers' conduct as "scarier than criminals" and provided journalists with secretly recorded videos and receipts as evidence of the alleged scheme.

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Police

Pickup Flips Over Gas Tanker in Chachoengsao Crash

A speeding pickup truck flipped over an 18-wheel gas tanker on a Chachoengsao bypass road, critically injuring a 60-year-old passenger trapped beneath the tanker after being thrown from the vehicle.

Pickup Flips Over Gas Tanker in Chachoengsao Crash
1d ago Khaosod

CHACHOENGSAO — 15 July 2026, Dashcam and CCTV footage captured the dramatic moment a speeding pickup truck launched into the air after crashing into a road median, flipping over an 18-wheel gas tanker before landing upside down and leaving two people injured, one of them critically.

The crash occurred at 20:20 on 14 July on the Bang Phra bypass road near Sut Yot Resort in Mueang district, Chachoengsao province.

Police, rescue workers and emergency medical teams from Buddhasothorn Hospital responded to the scene after receiving reports of a serious collision involving a pickup truck.

The driver, later identified as Khamla, a 25-year-old Laotian national, was found injured beside the grey Toyota pickup. His passenger, 60-year-old Chamu Saechi, was thrown from the vehicle during the impact and became trapped beneath the gas tanker. He sustained critical injuries before rescue workers freed him and rushed him to hospital.

According to investigators, Chamu was travelling with his employee to a shrimp farm in Ban Pho district, where they operate a shrimp purchasing business. They were reportedly hurrying to collect shrimp while workers were harvesting at the farm.

Personal belongings belonging to Chamu were found scattered across the road and were secured by officers for safekeeping before being handed over to investigators.

Witnesses told police the pickup had been travelling at high speed with its hazard lights flashing before crashing into the raised median at a parallel road intersection. They believed the driver may not have realised the road layout because a flashing warning beacon that previously marked the median had been destroyed in an earlier accident and had not yet been replaced.

The impact launched the pickup into the air, sending it over the roof of the passing gas tanker before it overturned and landed on its roof. The gas tanker sustained only minor damage to its front after being struck by the rear of the pickup as it fell back onto the road.

Police are continuing their investigation and plan to question the pickup driver once his condition allows to determine the exact cause of the crash.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Foreign Tourist Arrivals Dip 3% But Revenue Exceeds 800 Billion Baht

Foreign tourist arrivals to Thailand declined 3% year-over-year but generated over 800 billion baht in revenue, with Chinese visitors leading numbers during the summer holiday season.

Foreign Tourist Arrivals Dip 3% But Revenue Exceeds 800 Billion Baht
1d ago Khaosod

Foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand dipped 3 percent year-on-year but generated total revenue exceeding 800 billion baht, with China leading visitor numbers. Tourism Minister Surasak Pancharoen reported on tourism conditions for the week of July 5–11, 2025, noting that the sector continued to benefit from summer holidays across multiple markets including both short-haul destinations like China and Hong Kong, and long-haul markets such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

China's tourism market expanded steadily, with cumulative Chinese visitors reaching 2.75 million people and generating over 1.53 million baht in tourism revenue. Increased flight routes including Shenzhen–Phuket, Dubai–Bangkok Don Mueang, and Amsterdam–Suvarnabhumi brought 562,454 foreign tourists into Thailand during the week, up 28,757 visitors or 5.39 percent from the previous week, averaging 80,351 arrivals per day.

By market segment, short-haul markets drew 360,460 visitors (up 3.55 percent week-on-week), while long-haul markets attracted 201,994 visitors (up 8.83 percent). The top five source countries for the week were China (99,638), Malaysia (76,878), India (33,822), Australia (20,009), and the United States (20,008). Chinese and Indian visitors increased 19.34 percent and 3.57 percent respectively from the previous week, while Malaysian, Australian, and American visitors declined 1.82 percent, 2.39 percent, and 0.81 percent respectively.

Foreign tourist numbers are expected to rise further next week, buoyed by ongoing summer holidays in China and several European countries.

From January 1 to July 11, 2025, Thailand accumulated 16.77 million foreign visitors, down 3.09 percent compared to the same period last year, generating 809.94 billion baht in tourism revenue. The top five source markets by cumulative arrivals were China (2,754,366), Malaysia (2,186,834), India (1,272,845), Russia (1,041,728), and South Korea (611,399).

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Constitutional Court Dismisses Senator Candidate's Rights Complaint

Thailand's Constitutional Court on July 15 rejected a former Senate candidate's complaint that the Election Commission violated his rights by conducting elections without secret ballots, directing him to pursue remedies through other legal

Constitutional Court Dismisses Senator Candidate's Rights Complaint
1d ago Khaosod

The Constitutional Court on July 15, 2025 convened to consider a case filed by Direk Phonsima, a former Senate candidate, who petitioned the court under Article 213 of the Constitution to review alleged violations of his rights and freedoms. Phonsima argued that the Election Commission and its secretary general violated his rights by conducting the district and provincial Senate elections without secret balloting and without fairness or integrity as required under Thailand's constitutional democracy with the monarchy as head of state, in breach of Articles 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the Constitution.

After deliberation, the Constitutional Court determined that if Phonsima believes his rights have been violated, he may pursue remedies through other courts under Article 25(3) of the Constitution. Regarding his request that the court declare the Senate election unconstitutional, the court found that the Constitution and related laws specify particular procedures and eligible petitioners under the Constitutional Court Procedure Act B.E. 2561, Article 47(2). Article 46(3) of the Constitution empowers the Constitutional Court to refuse to accept a petition for consideration.

Based on these findings, the Constitutional Court unanimously issued an order refusing to accept the petition for consideration and ruling.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Parliament Secretary Clarifies: Salary Cuts, Not Staff Layoffs

Parliament has frozen salary increases for staff in both chambers due to economic weakness, but will not eliminate any positions starting October 1.

Parliament Secretary Clarifies: Salary Cuts, Not Staff Layoffs
1d ago Khaosod

Parliament Secretary Sirod Phaetphun clarified on July 15, 2569, that the cancellation of the personnel appointment regulation eliminates salary increases for parliamentary staff due to poor economic conditions, but does not eliminate their positions. The regulation, which takes effect October 1, 2569, repeals a previous regulation that provided salary increases for parliamentary assistants, specialist advisors, expert consultants, and committee secretaries in both chambers, as well as political committee staff of parliamentary leaders and the opposition. Sirod explained that Parliament President Sophon Saramyu, who took office in March 2569, adopted a policy of freezing these salary increases given the weak economy. A committee was formed to study the matter, and the President directed the elimination of the salary increase provision rather than the elimination of the positions themselves.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Sister Grieves as Fire Victim's Body Released

The sister of a Ladprao beer hall fire victim claimed her body on July 15 at Police Hospital, revealing the family had no initial knowledge her sibling attended the venue. The victim, who left behind a 2-year-old daughter, was one of three

Sister Grieves as Fire Victim's Body Released
1d ago Khaosod

At 11:00 a.m. on July 15, 2569, at the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Police Hospital, Ms. Khem Akson (name withheld), the sister of Ms. Naphasorn (name withheld), one of the victims of the Ladprao beer hall fire, arrived to claim the body in a sorrowful atmosphere.

The victim's sister revealed through tears that her younger sibling had been out of contact with the family since the day of the incident. Initially, the family had no idea that her sister had gone to the entertainment venue. On the morning of July 13, the sister's boyfriend messaged via TikTok asking if she had informed their family about her visit—the exact moment when the family was following news of the fire. Everyone was shocked, thinking she might have been there with her child.

The family quickly contacted their brother in the Ratchada area to investigate the scene and coordinate with police. After identity photos were confirmed, they learned with certainty that their sister had died, but had to wait for forensic examination and legal procedures until today to collect her body for the funeral.

Ms. Khem Akson explained that on the night of the incident, her sister and three friends went out together, with only one surviving. The other three, including her sister, all died. Her sister left behind a 2-year-old daughter who was very attached to her mother. The sister had worked hard to support her child. The family will gradually explain the truth to the young girl and ask the child's father to provide emotional support.

The niece is the only grandchild in the family whom everyone deeply loved, making this loss an unprecedented tragedy. When asked about the establishment's announced initial compensation of 10,000 baht to the victim's family, Ms. Khem Akson said she was not concerned with money. The only thing the family cares about and is waiting for is when her sister can be released from forensic examination. She emphasized that the money is too little compared to a human life.

"If possible, we don't want money at all. We just want our sister to wake up as before, to think it was just unconsciousness or smoke inhalation, so she can return to her daughter. We don't want to blame or say anything more about this establishment, because even if we did, our sister won't come back," the victim's sister said.

However, she called on the establishment's owner to take full responsibility for what happened. She noted that insurance claims reportedly do not cover personal liability, and urged the establishment to come forward with a sincere explanation and assume responsibility for the lost lives rather than remain silent. The family will hold religious rites for her sister at Masing Temple in Nonthaburi.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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