Environment Minister Cracks Down on Land Encroachment in Lam Son National Park

Thailand's Environment Minister has launched prosecution against influential figures illegally encroaching on Lam Son National Park in Ranong, with investigations revealing land title documents fraudulently expanded from dozens of rai to hu

2d ago Khaosod

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered the prosecution of influential figures and capitalists who have illegally encroached on forest land, reclaiming it as state property under the Prime Minister's urgent policy directive. On July 13, 2025, Suchart launched an aggressive enforcement operation at the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants headquarters to advance Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's policy to eliminate powerful interests and restore forests to national ownership. He assigned Pol. Col. Surpol Boonma, secretary to the minister, along with Deputy Permanent Secretary Niphon Jamnongsirisak and National Parks Director Arthapol Jaroenchansaa to lead a task force in filing formal complaints against organized forest encroachment networks operating in Lam Son National Park, Ranong Province, and submit evidence to investigators.

Minister Suchart revealed that investigations discovered illegal deforestation in the Khao Pak Trien area in Kamphaen Subdistrict, Suksamnuay District, Ranong. The Prime Minister and Interior Minister have prioritized the case, ordering the National Parks task force to work with the Forest Department in a thorough investigation. Officials uncovered serious irregularities in land title documents (Form 3 Kor) overlapping pristine forest and national park boundaries across multiple plots. A ministerial oversight committee was established to expedite solutions and pursue prosecution to the fullest extent.

National Parks Director Arthapol Jaroenchansaa detailed the initial case, revealing that three land plots with the clearest evidence and satellite imagery have been selected for prosecution. The three Form 3 Kor documents were issued on June 24, 1994, but show massive "land expansion" anomalies. Plot 1 originally registered as 6 rai was remeasured at over 45 rai, with 15 rai 1 ngan 80 square wah encroaching into the national park. Plot 2 measured over 57 rai with 45 rai 96 square wah intruding into park boundaries. Plot 3, listed as only 1 rai, remeasured to over 50 rai with 4 rai 2 ngan 48 square wah additional encroachment. All plots claim agricultural use, but satellite imagery from before 1994 shows natural forest, coastal areas, and sandy terrain with no signs of farming activity.

Additionally, over 12 rai 2 ngan 68 square wah of unauthorized clearing and cultivation were discovered outside the title documents but within park boundaries. The total first-phase encroachment amounts to approximately 78 rai. The issuance of these three Form 3 Kor documents is clearly illegal, as the land was designated as Lam Son National Park in 1983—a protected area under law and Royal Decree 43 (1994), violating forest protection regulations.

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Police

Band Singer Describes Harrowing Escape From Bangkok Beer Bar Fire

A band singer escaped a Bangkok beer bar fire on July 13 that killed his girlfriend, describing how rapid smoke from faulty electrical equipment blocked exits and no staff directed evacuation from the overcrowded venue.

2d ago Khaosod

Ice, lead singer of Tosakan band and survivor of the Ladprao beer bar fire, recounted his escape on July 13, 2025. The fire and smoke spread rapidly within minutes, leaving him unable to see exits or breathe normally. He observed that the rear exit was blocked by obstacles and there were no sprinkler systems or evacuation staff inside the venue.

Ice recalled hearing an electrical malfunction sound before the lights went out. Initially, patrons thought it was a routine power outage, as blackouts had occurred several times during performances. Moments later, he smelled burning plastic and sound-dampening material before thick smoke billowed from the electrical switchbox. Within minutes, the fire spread rapidly.

Attempting to rescue his girlfriend who was inside, Ice was unable to penetrate deep into the venue due to the suffocating smoke. He escaped through another exit, believing his girlfriend had tried to reach the rear door but may have been unable to find it in the darkness and smoke. Upon exiting, he found her unconscious. Despite performing CPR with venue staff, she could not be revived.

Ice noted that the rear exit near the restrooms was regularly blocked by merchandise tables and vendor seating, narrowing the exit and creating an obstacle to emergency evacuation. The door bore a sign reading "Staff and Officials Only," which may have discouraged patrons from using it as an emergency route. During the chaos, no staff announced evacuation routes, and he was uncertain whether clear fire exit signage existed inside the venue.

Ice identified the fire's origin as two electrical switchboxes, followed by rapid smoke spread. He confirmed no sprinkler systems were present in the venue. He sustained burns and multiple injuries while crawling to escape and received hospital treatment, while also monitoring injured band members.

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Community

Singer Lek Returns Home to Close Debut Album in Phetchaburi

Singer Lek Ratchamet closed his viral debut album "Soundtrack of My Life" with a hometown celebration in Phetchaburi, drawing thousands of fans despite expecting only a few hundred attendees. The event featured performances, local vendors,

2d ago Khaosod

Young artist Lek Ratchamet returned to his hometown of Phetchaburi to host a fan meet and officially close his debut album "Soundtrack of My Life." The Genie Records artist selected his birthplace to wrap up nearly two years of sharing his life story through five songs: "Soundtrack of My Life," "Jai Pen Nai Gai Pen Bao," "Lok Thang Thi," "Fah Kwang Thang Khaeng," and "Ob Uan." The album received overwhelming support, particularly the viral hit "Jai Pen Nai Gai Pen Bao" with 160 million views and "Lok Thang Thi" with over 64 million views.

The event bustled with activity from afternoon, featuring an 18-meter road closure in the heart of Phetchaburi town and over 20 local vendor booths. Lek himself deep-fried his signature fish cakes at a booth to distribute free samples to fans, while the first 10 minutes featured a flash sale giveaway. Artists BOVINI and O from FULL band joined to perform and delight the fans who traveled to witness the album closing at Lek's birthplace—a symbolic return to where all his dreams began.

Choosing Phetchaburi represented bringing "Soundtrack of My Life" full circle, from a fisherman's boy who sang on fishing boats and at restaurants to a professional artist who proved himself through his work and voice. Lek expressed his overwhelming gratitude for the response, admitting he initially expected only 300–500 attendees but was humbled by the massive turnout. Many fans traveled from far provinces, some taking 7–8 hours or even the train. Lek emphasized this first large-scale event meant everything to him, and he struggled to express his thanks to people from across the country who showed up to support him.

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Weather

Meteorology Bureau Issues Final Heavy Rain Warning for 33 Provinces

Thailand's Meteorology Department warns of heavy to very heavy rain across 33 provinces over the next 24 hours, with flash floods expected in foothill and low-lying areas as a monsoon trough and southwest winds intensify the severe weather.

2d ago Khaosod

The Thai Meteorology Department forecasts heavy to very heavy rain across northern, northeastern, and southern Thailand over the next 24 hours, with some areas experiencing extremely heavy downpours. A monsoon trough crossing through Myanmar, upper northern Thailand, and Laos, combined with strong southwest monsoon winds over the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, is driving the severe weather. The public is urged to prepare for flash floods and flash flooding, particularly in foothill areas and low-lying zones near waterways.

Sea conditions will be rough in the Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand, with waves 2–3 meters high, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. The lower Gulf will see waves around 2 meters, rising above 2 meters during storms. Small boats in the Andaman Sea and upper Gulf are advised to remain ashore through July 15. Coastal residents on the western shore of southern Thailand should be cautious of wave surge.

Regional forecasts show thunderstorms affecting 70% of the northern and northeastern regions, with minimum temperatures of 22–27°C in the north and 23–26°C in the northeast, and maximum temperatures of 30–34°C and 28–35°C respectively. Southwest winds will blow at 10–20 km/h. The central region expects thunderstorms in 60% of areas, particularly around Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon, with temperatures ranging from 23–26°C to 31–36°C and winds at 10–25 km/h.

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Police

Social Security Moves to Assist Fire Victims and Families

Thailand's Social Security Office is fast-tracking benefits and compensation for workers affected by a fire at a Bangkok beer hall on July 12 that killed 27 people and injured 63 others.

2d ago Khaosod

The Social Security Office (SSO) is moving swiftly to verify claims and provide comprehensive benefits to workers and insured persons affected by a fire at a beer hall restaurant on Ladprao Soi 1 in Bangkok's Jatujak district early on July 12, 2025. The fire, which broke out at 12:02 a.m., claimed 27 lives (18 women, 9 men) and injured 63 others, including 22 in critical condition, 33 in moderate condition, and 8 with minor injuries.

Labor Minister Julphand Amornvivat expressed deep condolences to victims' families and directed the SSO to accelerate investigations and coordinate closely with relief efforts. He ordered the office to ensure that affected employees and insured persons receive full benefits from the social security and compensation funds as quickly as possible under the law.

SSO Secretary-General Kanchana Pholakaew appointed officials to inspect the scene and provide urgent assistance to the injured and bereaved families. She stated that the SSO stands ready to process funeral expenses, death benefits, medical treatment costs, and compensation claims according to each case's specific circumstances and eligibility criteria.

She also assigned SSO personnel to visit injured victims at Paolo Kesat and Ladprao hospitals to offer encouragement and facilitate benefit access. The labor minister has instructed entertainment venues, restaurants, and other high-traffic businesses to prioritize safety measures and maintain all equipment and systems to prevent accidents and create safe working environments.

The SSO reaffirmed its commitment to fully support injured victims and the heirs of deceased persons by providing comprehensive, accurate benefits and relief to affected families as soon as possible.

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Breaking

Regular Customer Warns of Cramped Bar with Unclear Fire Exits

A Bangkok journalist warns that a popular beer bar on Ladprao Road is dangerously overcrowded with unclear fire exits, including an emergency door blocked by a candy stand and a fire exit sign that only works when the power is on.

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Watchara Takam, a journalist and regular at a beer bar on Ladprao Road, recounted on July 13 that he nearly visited the night of a recent incident but was fortunate to cancel. He described the interior as a small, cramped space with poor ventilation and low ceilings, packed with customers especially on Friday and Saturday nights, with over 100 tables squeezed tightly together and shoulder-to-shoulder walking required.

The bar has four entrances total: two main front doors facing Ladprao Road and a right-side entrance where decorative lights were visible in videos. Security staff conduct strict screening for lighters, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and weapons, but internal safety systems remain unclear to patrons.

Two additional exits serve as fire escapes. One is located near the kitchen, a restricted area housing storage, artist rest space, and cooking facilities that tourists cannot access and most don't know exists. The other is a rear door near the restrooms labeled "emergency door" but not clearly marked as a fire exit. A "fire exit" sign on the wall is illuminated and only visible when lights are on. Takam noted that despite frequent visits, he never realized this door was an emergency exit, as it remains closed during service and a candy stand partially blocks the narrow corridor leading to it.

"Even as regular visitors, we didn't know about the emergency door," Takam said. "The fire exit sign is a light sign—if power goes out, you can't see it. During tourist hours, I never saw this door used. The hallway to it and the bathroom entrance are very narrow; people walking toward each other would bump shoulders."

He added that the venue typically prohibits special effects even on birthdays and discourages candles. Decorations consist mainly of artificial flowers and plastic flowers hanging from the ceiling and stage area, with sound-absorbing material throughout. The sound equipment is positioned below the stage. Takam said he had always wondered what would happen in a fire and had discussed safety concerns with others.

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National

Bank of Thailand Shuts BAHTNET Oct 16 for IMF Meetings

Thailand's central bank will shut down BAHTNET, its interbank transfer system, on October 16 for the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings, affecting cross-bank payments and check clearing until October 19.

2d ago Khaosod

The Cabinet has designated Friday, October 16, 2025, as a special public holiday in Bangkok to facilitate the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings 2026, scheduled for October 12–18, 2025. The Bank of Thailand has correspondingly ordered all financial institutions to close on that date as well. The central bank has announced that BAHTNET, Thailand's domestic interbank fund transfer system, will be shut down on October 16, disrupting certain financial transactions for the public and businesses.

Affected services include: (1) BAHTNET fund transfers, (2) inter-bank check clearing and deposit services, and (3) bulk electronic payment transfers between banks.

The Bank of Thailand advises individuals and businesses planning large transfers, cross-bank check deposits, or payroll payments to process them before October 16 or defer them to the next business day. On that date, the central bank will also suspend market operations with partner financial institutions and will not publish benchmark interest rates for the interbank market. BAHTNET will resume normal operations on Monday, October 19.

However, the general public can still conduct routine transactions through alternative channels such as mobile banking, ATMs, and cash deposit machines. Financial institutions are expected to communicate these changes to customers so the public and businesses can plan ahead. Anyone with questions should contact their bank directly.

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National

TRIS Upgrades ASW Credit Rating to BBB with Stable Outlook

TRIS Rating upgraded real estate developer ASW's credit rating to BBB with a stable outlook, recognizing strong financial performance and successful portfolio expansion across Bangkok, Eastern Thailand, and Phuket since its 2019 stock marke

2d ago Khaosod

TRIS Rating has upgraded real estate developer ASW's corporate credit rating to "BBB" with a stable outlook, up from BBB- with positive outlook, reflecting strong financial performance and consistent growth over five years since the company listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). ASW has strategically expanded its project portfolio across Bangkok, the Eastern Economic Corridor, and Phuket, including an investment in TITLE Public Company Limited, a specialist in destination resort real estate development. The company is co-developing leisure residence projects in Phuket under the TITLE brand and expanding into hospitality services including hotels and restaurants to increase recurring revenue.

ASW continues to deliver condominium projects in Bangkok, particularly under its CAVE brand, which has established market leadership in campus condominiums with strong appeal among students and young professionals. Other brands including Atmos, Modiz, and The Owner have also achieved success through strategic locations, design quality, and product excellence. As of the first quarter of 2025, ASW has 38,010 million baht in unrecognized sales (backlog) to be gradually recognized through 2028, with key projects including The Title Heritage Bang Tao (6,000 million baht) and The Title Serenity in Yang (4,000 million baht), both over 77% sold. The credit rating upgrade marks a significant milestone reflecting ASW's successful portfolio diversification strategy combined with strong financial discipline and operational efficiency.

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Police

Two Dead After Pickup Truck Plunges Into Canal in Ratchaburi

A pickup truck plunged into an irrigation canal in Ratchaburi on July 13, killing a 34-year-old driver from Uttaradit and an unidentified woman; authorities are investigating whether drowsiness or mechanical failure caused the accident.

2d ago Khaosod

A man traveling from Kanchanaburi to Phetchaburi met a tragic end when his pickup truck plunged into an irrigation canal in Ratchaburi on July 13, 2569 (2026). At 8 a.m., police received a report of a submerged Isuzu pickup truck with bodies trapped inside near the Chao Phraya irrigation canal embankment in Muang Ratchaburi District. Officers and rescue teams from the Prathammaraj Foundation and Sawang Ratchaburi Foundation arrived to find a male victim attempting to escape through the cabin window, with his arm and head halfway out of the smashed glass. A second body, an unidentified woman in her mid-20s to 30s wearing blue pajamas, was found in the front passenger seat. The rear of the vehicle was crushed.

The male victim was identified as Atthapol, 34, from Uttaradit Province, who had been traveling from Kanchanaburi to Phetchaburi. Clear skid marks at the canal's edge indicated the truck had lost control and plunged into the water. No external injuries or signs of foul play were found on either body. The female victim remains unidentified and had no identification documents. Authorities have transported both bodies to the hospital and are conducting a full investigation. The cause of the accident—whether due to drowsiness, tire failure, or other factors—has not yet been determined and awaits detailed forensic examination.

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National

Thailand Wins Historic Bronze at Special Olympics Football World Cup

Thailand's women's football team made history by winning bronze at the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup in Paris, defeating Slovakia on penalties after a 4-4 draw. The squad also earned the Most Unified Team Award and Soccerex Co

2d ago Khaosod

PARIS, France — 13 July 2026, Thailand's women's football team made history by winning the bronze medal at the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup 2026 in Paris after advancing to the Division 1 bronze-medal match, where they defeated Slovakia in a penalty shootout following an exhilarating 4-4 draw in regulation time.

In addition to their third-place finish, the Thai women's football team received two special tournament honours: the Most Unified Team Award and the Soccerex Coaches' Coach Award.

The Special Olympics Unified Football competition provides a platform where athletes with intellectual disabilities, known as Special Athletes, compete alongside teammates without intellectual disabilities, known as Unified Partners, on the same team. The format showcases the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities while promoting equal participation, teamwork and inclusion both on and off the pitch.

Thailand's historic seven-a-side women's squad featured Yatika Watchawong as Unified Team Co-Captain (Special Athlete), along with Special Athletes Kewalin Thamniyom, Piyamart Huajaipeth, Siriwimol Saetao, Saithan Tina, and goalkeeper Aekchittra Khongtako. Unified Partners included Co-Captain Thidathip Pankaeo, Natthatida Somchart, Noppakao Pornpipat, and Saowapark Narksanit.

On 7 July 2026, Special Olympics France and Special Olympics Thailand drew 1-1 at Charléty Stadium during women's Day 2 competition. The team was coached by head coach Chownee Phanlert and coach Kanya Sahree, with Dr. Petai Sopasin serving as team physician, Chuchai Angkabkaew as head of delegation, and Dr. Rittirong Intrachinda as team director.

Held every two years by Special Olympics International, the Unified Football World Cup aims to provide people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop their skills and showcase their abilities on the international stage while encouraging greater social acceptance and inclusion.

The 2026 tournament marked several historic milestones for Thailand's intellectual disability sports community. Thailand was the only women's team from the Asia-Pacific region to compete in this edition of the World Cup and finished third, becoming one of the world's top three unified women's football teams.

Thailand was also the only nation to receive both special awards: the Most Unified Team Award, recognising the team that best demonstrated inclusion through meaningful participation on and off the pitch, and the Soccerex Coaches' Coach Award, recognising coaches who inspired their teams through leadership, knowledge and a passion for the game.

The women's seven-a-side Division 1 title was won by Guatemala, with Costa Rica finishing second and Thailand taking bronze. In the men's 11-a-side competition, Libya claimed the title ahead of Jamaica.

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National

Thai Fans Can Watch World Cup 2026 Final Four Free

Thai fans can watch the World Cup 2026 final four matches free on MONOMAX SPORTS TV, with the semi-finals starting July 15 and the final on July 20. Free watch parties are also available at MONO Studio in Nonthaburi.

2d ago Khaosod

Thai football fans will be able to watch the final four matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 free of charge after Jasmine International Public Company Limited (JAS), in collaboration with Mono Next Public Company Limited (MONO), announced free-to-air broadcasts on MONOMAX SPORTS TV via Channel 29.

JAS, the official broadcast rights holder for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Thailand, said the free broadcasts will include both semi-finals, the third-place play-off and the final.

The semi-finals feature France vs Spain on Wednesday 15 July at 02:00, followed by England vs Argentina on Thursday 16 July at 02:00. The third-place play-off will be played on Sunday 19 July at 04:00, while the final kicks off on Monday 20 July at 02:00.

MONOMAX subscribers will also be able to stream all matches live in Full HD across a wide range of supported devices.

In addition, MONOMAX has opened free registration for football fans to attend the "MONOMAX: WATCH PARTY – FIFA World Cup 2026", where supporters can watch selected matches on a giant screen at MONO Studio (Stadium 29) on Chaiyaphruek Road in Nonthaburi province.

Watch parties will be held for the France–Spain semi-final on the night of 14 July, the England–Argentina semi-final on the night of 15 July, and the World Cup final on the night of 19 July. Activities begin at 20:00, ahead of the live broadcasts, which kick off in the early hours of the following morning.

Successfully registered attendees must present their original Thai national ID card together with their Ticket QR Code on the scheduled date as proof of entry.

Furthermore, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to make history by introducing the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show. Held at New York New Jersey Stadium, the halftime spectacular will feature a star-studded line-up of global artists, including Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS. The performance is being curated under the creative direction of Chris Martin, lead vocalist of Coldplay.

Only four matches remain before the 2026 FIFA World Cup crowns a new champion, with the semi-finals set to kick off in the early hours of 15 and 16 July, Thailand time.

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