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No. 01 · ENDLESS
Police

Ex-Drug Police Chief Offers to Help Tackle Narcotics Crisis

A former narcotics police chief offered his expertise to tackle Thailand's drug crisis, proposing a new approach to handle 2,000 drug offenders he says are caught in a cycle of arrest and reoffense.

Ex-Drug Police Chief Offers to Help Tackle Narcotics Crisis
21 Jul Khaosod

Former narcotics police commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Rewat Klinklaekaew visited Bhumjaithai Party headquarters on July 21 and met with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Interior Minister Worsathit Liangprasit. He denied that he came to join the party, saying he had arranged to meet with Chada Thaisetkasem, an Uthai Thani MP, and coincidentally ended up at the party office.

Rewat revealed he wanted to discuss the drug crisis with the government officials, particularly regarding approximately 2,000 drug-addicted individuals nationwide who need to be apprehended for public safety. He criticized the current cycle where police arrest offenders repeatedly, doctors prescribe medication, and they later abandon the drugs and reoffend, resulting in deaths. He stated he is willing to contribute his expertise to help solve this issue without accepting any official position or salary, instead serving as part of a support team if the government adopts this as a policy priority.

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National

Revered Buddhist Monk Luang Pho Pring Honored in Suphan Buri

Luang Pho Pring, a revered Buddhist scholar and former abbot of Wat Vorajun in Suphan Buri, was honored for his exceptional contributions to Buddhist scholarship and temple development after being ordained in 1888.

Revered Buddhist Monk Luang Pho Pring Honored in Suphan Buri
21 Jul Khaosod

Phra Kru Tham Sarn Raksa, also known as Luang Pho Pring Wachira Suwanno, was the former abbot of Wat Vorajun in Phothipraya subdistrict, Muang district, Suphan Buri province, and served as deputy sangha leader of the province. A renowned and respected Buddhist scholar, he was originally named Pring and was born in 1866 (B.E. 2409) in a house south of Wat Phrao's western water gate. His parents, Nai Tiap and Nang Riean, sent him to study at Wat Phrao at age twelve, where he proved to be an exceptionally intelligent student, quickly mastering Thai script, Khmer script, and Buddhist chants. As a young man, he assisted his parents with rice farming while establishing a secure household with servants. In 1888 (B.E. 2431), at age twenty-one, he was ordained at Wat Phrao's ordination hall, with Luang Pho Kaew serving as his preceptor, Phra Kru Pluem as his instructor in precepts, and Phra Kru In, the provincial sangha leader, as his ceremonial witness. He studied under Phra Kru In at Wat Phrao for one year, then was sent to study at the seminary at Wat Mahathat Yuwarat Rangsrit in Thonburi for approximately seven years before returning to Wat Phrao with expertise in Buddhist scriptural studies.

When ten years had passed since his ordination, a severe drought struck Phothipraya, leaving residents without rice and in great hardship. Because many monks at Wat Phrao received insufficient alms, they moved elsewhere. Luang Pho Pring spent one rainy season studying at Wat Nong Phak Nak in Samchuk district before returning to Wat Phrao for five more years, bringing his total ordination to sixteen years. Subsequently, when Wat Vorajun needed an abbot, the community unanimously requested him to assume the position.

Wat Vorajun, located in northern Phothipraya subdistrict, was established over a hundred years prior to 1834 (B.E. 2377), originally consisting only of two or three wooden and bamboo huts with thatched roofs near an old reservoir under a mango tree. In 1933 (B.E. 2476), the temple was renamed from Wat Chan to Wat Vorajun, with the prefix "Vor" meaning excellent and supreme, at the direction of Phra Ubaligunaupamacharn (Pheuan Tissadatto) of Wat Phra Chetuphonawimaolmankalataram, who held the rank of Phra Thammapit and served as provincial sangha leader of Ratchaburi. He observed that the original name Wat Chan conflicted with Wat Chanyai in Sri Prachuap district, about eight or nine kilometers away, causing frequent government correspondence errors. Upon assuming the position of abbot, Luang Pho Pring undertook major temple restoration work. Before his arrival, the temple had only one well-maintained wooden hall with a thatched roof; he subsequently added and renovated many kutis (monks' residences), a chanting hall, a riverboat pavilion, and other structures.

According to the chedi records, during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the king had ordered Chao Phraya Yommaraj, then serving as Phraya Sukhumnaywinit, provincial commissioner of Nakhon Si Thammarat, to represent Thailand in traveling to India to receive a Buddha relic. Upon its return, the king selected a portion to enshrine at the summit of Khao Thong at Wat Saket. However, a remaining fragment of the relic remained in its container, which the king presented to Chao Phraya Yommaraj, who subsequently presented it to the temple.

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Tourism

Mazda 6e EV Impresses With Smooth Ride, Tight Handling

Mazda has begun delivering its first fully electric vehicle, the 6e, to over 4,000 Thai customers, with test drives confirming its smooth ride, responsive handling, and up to 654 km driving range on a single charge.

Mazda 6e EV Impresses With Smooth Ride, Tight Handling
21 Jul Khaosod

Mazda Sales Thailand has begun delivering the Mazda 6e, the company's first fully electric vehicle to arrive in Thailand, to over 4,000 reserved customers while providing test drives to journalists on the Bangkok-Khao Yai route. The vehicle's distinctive NeoFastback design combines sedan and hatchback elements with a premium Japanese sports feel, confirmed by its 2026 World Car Design award. The front features a Flying Signature LED design resembling a bird in flight, while the rear extends across with continuous LED taillights and an automatic rear spoiler that activates above 90 km/h and retracts below 40 km/h.

The tested Exclusive trim features a luxurious light-brown interior with Nappa Suede leather seats and trim, a 14.6-inch central screen, 10.1-inch driver information display, and a 50-inch head-up display. The rear seats include charging ports and air conditioning controls with panoramic sunroof and adjustable front seat to maximize legroom. The powertrain delivers 258 horsepower and 290 newton-meters of torque, with a 77.9 kWh battery providing up to 654 km of range and 30-80% fast charging in 15 minutes.

During testing through Bangkok's heavy traffic, the 6e delivered smooth acceleration and braking without motion sickness, with responsive steering and balanced 50:50 weight distribution offering confident cornering. The suspension transmits substantial road feedback while maintaining sedan-like comfort, though the rear seat cushion is slightly short and the backrest could be more reclined. Through Khao Yai's winding mountain roads, the tight chassis composition kept body roll minimal, and regenerative braking during descent was gentle when coasting downhill.

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Police

Police Bust Illegal Cross-Border Internet Cable Network

Police raided three locations in Aranyaprathet on July 21 and discovered over 1.5 kilometers of illegal internet cables illegally transmitting signals across the border to Cambodia. The suspect faces charges of unauthorized telecommunicatio

Police Bust Illegal Cross-Border Internet Cable Network
21 Jul Khaosod

On July 21, 2025, Police Lieutenant General Chanannutt Saratvalleyphaet, commander of the Police Technology Crime Suppression Division, ordered a team including Police Colonel Phanthulaan Patomprawiwat and other officers, along with National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) staff, to execute a search warrant from Sakaew provincial court at three locations in Aranyaprathet district. The operation targeted evidence of illegal cross-border internet signal transmission.

At the first location, a residence belonging to Rattanathon, officers found one router connected to a high-speed internet line transmitting signals to Cambodia. At the second site, authorities discovered approximately 850 meters of high-speed internet cable illegally running across the border to Cambodia without authorization. Testing with optical fiber examination equipment confirmed it was the same line connected from the first location.

The third location contained an internet management node (Node) operated by a licensed internet service provider (ISP) installed on the second floor of a commercial building, which was found to be legally compliant. However, the overall investigation revealed over 1.5 kilometers of internet cables illegally crossing the border. NBTC officials filed a complaint against Rattanathon with Khlong Luek police station. He faces charges of operating a Type 3 telecommunications business without authorization under the Telecommunications Act of 2001, Section 14(3), punishable by up to five years imprisonment, a fine not exceeding 10 million baht, or both.

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National

Chiang Rai Market Becomes Hub for Thai Tropical Fruit Season

Lan Mueang Market in Chiang Rai hosted a Thailand tropical fruit promotion campaign on July 18–19, featuring durian, mangosteen, and seasonal produce at competitive prices with shopping rewards and activities.

Chiang Rai Market Becomes Hub for Thai Tropical Fruit Season
21 Jul Khaosod

Lan Mueang Market in Chiang Rai province is one of the busiest and most popular shopping destinations, attracting both locals and tourists with its diverse range of goods, local cuisine, and quality agricultural products. The market transcends being merely a place to buy and sell—it authentically reflects the lifestyle and charm of Lanna people.

On July 18–19, 2026, Lan Mueang Market became a key venue for the "Thailand: The Land of Tropical Fruits 2026" campaign, organized by the Department of Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce. The initiative aims to promote Thai fruit consumption during peak season while connecting quality produce directly from growers to consumers in the northern region.

During the event, residents and tourists can purchase a wide variety of quality Thai fruits including durian, mangosteen, rambutan, longkong, and seasonal fruits sourced from production areas across the country at competitive prices. Visitors can also participate in the promotional campaign "Smart Shopping, Get Rewards" to maximize value, plus enjoy a special "Golden Minute Fruit Buffet" activity that adds excitement to the event.

These promotional activities serve dual purposes: they energize the market atmosphere and boost consumer spending while implementing the Department of Internal Trade's fruit management strategy. By connecting markets and promoting Thai fruit consumption during periods of high harvest output—particularly as southern durian enters peak production—these sales and marketing efforts expand distribution channels, accelerate the flow of produce directly from orchards to consumers, reduce clustering problems, and create efficient fruit circulation in the market system. This supports stable farmer incomes while delivering value to consumers. For more details and updates, follow the Department of Internal Trade on Facebook (DIT) or call the hotline at 1569.

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National

Actress Returns to Stage Musical After 11-Year Break

Actress Ying Ratha Pho-ngam returns to musical theater after 11 years, starring in "Muang Marya: The Musical" at Muang Thai Ratchadamri Theatre from August 17 to September 27. Her comeback follows viral success in Netflix's "Devil's Lawyer,

Actress Returns to Stage Musical After 11-Year Break
21 Jul Khaosod

Actress Ying Ratha Pho-ngam continues to ride momentum from her viral role as attorney Jitteri in Netflix's "Devil's Lawyer," and has just announced her return to musical theater with "Muang Marya: The Musical" at Muang Thai Ratchadamri Theatre. During rehearsals, she revealed it marks her comeback to stage performance after 11 years away from her last musical, "Bachelor's Day with Old Cases."

When asked about her hiatus, Ying explained that age has brought different priorities—she now values rest and recovery to maintain focus during rehearsals, whereas in her younger days she could perform late into the night and still attend after-parties. However, she emphasized that she has always missed musical theater, which she credits as the foundation of her acting education. She expressed gratitude for finally landing a role her director and mentor Thokklerkit (Boy) felt suited her, playing the good mother character Amanda Obdum in this new production.

Ying praised working alongside renowned stage actress Suthaisini (Pat), calling her Thailand's number-one musical theater actress. She described the new musical as a reimagined version of the classic Ratchadamri Theater story told for the digital age, featuring new storytelling and new music. The production runs from August 17 to September 27, with tickets available through ThaiTicketMajor.

Regarding her recent "Devil's Lawyer Runner" fan event, Ying revealed over 400 people registered, surprising her with the turnout. Since she enjoys fitness activities, she combined the fan meet with a running event and plans to make it a monthly occurrence, though she may limit participation numbers.

When asked about comments that "Ying never dies" in terms of career comebacks, she acknowledged life goes in cycles every 10-12 years, but noted she focuses on self-care and fulfilling her responsibilities. She described the pressure from juggling both "Devil's Lawyer" and the musical as positive pressure—motivating her to maintain quality across all her projects.

On "Devil's Lawyer" ranking fourth globally on Netflix, Ying expressed pride that Thai audiences and international viewers continue to watch Thai-made content. Regarding fan demands for a season two, she said director Anucha (Kai) has mentioned there are behind-the-scenes story elements being developed, but nothing concrete can be announced yet.

When asked about Botox treatments, Ying acknowledged she has had cosmetic procedures over the years but welcomed criticism. She noted that if audiences still connect with her performances, such treatments may not significantly impact her work. However, she admitted she plans to address past procedures—from about 20 years ago—when time permits, though this remains a future consideration.

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Tourism

Beloved Hippo Moo Deng Celebrates Second Birthday

Thailand's famous pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng turned two years old, with Khao Khiao Open Zoo hosting a three-day birthday festival featuring activities, exhibitions, and ceremonies celebrating the animal's role as a wildlife conservation am

Beloved Hippo Moo Deng Celebrates Second Birthday
21 Jul Khaosod

Thailand's beloved pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng has reached her second birthday, and Khao Khiao Open Zoo in Chachoengsao province celebrated the occasion with a "Happy Moo Deng Day" festival from July 10-12. Dr. Raviwan Phuridet, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, noted that Moo Deng serves as an ambassador for wildlife conservation and biodiversity awareness, inspiring the public—particularly children and young people—to understand the importance of protecting natural resources and wildlife while promoting education through conservation-focused tourism. The celebration offered diverse activities for visitors of all ages, including a birthday blessing ceremony on July 10, 2026, exhibitions, family craft activities, souvenir shopping, caretaker meet-and-greet events, and numerous special programs designed to create an atmosphere of joy and wildlife conservation learning. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment invites everyone to experience Moo Deng's charm firsthand and join the effort to advance environmental and wildlife conservation across Thai society.

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National

Thailand Honors Student Social Engineers Advancing Community Development

Thailand's National Research Council honored students from 38 Rajabhat Universities for innovative community development projects at the 21st National Research Festival, with winners recognized for initiatives ranging from value-added palm

Thailand Honors Student Social Engineers Advancing Community Development
21 Jul Khaosod

Deputy Minister Supchai Patumnakaul presented awards at the 21st National Research Festival under the theme "Research Synergy: Powering Research to Build Sustainable Thai Economy and Society." The event, organized by the National Research Council (NRC) with all 38 Rajabhat Universities, featured participants including NRC Director Dr. Viparat Deeong, faculty, researchers, and students from across the network.

Patumnakaul emphasized that "Social Engineers Next Gen: Student Power Toward Community Development" reflects the vital role of the younger generation in driving change, applying knowledge and innovation to improve people's quality of life and strengthen communities. Dr. Viparat noted that the NRC has long worked with the 38 Rajabhat Universities to support students in developing their potential while creating tangible benefits for communities and society.

The competition selected outstanding community development innovations from Rajabhat Universities nationwide. Top awards included the Excellence Award for "90% Fresh Sugar Products Mixed with Palmyra Palm" from Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University; the Very Good Award for "Adding Value to Small Palm: Developing Brooches from Toddy Palm Leaves Through Social Engineering" from Songkhla Rajabhat University; and the Good Award for "Waste Bank Application Creating Happiness" from Kanchanaburi Rajabhat University.

Seven Commendation Awards were also presented to institutions including Yala, Phuket, Nakhon Pathom, Maha Sarakham, Phetchaburi, Valaya Alongkorn, and Chandrakasem Rajabhat Universities for innovations ranging from thermal energy boxes to herbal foot soaks and community enterprise development. An additional 28 Rajabhat Universities received certificates for participation, celebrating their contributions to community development through social engineering and knowledge application.

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National

1.64 Million Register for Social Security Board Election

Over 1.64 million people registered for Thailand's 2025 Social Security Board election between June and July, with formal sector workers comprising the majority of registrants ahead of voting scheduled for September 27.

1.64 Million Register for Social Security Board Election
21 Jul Khaosod

The Social Security Office (SSO) on July 21 revealed registration progress for the 2025 Social Security Board election, reporting strong turnout reflecting employers' and insured persons' interest in shaping the fund's direction. Between June 1 and July 20, 2025, 16,239 employers and 1,630,097 insured persons registered, including 1,437,848 under Section 33 (formal sector workers), 118,607 under Section 39, 46,906 under Section 40, and 26,736 former insured persons, for a total of 1,646,336 registrations. The election includes 195 candidates: 85 from the employer side and 110 from the insured person side.

While these figures remain unofficial, they show Section 33 members—Thailand's formal workforce—represent the highest proportion of registrants. Bangkok leads with 447,168 registrants, followed by Chachoengsao (104,606), Samut Prakan (98,568), Nonthaburi (70,308), Pathum Thani (68,436), Rayong (61,915), Chiang Mai (52,605), Ayutthaya (34,508), Nakhon Ratchasima (33,391), and Samut Sakhon (28,675).

Elected board members will shape policy, manage fund finances, and develop long-term benefits for insured persons, making voter participation crucial to Thailand's social security system. The SSO will announce eligible voters on August 10, with voting scheduled for September 27, 2025. Employers who registered may request document corrections once between July 1–25 at SSO offices nationwide.

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National

Student Loan Fund Warns Borrowers of Fraud Scams

The Student Loan Fund warns borrowers to verify the identity of anyone contacting them about debt repayment, as scammers are impersonating officials to steal money and personal information.

Student Loan Fund Warns Borrowers of Fraud Scams
21 Jul Khaosod

The Student Loan Fund (Korskor) has warned borrowers with outstanding debts to verify the identity of anyone contacting them about payment, in order to prevent fraud. Acting fund manager Anchalee Phuriwitthawattana stated that Korskor conducts debt collection through its own officers and authorized agents in accordance with the Debt Collection Act B.E. 2558 and the Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562.

Borrowers must verify that any contact about debt repayment is from an authorized Korskor representative before paying, to protect against impersonation by scammers. The fund advises borrowers to be cautious of anyone claiming to be a Korskor official and to verify information before taking action. Borrowers should not comply with requests to transfer money to personal accounts, provide personal information, passwords, or OTP codes, as Korskor and its authorized agents will never request such information via phone or social media.

Korskor recommends that borrowers verify their outstanding balance and pay through Mobile Banking at any bank by scanning a QR code, which is available anytime and anywhere, or at any Krung Thai Bank counter by providing the fund type, account number, ID number, and payment amount. Borrowers can find other payment methods on the official website www.studentloan.or.th.

The fund emphasizes that borrowers should be extra cautious of urgent requests to transfer money to personal accounts or disclose financial information, and should not comply under any circumstances to avoid becoming victims of fraud. Borrowers who need to verify information can call the Korskor Call Center at 0 2016 4888 or contact the fund's official LINE account.

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National

Thailand Launches Major Human Capital Initiative With Five Ministries

Thailand launched a major cross-ministry human capital initiative aimed at developing its workforce across all life stages, with five government ministries joining forces to strengthen national competitiveness and help the country escape th

Thailand Launches Major Human Capital Initiative With Five Ministries
21 Jul Khaosod

On July 21, 2025, at Kasetsart University's Chakraphan Pensiri Building, the government marked a historic milestone in national administration by launching the "Thailand² Empowering Thailand, Elevating Human Capital" national seminar, representing the largest cross-sectoral integration effort to date. The initiative brings together five pillar ministries: Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Education; Labour; Agriculture and Cooperatives; and Social Development and Human Security. The overarching goal is to create exponential results in national development by systematically strengthening the capabilities of Thai people across all life stages, preparing the nation's human resources to become the most powerful engine driving the new economy amid digital-age challenges.

Prime Minister Anudhin Charnvirakul emphasized that investing in and developing Thai human potential is the sole key to helping Thailand escape the middle-income trap and reach high-income status. He stressed that "empowering" in mathematical terms means multiplying results for exponential growth. Thailand's most powerful and sustainable form of empowerment is investing in people, as regardless of how far technology, infrastructure, and artificial intelligence advance, capable and discerning humans remain the critical variable in controlling and creating added value from those technologies.

The government established a joint public-private committee to solve economic problems (known as CRPC) last month, with four subcommittees working closely to bridge government policy and the private sector's real labour-market needs, seeking the "right exponent" to unlock potential for all Thai citizens. Prof. Dr. Yot Sananon, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, presented the "Lifelong Support" implementation plan reflecting a vision of comprehensive Thai care across the entire lifespan. He emphasized that public welfare must not be mere charity but rather investment in human infrastructure, beginning from early childhood (0-6 years)—the most critical period. The government aims to lighten the burden on working families by restructuring early childhood centres with hours aligned to parental work schedules, alongside a redesigned system to accelerate delivery of the 600-baht child allowance to families within 30-45 days, coupled with stricter child protection laws.

For school-age children (7-18 years), the government declared war on redundancy in education through the "Return Time to Teachers" policy, boldly eliminating unnecessary programmes and cutting KPIs by 71.52%, creating positive momentum across over 30,000 schools nationwide and allowing teachers to focus on classroom instruction and student development. The initiative also promotes the Zero Dropout PLUS programme targeting educational inclusivity.

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