Sakchai Tangho, former deputy director-general of the Department of Local Administration, disclosed the behind-the-scenes details of a land reclamation case for the Highway 7 construction project spanning the Nong Prue to Ban Chang corridor. The dispute stretched over 10 years before the Supreme Court sentenced a businessman to four years imprisonment for filing a false lawsuit, without awaiting final execution of sentence. Sakchai noted that his objections to the compensation assessment helped save the state budget approximately 300 million baht.

The incident occurred in 2014 after the then-Transport Minister appointed a committee to set preliminary compensation rates for land reclamation for the Highway 7 project, with representatives from various local agencies serving as committee members.

During deliberation, six land plots were found to have been proposed for compensation at rates significantly higher than surrounding areas. Notably, one plot was quoted at 75,000 baht per square wah, while most areas were set at approximately 5,000 baht per square wah, and even high-potential areas around 10,000 baht per square wah.

Sakchai stated he raised objections at the meeting, believing the prices were abnormally high. He conducted fieldwork and inquired with original landowners, discovering that the six plots had actual transaction values totaling approximately 99 million baht, significantly different from the proposed compensation value of approximately 390 million baht.

He subsequently requested a price review meeting. Although the initial vote opposed reconsideration, a subsequent meeting saw majority committee members agreeing to adjust prices based on actual transaction data, ultimately setting compensation at approximately 89-90 million baht.

Sakchai noted that this compensation reduction saved the government approximately 300 million baht.

However, the businessman subsequently filed a lawsuit against him at the Anti-Corruption Court, alleging abuse of power that prevented him from receiving the claimed compensation. The court dismissed the case at all levels, and it reached finality.

Sakchai then filed a counter-suit for false accusation. The Supreme Court ruled on June 30, 2023, sentencing the defendant to four years imprisonment without awaiting execution. Sakchai noted the defendant did not appear for the verdict and remains a fugitive.

Sakchai also commented that law enforcement in Thailand should become more efficient, particularly in tracking fugitives. He observed that certain interpretations of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) may hinder disclosure of information about fugitives to enable public assistance in providing leads.

Furthermore, he urged all civil servants to uphold integrity, perform duties for public benefit, and resist pressure or illegal interests, viewing honesty and transparent work as vital safeguards in public service.

Thai influencer Jack Fanchan visited a spirit shrine dedicated to Phumsavaang Duangchan, known as "Mother Bee," for the first time to pay respects and draw lucky lottery numbers, obtaining a complete three-digit set to share with fans for this week's draw. Jack explained in a social media post that this was his first visit to the shrine, where believers traditionally request good fortune and draw lottery numbers. He appealed to followers: "First time here. People say that at this place, if you ask for good luck and draw numbers or use Mother Bee's birth date digits, you can try your luck together. For anyone wanting lucky numbers, come try it. Help me out, Mother Bee—three digits please." After drawing at the shrine, Jack obtained the numbers 281, which he shared with his followers to try their luck for the July 16, 2026 lottery draw, sparking keen interest among lottery enthusiasts.

Thailand's women's volleyball team, ranked 17th globally, finished their 2026 Nations League campaign in Osaka, Japan during week three with a loss to Turkey (ranked 4th) in a 1-3 set match (27-25, 21-25, 19-25, 22-25). Star middle blocker Pimpichaya Kokram led the team with 25 points, including 22 spikes, 2 blocks, and 1 ace, while Taddao Nuk-Chang contributed 12 points and Varisara Seetaleirt added 12 points. Thailand finished the tournament with 3 wins and 9 losses for 12 points, securing a spot in next year's Nations League.

Top Point-Scorers for Thailand VNL 2026: 1. Pimpichaya Kokram: 192 points 2. Sasiphaprorn Chantvisut: 151 points 3. Taddao Nuk-Chang: 129 points 4. Ajcharaphorn Kongkod: 78 points 5. Kaew Kalya Gomulthala: 55 points 6. Varisara Seetaleirt: 54 points 7. Pornporn Koedprachai: 14 points 8. Prapatchaya Ponthama: 13 points 9. Vimlratana Tananathphan: 10 points 10. Nattanica Jaisenai: 5 points 11. Nannapassena Muljackum: 4 points 12. Kanyarat Khunmuang: 3 points 13. Piyanucha Paennoi: 1 point

Thailand's next competition will be the BYD DMI 6th SEA V Cup, with the first leg in Vietnam from July 31 to August 2, 2025, and the second leg in Chiang Mai, Thailand from August 7-9, 2025, before competing in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan in September 2025.

On July 12, 2025, the Thai Meteorological Department issued its weather forecast for the next 24 hours, warning of heavy rainfall in scattered areas across Thailand. Very heavy rain is expected in parts of the western central region, the east, and the western coast of the south, driven by a strong southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam. Residents in these areas are advised to watch for dangers from intense rainfall and accumulated precipitation, which could trigger flash floods and flash flooding, especially in foothill areas near waterways and low-lying zones.

Waves in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are intensifying. The upper Andaman has wave heights of 2-4 meters, exceeding 4 meters in thunderstorm areas. The lower Andaman and upper Gulf of Thailand have waves of 2-3 meters, exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms. Sailors are urged to exercise caution and avoid thunderstorm areas. Small boats in the Andaman and upper Gulf should remain ashore through July 15, 2025. Coastal residents on the western shore of the southern region should watch for dangerous waves washing ashore.

Tropical Storm Bavi currently covers Jiangsu Province in China and is expected to weaken into a depression. This storm will not enter Thailand, but those traveling to affected areas should check weather conditions beforehand.

Weather forecast for Thailand from 6 p.m. today to 6 p.m. tomorrow:

Northern Region: 70% thunderstorms with heavy rain in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, and Tak provinces. Low 23-25°C, high 31-34°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

Northeastern Region: 70% thunderstorms with heavy rain in Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. Low 23-25°C, high 28-35°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

Central Region: 60% thunderstorms with heavy to very heavy rain in Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi provinces. Low 23-25°C, high 31-35°C. Southwest winds 10-25 km/h.

Eastern Region: 60% thunderstorms with heavy to very heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces. Low 24-28°C, high 30-34°C. Southwest winds 20-40 km/h. Seas 2-3 meters, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Southern Region (East Coast): 40% thunderstorms with heavy rain in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Surat Thani provinces. Low 22-27°C, high 32-37°C. From Surat Thani upward: southwest winds 20-40 km/h, seas 1-2 meters offshore and in thunderstorm areas exceeding 2 meters. From Nakhon Si Thammarat downward: southwest winds 20-35 km/h, seas 1-2 meters with offshore waves around 2 meters.

The Department of Corrections has released details on the death of inmate Supchai Srisupaksa, who was serving a 23-year, 6-month, 20-day sentence for fraud and had been held at the Bang Khwang Central Prison since March 11, 2016. Upon intake screening, Srisupaksa was found to have high blood pressure, diabetes, and allergies. Prison medical staff provided ongoing care and coordinated treatment with outside hospitals.

On June 25, 2569 (2026), Srisupaksa experienced a sudden health deterioration and was admitted to the emergency room at Phra Nang Klao Hospital. The following day, doctors recommended transfer to the Chest Institute, where he received intensive care from specialist teams. He died on July 12, 2569 at approximately 06:17 from heart failure caused by coronary artery blockage.

Prison officials immediately notified investigating officers and a coroner's team conducted an autopsy on the same day at 09:21. Preliminary examination results were consistent with his critical condition, and family members were fully informed and expressed no doubts regarding the cause of death. The autopsy confirmed the death was from natural causes—specifically coronary artery disease.

The Department of Corrections emphasized its commitment to the health care and basic rights of all inmates, particularly elderly and chronically ill prisoners. Officials stated that Srisupaksa received continuous medical care and monitoring throughout his detention, and all legal procedures were followed when complications arose.

Coach Gianttapong Ratchakraiangkrai, head coach of Thailand's women's volleyball team, praised Turkey for playing at full strength in their final VNL 2026 match held in Osaka, Japan on July 12. Thailand's 17th-ranked team lost to 4th-ranked Turkey, the 2023 world champion and last year's runner-up, 1-3 in sets with scores of 27-25, 21-25, 19-25, and 22-25.

In this match, Pimpichaya Kokram, Thailand's standout middle blocker, delivered an excellent performance with a team-high 25 points, consisting of 22 spikes, 2 blocks, and 1 ace. Taddao Nuekchaeng contributed 12 points, and Warisara Sitaleurt added 12 points. For Turkey, Melissa Vargas led the way with 25 points.

After the match, Coach Gianttapong Ratchakraiangkrai said the team gave their best effort in their final game since they had already achieved their target. He praised Turkey for playing at 100 percent without letting up, noting that this VNL tournament held significant value and meaning for all the athletes.