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National

Ex-Pheu Thai Spokesman Proposes Four-Point Plan Against US Tariffs

Former Pheu Thai spokesman Prom Pongsa proposes a four-point economic plan to counter US tariffs of 12.5% on Thai goods, which could cost the economy over one trillion baht and threaten exports, jobs, and SMEs. His plan includes establishin

Ex-Pheu Thai Spokesman Proposes Four-Point Plan Against US Tariffs
25 Jul Khaosod

On July 25, 2569, Prom Pongsa Nopruetthi, former spokesman of the Pheu Thai Party, said the United States has imposed a 12.5% tariff rate on Thai goods. While Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has correctly ordered all ministries to integrate data to support the trade negotiation team with the United States, the US trade measures could impact Thai exports by more than one trillion baht, according to international trade experts. Although Thailand and the United States maintain a strong and long-standing trade partnership, these tariffs will inevitably affect exports, investment, employment, Thai entrepreneurs, and SMEs—a vital pillar of the national economy. Prom Pongsa urged the government to urgently prepare and proactively implement measures to contain the impact and prevent it from spreading to employment, public income, and cost of living, and proposed four measures:

1. Establish a National Economic War Room to monitor trade impacts, assess the situation daily, coordinate with the private sector, and accelerate negotiations with the US to reduce trade barriers, while opening new markets in the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and other trading partners to reduce dependence on any single market.

2. Urgently assist SME operators through low-interest credit, debt payment suspension, and reduced government fee burdens to help businesses continue operations.

3. Support product development, quality upgrades, and online market expansion abroad through government budget allocation to boost competitiveness, and accelerate promotion of Thailand's strengths in food, medical tourism, and soft power as additional revenue engines.

4. Urgently protect manufacturing and export sector workers; if factories or operators face impacts, implement job preservation measures alongside workforce skills development to prevent widespread layoffs.

Prom Pongsa emphasized that the most important task is to restore confidence in entrepreneurs and the public that Thailand remains competitive and the government has a clear action plan. Amid Middle East tensions, volatile energy prices, and global economic slowdown affecting Thailand, if all sectors cooperate and the government implements appropriate measures, the export sector, SMEs, and the Thai economy can adapt without letting the impact reach the livelihood of ordinary citizens. Thailand has weathered many crises; while tariffs may affect economic figures, what the government must protect is exports, employment, and the people's livelihood. Protecting the market protects jobs, income, and the future of Thai people—that is success citizens can truly feel.

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National

Abhisit Criticizes Government's Minimal Fuel Refining Cut

Abhisit Vejjajiva criticized the government's deal with oil refineries to cut fuel refining costs by just 2.40 baht per liter, saying it falls short of structural reform needed to address Thailand's energy pricing crisis.

Abhisit Criticizes Government's Minimal Fuel Refining Cut
25 Jul Khaosod

At 9:20 a.m. on July 25, 2569 at parliament, Abhisit Vejjajiva, Democrat Party leader and party-list MP, revealed that the party had expected the Energy Ministry to address structural problems, but remained concerned about oil prices. He noted that after months of discussion, the government appeared to be moving away from structural reform.

Abhisit stated that the government's negotiation with refineries to reduce refining costs to 2.40 baht per liter was inadequate, especially given that normal refining costs are higher. He criticized the lack of a clear formula or excess-profits tax mechanism, calling the negotiations opaque in their calculation basis.

The Democrat Party asserted that the 2.40 baht reduction falls short of what is achievable. If the government acted seriously on this issue combined with excise tax reforms, it would not need massive sums from the Oil Fund. Currently, the Oil Fund must compensate for 7-8 baht per liter while consumers still bear the burden, Abhisit said.

On electricity, he noted the same problem exists. The Democrat Party had previously proposed adjusting the electricity rate formula when natural gas prices were high, but no action was taken. While the government claims it will not use short-term relief measures and instead pursue structural reform, Abhisit expressed skepticism, noting the government still appears focused on finding money rather than fixing the underlying system.

When asked whether he would speak directly to the Energy Minister, a former Democrat member, Abhisit said informal consultations occur but the party wants systematic solutions. He emphasized that current structures allow middlemen to gain excessive profits, and by international standards, such cases warrant systematic mechanisms to help citizens. Abhisit concluded that despite the government's own admission of major structural issues, concrete changes remain unclear.

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National

Thai Rice Snack Company Wins Innovation Award

Thai Nichi Industry won a top innovation award for transforming Thai rice into Japanese-style crackers, generating over 600 million baht in revenue with support from Chiang Mai University's research center.

Thai Rice Snack Company Wins Innovation Award
25 Jul Khaosod

Chiang Mai University celebrated the achievement of Thai Nichi Industry on July 25, reaffirming its role in translating research and innovation into industrial benefits. The company, supported by the university's Food Innovation and Packaging Center (FIN CMU) under the Faculty of Agro-Industry, won first runner-up in the Economic Impact category at the 7Innovation Awards 2026, held at the PIM Convention Hall during the THAILAND SYNERGY event for Thai SMEs transitioning to Innovation Driven Enterprises in 2026.

The company's success stems from upgrading Thai rice—a key national commodity—into Japanese-style rice crackers through technology and production process development tailored to global market demands. This innovation has generated over 600 million baht in revenue, expanded export markets, and exemplifies how science, technology, and innovation can strengthen Thai business competitiveness and elevate agricultural products to international standards.

Behind the scenes, FIN CMU served as the company's innovation partner, providing research and development support, knowledge transfer in food technology, product development guidance, and strategic business consulting to help drive the enterprise toward becoming a true innovation-driven business. This effort reflects Chiang Mai University's mission to bridge academic knowledge with industry through collaboration that develops market-responsive innovations, adds value to national resources, and enhances Thailand's long-term economic competitiveness.

Thai Nichi Industry's success at the 7Innovation Awards 2026 exemplifies how university knowledge creates tangible economic and social impact, underscoring Chiang Mai University's commitment as a higher education institution dedicated to translating research and innovation into practical application for sustainable growth among entrepreneurs and the nation.

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National

Thailand Faces 12.5% U.S. Tariff Amid Trade Deficit Concerns

The U.S. imposed a 12.5% tariff on Thai goods, the highest rate alongside China and Vietnam, citing forced labor concerns and threatening to erode Thailand's export competitiveness. Thailand's first-half trade deficit hit 1.1 trillion baht,

Thailand Faces 12.5% U.S. Tariff Amid Trade Deficit Concerns
25 Jul Khaosod

On July 25, 2025, Pichai Naripthaphan, former Commerce Minister, stated that the United States has announced a 12.5% tariff on Thai goods—the highest rate—citing forced labor violations. Thailand faces the same rate as China and Vietnam, while Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines are charged only 10%, which will erode Thai competitiveness, harm exports, and discourage investment.

Although Thai exports surged 20.74% in June, imports jumped 50.28%, leaving Thailand with a first-half trade deficit of 1.1 trillion baht and potentially record deficits by year-end. This threatens to create a twin deficit crisis affecting GDP. In the first six months of 2025, Thailand held a 33 billion dollar trade surplus with the U.S. but ran a 46.2 billion dollar deficit with China—likely prompting the high U.S. tariff and risking further increases if Washington suspects transshipment or circumvention schemes to evade tariffs.

Pichai criticized the slow pace of negotiations, noting that Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supratarp Suphajee met USTR Jamieson Greer only briefly in May and negotiated with Deputy USTR Rick Switzer in June—warning signs he had flagged earlier. He urged faster action and praised Wuttikrai Livirapat, Permanent Secretary of Commerce, and Chotima Iamsawatdi, Director-General of the Trade Negotiations Department, as key figures who previously helped secure Thailand's exemption from Section 301 tariffs under President Biden and should lead current efforts to close an FTA and meet performance targets.

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Police

Ex-Soldier Charged in Murder, Dismemberment Case

A 41-year-old former soldier has been arrested in Chachoengsao province for the murder and dismemberment of a 51-year-old man from Ubon Ratchathani, whose remains were discovered in a eucalyptus plantation.

Ex-Soldier Charged in Murder, Dismemberment Case
25 Jul Khaosod

On July 25, 2569 (2026), police from Sanam Chai Khet Station took 41-year-old former soldier Ranakrit into custody for murder and corpse concealment. He was escorted to crime sites to reconstruct events under tight security and the watch of the victim's family.

The case began on July 21 when the daughter of 51-year-old Boonlertsak from Ubon Ratchathani reported him missing at Plaeng Yao Station. On July 23, residents discovered human remains in Wang Yen subdistrict, Plaeng Yao district, Chachoengsao province, prompting authorities to launch an investigation.

On July 24, Chachoengsao provincial police and Region 2 officers arrested the suspect in Bang Teen Ped subdistrict, Muang Chachoengsao. They seized a sidecar motorcycle and a wooden-handled machete believed to be the weapon used.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to quarreling with the victim before striking him with wood, causing his death. He then transported the body to a eucalyptus plantation in Sanam Chai Khet subdistrict, dismembered it, and discarded the pieces at various locations.

During the reconstruction, the victim's brother arrived from Ubon Ratchathani and tearfully confronted the suspect, shouting "Why did you kill my brother?" The suspect replied only that "he came to me," before officers continued the reconstruction amid the family's grief.

The victim's daughter watched the process with sorrow, struggling to come to terms with her father's loss, supported by relatives. Authorities have sent identified remains to the Police Hospital's forensic institute and are still searching for two legs and one arm. Preliminary urine testing revealed the suspect had drugs in his system.

After the reconstruction, the suspect was remanded in custody and charged with intentional assault causing death and concealing, moving, or destroying a corpse to conceal the manner or fact of death.

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National

Thailand Nurtures University Entrepreneurs for Global Competition

Thailand's education ministry is backing student entrepreneurs through the ELP program, which pairs university innovators with international mentors to transform research into market-ready products across 16 regional science parks.

Thailand Nurtures University Entrepreneurs for Global Competition
25 Jul Khaosod

On July 23, Dr. Phanthup Arunee, Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), officially opened the national-level pitching and interview competition for the ELP (Experiential Learning for Entrepreneurs) program. The initiative partners MHESI with 16 regional science park universities across Thailand, including Chiang Mai University, Khon Kaen University, Suranaree University of Technology, and Thammasat University, among others.

The ELP program, now in its fourth year, aims to cultivate student entrepreneurs who can transform research, technology, and innovation into marketable products and services. Participants develop critical skills including analytical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and data-driven decision-making through hands-on experiential learning both domestically and internationally. Dr. Phanthup explained that the program emphasizes real-world market validation and mentoring from international business partners.

For 2025, the program has intensified its selection process across three tiers—university, regional, and national levels—to identify 25 high-potential entrepreneurs from approximately 540 nationwide applicants. The current pitching and interview sessions serve not merely as competition but as a critical feedback opportunity for participants to receive expert guidance and demonstrate their capacity to drive sustainable economic and social impact through their ventures.

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Police

Fugitive Arrested After 17 Years in Murder Case

A man wanted for 17 years in a 2009 murder case was arrested at a temple in Sakon Nakhon province after shooting his employer and dumping the body in a river over a labor dispute.

Fugitive Arrested After 17 Years in Murder Case
25 Jul Khaosod

Police arrested Asda, alias 'Hngad Tha Bo,' a 45-year-old man ranked 84th on the national wanted list, on July 25, 2025. He was apprehended at the parking area of Chantraram Temple (Dong Somboon Temple) in Sang Khwaeng subdistrict, Mueang district, Sakon Nakhon province, under a warrant from Nakhon Phanom Provincial Court dated September 11, 2552 (2009) on charges of intentional murder.

According to the investigation, in August 2552 (2009), while working as his employer's driver, Asda lured his intoxicated boss into the vehicle en route to Wang Yang district, Nakhon Phanom. At a curve, he shot the employer in the head and dumped the body into the Kam River near the bridge between Din Dam Mak Fueang and Nong Kaen in Yot Chad subdistrict, Wang Yang district. He then fled in the employer's vehicle.

Police believe the motive stemmed from anger over frequent scolding by his boss, combined with knowledge that the employer regularly carried large amounts of cash. For 17 years, Asda evaded capture by living hand-to-mouth, taking odd jobs, and staying in temples and worker camps. He was eventually apprehended while working as a driver for the abbot of Thung Rung Thong Temple in Sakon Nakhon.

During initial questioning, Asda denied being the shooter, claiming his employer was killed by business rivals in the timber trade and that he panicked and fled. Police remain skeptical and have transferred him to Wang Yang police station for further legal proceedings.

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National

Abhisit Defends Yingcheep Amid Lawsuit Allegations

Democratic Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva defended disclosure of nine politicians linked to a Parliament speaker election corruption case, arguing public figures should clarify their actions rather than sue those who revealed information al

Abhisit Defends Yingcheep Amid Lawsuit Allegations
25 Jul Khaosod

On July 25, 2025, at Parliament, Abhisit Vejjajiva, Democratic Party leader and list MP, addressed the controversy surrounding politicians filing a lawsuit against Yingcheep Akaranont, director of the Internet Law project (ILaw), following the disclosure of nine names linked to the Parliament speaker election case.

Abhisit argued that no one wants to face legal action, and the disclosed information comes from Election Commission complaints that are already known at high levels, including among prosecutors and the DSI (Department of Special Investigation). He stated that public figures should offer clarification rather than face prosecution, noting current public concern that the Election Commission's special inquiry panel's preliminary finding of no wrongdoing contradicts the substantial evidence previously presented, including financial trails, hotel records, and vote-buying photographs.

Abhisit added that even if false accusations are proven, legal remedies exist, but he believes those who disclosed the information did so not for entertainment but based on official agency investigations. Those accused must clarify their whereabouts and activities on relevant dates. The disclosed information is already known to prosecutors and the DSI, which identified seven groups of involved parties, including politicians and political parties who interfered.

When asked whether government coalition members filing the complaint constitutes harassment or an attempt to silence critics, Abhisit stated it is their right, but public figures deserve accountability. He argued that lawsuits intended to intimidate or create fear about transparency constitute misconduct.

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Police

Two Cambodian Men Remanded After Chasing Woman to Home

Two Cambodian men were remanded after chasing a woman into her home in Bangkok's Phranakorn District on July 21; they claimed they only wanted to apologize after startling her, but were accused of attempting to break into her residence.

Two Cambodian Men Remanded After Chasing Woman to Home
25 Jul Khaosod

On July 25, 2025, police from Chana Songkhram Station presented Chanvesna Touch, 24, and Rathana Las, 22, both Cambodian nationals, before Ratchadaphisek Criminal Court for remand. They are charged with jointly breaking into a residence at night and causing fear to others.

The incident occurred on the night of July 21 when a 31-year-old woman was walking home at approximately 11:40 p.m. in the Suthep Alley area of Phranakorn District's Chana Songkhram subdistrict. She encountered two Cambodian men following her into the soi, which frightened her. She quickly ran into her house and locked the front gate.

The suspects were accused of attempting to open the gate to enter the house, but were unable to do so before leaving the scene. The incident was recorded on CCTV.

When presented at Ratchadaphisek Criminal Court, both suspects apologized to the victim and insisted they had no intention of harming her or grabbing her. They claimed that when they saw the woman was startled, they followed her to apologize, but decided to leave when confronted.

Investigators brought the two suspects for remand according to legal procedures with no objection to their detention. The facts presented during their interview will be considered in the ongoing legal proceedings.

The woman described the frightening moment when the two Khmer men chased her to her front door and attempted to pry open the gate, before neighbors helped apprehend them.

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Police

Man Arrested for Paying Taxi with Counterfeit Bills

A 44-year-old man was arrested in Bangkok after paying a taxi driver with counterfeit cash; police found 22 more fake banknotes in his hotel room.

Man Arrested for Paying Taxi with Counterfeit Bills
25 Jul Khaosod

At noon on July 24, 2569, police officers led by Maj. Gen. Siam Bunserm arrested 44-year-old Mr. Nong inside a hotel room in the Huay Khwang area of Bangkok.

The arrest followed a complaint from a taxi driver who said that on July 24, he picked up a 40-year-old passenger from Soi Ladphrao 80 heading to a hotel on Soi Prachauthit. The fare was 100 baht, and the passenger paid with a 1,000-baht note, asking for 900 baht in change. The driver later noticed the banknote looked unusual and had it checked at a convenience store, where it was confirmed to be counterfeit. He filed a complaint with Huay Khwang Police Station.

Detectives reviewed security camera footage at the hotel to identify the suspect and arrested him. During questioning, the man admitted to paying with the counterfeit bill and claimed the money came from selling illegal firearms. Police searched his room and found 22 additional counterfeit banknotes, leading to formal charges.

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Police

Police Chief Suspended Over Extortion Recording Allegation

The Khlong Luang police station commander in Pathum Thani province has been suspended following an audio recording allegedly showing him extorting payments from restaurant operators. The National Police Office launched an urgent investigati

Police Chief Suspended Over Extortion Recording Allegation
25 Jul Khaosod

National Police Office orders immediate investigation and suspension of Khlong Luang station commander following emergence of audio recording allegedly showing him soliciting payments from restaurant operators in Pathum Thani province. Deputy National Police Commissioner Trairong Phiwphan and National Police Office spokesman announced on July 25, 2026, that the matter is under urgent review and instructed provincial commanders to investigate with transparency and speed. According to the latest report from Pathum Thani Provincial Police, preliminary findings indicate the voice in the recording belongs to Khlong Luang station commander, who has been ordered to report to provincial police headquarters pending a formal fact-finding investigation. Police have committed to pursuing both disciplinary and criminal charges without exception if the investigation confirms extortion or other violations, regardless of the accused's rank or position. The National Police Office reaffirmed its commitment to handle all cases based on facts, evidence, transparency, and justice to maintain public confidence, with further updates to follow.

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