Ex-Pheu Thai Spokesman Urges Review of Poor Card Eligibility Criteria

Former Pheu Thai spokesman Porampon Nopurit warns that database errors and outdated records are wrongly disqualifying eligible citizens from state welfare cards, urging the government to urgently review criteria and simplify the appeals pro

18 Jul Khaosod

Former Pheu Thai Party spokesman Porampon Nopurit has raised alarm over data inconsistencies in the state welfare card eligibility verification, which has resulted in many citizens being disqualified. While he acknowledges that verification is necessary for fair and transparent aid distribution, fieldwork and public feedback across the country reveal numerous cases where data does not match reality, causing eligible people to lose their chance at support. He is urging the government to expedite a comprehensive review of criteria, improve the database, and facilitate appeals to ensure assistance reaches the truly disadvantaged fairly and widely.

Porampon highlighted specific problems including vehicle ownership data that doesn't reflect current reality—some people no longer own cars listed in their names, or sold vehicles without updating registration. Others were disqualified because children's names were fraudulently claimed as dependents for tax deductions, raising fears that genuinely struggling citizens are falling through the cracks.

Feedback from across multiple provinces shows many applicants are devastated, with some in tears upon learning their disqualification. Although the government extended the appeals deadline to July 31, practical barriers persist: traveling to agencies, obtaining documents, and gathering evidence require time and money that poor, elderly, and remote-area residents often cannot afford.

Porampon warned that without urgent action to review criteria, update data, and ease appeals, potentially millions of eligible citizens could miss out on state assistance due to technical constraints, even as they struggle with rising living costs. He stressed that a strong government ensures deserving people access help quickly, fairly, and comprehensively—not one that simply disqualifies the most applicants. He emphasized that when ordinary citizens are cared for, grassroots purchasing power grows, strengthening the entire economy.

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Police

Police Raid Secret 24-Hour Drug Den Disguised as Gaming Arcade

Police raided a secret 24-hour drug den disguised as a gaming arcade in Bangkok's Huai Khwang District on July 18, arresting 11 suspects and seizing drugs, cash, and valuables worth approximately 300,000 baht.

18 Jul Khaosod

On July 18, 2025, the Crime Suppression Division and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration executed a raid on a secret drug den operating as an underground bar in a four-story commercial building on Pracha Uthit Road in Huai Khwang District, Bangkok. Acting on a court search warrant, officers arrested 11 suspects and seized 224 MDMA tablets, 51.16 grams of methamphetamine, 3.83 grams of cocaine, 326.24 grams of ketamine, 19 ecstasy pills, 38 electronic cigarettes, 91,000 baht in cash, two rings, and a gold-like amulet worth an estimated 300,000 baht total.

The operation followed a police directive to inspect entertainment venues throughout Bangkok after a nightclub fire in the Lat Phrao area. Investigators discovered the venue, known informally as a "secret pub," was actually a commercial arcade used as a front. The establishment operated continuously for 24 hours, restricted access to regular customers—primarily bar hostesses and entertainment workers—and served as an after-hours location. Dark tinted film blocked all windows, making it impossible to distinguish day from night, with the venue packed from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The venue sold various drugs including ketamine, ecstasy, and MDMA to customers who could use them openly at tables. Officials found the building had no operating license, only one entrance with no emergency fire exit, and violated safety standards. The ground floor operated as a full-service entertainment venue with 28 customers and staff present during the raid. A mezzanine level contained VIP rooms, and the second floor housed the owner's bedroom and drug stockpiles.

Police charged two suspects—identified as Somchai and Patthana, the alleged owner and an employee—with drug possession for distribution, possession of electronic cigarettes, unlicensed operation, and violating opening hours regulations. Nine other suspects, including staff and customers found with drugs in their systems, were also detained. During interrogation, Somchai admitted operating the venue for 1-2 years and purchasing drugs for personal use and resale to tourists.

Deputy Police Chief Theeradej Thammosutee noted this case exemplifies serious safety risks: the single entrance with no fire escape, closed-off kitchen area, and patrons impaired by drugs created extreme danger in an emergency. He emphasized lessons from recent tragic losses in society underscore the critical need for rigorous enforcement.

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National

Thai PM Meets 140 CEOs in Chengdu to Boost China Investment

Thai Prime Minister Anuthim Charnweerakul met with 140 CEOs in Chengdu on July 18 to strengthen investment ties between Thailand and China across finance, food, energy, and tourism sectors.

18 Jul Khaosod

Prime Minister Anuthim Charnweerakul and Deputy Foreign Minister, accompanied by his wife and delegation, arrived at Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu, People's Republic of China on July 18.

The Prime Minister attended the Prime Minister-Thai Private Sector Luncheon, a Board of Investment (BOI) event bringing together 140 senior Thai executives (CEOs) from the private sector investing in China. Participating companies represent diverse industries including finance, food, energy, industrial estates, healthcare, public health, and tourism.

The Prime Minister then chaired the opening ceremony of the "Thailand-China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Forum" and the inauguration of the investment unit at the Thai Consulate General in Chengdu at the Tianfu International Convention Center, before meeting and discussing with representatives of various companies.

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Community

Beer The Voice Defends Premium Gelato Pricing

PARAMETER gelato owner Kritsana Sriphumiset faced online criticism over his 519-baht pricing, leading singer Beer The Voice to defend the premium product's quality and value in a lengthy social media post.

18 Jul Khaosod

The online drama intensified on July 18 when social media personality Tray Samut shared a video clip of Kritsana Sriphumiset, a well-known host and owner of premium gelato brand PARAMETER, defending his 519-baht cup price by saying it was actually very affordable. Tray criticized the price and compared it unfavorably to Dairy Queen's 89-baht large size, and pointed out that Kritsana had previously asked her to create content at his shop without payment but now apparently objects to others photographing his products. Singer Beer The Voice then posted photos from the shop with a lengthy comment defending Kritsana's gelato as genuinely smooth and delicious, stating that price perception depends on the individual consumer. She argued that if people don't like the product, they shouldn't buy it rather than criticizing it, and emphasized she was not paid for the endorsement and was simply speaking her honest opinion. Beer further commented that customers should be direct with shop owners about compensation expectations, and that she accepts both paid work and barter arrangements based on her own preference.

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National

INNOPOWER Partners With Triple Dot Consulting on Data and AI

INNOPOWER Digital and Triple Dot Consulting have partnered to develop AI and data technologies for Thailand's industrial sector, combining robotics expertise with energy industry knowledge to deliver solutions for predictive analytics, asse

18 Jul Khaosod

INNOPOWER has launched INNOPOWER Digital and announced a strategic partnership with Triple Dot Consulting to develop data and AI technologies for Thailand's industrial sector, emphasizing its role as a comprehensive decarbonization partner. Under this collaboration, the two companies will jointly develop an Industrial Digital Solution Platform covering four areas: Data & AI for Industries (predictive analytics and machine performance analysis), Smart Asset Management (real-time maintenance planning and spare parts management), Visual & Acoustic Inspection Analytics (computer vision and AI-based quality control), and Robotic & Automation Integration (connecting robotics to digital platforms and enterprise systems). Sirinart Jentanomma, head of digital business development at INNOPOWER Digital, explained that the partnership brings Triple Dot Consulting's expertise in robotics, AI, and asset management to complement INNOPOWER's deep understanding of the energy industry, delivering measurable solutions for both the EGAT Group and industrial clients. Suvicha Kojranjit, co-founder of Triple Dot Consulting, added that the collaboration merges technological expertise with industrial experience to create practical solutions for asset management, data analytics, and automation, helping Thai organizations strengthen their competitive edge.

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Police

Army Finds 19 More Landmines on Thai-Cambodian Border

Army engineers found 19 old landmines in Sisaket province's Kantharawichai district after a soldier was injured stepping on one while troops were reinforcing positions along the Thai-Cambodian border.

18 Jul Khaosod

Army spokesman Pol. Lt. Col. Winthai Suwari disclosed on July 18 that the incident occurred while troops were conducting security reinforcement and operational base improvements along the border in Kantharawichai district, Sisaket province. The area was newly cleared for troop positioning and had not undergone thorough mine surveys. Although Cambodia had not used the area during recent combat operations, soldiers inadvertently stepped on an old, deteriorated landmine that still caused injuries despite its damaged mechanism.

Following the incident, Army engineer units and the Thai Military Humanitarian Demining Centre (TMAC) swept the area and discovered 19 old-model PMN-1 anti-personnel mines distributed around the site. The area has been cordoned off and clearance operations are underway to make it safe again. The Army's Regional Command 2 has instructed all troops conducting border security operations to increase vigilance and implement thorough area surveys, particularly in zones that have not yet been swept for mines.

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National

Thai Teen Swimmer Breaks 32-Year National Record

Thai teen swimmer Sky shattered a 32-year-old national junior record in the 200-meter individual medley at the Asian Age Group Championships, earning silver with his breakthrough performance.

18 Jul Khaosod

Lukkade Metinee posted proudly about her son Sky breaking Thailand's national junior record (ages 16–18) in the 200-meter individual medley at the 2026 Asian Age Group Championships on July 17. The previous record, standing for 32 years, was held by Shark Monthuk Ratpong Sirisannont, a former Thai national swimmer and the first Thai male to win gold in swimming at the 1994 Asian Games. Sky earned a silver medal with his record-breaking performance.

Friends and members of the entertainment industry rushed to congratulate Sky, with messages of praise flooding in. "Amazing! Skye's the limit, let's go," and "So proud of you," were among the congratulations. Videos of the medal presentation ceremony showed the Thai flag proudly raised as Sky received his award.

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National

Navy Confirms Vessel in Oman Waters Not Thai-Flagged

The Royal Thai Navy confirmed a commercial vessel reported in the Gulf of Oman is not Thai-flagged, while verifying that a Thai cargo ship operating in the area and its crew remain safe.

18 Jul Khaosod

The Royal Thai Navy has confirmed that a commercial vessel reported in recent news coverage near the Gulf of Oman is not a Thai-flagged ship. Following investigation in the area, one Thai cargo vessel and its crew remain safe. July 18, 2025 – Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Paratc Ratanajaipan revealed that after social media reports emerged about a commercial vessel incident in the Gulf of Oman, raising concerns it might be Thai-flagged, the Navy Operations Center coordinated information verification through vessel tracking systems with the National Maritime Security Center and the Port Authority's Vessel Traffic Service. Investigation found the vessel reported in the news is not a Thai-flagged ship. Separately, checks on Thai cargo vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman area—currently one vessel—confirmed after coordination with the vessel's safety officer that the ship and crew are safe, with normal sailing operations and mission performance ongoing. The Navy requested the public follow information from government agencies and trusted news sources, and confirmed it will closely monitor maritime security situations and coordinate continuously with relevant agencies to safeguard Thai vessels and national maritime interests.

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Community

Moo Deng Picks Argentina for 2026 World Cup Crown

Thailand's famous pygmy hippo Moo Deng predicted Argentina will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup by choosing the country's fruit platter over Spain's during an event at Khao Kheow Open Zoo near Bangkok.

18 Jul Khaosod

CHONBURI — Thailand's celebrity pygmy hippo Moo Deng has predicted that Argentina will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, choosing the South American side over Spain during a prediction event at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.

The activity was held on 18 July 2026 at the zoo's pygmy hippopotamus enclosure in Si Racha district, where zoo officials invited visitors to watch Moo Deng make its pick ahead of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.

As part of the event, the zoo's nutrition team prepared two fruit platters as environmental enrichment for the animal, carving the team abbreviations ESP and ARG into the fruit and decorating each with the respective national flag.

After the enrichment items were placed inside the enclosure, Moo Deng walked directly to the fruit platter bearing Argentina's flag, drawing cheers and laughter from spectators. The selection was interpreted as the hippo's prediction that Argentina will lift the 2026 World Cup trophy.

Narongwit Chodchoi, director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, said the activity was organised to entertain visitors while promoting animal enrichment, which encourages natural behaviours, provides exercise, reduces stress and supports proper nutrition.

He stressed that the prediction was intended solely as a fun promotional activity and not as encouragement or support for gambling, which is illegal in Thailand. The zoo added that, regardless of the actual result of the World Cup final, the event was designed to bring smiles to visitors and football fans around the world.

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Police

Big Ranya: Thailand's National Police Deputy Commander Candidate

Samran Nualma, known as "Big Ranya," rose through Thailand's police ranks on merit alone to become deputy national police commander, driven by a childhood trauma to protect others and shaped by three decades of hands-on work across every po

18 Jul Khaosod

Samran Nualma, known as "Big Ranya" in police circles, rose from humble beginnings with no family connections to become deputy national police commander. He graduated from the 34th Military Preparatory School and the 50th Police Cadet Class, starting his career like any other young officer with empty hands on his first day at the station.

Unlike many generals who fade from memory after leaving office, Samran's name resurfaces whenever a major national crisis occurs. His motivation was not a childhood dream of wearing a uniform, but a traumatic memory of witnessing his father bullied by someone powerful with no one to help. This became the spark that drove his ambition to become someone others could rely on.

Over thirty years later, he became deputy national police commander, and his entire path was built on merit, not luck. In 1997, he began at Phra Khanong Station as a deputy investigation officer, a seemingly ordinary job listening to complaints and gathering evidence piece by piece. Yet this document-heavy work taught him something crucial: police stations are where citizens judge the entire police system.

In 2003, he moved to detective work at Thonglor Station, combining his investigative knowledge with detective skills, realizing the two disciplines cannot be separated. Soon after, he joined Unit 191, the special operations command, which became his second home and shaped the rest of his police career. He worked through nearly every type of operation, from tracking hired gunmen to shutting down illegal gun factories to building social media-based drug investigation systems still used by police today.

In 2011, while commanding Don Mueang Station, Bangkok flooded devastatingly and destroyed the station building. While others waited for water to recede, he waded through floodwaters to assess the area, relocated operations temporarily, and rapidly restored the station to accept reports as quickly as possible. He then continued improving the station, earning it recognition as an outstanding police station—not just for appearance but proven results, solving 100 percent of serious robbery cases.

This approach showed that good leaders don't sit waiting for orders; they get their hands dirty. Few police officers have worked across all divisions as Samran has—from investigation to detective work to crime prevention to traffic to administration. This breadth explains why in a crisis, he immediately knows who should do what, following the principle: "Put the right man on the right job."

When the February 8, 2020 terminal shooting crisis occurred—a soldier's rampage at Terminal 21 in Korat killing 31 and wounding 58—Samran commanded Unit 191 and received orders to lead the response.

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National

Government, Private Sector Partner to Build Skilled Workforce

The Thai government is partnering with 35 private companies to address a skills-market mismatch, with over 311,000 job openings available but 25,000 bachelor's degree holders still unemployed. The 'Thai Has Jobs' platform will better connec

18 Jul Khaosod

The government is partnering with the private sector to develop a highly skilled workforce and match job seekers with suitable positions through the 'Thai Has Jobs' platform, addressing unemployment among recent graduates and creating stable, well-paying jobs while boosting the country's long-term competitiveness.

On July 18, Deputy Prime Minister's Spokesperson Patdarasmi Thongsluay revealed that the government, through the Ministry of Labor, prioritizes solving employment issues for new graduates and developing a labor force aligned with business needs.

The initiative integrates cooperation with 35 leading private companies to implement a 'public-private partnership for building skilled workers' approach, using employer demands as the foundation for workforce skill development so job seekers, especially new graduates, can find positions matching their potential and grow professionally.

Data from the 'Thai Has Jobs' platform shows over 311,983 job openings are available, yet more than 25,000 bachelor's degree holders remain jobless, revealing a skills-market mismatch. Most unemployed individuals are highly educated, first-time job seekers aged 20-29, making workforce development aligned with technological and industrial changes a critical challenge requiring all sectors to collaborate.

Thongsluay stated that beyond skill development, the government is also upgrading the 'Thai Has Jobs' platform to serve as a hub linking job vacancies with the private sector's skill requirements, improving job matching efficiency and reducing labor shortages. The platform will also help government training curricula better address market needs and support potential legal and benefit reforms favoring future employment.

The government believes solving unemployment requires matching people with jobs rather than simply creating more positions, preparing workers for emerging industries and high-value investments to create stable, well-paying work and strengthen the country's long-term competitiveness.

Job seekers and employers wishing to post openings on the Thai Has Jobs website can contact provincial employment offices nationwide, Bangkok Metropolitan Employment Office branches 1-10, or the Department of Employment hotline 1506 extension 2.

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