Farmers dependent on the Kok, Sai, Ruak, and Mekong rivers have called on the government to urgently address contamination from upstream mining operations and make it a national priority. Water quality tests at 22 sampling points conducted June 15–19, 2569 revealed continued arsenic exceedances in the Sai River, while the Kok River remained mostly within standards except at border areas. The Ruak and Mekong rivers showed arsenic levels within limits in water but dangerous levels of heavy metal accumulation in sediment, particularly at Chiang Khong on the Mekong, along with heavy metal contamination in soil, crops, fish, and groundwater in multiple locations. Although many samples remain below standard thresholds, they reflect an ongoing accumulation trend in the environment.

Farmers reported that murky water, sediment buildup, and increasingly severe flooding over recent years have reduced yields, requiring more frequent dredging in some areas. They called on the government to urgently negotiate with upstream nations to address the root cause rather than relying only on domestic budget allocations to manage the symptoms. Somkiat Khueanchaisa, chair of the Mae Nam for Life Association, said the group will compile proposals and feedback from all river basins from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and urge the government to designate Kok River basin pollution a national agenda item, demanding strict upstream mining controls and wastewater treatment to restore environmental quality and public confidence long-term.

Dr. Suebsakul Kitnukor revealed that the government has made progress securing new raw water sources for tap water supply to over 40,000 households in Chiang Rai to reduce long-term risks from using Kok River water. Plans also include establishing a laboratory in Chiang Rai Province to analyze water, soil, crops, and aquatic animals, with results available within seven days. However, the root cause—mining activities in neighboring countries—requires serious resolution through negotiations between the Thai government and relevant nations to sustainably end basin pollution.

The family of a Thai woman arrested in Japan after authorities allegedly found crystal methamphetamine hidden inside a coffee packet in her luggage is urging Thai police to investigate what they believe may be an international drug trafficking scheme exploiting parcel couriers.

The 28-year-old woman, identified as Juthathip Thongnoi, traveled to Japan on 11 July with her boyfriend and another companion. The group worked as couriers, transporting parcels for Thai customers living in Japan.

According to her family, the group departed from Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport on a Thai AirAsia flight and arrived at Fukuoka Airport on the morning of 12 July, where customs officials inspected their luggage.

Juthathip was detained after authorities allegedly discovered methamphetamine concealed inside a coffee packet packed among the items she was carrying, her family said.

Her boyfriend, Sarawut Klabdee, said Juthathip had operated a Line group called THIENTHIEN SHOP since last year, offering parcel delivery services between Thailand and Japan.

He said that on 10 July, a customer using the Line name "ing ing" contacted the group and hired them to carry a 12-kilogram package to Japan for a fee of 3,600 baht. The package was sealed with heavy tape, and he was unsure whether Juthathip had opened it to inspect its contents.

Sarawut said the same customer had previously used the service in May, so they did not suspect anything unusual.

After arriving in Japan, all three travelers were questioned by airport authorities for about 11 hours. Sarawut and the third traveler were later released, while Juthathip remained in custody.

He said the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Fukuoka initially informed the family that authorities had detected a stimulant substance but did not specify where it had been found. On 22 July, the family received formal notification that crystal meth had allegedly been discovered inside a coffee packet.

The group had transported nine parcels on the trip. Sarawut said every customer collected their items except the person using the Line name "ing ing," who never showed up and later blocked all contact. He added that the payment had been transferred from a bank account under the name HO THI MAI.

Juthathip's mother, Kanyawee Fuengphian, said the family filed a police report at Bang Bua Thong Police Station after being notified of her daughter's arrest by the Thai consulate on 22 July.

She said they reviewed security camera footage from their daughter's housing estate and have already handed evidence to investigators in hopes of identifying the person who delivered the parcel.

The family acknowledged that Juthathip had failed to inspect the package before transporting it, but insisted she had never been involved with drugs.

They are now calling on Thai authorities to investigate the individual who entrusted the parcel to her and determine whether the case is linked to other recent incidents involving drugs hidden in packages carried by unsuspecting couriers.

Mae Sai District Chief Warayuth Khombun has issued a public alert to Thai nationals crossing the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge into Tachileik, Myanmar, warning them to carefully study Myanmar's laws and regulations and comply strictly with all rules to avoid illegal actions. While border crossings may be for tourism, shopping, or personal business, travelers must be cautious of activities that could violate Myanmar law, such as entering restricted zones, traffic violations, gambling, involvement in illegal business, photography in prohibited areas, or other actions that contravene local regulations—violations that could result in Myanmar authorities detaining, investigating, and prosecuting offenders. Travelers are advised to carry complete identification documents, follow instructions from both Thai and Myanmar officials, and immediately seek assistance from border officials or relevant Thai government agencies if they encounter emergencies or unusual situations in order to ensure safe travel and prevent problems arising from violations of neighboring country laws.

History in the making: eight legendary Thai rock artists will unite on stage to shake IMPACT for rock fans across the country at "Fungthon Rock Festival 2026." EventX and EntLabThailand present this monumental rock music celebration on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at IMPACT EXHIBITION CENTER (Halls 5-6).

Led by Sek Loso, Thailand's beloved rock legend and composer of countless hit songs, the lineup features Da Endorphine, a powerhouse diva vocalist whose rare festival appearances make this an unmissable opportunity. Slot Machine brings their signature sharp-suited style and falsetto vocals, while Silly Fools will ignite the crowd with their distinctive sound. Bank Preeti, the charming raspy-voiced Y2K rock icon, takes the stage alongside Sweet Mullet, who will create intense mosh pits. Lomosonic, known for must-see live energy, and Zeal, masters of catchy hooks and heartfelt anthems from the 2000s, complete the lineup.

Beyond the powerhouse roster, the production features world-class lighting, sound, and visuals befitting a giant concert event. Ticket sales open Friday, July 31, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Early-bird standing room is priced at 999 baht (normally 1,300 baht) through August 2, with seated tickets at 1,500 and 2,000 baht. Tickets available through I Have Ticket (www.ihaveticket.com) and onsite. For more information, contact ENTLAB TICKET at 06-3183-1168.

National police arrested Mr. Nguyen Tran Dang Khoa, 37, a Vietnamese national, on July 26, 2025, at a condominium in the Sathorn area. He faces charges of involvement in a transnational criminal organization under arrest warrant 573/2569 from Taling Chan Criminal Court. Police seized three laptop computers, mobile phones, SIM cards, 1.18 million Vietnamese dong, 210,000 Cambodian riel, and 23,060 baht.

Investigation revealed that Khoa withdrew 9,500 baht from accounts linked to Sompong, a previously arrested suspect, before traveling back to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Police identified Khoa as the network's administrator and programmer responsible for managing the accounts used in the ice drug smuggling operation. Computer analysis uncovered backend systems for over 20 Vietnamese online gambling websites, suggesting Khoa maintained these sites. He claimed the withdrawn money was payment for system management work.

The operation involves a Vietnamese group using Thai "mule accounts" for money transfers. Sompong, the account holder, was arrested earlier on July 14, 2025. Khoa denies all allegations, claiming he is an IT engineer employed by a Chinese employer in Dubai and works in gold and stock trading, unrelated to drugs. He asserts the withdrawn funds were translation work payments. Police detained him for further investigation into other network members. Authorities warn the public to be cautious about accepting packages for transport abroad and to report suspicious parcels immediately.

A Malaysian employee who has worked at the same company for 12 years has shared a frustrating experience after receiving a warning for closing his eyes while thinking about work—his supervisor accused him of sleeping on the job. After the company changed its managing director, the employee says his work life has become a "nightmare."

The employee claims the new manager employs a micromanagement style that controls every detail of work, leaving staff with almost no opportunity to share ideas and expecting them to follow orders without question.

Since the new manager took over, the employee has felt increasingly demoralized, especially after receiving two warnings for what he views as minor mistakes. He says the manager controls nearly every aspect of the business—finance, sales, administration, and even small office details—creating a high-pressure work environment.

The employee also noted that the company provides comprehensive benefits for foreign managers, including housing, travel allowances, and school fees for their children, yet constantly tells staff that business is struggling and blames the sales department.

The first warning came after he took emergency leave, with the manager claiming he failed to follow company procedures, apparently confusing emergency leave with vacation. The second warning was even more troubling: he was accused of "sleeping during work hours." The employee insists that on the day in question, he was simply sitting at his desk with his eyes closed to collect his thoughts, but this was misinterpreted as sleeping on the job. "I was just closing my eyes to organize my thoughts, but it was seen as secretly sleeping during work," he said.

The employee also noted that many colleagues are constantly criticized and scrutinized, losing confidence in their work. Under the new manager, frontline employees' opinions are barely heard, and minor mistakes can result in warnings. Additionally, long-standing foreign clients that the team had built relationships with have been transferred back to the headquarters, causing staff to lose accounts and responsibilities.

Although the employee has considered quitting countless times, he cannot easily make that decision. With advancing age, finding a new job is difficult, and he must support elderly family members, raise children, and cover various expenses including a mortgage, car payments, and medical bills.

"Every day I struggle with my own feelings while bearing the pressure of work. I can only endure and quietly look for a new job, hoping one day to work under a manager who values employees and treats everyone with respect," he said.

The story has attracted significant online attention, with many commenters noting that micromanagement can create stress for employees and harm workplace atmosphere in the long term. Some view the warning for briefly closing his eyes as overly strict interpretation without clear evidence of actual negligence.