Malaysia's head coach Tan Cheng Hoe acknowledged that two prior matches have impacted his team's fitness heading into their August 1 showdown against Thailand in Group B of the 2026 AFF Suzuki Cup at Rajamangala Stadium. Cheng Hoe stated that he respects Thailand as a top Asian team with technically skilled and experienced players, and that Malaysia aims for a good result while gaining experience for his squad. He noted that the absence of key player Endrick due to injury forced them to reorganize their tactics, but the team morale remains strong and players are in good spirits. Reflecting on their 2018 meeting at the same venue where Malaysia reached the final, Cheng Hoe said that while eight years have passed and circumstances have changed, he hopes for another positive result. He acknowledged that playing three matches prior has left Malaysia slightly less fit than Thailand, but stated they will not use fatigue as an excuse. Malaysian striker Seizo Agero added that the team has improved through their two previous matches and understands how Thailand plays, expressing hope for a good result.

Changan has partnered with NING SERVICE by CATL to launch Thailand's first EV battery service center—also the company's first such facility outside China, with phase-one investment of 30 million baht.

Ma Jian Yong, Vice President of Customer Experience (Service Centers and Operations) at Changan Auto, said the battery and e-drive service center represents Changan's first overseas facility of its kind, offering comprehensive expertise in battery systems and e-drive technology.

The partnership is a strategic collaboration between Changan and CATL. Thailand is one of Southeast Asia's most important EV markets and a key market in Changan's global business expansion strategy. The partnership brings advanced technology, professional equipment, and globally standardized service processes to Thailand, ensuring customers of all Changan EV brands—Avatar, Deepal, Lumina, and NEVO—receive trust, safety, and confidence throughout their ownership experience.

Phase one invests 30 million baht to import EV battery maintenance tools and equipment from China, while training Thai technicians. Services will launch this August.

Wu Xiaogang, Customer Officer and Vice President of Changan Auto Southeast Asia, stated that Changan remains committed to delivering the best vehicle experience to Thai customers. Opening Thailand's first comprehensive battery and e-drive service center underscores Changan's commitment to long-term customer care and tangible after-sales service improvements.

Through partnership with NING SERVICE by CATL, a global battery technology leader, Changan can provide world-class, advanced technology battery and e-drive system care—the heart of every EV—as Thailand's first comprehensive service offering. This also marks Changan's first battery service center outside China. Beyond maintenance, the center delivers after-sales confidence and builds trust in Changan EV ownership.

Guo Wei, Deputy General Manager of Channels and International Networks at NING SERVICE, said NING SERVICE by CATL leverages CATL's technological strengths to develop comprehensive EV care services throughout product lifespan and expand after-sales coverage. The Changan partnership combines both companies' strengths perfectly, merging CATL's advanced battery technology with Changan's expertise to deliver high-quality, rapid service to Changan EV users in Thailand. Both parties will continue seeking new opportunities and collaboration models in the global EV after-sales market to drive industry growth and support sustainable energy transition.

On July 31, 2026, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin officially opened the 'Hiking School—First Steps into the Forest with Understanding' project at Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The program aims to elevate Thailand's nature tourism while supporting conservation efforts, building a nationwide network of 'conservation hiking instructors,' and promoting the 'Leave No Trace' philosophy as standard practice among Thai travelers.

Minister Suchat emphasized that the government prioritizes natural resource conservation alongside sustainable tourism development. He noted that creating quality tourists and knowledgeable staff is essential for long-term forest protection. The hiking school will instill knowledge, skills, and conservation awareness among both officials and the public to ensure sustainable growth in nature tourism.

According to Parks Department Director Arthapol Jarangchantrasaan, hiking popularity has surged but many trail users lack proper knowledge and skills, leading to accidents, litter, and ecosystem disruption. The hiking school addresses this by training staff as 'conservation hiking instructors' capable of effectively teaching tourists about environmental responsibility.

In fiscal year 2026, the Parks Department completed five training courses with 175 graduates and allocated funding to establish 'Hiking Schools' in 133 national parks and 20 forest parks nationwide. Khao Yai National Park, Thailand's first national park and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, serves as the pilot model before expanding to parks throughout the country, with the goal of raising Thailand's nature tourism standards to international levels and making 'Leave No Trace' a universal practice among all visitors.

On July 31, 2025, at the Central Investigation Police Bureau, officials reported progress in a corruption case involving a rigged local government civil service recruitment examination. Rueangdech Sirikij, director of Srinakharinwirot University's education and psychology testing center, along with four others from a residence in Nonthaburi province, arrived for questioning starting at 7:00 a.m. Investigators conducted separate detailed interviews lasting over six hours.

During questioning, all five individuals cooperated with investigators and acknowledged certain facts and details related to the incident, but maintained their denials of the charges. Their statements were recorded for use alongside other evidence being gathered. Specifically, Rueangdech acknowledged that he delivered a flash drive to Win, a suspect arrested earlier, but insisted he was merely following job instructions or his terms of reference on orders from Theerutt Suphavibulyaphol, the former permanent secretary of the Department of Local Administration. He stated the two knew each other through their work in education circles.

Meanwhile, investigators continue calling other related individuals for additional information. Theerutt Suphavibulyaphol requested a postponement of his scheduled interview and has been rescheduled for August 6, while other individuals involved have asked to defer their statements until August 10. Investigators will continue questioning related parties before proceeding with the legal process.

The Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) is expanding public access to data protection knowledge through its free "PDPC e-Learning" platform, an online learning system open to the public and professionals from all sectors. The platform allows users to learn about personal data protection at no cost, accessible from anywhere and at any time, eliminating financial and travel barriers. Learners can study flexibly on their own schedule, and upon completing the course and meeting requirements, they receive an e-Certificate from the PDPC to document their learning and support career and organizational development.

Pol. Col. Surpong Phlangkham, Secretary-General of the Personal Data Protection Committee, explained that PDPC e-Learning is an important mechanism to make data protection knowledge accessible and widely available to the public. The PDPC designed the curriculum for both professionals who collect, use, or disclose personal data and general citizens seeking to understand their rights and how to protect their information.

"PDPC e-Learning aims to remove barriers to learning—whether cost, time, location, or travel. Learners can study and manage their own schedules through our online system, and upon completion and meeting standards, they receive a certificate from the PDPC that can help develop their personal and organizational capabilities," Surpong said, noting the platform leverages digital technology to broaden access to data protection knowledge.

Surpong reported strong uptake since launch, with nearly 80,000 registered learners already exceeding initial targets, demonstrating significant public interest in learning about personal data protection. He added that in an era where digital technology and artificial intelligence play an increasingly large role in daily life, data protection should not be viewed merely as a legal burden or one department's responsibility, but rather as an organizational culture and shared responsibility across society—from collecting only necessary data to using it appropriately, maintaining security, and respecting data subjects' rights.

The PDPC curriculum contributes to raising Thailand's data protection standards nationally, as the knowledge gained helps reduce data breach incidents, close gaps that criminals might exploit, and build confidence in Thailand's digital economy and society. The PDPC will continue developing and updating the PDPC e-Learning curriculum to address evolving laws, technologies, and risk patterns, while expanding the knowledge base to all organizations and population groups.