Rayong residents have lodged complaints about a large Chinese-backed IT data center project that operates around the clock, causing severe environmental and quality-of-life impacts in their community. The 100-rai facility, located in Moo 6, Huai Maha community, Ban Khlong subdistrict, Ban Khlong district, features worker camps, construction cranes, and constant heavy truck traffic. Local resident Noi, 60, reported that the 24-hour construction generates deafening noise from pile driving, dust clouds, and air pollution that forced him and his family to relocate to rental housing elsewhere.

Noi stated that previous complaints to authorities have yielded no progress, calling for officials to investigate government accountability and environmental and safety impacts. Ban Khlong subdistrict headman Uthai Samaun noted that the site, on the edge of the Khlong Phraya-Phu Dor forest ridge with intact woodland and wildlife habitat, was formerly an abandoned golf course sold to Chinese investors without community consultation. He reported unauthorized canal filling to create construction space, disrupting public waterways, and no government agency has yet investigated or taken action.

The community remains deeply concerned about future environmental damage from massive electricity consumption, cooling systems, water use, wastewater, and electronic waste that could harm nearby canals. Officials are withholding final approval pending comprehensive environmental assessment. The project is listed as a large IT data center with 57,130.35 square meters of usable space, building dimensions of approximately 92 by 192 meters, and is currently under construction. No official statement has yet been provided by the project company or relevant government agencies.

A US anti-aging medicine specialist has warned that beyond food choices, "beverages" consumed daily can significantly impact heart health, particularly drinks high in sugar, alcohol, or artificial sweeteners. Regular consumption of such drinks may increase the long-term risk of heart and cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Vassily Eliopoulos, an anti-aging medicine expert from Cornell University and co-founder and chief medical officer of Longevity Health, disclosed on March 24 that many people prioritize food selection but overlook the impact of beverages on cardiovascular health.

Five Beverages to Limit:

1. Coffee with High Sugar and Artificial Cream: While black coffee has research supporting health benefits, adding sugar, flavored syrups, or large amounts of cream significantly reduces nutritional value. A large latte with flavored syrup may contain up to 50 grams of sugar—more like dessert than a health drink.

2. Sports Electrolyte Drinks: These typically contain high levels of carbohydrates and calories, with some containing food coloring. Unless engaging in intense exercise or continuous athletic competition, most people have little need for carbohydrates from such drinks, as plain water combined with proper electrolyte intake suffices.

3. Alcoholic Beverages: Regular alcohol consumption may elevate blood pressure, affect sleep quality, and trigger inflammation—all factors increasing cardiovascular disease risk.

4. Sugar-Free Soft Drinks: While many choose diet sodas hoping to reduce health impact, synthetic sweeteners may stimulate insulin release and affect gut microbiota balance. Some large studies have found correlations between consuming such drinks and cardiovascular disease risk, though causation remains unclear.

5. High-Sugar Fruit Juice: While fresh fruit is beneficial, fruit juice differs. It contains natural sugars in high amounts but minimal fiber, allowing rapid absorption and quick blood sugar spikes. This may elevate triglyceride levels and trigger increased pancreatic insulin production.

Three Long-Term Heart Health Behaviors:

Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, a US cardiologist, notes that normal health check results don't guarantee complete heart strength. Heart health requires continuous behavioral adjustments, including:

1. Sleep at least seven hours nightly, as prolonged sleep deprivation may increase blood pressure, trigger inflammation, and elevate stress hormones like cortisol.

2. Exercise regularly to strengthen heart muscle and enable efficient blood circulation.

The death toll from the Ladprao beer bar fire has climbed to 37 after another victim, a 25-year-old female customer, died at Ratchavithi Hospital on July 29, 2025. The fire occurred in the early morning hours of July 12–13, initially killing 36 people and injuring 79 others. Investigators have been gathering evidence and have already interviewed more than 150 witnesses as they build their case. The deceased's remains will be transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police Hospital before being returned to family for funeral arrangements according to their faith.

Deputy Transport Minister Sarrapeetch Bunyamani is spearheading a new dual-track railway project from Chumphon to Ranong to complete a critical missing link in Thailand's rail network. Thailand is entering a crucial phase of infrastructure development, moving from individual project investment to integrated transportation networks where roads, railways, ports, airports, and border crossings work together to enhance the nation's long-term competitiveness. The minister emphasized that modern infrastructure development means connecting existing investments to operate efficiently and maximize economic value for transportation and goods movement.

The Chumphon-Ranong railway project is vital for Thailand's transport network, filling a gap that will allow the main rail network to connect to Andaman deep-sea ports for the first time. Spanning approximately 110 kilometers with investment exceeding 27 billion baht, this strategic link completes the country's rail system like the final puzzle piece. When completed, goods from the north, northeast, central, and southern regions can be transported directly to Ranong port by rail without shifting to truck transport in the final stage, reducing logistics costs, shipping time, and strengthening Thai goods' competitiveness globally.

The project also gives Thailand flexibility in connecting trade across both the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman coast. The main rail network will continue connecting to major Gulf ports like Laem Chabang, Bangkok, and Map Ta Phut, while also linking to Ranong as the gateway to the Indian Ocean, connecting with BIMSTEC member countries and Middle Eastern and African markets. When roads, railways, ports, airports, and border stations work efficiently together, Thailand can become a regional logistics hub, reduce supply chain risks, and ensure long-term economic security. The project will boost the economies of Chumphon and Ranong provinces, attracting warehousing, distribution centers, logistics businesses, and related industries, creating employment and income while opening markets for southern agricultural products, seafood, and processed goods.

Many people may not realize that spending prolonged periods on the toilet while using their phones or reading can unknowingly cause hemorrhoids, doctors warn. Gastroenterologists explain that when sitting on the toilet for extended periods, gravity causes blood to accumulate in the rectal area, increasing pressure on blood vessels and potentially leading to hemorrhoid development. Hemorrhoids occur when veins in the anal and lower rectum areas become swollen, causing pain, itching, discomfort, and sometimes bleeding.

Medical experts recommend not sitting for defecation longer than 10-15 minutes and avoiding phone use or reading in the bathroom. If straining without results, patients should stand up and return when the urge returns, rather than straining forcefully, as strong straining also increases pressure on rectal blood vessels. Beyond toilet habits, constipation is a major contributing factor that can be prevented through adequate water intake, consuming at least 25-30 grams of fiber daily, regular exercise, and avoiding holding back bowel movements. If behavioral changes don't help, doctors may recommend laxatives or stool softeners.

For pregnant women, hemorrhoids are common and harder to prevent. Doctors suggest using a footstool to elevate the feet slightly while on the toilet to make defecation easier without straining, and cleaning the anal area with water or wet tissue instead of dry toilet paper to reduce irritation. Doctors emphasize that anyone experiencing persistent symptoms or frequent bleeding should consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.