Fisherman's Find: Infant's Body Discovered Under Bridge

A fisherman discovered an abandoned infant's body wrapped in plastic beneath a bridge in Nakhon Ratchasima on July 17, prompting police to investigate suspected infanticide and search for the mother.

17 Jul Khaosod

On July 17, Lieutenant Somyong Paenggam of Sisaket Police Station in Nakhon Ratchasima received a report of an infant's body found abandoned near the Chakrachad River at Ban Wang Wari Bridge in Sisaket District. Officers and rescue volunteers discovered a female infant, aged approximately 4-5 months and not yet at full term, wrapped in a plastic bag beneath the bridge. The body showed severe damage from aquatic animals, with the head missing. It was transported to Chakrachad Hospital for autopsy.

Police learned that a local fisherman, who regularly fished under the bridge, noticed fish swarming around something in a plastic bag. He fired his dart gun hoping to catch fish, but was shocked to discover the infant when retrieving his catch. He immediately reported the discovery to authorities.

Investigators theorize that the child's mother may have induced a premature delivery after an unplanned pregnancy, with the father refusing responsibility. The body was then discarded to conceal the crime. Police have ordered a review of surveillance footage along nearby routes and are checking records of pregnant women in surrounding communities to identify and prosecute the mother.

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National

Royal Irrigation Plans Khlong Ichi Dam to Secure Water Supply

Thailand's Royal Irrigation Department is advancing the Khlong Ichi Dam project in Kamphaeng Phet Province to address chronic water shortages and boost agricultural and domestic water security in the region.

17 Jul Khaosod

The Royal Irrigation Department is advancing feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments for the Khlong Ichi Reservoir Project in Khlong Lan District, Kamphaeng Phet Province, as part of the Khlong Suan Mak Watershed Development Plan. The project aims to strengthen water security, resolve chronic water shortages, and improve living standards for area residents sustainably.

On July 16, 2026, the department organized a mobile media event and presented site selection study results for the Khlong Ichi Reservoir Project at Kamphaeng Phet Provincial Hall and conducted field outreach in the Noen Sawang area, Nab Bo Kham Subdistrict. The activities aimed to build public understanding of water resource development based on scientific data, facts, and community participation.

The Khlong Ichi Reservoir Project is a key strategy for water management in Kamphaeng Phet Province, designed to increase dry-season water storage capacity and ease water scarcity for domestic use and agriculture. The project will enhance water security for communities and the productive sector in the Khlong Suan Mak basin, which has experienced persistent water supply fluctuations.

Beyond immediate water needs, the project is part of long-term water resource management planning to adapt to climate change, which is making water availability increasingly variable due to both severe droughts and irregular rainfall patterns. The Royal Irrigation Department prioritizes impact assessment across all dimensions—environmental, social, and economic—while inviting public and stakeholder input throughout the study process.

The field visit was a critical opportunity to gather community feedback firsthand, ensuring the project develops in a comprehensive, transparent manner that maximizes community benefit. Feedback received will inform the complete feasibility study. The Royal Irrigation Department confirmed its commitment to developing water resources while protecting public welfare and natural resources, aiming to create sustainable water security for all sectors to support community growth and future area development, ultimately improving quality of life in Kamphaeng Phet Province.

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Weather

Thailand Braces for Heavy Rain Over Next Week

Thailand's Meteorological Department warns of heavy rainfall and flooding risk from July 20-23, with thunderstorms and strengthening monsoon winds affecting the entire country, particularly the northern and western central regions.

17 Jul Khaosod

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a seven-day weather forecast for July 17-23, 2025. From July 17-19, Thailand will continue experiencing thunderstorms due to a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam, with moderate southwest monsoon winds affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Waves in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand will be moderate, standing 1-2 meters high in the northern regions, with heights exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

From July 20-23, rainfall will increase significantly with heavy showers expected, especially in the northern region and the western side of the central region. A low-pressure system will cover Laos and northern Vietnam, while the southwest monsoon will strengthen. Waves will remain moderate, about 2 meters in the upper Andaman Sea and exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm zones.

Publics in Thailand, particularly the northern and western central regions, are urged to prepare for the dangers of heavy and accumulated rainfall between July 20-23, which may cause flash floods, stream flooding, and overflow in foothill areas and low-lying zones. The Meteorological Department provided regional forecasts: the North will see 30-40 percent thunderstorms on July 18-19, increasing to 60-70 percent with heavy rain on July 20-23. The Northeast will experience 20-30 percent thunderstorms July 17-20, rising to 40-60 percent with heavy showers July 21-23. The Central region will see 20-40 percent thunderstorms July 17-20, then 30-40 percent with heavy western showers July 21-23. The East will have 30-40 percent thunderstorms throughout, while the southern east coast will see 20-30 percent July 17-19, increasing to 30-40 percent July 20-23.

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Regional

Second Resort Demolished at Khao Yai After Court Order

A luxury resort at Khao Yai National Park has voluntarily demolished eight structures covering 11 rai after a final court order, the second such demolition as authorities crack down on illegal encroachment within the protected area.

17 Jul Khaosod

A luxury resort owner has voluntarily demolished structures within Khao Yai National Park, marking the second such voluntary demolition following a final court order. The structures being demolished number eight items covering approximately 11 rai 3 ngan 28 square wah of land.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin announced that the government continues to verify land rights within Khao Yai National Park according to the 1997 park boundaries. The verification process for residents in zones 2 and part of 4 must be completed within six months to clearly distinguish legitimate residents from commercial encroachers and capitalist operators. This will protect affected residents' rights while strictly enforcing the law against violators in a transparent and fair manner.

According to a report from Arthapol Charunchansai, director of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the resort owner submitted a request on July 7, 2569 and began demolition on July 14-15, 2569. The case originated from an inspection on May 1, 2555 that found forest encroachment. The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court ruled on July 9, 2567 ordering complete demolition and requiring the owner to pay 300,000 baht in damages plus interest.

Pravatsatat Chanthep, head of Khao Yai National Park, reported the demolition is 50 percent complete and should finish by July 30, 2569. A related project at Imphubhill Resort is 70 percent complete, with delays caused by continuous rain. The park is preparing notices to 15 hotel and resort operators whose administrative court cases have concluded, ordering them to notify their intention to demolish structures within 15 days or face forced demolition by the park authorities.

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National

Committee Convenes to Revoke 3,621 Local Officials Over Exam Fraud

A civil service committee convened to consider revoking appointments of 3,621 local officials who showed exam score abnormalities, though uncertainty remained over which agency has authority to enforce such revocations.

17 Jul Khaosod

The central civil service examination committee for local government officials (GSTL) convened on July 17, 2025, at the Department of Local Administration to consider revoking the appointments of 3,621 local officials from the first group whose test scores exhibited clear abnormalities. Permanent Secretary Artchit Samphantharat chaired the meeting, with committee chairman Wanchai Janphorn and Deputy Permanent Secretary Nirat Pongsittathavorn in attendance.

Before the meeting, Wanchai acknowledged uncertainty regarding which authority—the GSTL or the central civil service and local government officials committee—holds the power to revoke the appointments. He stated the committee would await the meeting's formal resolution before clarifying authority. When pressed on potential legal challenges, Wanchai confirmed such concerns were part of the deliberation but deferred final judgment to the committee vote. He declined to predict whether consensus would emerge during the session, instead emphasizing the need to determine whether the GSTL possesses revocation authority based on the clear score irregularities identified.

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National

Thailand Launches Anti-Corruption Initiative With Private Sector

Thailand's Zero Corruption taskforce is shifting from planning to implementation with six anti-corruption strategies targeting the private sector, starting with a coordination meeting in July 2026. The initiative aims to reduce corruption t

17 Jul Khaosod

The Zero Corruption taskforce, chaired by Pornpet Aramwattananond, is transitioning from the planning phase to practical implementation following the establishment of six core anti-corruption strategies for the private sector. The first coordination committee meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2026, to set concrete operational plans for the remainder of the year.

The taskforce will advance six key approaches: public awareness campaigns, strengthened anti-corruption policies, risk management, technology adoption, public-sector data disclosure, and whistleblower protection. All initiatives will coordinate across government, private sector, and academic institutions.

A major activity is a closed-door dialogue scheduled for August 5, 2026, at the Thai Justice Institute (TIJ), bringing together business representatives, government agencies, academics, and experts to candidly discuss corruption risks and solutions. The dialogue will focus on identifying pain points in each sector, learning from successful anti-corruption cases, and proposing policy commitments to create transparent organizations in both public and private sectors.

Parallelly, the taskforce is coordinating with public-private subcommittees to reform secondary laws that obstruct business operations under the Reinvent Thailand initiative. Proposed legal and regulatory improvements will be completed within two months to reduce hidden costs, limit discretionary authority, and increase government service transparency. Pornpet emphasized that reducing corruption requires streamlining procedures, eliminating redundancy, and cutting unnecessary discretion—not enforcement alone.

The private sector supports the government's goal to achieve OECD membership by 2027, as governance standards, transparency, and corporate oversight are critical to enhancing national competitiveness. The sector is committed to full cooperation, recognizing that raising governance standards builds investor confidence, reduces business costs, and strengthens Thailand's long-term competitive position.

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National

Alcohol Industry Urges Overhaul of Zoning and Licensing Rules

Thailand's alcohol industry is calling for updated zoning and licensing regulations to strengthen safety standards, following a recent brewery fire in Bangkok that prompted the push for clearer guidelines.

17 Jul Khaosod

The Thai Alcoholic Beverage Business Association has called on the government to overhaul zoning and licensing regulations to strengthen safety standards. Association president Aunchali Phumiskriaew expressed deep condolences over a recent brewery fire in the Ladprao area of Bangkok and appealed for a review of zoning guidelines. The association strongly supports Bangkok's move to modernize and clarify zoning and licensing rules, emphasizing that clear safety standards will build confidence among both consumers and business operators. Aunchali stated that updating regulations to align with current service models is essential. She noted that clearly defined license categories will lead to targeted and systematic safety oversight and control, and the association is prepared to fully cooperate with all relevant agencies in this effort.

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National

Thai PM Visits Leading Chinese Robotics Firm AgiBot

Thai PM Anutin visited leading Chinese robotics firm AgiBot in Shanghai to explore AI and humanoid robot technology for advancing Thailand's industrial, medical, and elderly care sectors.

17 Jul Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited AgiBot, a leading Chinese robotics technology company, on July 17, 2025, in Shanghai to exchange knowledge on artificial intelligence and humanoid robots and advance Thailand's industrial, medical, and elderly care sectors.

The company develops comprehensive robotics technology including hardware, robotic operating systems, AI models, and training databases for diverse applications across manufacturing, logistics, services, and senior care. During the visit, AgiBot executives demonstrated the AGIBOT A3 robot wearing traditional Thai dress and greeting the PM in Thai, along with the AGIBOT X2 performing traditional Muay Thai demonstrations.

The PM received a briefing on AgiBot's three main robotics categories: humanoid robots designed for human interaction, industrial and warehouse robots, and specialized robots for patrol, security inspection, and commercial cleaning. Demonstrations included interactive robots capable of speaking Thai, retail robots, companion and rescue robots, calligraphy robots writing Chinese characters, and coffee-serving robots.

The Prime Minister stated that artificial intelligence and robotics technology play a crucial role in driving the global economy and represent a key target industry for Thailand. The government is committed to promoting investment in advanced technology, research and development, and digital and AI workforce development to enhance national competitiveness. He expressed confidence that collaboration between Thailand and leading Chinese technology firms will support knowledge transfer, workforce development, and the application of robotics technology in Thai industry and services.

AgiBot is China's leading humanoid robotics startup, backed by major global technology companies and investment funds. The company currently produces commercial-grade robots and ranks among the world's top humanoid robot manufacturers by delivery volume.

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Police

Police Seek Four More Suspects in Ice Drug Hidden in Pickled Tamarind

Police are hunting four more suspects in a methamphetamine smuggling ring that allegedly hid drugs in pickled tamarind pods destined for Japan. The arrest of primary suspect Somphong has exposed a network of about 15 people believed to be l

17 Jul Khaosod

Police are seeking four additional arrest warrants in an expanding methamphetamine smuggling investigation, bringing the suspected network to approximately 15 people. The case centers on methamphetamine hidden inside pickled tamarind pods that were intended to be smuggled to Japan by a hired courier. The primary suspect, 50-year-old Somphong, was arrested after the courier discovered the drugs and reported the matter to police. On July 17, Somphong told investigators he has been dating a Vietnamese woman for over a year, who is currently in Vietnam and was planning to return to Thailand in August. He claims he previously allowed his Vietnamese girlfriend to use his bank account for financial transactions because she is a foreigner and it was convenient for her banking needs, but he denies knowing what transactions were conducted through the account.

Investigators have not yet found direct evidence linking Somphong to the drug smuggling operation. However, they believe the gang is primarily led by a Vietnamese national working with Thai accomplices, and they suspect the network has successfully smuggled drugs multiple times using this method. The courier was paid 6,736 baht for this shipment, with the full amount transferred to her account. Police are now rushing to track down all network members and have filed for court approval to arrest four more suspects—three Thai nationals and one Vietnamese.

Somphong's younger brother visited him at Bang Yi Khan Police Station and told reporters the family was shocked by his arrest on drug charges. The brother stated that Somphong works for a government agency with insufficient income and frequently calls asking for help transferring small sums of 50–100 baht, arguing that if he were involved in a drug trafficking ring, he would not need to repeatedly ask family for money. Regarding the Vietnamese girlfriend, the brother said they only know the couple met at a restaurant in Bangkok before becoming romantically involved, and he was unaware that Somphong had given her access to his bank account. The family requested fair legal treatment and vowed to fight the charges and prove Somphong's innocence.

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National

Thai King and Queen Welcome Princess Anne

Princess Anne, sister of King Charles III, was received by Thai King and Queen on Thursday during the first day of her official two-day visit to Thailand, which includes engagements focused on education, health security and cultural exchang

17 Jul Khaosod

BANGKOK — Their Majesties the King and Queen on Thursday received Princess Anne, the Princess Royal of the United Kingdom, and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, at Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall in Dusit Palace during the royal couple's official visit to Thailand.

The audience took place at 17:07 on 16 July, the first day of Princess Anne's two-day visit to the kingdom. The Princess Royal is the younger sister of King Charles III.

Earlier in the day, Princess Anne and Sir Timothy visited Chumchonmoobanpattana School in Bangkok's Khlong Toei district, where she presided over a sporting event organized by Save the Children under her patronage in partnership with the Liverpool FC Foundation and the British Embassy in Bangkok.

The royal couple later met Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at Government House before visiting the Grand Palace to pay their respects to Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and Princess Bajrakitiyabha.

On Thursday evening, Princess Anne attended a reception marking the official birthday of King Charles III, hosted by the British Embassy at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. During the event, she met with Thai and British business leaders, investors, government representatives and members of various organizations.

Princess Anne and Sir Timothy are scheduled to conclude their official visit on Friday with a series of engagements across Bangkok. The Princess Royal will first meet Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn before presenting scholarships and awards for women in science and technology at Chulalongkorn University.

She will then visit the Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit at Mahidol University's Faculty of Tropical Medicine and officially launch the ASEAN-UK Health Security Partnership programme. Her itinerary also includes a visit to the Bangkok National Museum to view an exhibition on Thai-British historical relations, as well as the royal chariots, palanquins and funeral carriages prepared for the upcoming royal cremation ceremonies of Queen Sirikit and Princess Bajrakitiyabha.

The visit will conclude with a Thai-British cultural performance and a stage production based on a literary work by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) at the National Theatre.

British Ambassador to Thailand Mark Gooding said Princess Anne's fourth visit to Thailand reflected the long-standing and warm relationship between the United Kingdom and Thailand, as well as the important role played by the two royal families in strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Princess Anne previously visited Thailand in 1972, 1979 and 1987.

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National

Thai PM Pushes AI Governance Framework at Shanghai Conference

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul took the stage at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2026 in Shanghai, China, delivering a keynote address under the theme "AI Partnership for...

17 Jul Thailand.go.th Issues

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul took the stage at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2026 in Shanghai, China, delivering a keynote address under the theme "AI Partnership for...

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