Five Foods Not Safe in the Fridge Beyond One Week

Refrigerated foods stored beyond one week risk dangerous bacterial growth and aflatoxin, a heat-resistant carcinogen linked to liver cancer. Pickled vegetables, leafy greens, tropical fruits, and noodles are particularly vulnerable to mold

17 Jul Khaosod

Although refrigerators help preserve food and add convenience to daily life, storing both raw and cooked foods together for more than seven days risks bacterial contamination and the development of aflatoxin—a toxic mold-derived substance that damages health. Aflatoxin, produced naturally by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus molds, is classified by the WHO as a Group 1 carcinogen with clear evidence of causing cancer in humans. The toxin is heat-resistant and survives cooking at around 100 degrees Celsius, directly attacking liver cells and potentially leading to cirrhosis, acute liver failure, and significantly increased liver cancer risk. The humid, poorly ventilated environment inside refrigerators actually promotes mold growth in stored food.

Five high-risk foods include pickled vegetables, which accumulate nitrite over time—converting to the carcinogenic nitrosamine—and are further threatened by mold-induced aflatoxin. Leafy greens like kale, water spinach, and lettuce bruise easily and deteriorate within days at low temperatures as natural enzymes and microorganisms break them down, potentially producing harmful substances. Tropical fruits such as bananas, mangoes, papayas, and dragon fruit lose their quality and flavor when stored too long, darkening and softening, making them vulnerable to mold penetration and aflatoxin formation. Noodles and rice noodles also present risks when refrigerated extended periods. Nutrition experts recommend buying leafy greens in appropriate quantities and consuming them within one or two days, stored in a dry place away from direct sunlight rather than prolonged refrigeration.

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National

Thai Army Rejects Cambodia's Explanation for Border Gunfire

Thai military chief rejects Cambodia's explanation for gunfire incident near the border, stating the shots were deliberate rather than accidental and vowing stronger responses if such violations of the bilateral agreement continue.

17 Jul Khaosod

On July 17, 2025, at Parliament, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Chaiyapruet Duangprathuang addressed the latest Thai-Cambodian border incident in which three shots were fired from the Cambodian side near a Thai military base. He stated that Thai forces returned fire in accordance with established protocols, and that Cambodian commanders later contacted their Thai counterparts to discuss the matter. "We lodged a strong protest," the general said, "emphasizing that such incidents must not happen again. If they do, both sides must comply with the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Declaration. If Cambodia continues to violate the agreement, we will take appropriate action." When asked whether Cambodia provided an explanation for the three shots, Gen. Chaiyapruet flatly rejected their account, saying he does not believe claims that the gunfire resulted from undisciplined soldiers or other excuses. He stressed that Thailand views the incident as a deliberate action that warranted a response. Regarding 19 explosions reported along the border since April 2025, the general said Thailand has lodged formal complaints with Cambodia, as these incidents affect Thai civilians and troops and should not occur. He urged Cambodian forces to exercise restraint. On the Huay Tamaria Dam project in Sisaket province, Gen. Chaiyapruet confirmed that after discussions with the Irrigation Department, he briefed the Prime Minister, who approved proceeding with construction. The general stated the military is ready to support the project from whatever budget source—whether from the Irrigation Department, central budget, or military funds—as long as it serves national interests. The Irrigation Department is coordinating closely with Thailand's Second Army Region.

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National

Thailand Targets 5% Growth In Farmer Income Over Next Year

Thailand's Agriculture Ministry aims to increase farmer incomes by at least 5% within a year through innovation programs, improved water management, and expanded export markets, while addressing climate challenges and reducing production co

17 Jul Khaosod

Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives' 99-day performance report and outlined goals to boost Thai farmer incomes by at least 5 percent within one year. Joined by Deputy Agriculture Ministers Watcharapol Khaokhom and Piyarat Tiyapairat, Suriya outlined efforts to help farmers face climate crises from the super El Niño phenomenon, low crop prices, high production costs, illegal agricultural imports, and global trade barriers.

Over the past 99 days, the ministry has promoted upgrading Thai rice through innovation and sustainability by distributing high-yield rice varieties to farmers and encouraging alternating wet-dry farming methods to cut costs and water use. A low-carbon rice pilot program across 25 provinces covering 100,000 rai has reduced production costs by 24 percent and increased yields by 10 percent, with plans to expand to 500,000 rai by 2027.

The ministry has also integrated water management efforts across irrigation, land development, and royal rainmaking departments, opening 12 royal rainmaking operations covering 59 provinces to mitigate flooding and drought affecting over 2.5 million rai of agricultural land. A central command center has pursued 146 legal cases against illegal agricultural goods, seizing over 26 tons of frozen meat, while fresh durian exports exceeded 100,000 million baht in the first half of the year. The ministry is expanding fresh fruit markets in New Zealand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, and China, and is negotiating with Malaysia to resume Thai shrimp exports within 30 days.

The ministry has also streamlined regulations by amending nine outdated rules and reducing approval time from 14 days to one day. It is upgrading land rights documents into agricultural titles for use as collateral, partnering with the Agricultural Bank to suspend debt for 8,858 farmers totaling 940 million baht, and reducing cooperative member debt by over 9,300 million baht. Minister Suriya emphasized that global food security must begin with the security of Thai farmers, stating that the past 99 days mark only the beginning of change as the ministry commits to improving farmer quality of life, boosting agricultural competitiveness, and ensuring long-term food security for Thailand.

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National

Parliament Office Defends Car Rental Budget for House Speaker

Parliament's secretariat defended its 2.5 million baht car-rental budget for the House Speaker, explaining that four aging government vehicles reach their service limits in 2570 and must be replaced under regulations.

17 Jul Khaosod

At 11:50 a.m. on July 17, 2569, Sirojn Patthayphon, secretary-general of the House of Representatives, addressed criticism from Bangkok MP Phanthip Nuamjim of the Pheu Thai Party regarding the 2570 budget allocation for the Speaker's official vehicle. The House secretariat explained that the four parliamentary vehicles—the Speaker's car purchased on January 10, 2564, and the two deputy speakers' and opposition leader's cars purchased on April 16, 2564—were acquired during former Speaker Chuan Leekpai's tenure. All four vehicles will reach their six-year service limit on January 5, 2570, and April 16, 2570, during current Speaker Sophon Sarumitr's term.

Sirojn stated that since taking office, Sophon has informed the secretariat that he prefers to use his personal vehicle to save on fuel and maintenance costs, rather than using the government car. The two deputy speakers and opposition leader, however, indicated they would use their official vehicles.

When the four vehicles reached their six-year service limit, the secretariat determined it necessary to request a budget to procure replacement vehicles, in accordance with the 2523 Prime Minister's Office regulations governing government vehicles. The request to lease rather than purchase was made to reduce long-term maintenance and repair burdens, a practice adopted by many government agencies. The proposed rental budget of 5,421,600 baht for the Speaker's vehicle in 2570 conforms to Finance Ministry guidelines and equals the allocation for the opposition leader's vehicle.

Lt. Gen. Vichaisoong Sangpraipaip, an advisor to the Speaker, urged critics to verify facts before commenting, noting that Sophon has never used the government car during his tenure and has never claimed fuel expenses—a genuine saving of state funds.

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Tourism

Early Phi Phi Island Tours Beat Crowds at Maya Bay

Early departures from Phuket beat the crowds at Maya Bay, with a 6am speedboat leaving Boat Lagoon Marina arriving an hour ahead of the main fleet to find an empty beach and smaller group sizes capped at 18 adults.

17 Jul The Thaiger Travel

The best Phi Phi island tour from Phuket leaves at 6am and here is whyLegacyMost Phi Phi island tours from Phuket leave around 8am. They arrive at Maya Bay between 9 and 10am, the same window as the day-trip fleet from Krabi, Koh Lanta, and Phi Phi Don. The beach is crowded before most people have finished their breakfast. That is not a bad tour company. That is just how the schedule works when everyone runs the same departure time. Simba Sea Trips leaves Boat Lagoon Marina at 6am. The sunrise happens at sea The roughly one-hour-ten-minute speedboat crossing from Boat Lagoon Marina to the Phi Phi islands is not dead time. It is the best part of the morning. The Andaman sunrise breaks over open water during the transit south-east, with colour across the sky while the islands are still quiet. Guests are watching it from the boat, not from a beach car park.

The tour arrives at Maya Bay around 7.15am. That is about an hour ahead of the main day-tripper fleet. The beach is empty. The water is clear. The group is a maximum of 18 adults, at a time when other operators on the same route regularly carry 30 to 60 passengers per boat. By 8.30am, when the first day-tripper boats are pulling in, Simba’s group is already leaving for the next stop. What the day actually looks like The Phi Phi Sunrise Tour runs for eight hours across seven stops, with meaningful time at each rather than a drift-by. After Maya Bay: the emerald-water Pileh Lagoon, two snorkel reefs chosen on the day for conditions, a drift past the Viking Cave and Monkey Beach, and a final beach stop at either Bamboo Island or Koh Rang Yai depending on sea state. Lunch is back at Soho Pool Club at Boat Lagoon Marina — a proper sit-down buffet, not a boxed meal on the boat.

Everything is included in the price: hotel transfers from anywhere on the Phuket tourist coast, a light breakfast on arrival, the buffet lunch, soft drinks, coffee, fruit, snacks, snorkelling gear, life jackets, and national park fees. There is nothing to pay on the day beyond optional alcohol at the pool club after. Maya Bay closes each August and September for ecosystem restoration, as part of the national park’s annual conservation period. The closure has been a regular part of the Phi Phi calendar since the bay’s rehabilitation programme began, and during those months, Simba substitutes Bamboo Island, adjusting the itinerary without changing the structure of the day. Why the group size matters The Join-In tours cap at a maximum of 18 adults. That is not marketing language for a medium-sized group. On the water, it means a boat where the captain can slow down if someone spots a turtle, where there is no scramble for snorkel gear, and where the guide knows your name. Most shared tours in Phuket run on vessels built for 30, 40, or significantly more passengers. The economics make sense for the operator. The experience is different for the guest. Who runs the operation?

Phuket boat tours at this scale depend on the standard set at the top. Simba Sea Trips was founded in 2005 and is owner-operated by Paul Chappell, a 23-year professional airline captain who brought the same safety culture to marine operations that applies in commercial aviation. The marine safety standards the crews run on today were built by Chappell. Thai-licensed captains crew every boat. The company holds TAT Licence 34/02111. Nearly 6,000 verified reviews across TripAdvisor, Google, and GetYourGuide reflect two decades of that standard being applied consistently. More than 4,300 of those are on TripAdvisor alone, at a 4.9-star average. Simba has also won the Viator Experience Award in both 2024 and 2025. When is the best season? The Andaman coast runs best between November and April. The window for calm seas and reliable visibility at sites like Pileh Lagoon and the snorkel reefs around Phi Phi is firmly inside that dry season, which is also when demand for Phi Phi island tours from Phuket is highest. Booking ahead is worth doing during this period. The 18-adult cap fills faster than most guests expect.

The Phi Phi Sunset and Shark Tour is a second option running from November to April only, for those who prefer an afternoon departure and a different atmosphere on the water. Book or enquire Tours run year-round. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. Contact: sales@simbaseatrips.com | +66 81 787 7702 Sponsored The story The best Phi Phi island tour from Phuket leaves at 6am and here is why as seen on Thaiger News.

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Tourism

Phi Phi Island Cat Charms Tourists into Buying Treats

A clever cat on Phi Phi Island in Krabi has gone viral after leading tourists into a convenience store and persuading them to buy cat treats, with the feline now earning playful nicknames like "the Phi Phi scammer" for its charming tactics.

17 Jul Khaosod

KRABI — 15 July 2026, "The scammer cat of Phi Phi Island" has become an internet sensation after leading South Korean tourists into a convenience store and persuading them to buy it cat treats in a viral video viewed millions of times online. Netizens have jokingly dubbed the feline a "professional shakedown artist."

The clip, filmed by South Korean visitors travelling on Phi Phi Island in Krabi province, has brought smiles to social media. Using pleading eyes and adorable meows, the feline successfully melted the tourists' hearts into buying it creamy cat treats. The video has since gone viral, attracting more than 270,000 likes and millions of views across social media platforms.

In the video, the cat walks ahead of the tourists into the pet food section of a convenience store before stopping in front of the wet food shelf. When one of the women asks whether it wants a particular item, the cat turns around to look at her, picks up a packet of creamy cat treats in its mouth as if hand-picking its preferred snack, and meows in response, prompting the pair to laugh before buying the treat and feeding it outside the store.

The video's creator described the cat as surprisingly intelligent, saying it knew exactly how to lead people to the shelf and even appeared to deliberately choose the specific treat it wanted. They jokingly added that, in the end, the kitty successfully sweet-talked its way into getting exactly what it wanted.

Following the video's viral success, the clip attracted numerous humorous reactions online, with many social media users claiming the cat was no amateur but a regular at the convenience store that had perfected the same tactic on countless tourists. Several users pointed to an earlier post by a Hong Kong tourist, who shared a similar experience after being led into a convenience store by what appeared to be the same cat. The tourist jokingly captioned the post, "I got scammed in Thailand," before revealing that the culprit was the feline. The visitor initially believed it was a stray but later noticed it was wearing a collar, suggesting it had an owner.

Additionally, several Western travellers have also shared similar videos showing the cat regularly relying on the same tactic. The cat has since earned playful nicknames from internet users, including "the Phi Phi scammer" and "the four-legged con artist," in reference to its ability to weaponise cuteness and effortlessly charm tourists into buying treats.

The viral videos have sparked discussions among both Thai and South Korean social media users, with some joking that the cat appeared to understand Korean, while others speculated it belonged to the store staff or a local resident because of its apparent familiarity with tourists and its knowledge of the layout of the cat food aisle. Although many affectionately refer to the kitty as a swindler or scammer, most commenters agreed that its polite behaviour and apparent intelligence were precisely why so many visitors were charmed by it.

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National

Lawmaker Urges PM to Halt Chinese Tank Sales to Cambodia

Thai lawmaker Wasawat Phuangpornphisai urged the Prime Minister to pressure China into halting tank sales to Cambodia, while criticizing the Defense Ministry's budget priorities that favor office upgrades over frontline soldiers earning min

17 Jul Khaosod

Speaking at parliament on July 17, 2569, at 11:40 a.m., Wasawat Phuangpornphisai, a list-based MP and leader of Thai Ruam Phalang Party serving as a special budget committee member, criticized irregularities in the Defense Ministry's equipment and armament procurement budget for fiscal 2570. He objected to spending on air-conditioned office improvements such as guest gifts, electrical charging equipment, and solar panels on office buildings when such upgrades are not urgent. He urged redirecting those funds to border soldiers instead.

Wasawat noted that even allocated border budgets are insufficient. Frontline troop strength has dropped dramatically—in some areas from 20 soldiers to just 4—and infrastructure like roads remain incomplete. While the military requested some 600 million baht from the central budget for 2568–2569 to develop border roads, water, and electricity, the Suranari Task Force received only around 100 million baht despite being the main force on the frontline.

"I work in Ubon Ratchathani province and have witnessed these problems firsthand," Wasawat said. "Instead of spending on phone chargers and foreign guest gifts, wouldn't it be better to help these frontline soldiers earning only 240 baht in allowances? We even have phantom soldiers—names on the roster but not actually on duty." He also raised concerns about the navy's 2,686 million baht submarine purchase from China as part of a total 13,000 million baht submarine acquisition, while China simultaneously supplies 40 T-59D tanks to Cambodia.

Wasawat called this an opportune moment for the Prime Minister and Deputy PM Phumtham to pressure Chinese President Xi Jinping to suspend tank deliveries to Cambodia during the PM's current China visit. He urged creative diplomacy rather than passive acceptance, noting that Cambodia lacks naval capabilities comparable to ground forces. He recommended the committee suspend the submarine budget pending review, and criticized the Defense Ministry for cutting all units' budgets while paradoxically increasing AI funding—a move he called misaligned with border security needs. Wasawat emphasized he speaks from firsthand observation, not for attention, citing instances where Thai soldiers still repair bunkers with rubber sheets while Cambodian troops probe the border.

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National

Durian Vendor Defends Quality After Worm Complaint Goes Viral

A Phayao durian vendor defends her roadside stall's quality after a customer's viral Facebook post claimed to find worms in the fruit, with the seller pointing to her replacement policy and questioning why the buyer didn't complain directly

17 Jul Khaosod

A dispute between a customer and a well-known TikTok durian vendor in Phayao has gone viral after a disappointed buyer posted on Facebook warning others not to purchase fruit from the roadside stall, claiming to have found worms inside a durian. The vendor responded by pointing to a clearly displayed sign stating that customers could claim a replacement for any defective fruit.

The controversy began when a Facebook user shared photographs and an account of buying durian near a roundabout in central Phayao, saying the fruit was inedible and a waste of money. "Don't buy it under any circumstances," the customer wrote, alleging the durian contained worms and tasted terrible despite costing significantly more than ordinary fruit.

The post quickly drew hundreds of comments. Some Facebook users shared their own experiences buying durian, both good and bad, while others argued the customer should have contacted the seller first before posting publicly.

The stall owner, a TikTok personality, defended her business in the comments section. She disputed the customer's claim, noting that the pale flesh indicated the durian was unripe, and questioned why the customer accepted a replacement while still publicly complaining. The vendor emphasized that the shop had a clear policy allowing customers to return durians for any quality issues and that signs explaining the policy were prominently displayed at the stall. She urged customers to contact the shop directly so staff could inspect the fruit and resolve problems, rather than posting complaints online.

The exchange quickly became a topic of widespread online discussion, with the post being shared across social media platforms and generating hundreds of comments from observers.

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Police

School Bus Overturns on Highway; 57 Students and Teachers Injured

A school bus carrying 57 students and teachers from Sisaket province overturned on Highway 214 in Surin on July 17, injuring all aboard with minor injuries and no deaths reported.

17 Jul Khaosod

At 11:22 a.m. on July 17, 2026, the Prasat Police Radio Center received notification of a school bus carrying students on an educational trip from a school in Khuekhant district, Sisaket province, that had overturned on Highway 214 near Wat Talwok in Kangaen subdistrict, Prasat district, Surin province. Investigation revealed that 51 students and 6 teachers aboard the bus sustained minor injuries, with no severe injuries or deaths reported. Police officers, rescue units, and related personnel provided immediate assistance and transported all injured passengers to hospitals. Traffic has returned to normal operations, and authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the accident.

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Police

Two Soldiers Injured by Old Landmine at Phu Pha Base

Two soldiers at Phu Pha military base sustained injuries on July 17 when they stepped on an old landmine during a clearing operation; both were transported to hospital and remained conscious with no limb loss.

17 Jul Khaosod

Two soldiers were injured on July 17, 2025, when they accidentally stepped on an old, partially-functioning landmine during a clearing operation at Phu Pha military base. Sergeant Major Chakrit Buakaew, commander of a 40mm L60 anti-aircraft gun unit attached to the 122nd Infantry Company, sustained bruising and compression injuries to his right foot and ankle, along with mild chest tightness from the blast. Sergeant Major Satit Pongkaew, a gunner in the same unit assisting with the clearing work, was struck by shrapnel and soil fragments but showed no deep wounds and was taken for detailed medical evaluation. Both soldiers were evacuated immediately and transported safely to Kantharalak Hospital. The landmine was identified as residual ordnance left in the area; both casualties remained conscious, alert, and suffered no loss of limbs, though both experienced blast compression effects.

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Police

Authorities Seize 600 Crates of Smuggled Avocados in Pathum Thani

Authorities seized 600 crates of smuggled avocados and over 8 tons of illegal livestock products in Pathum Thani, busting smuggling operations that imported restricted goods without proper authorization or customs clearance.

17 Jul Khaosod

The Phra Phirun Center, in cooperation with customs authorities, has seized over 8 tons of illegal livestock products and 600 crates of smuggled avocados in Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani, as part of efforts to dismantle illegal agricultural smuggling operations. Deputy Commander Saran Sansoonthorn of the Phra Phirun Agricultural and Food Security Command Center revealed that officers from the Department of Agriculture and Customs conducted a raid after tracking the avocado shipment from northern Thailand. Officials impounded 600 crates of avocados and filed charges under the Plant Quarantine Act for importing restricted goods without proper authorization and procedures, as well as under the Customs Act for smuggling goods into the kingdom without customs clearance.

In a related operation, Phra Phirun task force officers expanded their investigation into the illegal sale of livestock products through online channels. They identified a large cold storage facility in Khlong Luang that was operating without proper authorization or livestock product trading licenses. Upon inspection, officers discovered animal carcass parts, including tongues and other pieces, being stored and transported without required permits. The facility operator was apprehended, and over 8 tons of illegal products were confiscated. The case has been forwarded to prosecutors for further legal proceedings.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, through the Phra Phirun Center, has pledged to intensify enforcement actions against agricultural smuggling to protect consumers and support Thai farmers.

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