Five Top Youth Science Projects Win Prime Minister's Award

Five youth science teams won the Prime Minister's Science Award 2026 finals on July 18, with winners from Bangkok Christian College, Prince Royal's College, and Chulalongkorn Science School set to receive recognition from the Prime Minister

19 Jul Khaosod

On July 18, Suwarong Wongsiree, acting director of the National Science Museum (NSM), presided over the finals of the Prime Minister's Science Award 2026, with Dr. Kannika Chen, NSM deputy director, overseeing the awards ceremony. Five youth teams have won special awards: three teams from Bangkok Christian College, one from Prince Royal's College, and one from Chulalongkorn Science School in Loei. These young scientists will receive recognition from the Prime Minister on August 15 at the 69th Science Festival.

Dr. Kannika Chen revealed that the Prime Minister's Science Award 2026 is now in its tenth year, carried out through collaboration between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, the National Science Museum, the National Science and Technology Development Agency, and the Thailand Science Society under Royal Patronage. The initiative aims to develop Thai youth learning skills through science projects while supporting teachers, schools, and parents in nurturing scientific potential. This year, 22 projects were selected, all of which have earned recognition at both national and international academic levels, demonstrating the potential of Thai youth to create knowledge and innovation that can advance Thailand's science sector internationally.

Dr. Kannika expressed congratulations to all award-winning teams, noting that their success stems not only from youth ability and determination but also from the support of government and business sectors. She hoped the competition would serve as inspiration and an important milestone for youth to continuously develop themselves, learn boldly, innovate, and create new things as they become vital forces driving science, technology, and innovation for Thailand's future.

The Special Award category under the Prime Minister's Science Award 2026 recognizes outstanding projects with impressive presentation and content aligned with supporting organizations' missions. The five awards include the Dow Innovation Award at the lower secondary level, won by Bangkok Christian College for a project on developing artificial eggs combined with automatic rearing and release of Super Trichogramma parasites to improve pest control efficiency.

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National

Bangkok Market Vendors Plead for Governor's Economic Support

Thousands of vendors at Bangkok's Chatuchak Market are calling on the governor for emergency economic support, claiming the BMA collects fees while neglecting tourism promotion and market maintenance during a severe economic slowdown.

19 Jul Khaosod

Thousands of vendors at Chatuchak Market are pleading with Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt for assistance, warning that merchants are facing economic collapse due to economic slowdown and lack of tourism support. The online page Drama-addict shared a complaint from market vendors, noting that Chatuchak Market—the largest market in Bangkok—is currently quiet and desolate with no marketing or tourism promotion from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. The vendors questioned whether the governor's pledge to "work for everyone" includes Chatuchak merchants, and argued that while the BMA continues collecting rent and service fees, it has a legal duty to maintain and promote the market. They urged for immediate short-term economic stimulus and recovery plans, arguing that abandoning a world-class soft power landmark would be unfair to citizens who pay taxes and fees to the Bangkok authorities every month.

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Police

Death Toll Rises to 34 in Ladprao Beer Hall Fire

A major fire at a Ladprao beer hall has claimed 34 lives, with all victims identified and 13 of the 70 injured still in critical condition as of July 19. Authorities are coordinating relief efforts and assistance for those affected.

19 Jul Khaosod

A further death has been confirmed in the Ladprao beer hall fire, bringing the total number of fatalities to 34, according to an update from Jatujak District Office on July 19, 2025 at 12:18 p.m. All 34 victims have been identified. Among the 70 injured, 13 are in critical condition (red alert), 9 are in moderate condition (yellow alert), and 48 have minor injuries (green alert). All green-alert patients have returned home. The district office continues coordinating with relevant agencies to monitor the situation, provide assistance to those affected, and facilitate public services. Affected individuals can apply for assistance at the Administration Section, 2nd Floor, Jatujak District Office, or call 0 2513 9713 for more information.

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National

Woman Left Bedridden After Childbirth, Husband Abandons Family

A 28-year-old woman from Buriram Province remains bedridden and unable to speak or move after developing a blood clot in her lungs following childbirth in September, while her husband abandoned the family and they struggle financially to ca

19 Jul Khaosod

On July 19, 2026, a reporter visited 28-year-old Ms. Saa, a former company employee from Prakonchaicharoen District, Buriram Province, who now lies bedridden at home unable to speak or move her limbs. She can only blink her eyes and does not respond to conversation, facial expressions, or smiles. Her 50-year-old aunt and 53-year-old mother care for her and her 10-month-old son, named Phi.

According to her aunt, on September 12 of the previous year, Ms. Saa went to Prakonchaicharoen Hospital in labor. Doctors determined she needed a caesarean section and delivered a healthy 3,200-gram baby boy. Ms. Saa recovered well and could walk normally after surgery. However, approximately one day later, she went into shock with convulsions. She was transferred to Buriram Central Hospital from September 13 to October 27—44 days—where doctors diagnosed her with a blood clot in her lungs. She was discharged to home care as a bedridden patient, receiving 70,000 baht in compensation and free hospital transport if needed.

Her aunt had to quit her job to care for her niece. The family applied for a state welfare card to help with expenses but was rejected because records incorrectly listed her as owning a vehicle, which she has never owned. Ms. Saa's mother revealed that her son-in-law disappeared after his wife fell ill, visiting only once and abandoning the family to fend for themselves. Without income, they struggle to afford diapers, wet tissues, and infant formula. Well-wishers have donated about 30,000 baht, but the family remains uncertain about their future. The mother pleaded for medical experts to advise on her daughter's condition and help improve her mobility to ease the burden on caregivers, noting that her daughter is deeply traumatized both physically and emotionally.

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National

Thai Beauty Queen Eye Kanyalak Debuts Traditional Look at Miss Supranational

Thailand's Miss Supranational 2026 representative Eye Kanyalak has debuted a modern take on the traditional Thai Chakri dress in Poland, garnering praise for her elegant representation of the kingdom at the international pageant competition

19 Jul Khaosod

Thailand's Miss Supranational 2026 representative Eye Kanyalak Nukeaw has arrived in Poland and unveiled her first pageant look, appearing in an adapted Thai Chakri dress that captivated fans and international observers. The dress, inspired by the Chakri tradition associated with the late Queen Sirikit, was designed with modern sophistication in mind—featuring silver silk adorned with crystal patterns, a pleated bodice with short sleeves, and an intricately embroidered shawl (sabai). The ensemble is completed with diamond jewelry including a tiara, hair ornaments, and a diamond-studded belt from God Diamonds.

Her debut appearance has drawn significant attention from pageant enthusiasts and foreign media, with many praising her elegance and grace as a fitting representative of Thailand on the international stage. Thai supporters are rallying behind Eye Kanyalak as she prepares for the 17th Miss Supranational competition, with the final round scheduled for July 31, 2026, in Poland.

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National

Doctor Warns of Five Sudden Heart Attack Signs

A Thai hospital doctor warns of five sudden heart attack warning signs—including jaw pain, unexplained fatigue, and chest tightness—that can strike anyone and demand immediate medical attention.

19 Jul Khaosod

Dr. Jed Bunyavongvorawirooj, deputy director of primary care at Maha Rachcha Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, posted a video on Facebook highlighting five warning signs of sudden heart artery narrowing that can affect people of any age, urging people not to take symptoms lightly.

Dr. Jed noted that coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. The five warning signs are: (1) Sharp pain in the jaw, teeth, or neck when blood supply to the heart is cut off; (2) Pain or tightness below the breastbone resembling acid reflux that doesn't improve with antacids—this may indicate heart muscle oxygen deprivation rather than reflux; (3) Sudden, unexplained fatigue where daily activities become difficult and even light exertion causes breathlessness and excessive sweating; (4) Dizziness, heart palpitations, and excessive sweating from severe blood deprivation that don't improve with rest or drinks; and (5) Inexplicable exhaustion and tiredness where routine activities become impossible without cause—this suggests the heart is weakening as it fails to pump oxygen-rich blood efficiently.

Dr. Jed warned that delaying medical evaluation—thinking symptoms can be checked tomorrow or when there's time—is why many people lose consciousness and die before receiving help. He advised everyone to manage risk factors including diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and obesity, emphasizing that even if doctors can revive someone, they may not return to their normal state.

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National

Bangkok Overhauls Civil Service Exam, Cancels University Contract

Bangkok terminated its contract with Srinakharinwirot University to administer its civil service exam and is overhauling the recruitment process following corruption concerns in local government hiring.

19 Jul Khaosod

Bangkok has upgraded transparency in its civil service recruitment exam process to prevent corruption issues like those found in local government recruitment, Deputy Governor Twida Kamalawech announced on July 19. The Civil Service Commission and Personnel Office have been instructed to thoroughly review all exam procedures, including test design, administration methods, score processing, and security protocols, along with Bangkok's terms of reference and requirements.

The city has terminated its contract with Srinakharinwirot University, originally selected to administer the exam. The university agreed to the cancellation without objection. The next exam is now expected in mid-September 2026, with clarity on the new procurement process expected by August 15 and candidate lists announced by late August. Approximately 7,000 applicants have already registered but may request refunds if unable to sit for the rescheduled exam.

Meanwhile, Bangkok has appointed committees to investigate 17 additional equipment procurement projects, with preliminary findings expected by August 15. A 30-day review period has been set for the fact-finding committees. The city is also intensifying its review of seven previously identified problematic projects and will analyze data from the 17 new investigations alongside them. A committee meeting scheduled for July 23 will track progress on reviewing the central price-setting process for all seven projects. Bangkok is committed to expediting all steps to reach clear conclusions and restore public confidence.

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National

Doctor Settles Bathroom Hygiene Debate: Always Wash Your Hands

A urologist debunks common bathroom hygiene myths, explaining that invisible microbes from the genital area, underwear, and toilet aerosols can contaminate hands and spread disease, making post-bathroom hand washing essential.

19 Jul Khaosod

An online debate has intensified over the question of whether hand washing is necessary after urination, with many internet users claiming that genitals are cleaned daily and are therefore cleaner than hands, or arguing that since they don't touch the toilet seat or door handle directly, there's no need to wash their hands. Dr. Chen Wei-hsin, a urologist specializing in the urinary system, counters that these arguments overlook the transmission of invisible microorganisms and has identified three key health risks that many people commonly neglect, reiterating that hands should always be washed after using the bathroom.

Dr. Chen Wei-hsin shared educational information through his clinic's social media page, explaining misconceptions about bathroom hygiene and highlighting three critical risks:

1. The genital area is a reservoir for microbes. The doctor explains that the perineal area and male scrotum have numerous sweat glands and are poorly ventilated, making them prone to accumulation of sweat and oils. The warm, humid environment creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Even daily bathing cannot eliminate all secretions and microorganisms, so when handling genitals to urinate or wiping the urethral opening, hands inevitably contact numerous skin cells and bacteria without realizing it.

2. Microbes lingering on underwear. "Washing underwear does not always mean it's completely clean," Dr. Chen notes, citing data from American microbiologist Charles Gerba, which indicates that used underwear may retain an average of 0.1 grams of fecal matter. The doctor emphasizes that the point is not to create fear but to warn that underwear regularly contacts intestinal bacteria, skin microbes, and secretions. Although they may appear clean on the outside, this doesn't mean they're completely free of pathogens. If family members have diarrhea, gastrointestinal infections, or reproductive tract infections, underwear and towels should be washed and completely dried, and hands should always be washed after handling soiled laundry. He also recommends changing underwear every 3-6 months or immediately if the fabric becomes yellowed, discolored, or stiff.

3. Airborne microbes in the bathroom. Beyond bodily microbes, the bathroom environment is another critical factor. The doctor explains that each flush generates a phenomenon called toilet plume, which can disperse bacteria and small particles contaminated with urine or feces into the air before settling on the flush button, door knobs, and users' hands.

Four recommended ways to reduce bathroom health risks:

1. Wash hands both before and after using the bathroom. Since hands contact phones, door knobs, and various objects throughout the day, washing hands before using the bathroom reduces the chance of introducing microbes to the urethral tissue, while washing after removes any microbes acquired during elimination.

2. Avoid aerosol exposure when flushing. Always close the toilet lid before flushing to reduce the spread of pathogens such as norovirus and enterovirus. If using a squat toilet, step back at least 1 meter after flushing to minimize exposure to aerosols.

3. Minimize direct surface contact. Although the risk of infection from toilet seats is low, [content cuts off]

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National

Blood in Urine? Doctors Reveal 5 Common Causes

Blood in urine can indicate urinary tract infections, kidney stones, enlarged prostate, tumors, or certain foods, but a urologist warns that even painless hematuria requires prompt evaluation to rule out serious conditions.

19 Jul Khaosod

A man in his twenties recently visited a urologist after discovering blood in his urine, alarmed by the possibility of cancer. Dr. Susinha, a urologist specialist, explained that the patient presented with lower abdominal discomfort and painful urination, ultimately diagnosed with acute cystitis combined with hematuria. The doctor outlined two types of hematuria: gross hematuria visible to the naked eye (appearing red, pink, or tea-colored) and microscopic hematuria detected only under a microscope, often found incidentally during routine checkups.

Dr. Susinha identified five common causes of blood in urine: urinary tract infections, which present with burning sensation, pain during urination, and frequent urination; kidney or urinary tract stones that cause severe back or abdominal pain; enlarged prostate gland in middle-aged and elderly men that may bleed during urination; tumors or cancers in the urinary system such as bladder or kidney cancer, notably characterized by painless hematuria; and certain foods or medications like dragon fruit or beetroot that create false hematuria without actual bleeding.

The doctor warned that clear urine does not mean recovery, as bleeding from stones or tumors can occur intermittently. Many people mistakenly believe that normal-colored urine indicates the problem has resolved, but delayed diagnosis could miss early treatment opportunities. Dr. Susinha strongly recommends that anyone with visible blood in urine or red blood cells detected in routine urinalysis—even without pain—should promptly consult a urologist for further evaluation including urinalysis, ultrasound, and possibly cystoscopy to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

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National

Premium Gelato Founder Schedules Press Conference Over Controversy

Kritsan Sripirumsathad, founder of premium gelato brand PARAMETER, will hold an urgent press conference today to address mounting public controversy over pricing, content, and consumer warnings surrounding his product.

19 Jul Khaosod

Kritsan Sripirumsathad, a prominent TV personality and owner of the premium PARAMETER gelato brand, faces escalating controversy that extends beyond pricing criticism to include disputes over instructional eating content and warnings to ice cream consumers. The founder has issued a press invitation to hold an urgent media briefing addressing concerns about the PARAMETER: Classic Refined Gelato brand. In his statement, Kritsan said: "In response to criticism and online discussion surrounding PARAMETER Gelato, which has attracted significant public and media attention, and to clarify the facts and address all points of public interest, I, Kritsan Sripirumsathad, founder of PARAMETER Gelato, will hold an urgent press conference for media and the public, with the opportunity for media to question all matters." The press conference begins at 6 p.m. today (July 19, 2025) at the PARAMETER Gelato store, ground floor, Siam Paragon.

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National

PM Anutin's China Trip Secures 70 Billion Baht Investment

PM Anutin's investment roadshow in China secured over 70 billion baht in commitments from major Chinese firms in electric vehicles and technology, with companies like Changan Automobile and InnoLight Technology establishing or expanding ope

19 Jul Khaosod

The government highlighted a major achievement after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led an investment roadshow in Chengdu, China, holding direct negotiations with four major Chinese corporations and securing over 70 billion baht in planned investment. On July 19, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced the success of talks with top-tier Chinese firms in electric vehicles and advanced technology, expecting to attract 70 billion baht in total investment—comprising 50 billion baht in expanded existing operations and over 20 billion baht in new capital injection. Geopolitical tensions are driving Chinese manufacturers to relocate production from China to ASEAN, with Thailand as a priority target.

The Board of Investment also held business-matching events for Thai entrepreneurs visiting Chengdu to open BOI's new office there, facilitating discussions between Thai and Chinese business partners and spurring additional investment.

"This phenomenon represents a new wave of investment comparable to the 1980s when Japanese capital established manufacturing bases in the Eastern Seaboard, creating the economic boom era. This time, however, it marks a transition to industries of the future—AI technology, electric vehicles, and intelligent robotics—aligned with the International Monetary Fund's assessment that Thailand is emerging as a global technology star," said Deputy PM Ekniti.

China's top-tier EV manufacturer Changan Automobile selected Thailand as its first right-hand-drive manufacturing base outside China, establishing a factory in Rayong province to serve as an export hub to countries with which Thailand has free trade agreements. The company plans to expand production capacity to 200,000 units annually and has already integrated 40 Thai SMEs into its supply chain.

InnoLight Technology, the world's leading optical transmission equipment manufacturer, is expanding its production base in Thailand, creating over 20,000 jobs and collaborating with leading Thai universities to conduct research and development with approximately 1,500 Thai engineers.

Eoptolink Technology, the world's second-largest firm in the same sector, has opened its first factory in Rayong and is expanding a second facility. Additionally, Xiaomi Corporation, the tech giant commanding Thailand's third-largest smartphone market share, is being attracted to use Thailand as a manufacturing base for smart electrical appliances (IoT), leveraging Thailand's strong smart electronics supply chain capabilities.

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