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National

Former Senate Candidate Exposes Vote-Buying Scheme in Election

A former Phuket senate candidate testified that a People's Power Party operative organized votes and arranged accommodation for candidates ahead of the 2023 Senate election, directing them to wear yellow shirts and surrender documents at a

Former Senate Candidate Exposes Vote-Buying Scheme in Election
26 Jul Khaosod

On July 26, 2025, the Opposition Bloc Committee held a forum at Parliament titled "Two Years After Senate Election: Deep Dive into Vote-Buying Case Evidence (Part 2)," led by Priset Watchrasisindhu, with participation from academics, civil society, and former senate candidates.

Police Colonel Somyos Seehahbuea, a former candidate from Phuket's Group 15, testified that after passing the provincial selection round, he booked a flight for June 19, 2023, to prepare for the national-level selection on June 26. However, between June 21-22, another candidate told him that Wongsakorn Chankij, a former House candidate from Phuket's District 2 representing People's Power Party, had arranged the flights and hotels. Somyos was told to submit his ID copy to Wongsakorn's team, and he was transported with approximately 10 others to Siam Paragon, then to a hotel in the Sathorn area, including a boat dinner.

On June 24, Wongsakorn's team directed the candidates to a hotel via Future Park without initially revealing the location, later directing them to Grand Thara Hotel in Pathum Thani. At the hotel, candidates from Phang Nga, Phuket, and Krabi met separately by province, where they were given ballot numbers for the first round and cross-voting numbers. They were instructed to wear yellow shirts with loyalty symbols and to surrender their senate documents to Wongsakorn's team for later collection at Muang Thong Thani. Somyos refused to surrender his documents and objected to the organized structure. When candidate Suphsakdi questioned why he wasn't selected as a representative, he was told it was due to computer randomization—a claim Somyos disputed as unlawful party interference.

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National

Legislator Pushes HR Professionalization Bill to Boost Thailand's Competitiveness

A Thai legislator is advancing a bill to establish professional standards for HR practitioners, aiming to boost the country's competitiveness and attract foreign investment by aligning the sector with 18 other regulated professions.

Legislator Pushes HR Professionalization Bill to Boost Thailand's Competitiveness
26 Jul Khaosod

Chakraphat Phaenkhae, a list-based MP for the Pheu Thai Party, met with the Professional Association of Human Resource Management Thailand (PMAT) to advance legislation setting professional standards for HR practitioners. The meeting included Vorapong Ravirat, chair of the Institute for Human Resource Development and former PMAT president; Marisa Chaoprueattipongs, deputy chair and former PMAT president; and Jinda Pasuk, board member and former chair of the Bangkok Personnel Management Club.

Chakraphat stated that the bill's objective is to establish clear professional standards for HR practitioners, similar to those already defined for 18 other professions in Thailand. He acknowledged that his initial view—that HR roles do not require formal professional qualifications—changed after careful review of the draft law and consultation with stakeholders. He emphasized that standardizing the HR profession will benefit Thailand overall, particularly by strengthening competitiveness for both Thai entrepreneurs and foreign investors who require professional personnel management systems.

Chakraphat committed to supporting the HR community's legislative efforts and pledged to present the matter to the Pheu Thai Party leadership, including the party's policy committee, while engaging relevant MPs and civil society organizations. He stressed that his support is motivated solely by the goal of elevating professional standards and enhancing Thailand's competitive capacity, with no personal interests involved.

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National

Doctor Reveals Daughter Had Emergency Appendix Surgery

Doctor Oat's daughter Alin underwent emergency appendix surgery at 2 AM after presenting with abdominal pain initially mistaken for food poisoning. She is recovering in hospital and her father has rescheduled clinic appointments to focus on

Doctor Reveals Daughter Had Emergency Appendix Surgery
26 Jul Khaosod

Doctor Oat (Dr. Smit Aryasukul) posted an update revealing his daughter Alin's condition. He explained that the previous evening she complained of abdominal pain and nausea, which was initially thought to be food poisoning. However, upon physical examination, doctors found tenderness at McBurney's point and a positive Rovsing's sign, confirming acute appendicitis. She underwent emergency laparoscopic appendectomy surgery at 2 AM.

In his post, Doctor Oat wrote: "Yesterday evening Alin complained of stomach pain and nausea. At first we thought it was food poisoning, but upon examination we found tenderness at McBurney's point and Rovsing's sign—pressing the left side caused pain on the right (thankful my surgical knowledge hasn't completely faded). We immediately took her to the hospital for confirmation."

He continued: "She received laparoscopic appendectomy surgery at 2 AM. I am deeply grateful to the entire medical team, nursing staff, radiology team, ER personnel, and all hospital staff for their efficiency and smooth coordination. However, she needs to remain hospitalized for recovery. I apologize to all patients whose appointments at my clinic need to be rescheduled." Entertainment personalities have been sending well-wishes for Alin's speedy recovery.

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National

Paetongtarn Celebrates Father Thaksin's 77th Birthday

Paetongtarn celebrated her father Thaksin Shinawatra's 77th birthday on July 26 with an Instagram tribute, while political allies and supporters across Thailand shared wishes for the former prime minister's health and leadership.

Paetongtarn Celebrates Father Thaksin's 77th Birthday
26 Jul Khaosod

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's 77th birthday was marked by birthday tributes from his daughter, former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and political figures and supporters on 26 July 2026.

Paetongtarn posted an Instagram Story wishing her father a happy birthday, sharing a video featuring moments from Thaksin's life and the times he had been by her side.

On the same day, former Lampang MP Thanatorn Lorthsunthorn and his wife, Raphassorn Niyamosot, also shared photos on Facebook showing them dining with Thaksin. Raphassorn, a former Lampang MP who resigned from the People's Party before joining Pheu Thai for the latest election, wrote a birthday message wishing Thaksin good health and describing him as an inspirational figure for younger generations.

Thanatorn also shared his wife's post, writing: "Happy 77th birthday, Mr Thaksin, the prime minister in our hearts."

The posts drew numerous birthday wishes from members of the public and Thaksin supporters in Lampang. Many shared stickers and messages wishing the former prime minister well, with some describing him as their favourite prime minister. Some supporters also said they believed Thaksin was well suited to help address Thailand's economic difficulties and people's cost-of-living concerns amid the current economic climate.

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National

Thai Woman Calls for End to Online Harassment of Italian Tourist

After reconciling with an Italian tourist involved in a viral incident, Thai woman Sugas is urging the public to stop online harassment of the woman, who is now receiving threats and insults despite apologizing.

Thai Woman Calls for End to Online Harassment of Italian Tourist
26 Jul Khaosod

Sugas, the Thai woman involved in a recent incident with Italian tourists, has called on the public to stop harassing the Italian woman involved after the two appeared to reconcile.

Sugas recently shared a photo of herself embracing the Italian woman, who was seen in a viral video during the incident involving a group of Italian tourists.

She said the woman had sincerely apologised and thanked everyone who had supported and stood by her after she was insulted and allegedly harassed. "We truly thank everyone who protected us and stood by us when we were insulted and harassed. We felt your goodwill and will never forget the encouragement we received," Sugas wrote.

She said she believed the tourists were now aware of how much their actions had affected others, through the legal process, public criticism and the consequences that followed.

However, Sugas said the Italian woman involved was now facing intense online harassment, including insults, threats and messages telling her to die. "This is the same thing we once experienced, and we don't want anyone to go through something like this, regardless of which side they are on," she said.

Sugas thanked everyone who had supported her and hoped the incident would serve as a shared lesson that both Thai and foreign nationals deserve respect. "No one should be insulted or harassed like what happened in this incident again," she said.

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Police

Man Dies After Collapsing During Soccer Game in Phuket

A 50-year-old man collapsed and died at Saphan Hin Sports Center in Phuket on July 26 while playing soccer with friends, despite immediate CPR efforts and rescue response.

Man Dies After Collapsing During Soccer Game in Phuket
26 Jul Khaosod

A 50-year-old man died after collapsing on July 26 at Saphan Hin Sports Center in Phuket Municipality. At approximately 5:45 p.m., he was playing football with friends as usual when he suddenly lost consciousness and collapsed after just one match, and passed away shortly afterward, despite the full rescue efforts of teammates, bystanders, and emergency personnel.

Witnesses said the man was a regular in a senior football group that played every Saturday at the same facility. He normally played leisurely, without intense effort or running throughout the game. On the day of the incident, after finishing his first match and sitting down to rest, he suddenly collapsed to the ground. Teammates and others on the field immediately began CPR to revive him and called for an ambulance. A nurse who happened to be exercising nearby also provided first aid and retrieved an automated external defibrillator (AED) from behind the nearby beach volleyball court, which is believed to be municipal equipment.

However, the ambulance took nearly 30 minutes to arrive. The man was rushed to the hospital, but doctors were ultimately unable to save his life.

Witnesses expressed deep sadness, saying the man was a regular member of the football group and that his sudden death shocked and devastated his friends and those at the facility. They urged sports enthusiasts, especially elderly players engaging in strenuous activities like football, to get a health assessment beforehand if they have chronic conditions or poor physical condition, and to choose activities appropriate for their age to prevent unexpected incidents. They expressed their condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased.

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Police

Thai Police Honor Officer Influencers for Crime Prevention Content

Thai police honored officer-influencers who create crime prevention content on social media, awarding Sergeant Theeraphattana Mudchad for her popular "Moo First Doi Tao" channel as part of a broader strategy to reach the public with safety

Thai Police Honor Officer Influencers for Crime Prevention Content
26 Jul Khaosod

On July 26, Deputy National Police Commissioner Trairongpipat Phiwan, acting as the police office's spokesperson, visited Songphi Noi Police Station in Suphan Buri province and presented the "Thumbs Up Spokesperson" award to Sergeant Theeraphattana Mudchad, an officer-influencer who creates duty and crime-prevention content on the popular "Moo First Doi Tao" channel.

The police force is advancing an active public relations strategy to efficiently reach all target demographics by working with award-winning officer-influencers to create content showcasing police operations while embedding legal knowledge, crime prevention alerts, and safety guidance across different platforms. This approach aims to build public understanding, safety awareness, and confidence among diverse communities.

To date, the National Police Office spokesperson team has collaborated with three other officer-influencers—known as Nut the Cop, Sergeant Uan Balickamsai, and Sergeant Piak Taew Vibhawadi—on field operations, traffic safety campaigns, and online fraud prevention education. The police plan to continue working with all 10 awarded officer-influencers to deliver engaging, useful content reaching the public through social media, the Police Media Department, POLICETV, TikTok, and the participating influencers' channels.

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Police

Police Bust Gun-Making Ring Hidden Behind Fake Facebook Accounts

Police arrested a 39-year-old man in Amnat Charoen province on July 26 after discovering he was manufacturing and selling homemade .22-caliber rifles through multiple disguised Facebook accounts that he constantly deleted and reopened to ev

Police Bust Gun-Making Ring Hidden Behind Fake Facebook Accounts
26 Jul Khaosod

On July 26, 2025, cyber police commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Surpol Prembut authorized a search of a residence in Na Wa subdistrict, Pattum Ratchawongsa district, Amnat Charoen province, where they arrested 39-year-old Wanchai (surname withheld) along with firearms, gun barrels, and manufacturing equipment.

Investigators discovered illegal weapons trafficking through an online platform involving a Facebook account that changed names from "Kittiwee Kononnana" to "Tweekij Car Repair" and later to "Young Twee Waiting for Mechanic Work." The account owner posted videos of homemade .22-caliber firearms and sold guns and components online. The Facebook profile was heavily secured with locked settings and avatar images, posting weapon sales for no more than three hours before deletion. All negotiations occurred through private chat, and whenever a customer was arrested, the account would be immediately closed and reopened under a different name with a new avatar.

Despite these precautions, police traced the account to Wanchai. Officers obtained a court warrant and successfully conducted a search, seizing approximately 20 items including one homemade .22-caliber rifle, over 10 gun barrels of various lengths, 50 rounds of .22-caliber ammunition, a phone, and various tools and firearm components including trigger sets, springs, and receivers.

During interrogation, Wanchai admitted that he ordered parts and components from Facebook merchants, assembled them into .22-caliber rifles, test-fired them, and recorded videos for posting to attract buyers. He then sold completed guns for 1,000–1,500 baht per unit or sold individual components. For custom barrel threading work—a highly skilled task—he charged 500 baht per barrel. Wanchai claimed this was not his profession but a hobby to support his food expenses, and he had only sold three barrels previously.

Police initially charged him with manufacturing, assembling, repairing, modifying, importing, possessing, or distributing firearms and ammunition for trade without permission from the registrar, and illegally possessing firearms and ammunition without a license. He was taken into custody for further legal proceedings.

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Community

New Employee Sent Home After Just 2 Hours Over Start Date Mix-up

A new food market employee was sent home after just two hours on her first day due to a start date mix-up, with management claiming the date didn't match their understanding despite her insistence she arrived on the agreed date.

New Employee Sent Home After Just 2 Hours Over Start Date Mix-up
26 Jul Khaosod

A new employee's excitement quickly turned to disappointment after she worked just two hours in a food product sales position at a market before being sent home and having her job offer rescinded. The manager claimed a misunderstanding about the start date, even though the employee insisted she arrived on the exact day that had been agreed upon.

The story spread on social media, with the employee explaining that she arrived before her usual time but sensed something was off from the start. Her assigned trainer appeared visibly shocked when she reported for duty. After about two hours of work, the trainer received a call from management and returned with devastating news: the employee's start date "didn't match what the manager understood," so the position had been given to another candidate because the manager believed she hadn't shown up on schedule.

The employee maintains that the start date she came in was the one the manager had personally written on her resume and confirmed with her again before her shift began. She was given no opportunity to clarify or resolve the misunderstanding before the offer was withdrawn.

The employee expressed deep disappointment, saying: "In short, I was sent home despite doing nothing wrong, and I didn't even complete my first shift. I feel ashamed and let down because now I have to job hunt all over again." The post went viral, drawing sympathy from most social media users, who criticized the company's handling as "unprofessional." Many advised her to keep all communications—messages, emails, and job offer letters—as evidence in case of future disputes. Some noted that under local labor laws, she might be entitled to minimum wage pay for the hours worked. Several internet users shared similar experiences and recommended the employee escalate the matter to higher management or look into unemployment benefits eligibility.

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National

Thailand to Dissolve Redundant Agencies Starting September

Thailand is dissolving redundant government agencies starting in late September, beginning with the Land Development Bank of Thailand, which may merge with another office to streamline the civil service.

Thailand to Dissolve Redundant Agencies Starting September
26 Jul Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister Pokkrong Nilpraphan outlined the government's civil service reform strategy, confirming that the dissolution of redundant agencies has been approved by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister. The Land Development Bank of Thailand (LDBT) is targeted as the first agency to be abolished in late September, potentially to be merged with the National Land Policy Committee Office (NLPC). The Strategic Reform and National Reconciliation Office and 4-5 state enterprises that have repeatedly failed assessments are also slated for dissolution. Pokkrong emphasized that the restructuring will be gradual to minimize disruption to civil servants, and reiterated that maintaining the current system is no longer viable due to changing global circumstances. He stated that the government must accept that the old organizational structure cannot continue, and that Thailand's public sector must undergo significant structural changes to remain competitive. Two options will be provided for affected employees: voluntary early retirement or transfer to new agencies, though benefits will be adjusted according to the new organizational framework. The deputy premier dismissed concerns about political backlash, asserting that the government has mandated this reform and emphasized the critical need for structural adaptation to address national challenges including energy and fiscal concerns.

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Community

Actress Prim Supports Woman Harassed By Rowdy Italian Students on BTS

Half-Italian actress Prim Ranida backed a Thai woman who filmed rude Italian students harassing her on a Bangkok BTS train, praising her courage while expressing embarrassment over the students' behavior.

Actress Prim Supports Woman Harassed By Rowdy Italian Students on BTS
26 Jul Khaosod

Half-Italian actress Prim Ranida expressed frustration over an incident involving Italian students on the Bangkok BTS and praised Sugas, a Thai woman who filmed the encounter. When a group of Italian students made noise on the train and were politely asked to be quiet, they responded with rude behavior and inappropriate comments, while their teacher failed to discipline them.

Prim Ranida, who grew up in Italy from childhood through her teenage years and is fluent in both languages, posted the viral video with a caption saying "Still cringe." She commented: "I'm embarrassed to say it, but as a half-Italian who lived in Italy as a child and teenager, I would have loved to be on that train to really let them have it." She noted that some Italian social circles still hold outdated, uncouth attitudes and praised Thai people for raising awareness.

Sugas, who recorded the clip, commented on Prim's post saying: "Thank you so much for being another voice on this issue and explaining that Italian teenagers come in many different types." Prim responded by praising Sugas's courage to speak up and wishing her better days ahead.

Prim also checked Italian social media and found that the Italian community itself is deeply embarrassed by these students' lack of manners. Many comments mentioned that Italians have similar reputations in other countries like Switzerland, Germany, and England.

Sugas later posted a photo hugging the group's teacher, revealing that he apologized sincerely. She stated: "We thank everyone who stood by us when we were disrespected and harassed. We recognize the good intentions behind your support and will never forget the encouragement. We believe the tourists now understand how their actions affect others, from legal consequences to public criticism. However, the woman in this incident is now facing severe harassment, threats, and death wishes—the same treatment we experienced. We don't want anyone to go through this. We hope this becomes a lesson for everyone: whether Thai or foreign, all people deserve respect and no one should be disrespected or harassed as happened in this incident."

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