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Police

Foundation Aids Families of Fire Victims

The Po Tek Tung Foundation distributed 20,000 baht in funeral aid to families of workers killed in the Ladprao beer factory fire and arranged transport of the deceased to their hometowns for religious ceremonies.

Foundation Aids Families of Fire Victims
1d ago Khaosod

The Po Tek Tung Foundation's public welfare division, led by Sirikhul Opasswong, committee member and secretary, and other officials including Duangchuta Tiyapatchanprokul, public welfare manager, Ratchaporn Prasongthrap, and Chumpol Bunyapakdi, provided initial assistance to families of those who died in the Ladprao beer factory fire. The foundation distributed funeral aid of 20,000 baht per family and facilitated the transport of the deceased with coffins back to their hometowns for relatives to conduct religious ceremonies at the Police Hospital's Forensic Medicine Institute.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Social Security Adopts CARE Formula to Boost Low Pensions

Thailand's Social Security Office is adopting the CARE formula to boost low pensions, adjusting calculations to better reflect lifetime earnings and contribution duration, with payments beginning next period.

Social Security Adopts CARE Formula to Boost Low Pensions
1d ago Khaosod

Thailand's Social Security Office has announced revisions to its old-age pension formula, confirming the adoption of the CARE formula to compensate those receiving lower payouts, with payments beginning in the next period.

On July 14, 2025, Social Security Office Secretary-General Kanjana Poolkaew revealed the pension formula improvements cover several key issues. The office adjusted calculations for those who contributed for fewer than 12 months, allowing them to receive benefits from both employee and employer contributions plus earnings, instead of only their own share. For contributors exceeding 180 months, the office reformed the pension rate calculation, changing from a 1.5% increase per completed 12-month period to a 0.125% monthly increase based on actual contribution months, better aligning benefits with contribution duration.

Another major change involves adjusting the wage base used for pension calculations from the average of the final 60 months before retirement to the lifetime average of all contribution months, with past wages adjusted to current value before applying CARE principles. This reflects lifetime earnings and reduces disparities from late-career income shifts. A five-year transition protection has been established for new retirees whose new-formula pensions fall below the old formula, providing tapering compensation starting at 100% in the first year and declining to 20% in the fifth year.

For current retirees, if recalculation under the new formula results in higher benefits, the Social Security Office will increase their pensions in the next payment period, though no retroactive payments will be made for past periods. This pension formula revision represents a significant step toward developing a fairer and more modern Thai social security system aligned with changing economic conditions, ensuring sustainable income security for workers after retirement.

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National

Thailand Pushes Fruit Exports to 332.5 Billion Baht

Thailand aims to boost fruit exports to 332.5 billion baht in 2025, a 73% jump from last year, by expanding markets in China, Taiwan, Japan and the UAE through improved logistics and live-streaming sales strategies.

Thailand Pushes Fruit Exports to 332.5 Billion Baht
1d ago Khaosod

Thailand's Department of International Trade Promotion is targeting fruit export revenues of 332.5 billion baht in 2025, representing 5% growth from last year's 192.5 billion baht in fresh fruit exports. The department has adopted an aggressive export strategy covering market expansion, logistics management, and digital commerce promotion. Key initiatives include advance purchase negotiations, business matching, and new market development with trading partners including China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, and the UAE, generating combined trade value exceeding 3.12 billion baht. The government is accelerating logistics coordination, particularly by extending operating hours at major border crossings in Vietnam and China to improve efficiency in shipping fruit to southern China and reduce seasonal congestion.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Suttarumphand has tasked Commerce Ministry assistant Piyanuach Wuttisonn with surveying transport routes through the Huu Nghi border crossing in Vietnam to prepare for increased Thai fruit exports to China. Officials will coordinate with relevant agencies to streamline logistics, border procedures, and shipping efficiency through the Huu Nghi-Youyiguan corridor, a critical route for Thai goods entering the Chinese market.

The government is also promoting Thai fruits through China's live commerce platforms, using key opinion leaders to conduct live-streaming sales targeting modern consumers through real-time retail, which has become a major growth engine for Chinese retail markets. April export data shows strong momentum: durian exports grew 109.5%, rambutan 92.8%, and lychee 70%, reflecting recovery in Thailand's fruit export sector. With domestic durian production expected to reach 2.07 million tons in 2025—a 33% increase—the department aims to export one million tons to global markets, primarily expanding beyond China's major cities to 11 high-growth secondary cities including Yinchuan, Yueyang, Urumqi, Nanchang, Baicheng, Liuzhou, Changsha, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Zhengzhou, and Dalian. Marketing activities including Thai Tropical Fruits Golden Months promotions, in-store campaigns, trade missions, and trade fairs will be conducted with department stores, importers, local retailers, and influencers.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Publicly Burns Seized Drugs to Build Public Trust

Thailand publicly burned seized drugs in a July 2026 ceremony led by top health and police officials to demonstrate that confiscated narcotics are destroyed rather than resold, addressing public concerns about the fate of confiscated metham

Thailand Publicly Burns Seized Drugs to Build Public Trust
1d ago Khaosod

High-ranking government and police officials witnessed the public burning of confiscated drugs on July 14, 2026, in a ceremony presided over by Health Minister Pipat Prom-Pattana and attended by Deputy Police Chief General Samran Nualma and the director of the National Drug Control Coordination Centre. Deputy Police Chief Samran stated that the operation aimed to build public confidence that all seized narcotics, especially methamphetamine and heroin, are systematically and transparently destroyed after being used as evidence in criminal proceedings. He acknowledged that some citizens have mistakenly believed that confiscated drugs might be returned to the system or sold again, and said that opening the drug destruction process to media witnesses affirms the transparency of Thailand's drug elimination procedures and corrects public misunderstanding.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Revises Visa-Free Policy, Cuts Stay from 60 to 30 Days

Thailand cut visa-free stays from 60 to 30 days for most nationalities while adding six new countries to its exemption list, as authorities aim to boost security screening and prevent misuse of extended tourist visas.

Thailand Revises Visa-Free Policy, Cuts Stay from 60 to 30 Days
1d ago Khaosod

On July 14, Deputy Prime Minister Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangjan announced that the cabinet has approved a review of Thailand's visa exemption and entry clearance procedures to align tourism facilitation with current conditions while strengthening security. The key change eliminates the 60-day visa exemption for tourism, short-term work, and business visits for 93 countries and territories, as the extended stays were seen as potential channels for illegal activity or purposes inconsistent with tourism. The new measures grant 59 countries a 30-day visa-free stay, including six nations newly added: India, Croatia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Malta, and Maldives, which ensures all 27 EU member states receive equal treatment and strengthens diplomatic and economic relations. Mauritius and Seychelles will receive a 15-day visa-free stay based on high visitor numbers and spending levels, while India's average stay of 7.17 days per visit was also a key consideration. Visa on Arrival will be available for Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Serbia, with India's VoA cancelled due to the new 15-day exemption to avoid duplication. A total of 65 countries will receive visa benefits under the revised measures, with five related Ministry of Interior announcements taking effect 15 days after Royal Gazette publication. Foreigners who entered before the new rules take effect may complete their stay under the original privileges. Security agencies will enhance the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) system to better screen travelers and link databases across agencies to assess risks and ensure privileges are used as intended. Officials stressed the review maintains tourism growth and international relations while preventing visa policies from becoming channels for illegal activity.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Chao Phraya Express Cuts Fares by 1 Baht

Chao Phraya Express Boat cut fares by 1 baht across all routes starting July 17, passing savings from lower diesel costs to Bangkok commuters.

Chao Phraya Express Cuts Fares by 1 Baht
1d ago Khaosod

Commuters have reason to celebrate as Chao Phraya Express Boat reduces all ticket prices by an additional 1 baht in response to falling diesel costs. On July 14, Navaratri Charoen Prom, managing director of Chao Phraya Express Boat Co., Ltd., announced that because diesel prices have dropped to 34.99 baht per liter as of July 8, the company is cutting fares across all boat types by 1 baht from their previous rates, effective Friday, July 17. The new fares are: Orange Flag boats on the Nonthaburi–Wat Rajsingkram route drop from 18 to 17 baht throughout the line; Yellow Flag boats on the Nonthaburi–Sathorn route fall from 23 to 22 baht; Green-Yellow Flag boats see reductions across three routes (Pak Kret–Nonthaburi from 16 to 15 baht, Nonthaburi–Sathorn from 23 to 22 baht, and Pak Kret–Sathorn from 35 to 34 baht); and Red Flag air-conditioned boats on the Nonthaburi–Sathorn route decrease from 32 to 31 baht. The company stated that if diesel prices fall further, it will implement additional fare reductions. Passengers can stay updated on service information, schedules, and routes through the Chao Phraya Express Boat Facebook page or LINE: @cpxcare.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

PM Anuthon Vows Zero Tolerance for Local Exam Fraud

Prime Minister Anuthon vowed zero tolerance for those involved in a civil service exam cheating scandal, with three suspects already arrested and stricter vetting procedures announced for all future ministerial appointments.

PM Anuthon Vows Zero Tolerance for Local Exam Fraud
1d ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anuthon Chanyungwong declared that anyone involved in the local civil service examination cheating scandal will face full legal consequences, regardless of their seniority or party affiliation. Speaking at Government House on July 14, 2569, Anuthon confirmed that police have arrested three suspects—Sergeant Phichit, Dr. Win Thanapochraphokhin, and Sataporn Thanapochraphokhin—in connection with a large-scale corruption scheme affecting local government civil service recruitment exams. Preliminary investigations are underway and prosecution proceedings will follow.

After discovering that one of the accused had previously served as part of a minister's staff, Anuthon announced stricter vetting procedures for all future appointments to principal, deputy, or advisory positions. He pledged that senior cabinet members will conduct comprehensive background checks, stating that no one currently flagged had problems at the time of their appointment.

When asked whether even party leaders would face consequences, Anuthon reaffirmed: "Absolutely. If anyone from the party is involved, no one is exempt. Whether it is me or anyone else, they must be handled according to the law and prosecuted."

Concerning the screening of ministerial advisors and staff, Anuthon noted that conduct checks are ongoing, but emphasized that past political allegiances and personal favors will not protect anyone. "This is not a place to repay debts of gratitude," he stated bluntly. "Anyone can become a minister because the people elected them. Past favors should be set aside. I will not be indebted to anyone, and no minister can appoint someone out of obligation or gratitude. It is absurd to reach the rank of minister and then staff a team with 20 to 30 advisors."

When asked if he is concerned the scandal might implicate him, Anuthon acknowledged his worry, questioning why ministers even need extensive advisory teams if such arrangements enable corruption.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Launches Affordable Curry Rice Initiative With Vendors

Thailand's Internal Trade Department is launching talks with restaurant operators and market vendors to make curry rice meals more affordable through subsidies or direct farmer-to-restaurant sales. The initiative involves 5,000 Blue Flag bu

Thailand Launches Affordable Curry Rice Initiative With Vendors
1d ago Khaosod

The Thai Internal Trade Department is convening talks with Blue Flag restaurant operators and fresh market associations to find solutions for affordable curry rice meals. Internal Trade Secretary-General Wityakorn Manirat announced that the department will meet with food vendors and market representatives on July 15 to hear their concerns and gather proposals for managing curry rice prices.

The discussions will focus on identifying specific challenges facing curry rice vendors and determining how the Commerce Ministry can assist, whether through subsidizing cooking gas and electricity costs or by connecting fresh ingredients directly from farmers to restaurants to eliminate middleman markups. The department is currently compiling feedback to develop suitable programs.

The department currently operates approximately 5,000 Blue Flag budget restaurants nationwide and maintains a network of about 200 fresh markets in Bangkok, surrounding areas, and major cities. Officials are considering whether to expand the Blue Flag restaurant program further. Regarding consumer product price reductions following recent oil price cuts, the department noted it already has price ceiling controls for regulated goods, with many items currently trading below set maximums. For other products under review, the department acknowledged prices may not drop immediately with oil reductions but expects major retailers to lower prices soon, having previously requested they review merchandising fees to reduce supplier costs.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Bangkok Political Figure Defends Aide's Fire Rescue Role

A Bangkok political figure defended his candidate's actions at a warehouse fire after criticism that the aide impersonated an official while wearing military uniform and briefing media alongside the Prime Minister.

Bangkok Political Figure Defends Aide's Fire Rescue Role
1d ago Khaosod

Mongkol Kitti, chairman of the Bangkok Flies group and founder of the Kaokham Party, posted a statement defending an individual against criticism that he impersonated an official while dressed in full military uniform, giving media interviews and following Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul during a beer warehouse fire in Lat Phrao, despite not being a government employee.

Kitti praised candidate Chitpong Kattapong, running for Bangkok district representative with his group, for helping disaster victims and responding to the Lat Phrao warehouse fire from 11:47 p.m. on July 12 to 4:15 a.m. on July 13, 2569.

Kitti explained that Kattapong kept him informed throughout the incident via his secretary, but because Kitti was ill and taking sleeping medication, he did not visit the scene that night, arriving the following morning instead. His secretary authorized Kattapong to provide full assistance on the ground. Kitti stated that Kattapong reported to him from start to finish, and he called on the public to recognize Kattapong as an exemplary citizen.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Prepares to Host 2026 IMF and World Bank Meetings

Thailand will host the 2026 IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok from October 12-18, expecting over 15,000 participants from 191 countries to discuss global economic direction and sustainable development.

Thailand Prepares to Host 2026 IMF and World Bank Meetings
1d ago Khaosod

The Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand announced Thailand's readiness to host the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, dubbed the "Financial Olympics," scheduled for October 12-18, 2026 at the Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok. Over 15,000 participants from 191 countries—including policymakers, economists, government officials, private sector leaders, and media—will gather to exchange views on global economic direction, building on Thailand's successful hosting of the inaugural meeting in 1991.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphas emphasized that hosting this conference presents a significant opportunity to strengthen the nation economically, enhance Thailand's international image and credibility, showcase local communities globally, and advance sustainable development. Thailand's central theme, "New Horizons for Thailand: Empowering People and Building Readiness for Change," integrates the philosophy of sufficiency economy with balanced, sustainable, and people-centered global economic approaches.

The Thai government has aligned its financial policy vision with four strategic pillars addressing current global challenges: (1) digital and artificial intelligence transition for inclusive and resilient growth, positioning Thailand as a model through public infrastructure like digital payment systems and Cross-Border QR codes; (2) expanding Thailand's role as a regional connector and trusted hub for trade, finance, and investment in Asia, with flexible supply chains and new cooperation frameworks; (3) creating new financial architecture to support climate change adaptation and energy transition; and (4) turning demographic and economic changes from aging populations into opportunities for economic growth and financial preparedness.

Another key highlight is showcasing Thai identity and soft power through distinctive textiles selected from 21 provinces and 26 communities across 37 unique patterns, alongside premium Thai jasmine rice, to leave a lasting impression on international participants.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

PM Defends Record After Beer Bar Fire, Eyes Entertainment Zone Laws

Prime Minister Anutin rejected resignation calls over a deadly beer bar fire in Bangkok, instead pledging to overhaul entertainment zoning laws he says contain contradictory rules that operators exploit for profit.

PM Defends Record After Beer Bar Fire, Eyes Entertainment Zone Laws
1d ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul rejected calls to resign over the Lat Phrao beer bar fire during a 1 p.m. statement on July 14, 2025, at the Government House, instead announcing plans to review and revise entertainment zoning regulations. He acknowledged that enforcement has been strict but noted repeated violations occur because operators intentionally break rules to maximize profit, adding that the affected venue's license has been seized and cannot operate again.

Anutin said zoning rules in Bangkok are the responsibility of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and police, and that only two properly designated nightlife zones exist in the capital—one at Khao San and one at RCA. He expressed frustration with contradictions in current entertainment law, questioning why live music must stop at midnight while karaoke is permitted, or why dancing is forbidden but patrons can sit and listen to music. He also pointed out the illogic of distance-based restrictions from schools and temples, noting that nearly every location in Bangkok falls within two kilometers of a temple.

When asked whether he would resign given 30 deaths from the fire, Anutin dismissed the question as emotionally driven and unprofessional, saying officials must act with integrity. He emphasized that times have changed and the government must balance Thai traditions and culture with economic reality, as artists and entertainers depend on their work to earn a living. Anutin reiterated that recurring violations stem from operators' deliberate disregard for regulations, not lack of enforcement, and said relevant agencies must submit revised proposals to better align the law with modern circumstances.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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