Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin expressed concern on August 1, 2025, over park officials' efforts to rescue a lost baby elephant discovered in poor condition with multiple injuries in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. He praised staff members who worked through difficult weather and strong currents, and ordered a full mobilization of park veterinarians to closely monitor and treat the animal around the clock for its safety.

"I have been informed about the lost baby elephant and am deeply concerned about its condition, given how young and critical its state is," said Suchat. "I want to thank all officials and veterinary teams who have sacrificed so much, braving rain and currents to help. I have also ordered the Department of National Parks to assemble expert veterinarians to provide comprehensive care at every stage, so the calf recovers safely and quickly."

According to Arthapol Charoenchansai, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, park rangers at Khao Sam Roi Yot Substation 5 received a report on July 30 at 6 a.m. from residents of Mae Nam Noi village in Kanchanaburi province. Rangers accessed the remote riverside area by boat, a journey of 1–2 hours.

They found one lost baby elephant in poor condition with no herd nearby, believed abandoned for approximately two days. The calf called for its mother throughout the night, but no response came from the herd, suggesting they had moved far away. The terrain was steep with only 1.5 meters of level ground; the elephant was just 30 centimeters from the riverbank and appeared to be eating roots and rocks nearby. Officials suspect the herd crossed the river and the current swept the calf downstream.

Heavy rain over two days raised water levels in the stream, creating additional danger. Staff provided milk under guidance from veterinarians at Substation 3 (Ban Pong) to prevent starvation.

On July 31 at 9 a.m., veterinary teams from Substation 3 and its Phetchaburi branch arrived to assess the elephant. The boat journey to the site takes 1–2 hours, and continuous rain increased flood risk.

Veterinarians determined the animal is a male calf weighing approximately 40 kilograms, no older than two weeks. It suffers from severe dehydration, blistered and cracked skin, multiple mouth ulcers, heat rash-like injuries, and umbilical and groin wounds with dead tissue and no maggots. A dime-sized heat ulcer in its mouth makes nursing painful. Bee-like insects around its eyes cause inflammation.

On August 1, 2025, at Huai Yai Police Station in Chonburi province, police took control of Tanaa "Pong" Keuttong, Thongchai "Thong" Srinit, and two other suspects known as "Fluke" and "Ball" to proceed with detention orders to court. They face murder charges in a shocking case that has claimed five lives. After an overnight interrogation, officers completed background checks, fingerprinting, and prepared detention request documents. All suspects appeared tense and refused to answer media questions about their motives.

Before being taken to court, Pong's aunt—his guardian since childhood—visited with food and water. She revealed that although she still loves her nephew as a family member, she cannot condone his actions. She stated she will accept whatever sentence the court imposes and will not seek bail due to lack of collateral and fear that his release could lead to further crimes.

The aunt further disclosed that Pong had intended to rebuild his life and support his family after his previous release from prison, but committed these heinous crimes in less than two months. She expressed profound sadness and disappointment with the family's situation. She also denied knowledge of police uniforms or equipment found in the house and claimed she does not know who orchestrated the crimes.

A popular Facebook page has published a chat conversation between a woman and a suspect named Por, revealing alleged dangerous behavior including forcing her to watch murder videos and threatening to bury her alive. The woman claims she suffered prolonged physical abuse, intimidation, and control during their relationship.

The case involves suspects Por and Thang, who confessed to murdering two Russian siblings and burying their bodies. They later admitted to killing a family of three in June and burying them near the Russian victims' burial site.

One woman who previously dated Por has come forward, providing chats and police reports to substantiate her claims. She alleges that throughout their time together, Por controlled, threatened, and physically assaulted her repeatedly, leaving her in constant fear for her safety.

According to her account, Por was obsessed with violence, forcing her to watch murder case videos and simulations of violence. He also allegedly recounted to her stories of killings and body disposal—murders beyond the two cases reported in the news.

The most traumatic incident she recalls is when Por dug a hole, forced her to lie in it, and threatened to bury her alive like his other victims. She says she cried, begged for her life, and pleaded with him for a long time before he released her. After that day, she remained threatened and intimidated but was too afraid to speak out, fearing no one would believe her and that she would not be safe.

She has now filed a formal police report with evidence and stated she is ready to cooperate fully with investigators and serve as a witness if needed to help with the investigation in Chon Buri province and nearby areas.

At 10:40 a.m. on August 1, Prime Minister Anutin Charayawet and Interior Minister traveled to Wat Deum Bang (Kongkaram) in Deum Bang Nang Buat district, Suphanburi province, to venerate Thao Wessuwan, seeking auspicious blessings for his official duties. Upon his arrival, a local resident approached the Prime Minister, saying "You're my favorite leader, along with Lung Too," expressing their happiness and gratitude at meeting Anutin. The PM then led prayers with large incense sticks numbered 996. Thao Wessuwan is a widely revered deity whom people visit to seek prosperity and success in their work.

The Patronage Foundation for the Promotion of Arts and Crafts held a ceremony to honor and invoke blessings from the teachers and masters of classical Thai dance (khon) on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 9:09 a.m. at the Khon Learning Center in Bang Pa-in District, Ayutthaya Province. Lieutenant Colonel Somchai Kanjanamanee, Deputy Secretary of the Royal Household and Vice Chairman of the foundation, presided over the ceremony on behalf of the foundation. The ceremony sought permission and protection from spiritual masters for the year's grandest khon production: "Ramakien - Sita," to proceed smoothly and successfully. This was followed by a merit-making Buddhist ceremony and alms offering to monks to bring auspiciousness to all organizers, performers, and participants.

For 2026, the foundation has scheduled the khon performance "Ramakien - Sita" to run from Thursday, November 5 through Thursday, December 10, 2026, at the Thailand Cultural Center's main auditorium. The performance honors the legacy and royal vision of Queen Sirikit, the late Queen Mother, and coincides with celebrations marking the King's fourth reign jubilee. The khon performance transcends mere entertainment; it represents the collective effort to preserve and pass down Thailand's precious cultural heritage that Queen Sirikit founded and that the current Queen continues to champion. It reflects Thailand's good fortune that the monarchy actively supports and nurtures this classical art form in all its dimensions, ensuring that this valued tradition endures for generations to come.

The grandeur of the performance stems not merely from its artistic beauty on stage, but from Queen Sirikit's vision to revive, conserve, and perpetuate the art of khon while simultaneously preserving Thailand's exquisite craftsmanship. Through the foundation's work, khon has become a living platform for learning, knowledge transmission, and the cultivation of new generations of artists. Every aspect—from stage construction and scenic design to intricately crafted masks, costumes, and ornaments—reflects a collaborative commitment to safeguarding and advancing this invaluable art form so that it continues to inspire audiences for generations.

The "Ramakien - Sita" performance follows the royal composition of King Rama I. The narrative traces the story from when Lakshmi incarnated as Princess Sita and married Prince Rama (an incarnation of Vishnu), through her abduction by the demon king Ravana after she followed Rama into exile, to Rama's final victory over the demons, and finally to Sita's trial by fire upon her return to Ayodhya. Through her unwavering virtue and pure love, Sita passes through the flames unharmed, with lotus flowers rising beneath her feet to support each step.