Thailand's government has terminated perpetual renewable energy contracts with private solar and wind power producers, ending automatic contract renewals and cutting purchase prices to 2.16 baht per unit—matching community solar project rates.

Danucha Pichyanan, Secretary General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), announced the decision following a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Anucha Nakasai. The committee resolved to reform electricity purchase guidelines for private renewable energy to ensure consumer fairness and reflect true production costs according to government policy.

The committee found that the main problem stems from small and very small power producer (SPP/VSPP) contracts between the state and private sector for solar and wind energy. These contracts were structured as perpetual agreements with automatic renewal periods of 3-5 years upon expiration. Original purchase prices referenced wholesale rates plus variable electricity charges (FT) exceeding 3 baht per unit, despite these facilities having no actual fuel costs since they generate power from wind and solar. The committee therefore decided to adjust rates to align with current, cheaper technology, setting the new rate at 2.16 baht per unit—the same as community solar projects. This rate will first apply to solar cell facilities, while wind power rates will be determined separately.

The committee concluded that contracts should be handled in two groups: First, approximately 515 contracts that have completed their 25-year terms with combined capacity of roughly 2,400 megawatts. These previously renewed automatically in 3-5 year increments but will now be allowed only one final renewal of the original contract period, after which they must expire. The new purchase rate will be 2.16 baht per unit.

Second, approximately 46 contracts that have received subsidies (Adder) for 10 years but have not reached their 25-year term end, with approximately 1,478 megawatts of commercial operating capacity (COD). These are considered to have recouped construction costs during the subsidy period, so remaining contract years will have their purchase rates reduced to 2.16 baht per unit. Additionally, approximately four non-COD contracts with 67 megawatts total capacity that have exceeded their COD deadline by two years without progress will be cancelled case by case.

"We haven't yet calculated exactly how much this new pricing structure will reduce electricity costs," officials stated, "but reducing the variable charge component to reflect true current costs benefits overall consumer rates. The Office of Energy Policy and Planning and the Energy Regulatory Commission are currently calculating the impact. Rate reductions may not occur immediately this period since contracts must be gradually revised between the electricity authority and private producers before taking full effect."

The committee will present these measures to the National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC), chaired by the Prime Minister, to establish formal policy before implementation and contract modifications proceed.

Ultraman, the legendary hero beloved by fans worldwide for more than 60 years, is coming to meet Thai fans at the official ULTRAMAN HERO RUN 2026. This running event invites everyone to celebrate Ultraman's 60th anniversary through an experience blending sports, tourism, and world-class entertainment. Organized by Fun Entertainment Co., Ltd., officially licensed by Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd. of Japan and partnering with Dream Express (DX) Co., Ltd., Thailand's Ultraman licensing representative, the event is supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to deliver a special experience for Ultraman fans of all generations across three races nationwide. Nitthi Patanaphakdi, Vice Chairman of Fun Entertainment Co., Ltd., stated that this year marks Ultraman's 60th anniversary, a hero cherished by multiple generations. The organizers intend for this to be more than just a running event—it's a celebration space where children, youth, families, runners, and fans can create lasting memories while embracing Ultraman's values of courage, hope, and perseverance. Under the "Hero Mission" concept, the event draws inspiration from the Showa era of Ultraman, the beginning of the legendary hero, recreating that atmosphere through activities and design. Fans will encounter Ultraman, Ultraseven, and other cherished heroes, plus meet Ultraman, Ultraseven, and Kaiju Kanegon traveling from Japan to celebrate intimately with Thai fans. Gavin Rojjanattanavanich, New Business Development Manager at Dream Express (DX) Co., Ltd., emphasized the goal to fully convey the Ultraman spirit through every element, from atmosphere to activities and details, so fans feel they're stepping into the real world of Ultraman. A special highlight is the limited-edition Race Pack inspired by Showa era Ultraman, featuring official designs on running shirts, medals, and memorabilia. ULTRAMAN HERO RUN 2026 will be held at three locations: July 19, 2025 at Bangkok Central Station; September 26, 2025 at Hatyai Public Park, Songkhla Province; and November 2025 in Kanchanaburi Province. Registration for the first race at Bangkok Central Station opens today through July 10, 2025 at https://race.thai.run/ultramanherorunthailand, or until capacity is reached.

Renowned Thai boxer Segsorn of Khwanmuang has announced he is preparing to retire from professional muay thai, citing physical reasons at age 37. Through a Facebook post, he stated: "After fighting for so long, my body has reached the time to say goodbye to muay thai. I will have one final retirement fight. See you all at the boxing stadium." Segsorn revealed that his dream opponent for this farewell bout would be Muang Thai PK Sanchai, saying: "If I could fight Muang Thai for my retirement match, he is the fighter I most want to face. It would definitely be an intense and exciting final fight. While winning or losing is just sport, I want to create excitement and intensity for the muay thai fans." Regarding his recent record, the 37-year-old has lost his last four consecutive fights, most recently by TKO to PK Siayelent Mangkorn at the ONE Lumpinee 147 & The Inner Circle 7 event on March 20, 2026.

Earth Patravee, a multi-talented artist from BOXX MUSIC, has released her latest single "It Was Me Who Got It Wrong (Grow Old/Apart)," challenging herself by acting in the music video alongside accomplished actor Pae Araksa. Patravee revealed her feelings about the experience: "At first I was very nervous, but as I talked and worked with Pae over time, I gradually relaxed. Especially during emotional scenes, Pae would guide me throughout, making me feel confident and more comfortable expressing myself. It was a really great experience."

ME RECORDS continues to excite fans with fresh content, recently launching mysterious masked artist WATCHI with his debut single "Kankangao (Scratch)," an Alternative Rock/Indie Rock track that conveys fun, energy, and raw power.

Bedroom Audio, under Tero Music, has fully revealed their identity with their third full album "Unlocked 'n' Roll," featuring new songs crafted from the musical experience of four members: Mae on vocals, Job on guitar, Nol on bass, and Kit on drums. Following successful singles like "Mortuary," "Right Here Today," "Lalalove," and "Enough," they recently released their fifth single "Moonlight," a song reflecting loneliness, regret, and lingering memories in the heart.

ASIA7, a talented group under new management BRIDGE Management, recently won Best Group/Duo Performance at SOT Music Awards 2026 and has released their new work "Mine," telling the story of love that emerges from chance encounters. The music video features actresses Pui Fai Tharatip and Ploy Chuthamasat.

Independent pop artist SYNTHIA (Pattraporn Sangsaang) released "Eat" (Does It Matter If I'm Chubby?), a new song promoting self-love beyond physical size, with lyrics written by Ngaw Piranate Sooksampan of The Richman Toy. The melody was composed by SYNTHIA in collaboration with Gag Athiraj Pinthong of Slot Machine and Athichon Pinthong, with production oversight from her father O Pongpana, an accomplished producer.

Morvasu (Wasupol Grieangprapakij), an artist under What The Duck, released his new single "How Long?" as a thank-you message to all relationships that have passed through his life, through an Alternative Pop sound. The song was inspired by real events in his life and his mother's experience with illness, serving as a reminder to cherish every remaining moment.

Justice Minister General Rutthapon Naowarat addressed the Cabinet's decision on July 8 to reassign Permanent Secretary Pongsawat Nilaiyotin to Prime Minister's Advisor for Civil Service, with Piyasiri Wattanavarangkur replacing her. The minister denied political interference, explaining that Pongsawat had completed her four-year term ending July 18 and required reassignment under standard rotation practices applicable across civil service ranks, including police positions. When asked if Pongsawat could have continued into a fifth year, Rutthapon stated that extension was possible but remained at ministerial discretion. He further dismissed suggestions of political motivations behind Piyasiri's appointment, noting his prior experience within the Justice Ministry across multiple positions and his equivalent rank. Rutthapon clarified the reassignment was routine rotation without loss of rights or status.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan declared he will not watch any more World Cup matches after his team's controversial 2-3 loss to defending champion Argentina in the Round of 16, despite leading 2-0 at one point.

Egypt's World Cup 2026 campaign ended in disappointment following the defeat, though the team had dominated early in the match. The controversial moments included Egypt having a goal disallowed after a VAR review that flagged a foul on Lisandro Martinez, as well as a denied penalty appeal before Argentina scored the decisive goal in the 90+2 minute.

After the match, Hassan expressed his frustration: "Why is there no fairness in sports? I don't want to try to speak eloquently. We were treated unfairly today. This is my way of speaking and taking a stand. I will not watch any more matches in this tournament."

Hassan also argued that Egypt should have progressed further. "In football, many things happen off the pitch because of interests. What happened today was unfair. Egypt deserved to advance. We were the better team," he said.