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National

Thailand Launches Green Economy Vision For Sustainable Growth

Thailand's Prime Minister launched the Green Thailand vision at an international forum, positioning green economy as essential for sustainable long-term growth while balancing environmental protection with development.

Thailand Launches Green Economy Vision For Sustainable Growth
22 Jul Khaosod

Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul announced the Green Thailand vision on July 22, 2025, at the Nong Nooch International Convention Center in Chachoengsao, declaring that green economy would serve as the foundation for long-term growth. Speaking at the inaugural Green Bridge Forum organized by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), with supreme audit representatives from numerous countries in attendance, the prime minister expressed satisfaction that Thailand is hosting the first Green Bridge Forum and commended the OAG for initiating this international cooperation platform, reflecting Thailand's role in advancing environmental governance and sustainable development.

The prime minister emphasized that all nations currently face the shared challenge of achieving economic growth while protecting the environment, noting that the green transition represents a major global economic transformation. Countries that adapt efficiently will attract investment, boost competitiveness, strengthen energy security, and enhance resilience to future crises.

Anuthin proclaimed the Green Thailand vision, championing green economy as the foundation for sustainable development. He affirmed that Thailand adheres to principles of simultaneous economic development and environmental conservation, viewing sustainability not as a limitation on growth but as a crucial foundation for long-term prosperity. The government will advance a strong, environmentally friendly, innovative, and resilient economy through clean energy investment, modern infrastructure, future industries, responsible resource management, and innovation that boosts productivity while reducing environmental impact.

The prime minister emphasized that transitioning to a green economy requires strong governance, efficient budget use, measurable policy implementation, and transparency and accountability. He noted that the OAG plays a critical role in evaluating government policy performance, supporting evidence-based policymaking, ensuring transparency, and building public and investor confidence.

Anuthin stated that in an interconnected world, trust is essential capital for development as it promotes investment, international cooperation, and long-term structural reform, with independent audit organizations playing a vital role in building such confidence. He described the Green Bridge concept as a bridge connecting policy to practice, innovation to responsibility, economic growth to environmental care, and each nation's priorities to global cooperation.

The prime minister reiterated that no country can address climate change alone and that Thailand is ready to collaborate with the global community, playing an active role in INTOSAI's Working Group on Environmental Auditing to promote environmental governance.

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National

Thailand Pitches Medical Innovation Hub to South Korea Investors

Thailand pitched itself as a medical innovation hub to South Korean investors in Seoul, proposing joint ventures in biohealth and medtech sectors that would leverage South Korea's tech expertise and Thailand's biodiversity and market access

Thailand Pitches Medical Innovation Hub to South Korea Investors
22 Jul Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister Yossakorn Wongswasdi led a Thai government delegation to Seoul on July 22, 2569, for the Thailand-Korea Business Forum focused on biohealth, medtech, wellness, and future food sectors. The delegation, which included senior officials from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, aimed to attract investment and establish international innovation networks.

During his keynote speech titled "Driving Thailand Towards Medical and Wellness Innovation Hub," Yossakorn addressed executives from leading South Korean companies, emphasizing complementary strengths between the two nations. He noted that Thailand offers biodiversity, a growing market, and strong healthcare and wellness positioning, while South Korea leads in digital health, research and development, and manufacturing standards.

The collaboration framework encompasses four dimensions: establishing a Korea-Thai Joint Incubator/Accelerator with the National Innovation Agency (NIA), opening investment opportunities in Thai startups and joint ventures, conducting co-research with BOI incentives, and using Thailand as a technology localization hub to access ASEAN markets. The forum received strong response, with multiple South Korean companies expressing serious interest in investing in Thailand. Yossakorn invited executives and investors to visit Thailand later this year for business matching with Thai entrepreneurs, facility tours, and direct meetings with startups, venture capital firms, and Thai research teams.

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National

Krung Thai Bank Posts 12.1 Billion Baht Profit in Q2

Krung Thai Bank reported a net profit of 12.125 billion baht in the second quarter of 2025, up 9 percent year-on-year, driven by loan growth and improved operational efficiency despite declining interest rates.

Krung Thai Bank Posts 12.1 Billion Baht Profit in Q2
22 Jul Khaosod

Krung Thai Bank achieved sustainable growth in the second quarter of 2025, recording a net profit of 12.125 billion baht, a 9 percent increase from the same period last year, reflecting quality growth amid careful asset quality management amid challenges in the Thai and global economies. Total lending grew 5.1 percent year-on-year, driven primarily by retail credit, large business lending, and government sector loans. Net interest income declined 13.5 percent in line with downward interest rate trends and the bank's proactive interest rate reductions to support borrowers, combined with efficient financial cost management, resulting in a net interest margin of 2.45 percent. The bank continues to increase the proportion of non-interest income to strengthen revenue sustainability, with net fees and service income rising 10.3 percent from growth in the wealth business through three main drivers: digital, product innovation, and distribution, as well as expansion of other income from money market and capital market businesses. The bank maintained efficient cost management, bringing the cost-to-income ratio down to 38.9 percent from 42.3 percent due to improved operational efficiency and reduced asset management expenses. Simultaneously, the bank continues investing in technology and digital capabilities to enhance competitive strength and support long-term growth. Asset quality remains strong, with an NPL ratio of 2.92 percent, appropriate credit costs at 0.95 percent, and a consistently high coverage ratio of 205 percent to adequately cushion economic uncertainty. For the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, the bank and subsidiaries posted a net profit of 24.562 billion baht, an increase from the prior year period.

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National

Deputy PM Faces Pressure Over Local Exam Fraud Scandal

A parliamentary committee chair has called for stricter investigation into a local exam fraud scandal involving thousands of unqualified hires, criticizing inadequate oversight and urging authorities to freeze related financial assets as De

Deputy PM Faces Pressure Over Local Exam Fraud Scandal
22 Jul Khaosod

At a parliamentary session on July 22, 2569, Rangsimanth Rom, a list-MP from the Pheu Thai Party and chair of the House committee on law, justice and human rights, addressed the recruitment exam controversy. He criticized the oversight terms of reference as inadequate, noting that data stored on flash drives lacked encryption, making it vulnerable to alteration and fraud. He pointed out that while Burapha University was initially set to oversee the exams, a sudden contract switch to Srinakharinwirot University occurred following intervention by the Civil Service Commission, with Prime Minister Anutin reportedly cited in the decision.

Rom stated that the list announcement by the civil service panel lacked proper verification, allowing thousands of unqualified candidates to be hired. He rejected claims of negligence, arguing the scale of the fraud—involving possible embezzlement worth hundreds of millions of baht—suggested deliberate misconduct. He called on the Anti-Money Laundering Office to freeze financial trails and asked whether additional charges such as malfeasance could be considered alongside corruption allegations.

Rom noted that Deputy PM Pakorn Nilprapad, the legal advisor, was invited to discuss the matter but cooperation remained uncertain. The committee has also engaged other agencies including the National Anti-Corruption Commission. The controversy centers on the removal of approximately 5,000 names from the hiring list, which remains contentious.

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Community

Dog Lover Ko Meets First Thai Samoyden Doodle Puppies

Dr. Ko Theerasak welcomed Thailand's first Samoyden Doodle puppies, five fluffy pups born to his relative's dog at Axotic Cafe in Bangkok. The rare breed combines Samoyed and Goldendoodle genetics and is now available for reservation.

Dog Lover Ko Meets First Thai Samoyden Doodle Puppies
22 Jul Khaosod

Dr. Ko Theerasak, a devoted dog lover, was thrilled to learn that a relative of his beloved dog Hero had given birth to five puppies. He immediately drove to Axotic Cafe in the Ladprao 71 area to welcome these premium new family members—the offspring of "Cheese"—consisting of three females and two males. The standout feature is that they are Samoyden Doodles, representing among the first of this breed produced in Thailand, with an irresistibly cute and fluffy appearance.

Ko Theerasak explained the exclusive appeal of this litter: "The genetic excellence comes from both sides. On the mother's side, Cheese is descended from the grandfather 'Poseidon,' a purebred Samoyed imported from China, and grandmother 'Judy,' a Goldendoodle imported from America. On the father's side is Dark, a sturdy Goldendoodle house champion." When combined perfectly, they produce puppies with distinctive features, soft fluffy coats, endearing faces, and are expected to grow into beautifully structured adult dogs.

Axotic Cafe is now offering these puppies for reservation. They represent exceptional value compared to imported purebred lines. Beyond meeting the new puppies, visitors can also interact and play with over 34 rare dog breeds at the cafe. Anyone wanting to be among the first owners of this world-class new breed should act quickly.

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Police

Police Bust Drug Smuggler With 294,000 Methamphetamine Pills

Highway police arrested a 39-year-old driver with 294,000 methamphetamine pills hidden across seven locations in his pickup truck along Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon province. The suspect admitted he was hired through Facebook to transport t

Police Bust Drug Smuggler With 294,000 Methamphetamine Pills
22 Jul Khaosod

On July 22, 2569, highway police officers led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Pornsakdi Laoruchiralai arrested Watcharat, 39, along Rama II Road (Highway 35) at kilometer 51 in Samut Sakhon province. Officers became suspicious when they noticed the pickup truck lacked a rear license plate and observed the driver's nervous behavior and unusual bulging in the truck bed floor. Upon closer inspection, police discovered 294,000 methamphetamine pills packed and hidden across seven locations within the vehicle: beneath the truck bed liner, under the tailgate, inside door panels, in the center console, and beneath the ceiling panels.

During questioning, the suspect admitted to receiving the assignment through Facebook from a contact known as "Nai Mobile." He was hired for 150,000 baht to transport the drugs from the Ramkhamhaeng area to Narathiwat province. Police charged him with possession of methamphetamine for distribution as a commercial operation, which carries penalties for causing drug proliferation and public safety threats. The suspect was handed over to Bang Torad Police Station for further investigation and prosecution, with authorities continuing efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the smuggling network.

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National

GO Wholesale Joins Government Program to Lower Living Costs

GO Wholesale is expanding its "Thai Help Thai" program to district offices nationwide in Phase 2, offering discounted food and consumer goods with savings up to 50% at ten locations across Thailand to help reduce living costs for citizens a

GO Wholesale Joins Government Program to Lower Living Costs
22 Jul Khaosod

GO Wholesale, a fresh food wholesale center for business operators under Central Food Wholesale Company Limited (Central Retail), is continuing its partnership with the Commerce and Interior ministries to drive Phase 2 of the "Thai Help Thai" program at district offices nationwide, aimed at continuously reducing living costs for citizens through affordable product booths at district offices near or housing GO Wholesale branches in Mueang Samut Prakan, San Kamphaeng Chiang Mai, Mueang and Bang Lamung Chon Buri, Kratu and Mueang Phuket, Nong Wua So Udon Thani, Ko Sum Phisai Maha Sarakham, Hat Yai Songkhla, and Mueang Rayong. Booths will operate every other Friday from 08:30–16:30 on July 3, 17, 31, August 14 and 28, and September 11 and 25, 2026.

Oruwan Sirichotirattanat, Senior Assistant Managing Director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at Central Food Wholesale Company Limited, stated that GO Wholesale recognizes ongoing economic volatility affecting consumer spending and business operator cost management. The company prioritizes supporting government economic stimulus measures to strengthen grassroots economies, including the expanded "Thai Help Thai" program now in Phase 2, with ten GO Wholesale branches participating in booths selling consumer goods and affordable food ingredients.

"For Phase 2, we selected quality consumer products with special promotions up to 50% off, covering our own brands A-Choice, Supersave, SIPP, and Yim, plus many alternative brands, to help reduce public spending burden and provide access to quality ingredients at fair prices for small retailers during difficult times," Oruwan stated.

According to the Department of Business Development under the Commerce Ministry, Phase 1 of the "Thai Help Thai" program across 878 locations generated 135.40 million baht in sales, involved 51,491 participating shops, attracted over 1.08 million shoppers, and saved citizens 29.62 million baht in living expenses. GO Wholesale has supported the program since its launch on May 1, 2026, alongside the "Thai Help Thai: Reduce Burden, Lower Living Costs" campaign across all 14 branches and online channels to expand access to quality affordable products and support government efforts to ease public spending pressures.

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Police

National Parks Department Files Cases Over Illegal Land Titles at Laem Son

The National Parks Department filed cases against illegal land title holders in Laem Son National Park, Ranong, after discovering 29 fraudulently issued deeds covering forested areas with no actual occupation.

National Parks Department Files Cases Over Illegal Land Titles at Laem Son
22 Jul Khaosod

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation issued a statement on July 22, 2025 regarding the filing of cases for illegal issuance of land title documents within Laem Son National Park in Ranong Province. This followed reports on July 21 that residents had collectively filed a complaint about encroachment in the Khao Pakapriam area and lodged accusations against the department's director-general and the park chief with the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Investigation Division for alleged improper handling of cases against villagers accused of trespassing.

The department denied these allegations, clarifying that Laem Son National Park was officially designated by royal decree on August 10, 1983 with public announcement and detailed boundary maps. All relevant community leaders signed acknowledgment of the park boundaries. The department confirmed it is actively pursuing cases against capital groups illegally occupying forest land within the park across three plots—specifically land plots numbered 915, 916 (subdivided into 8 plots), and 917—and will prosecute all individuals and groups involved. Evidence collection and aerial photograph analysis are ongoing, and the department will forward cases to the Anti-Money Laundering Office under sections 5, 8, and 9 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act B.E. 2542, consistent with the policy of Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchath Chomklin.

Investigations revealed that land title documents were illegally issued for forested areas within the park. Aerial photograph analysis showed no evidence of land utilization, and claims covered areas far exceeding the documented occupied land records (form S.K. 1). The department submitted evidence to the Land Department requesting cancellation of 19 of 29 illegally issued title documents and has filed cases against the three main plots. The department urged the public to exercise critical judgment when receiving information and warned that providing false information may violate the law.

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National

Thai Credit Guarantee Corp Expands Loans for Small Firms

BANGKOK: The Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG) is preparing to provide credit guarantees for nanofinance loans to help small entrepreneurs gain greater access to formal financing.

Thai Credit Guarantee Corp Expands Loans for Small Firms
22 Jul The Phuket News

BANGKOK: The Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG) is preparing to provide credit guarantees for nanofinance loans to help small entrepreneurs gain greater access to formal financing.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Police

Drunk Driver Kills 14-Year-Old Girl in Lampang Crash

A 14-year-old schoolgirl was killed when a pickup truck driven by a drunk 63-year-old former school director hit her motorcycle in Lampang on July 20. The driver tested with a blood alcohol level of 171 milligrams percent and faces charges

22 Jul The Thaiger Crime

14 year old girl killed by alleged drunk driver in LampangLegacyA 14 year old schoolgirl died after a pickup truck allegedly driven by a drunk former school director collided with her motorcycle in Lampang on the evening of July 20. Police were called to the scene at about 8.30pm outside a petrol station in Na Khrua subdistrict, Mae Tha district. Medical staff from Mae Tha Hospital and rescue workers also attended. Officers found a grey pickup parked on the roadside with severe damage to the front left side. The front bumper and headlight assembly had detached, while the windscreen was cracked from the impact. A white motorcycle was found overturned nearby and was extensively damaged, with debris scattered across the road. Photo via Mae Tha Rescue Association Photo via Mae Tha Rescue Association The rider, identified only as 14 year old A, a student in the area, was found dead at the scene. Police carried out an initial examination before transferring her body to the forensic department at Lampang Hospital for a detailed post-mortem examination. Police closed the road while officers documented the scene and recorded evidence as part of their investigation. Officers then questioned the pickup driver, a 63 year old former school director. A breath test allegedly found a blood alcohol level of 171 milligrams %. The accused was charged with drink driving and reckless driving causing death. Investigators are continuing to collect evidence from the scene before proceeding with legal action. Photo via Mae Tha Rescue Association Elsewhere, a local election candidate in Phetchabun province found himself at the centre of a scandal after allegedly being involved in a five-vehicle collision while intoxicated. The man was found with his blood alcohol content (BAC) measured at 341 milligrammes per cent, well above the legal limit. As a result, he was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. The story 14 year old girl killed by alleged drunk driver in Lampang as seen on Thaiger News.

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National

Thai Agricultural Fund Opens Board Recruitment Drive

The Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Fund is recruiting board members from government and private sectors to help shape agricultural assistance policies nationwide. Applications are open through July 26 for candidates with expert

Thai Agricultural Fund Opens Board Recruitment Drive
22 Jul Khaosod

On July 20, 2025, Wannee Mahaneeranont, secretary-general of the Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Fund (ARDF), announced that the organization is now accepting applications to recruit qualified individuals as board members from both government and private sector backgrounds. The recruitment opens an opportunity for knowledgeable and experienced professionals to participate in formulating policies and operational guidelines for agricultural assistance and development programs nationwide.

Deputy Prime Minister Yasachon Wongsawasdi, in his capacity as ARDF board chairman and recruitment committee chair, signed the recruitment announcement dated July 17, 2025. Qualified candidates will be recommended to the board chairman before Cabinet consideration for formal appointment under the 1999 Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Fund Act.

Areas of Expertise Sought: Candidates from both government and private sectors must demonstrate knowledge, expertise, achievements, and experience in one of the following fields: • Financial management or banking • Local economic rehabilitation and development • Community-based industries • Agricultural technology • Water resource development • Conservation and restoration of natural resources and the environment

Qualifications for Private Sector Applicants: Private sector candidates must have no legal disqualifications, including: • Not holding political office, political party positions, or local government roles • Not serving as a political party board member, advisor, or officer • Not currently employed as a civil servant or state enterprise official with permanent status • No history of dismissal from state or state enterprise positions due to misconduct

Government sector applicants must obtain written approval or endorsement from their respective agency heads before nomination.

Required Documents: • Two passport-style photographs (2 inches) • Copy of national ID card or government employee card (1 copy) • Copy of house registration document (1 copy) • Copy of educational credentials or work achievement certification from organization (if available)

Application Period and Locations: Interested candidates may submit applications in person between July 21–26, 2025 (including public holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Bangkok Headquarters: Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Fund Office, CEC Building No. 68/12, Floors 3–5, Kamphaengphet 6 Road, Ladyao Subdistrict, Chatuchak District, Bangkok 10900

Regional Branches: Applications also accepted at ARDF provincial branch offices nationwide

For more information, contact the ARDF head office at 080-0702991 or 080-070-2334.

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