Toyota Launches Hilux Revo Racing Mania 2026 Season

Toyota launches the Hilux Revo Racing Mania 2026 season at Surat Thani Motorsport on August 1–2, featuring drag racing with over 100 vehicles, car customization displays, and an AI design competition for pickup truck enthusiasts across Sout

25 Jul Khaosod

Toyota is revving up excitement with the Hilux Revo Racing Mania 2026 season, kicking off at Surat Thani Motorsport on August 1–2. Toyota Motor Thailand is building community among pickup truck enthusiasts with a festival celebrating modified vehicles and motorsport competition. The inaugural race features both professional and amateur drag racing, car customization displays, and motorsport activities designed to appeal to Southern Thailand's racing community under the high-octane concept "Rev Fast Fight—the battlefield burns, the track roars."

Toyota is opening a spectacular speed festival to delight motorsport fans across the South, launching the 2026 season at Surat Thani Motorsport on August 1–2 with double the excitement, packed activities, and promotions tailored for both custom car lovers and serious racers. Market research shows consumers favor clean premium custom styles that emphasize sleek elegance and personal expression, alongside growing interest in high-stance vehicles. This year's event targets both drag racing enthusiasts and decoration lovers to strengthen the Toyota pickup community.

Key activities include Pro & Amateur Drag Race featuring over 100 competing vehicles—a record—with professional competition standards using Balance of Performance rules, with total prizes exceeding 3.9 million baht across the season. An online AI Dream Build campaign lets participants design custom Hilux Revo vehicles through artificial intelligence, with selected designs potentially developed into real prototypes under an "AI to Reality" concept. A Car Club Pit Zone brings together over 100 car clubs with activities including Toyota Bracket Challenge and Drag Academy, plus appearances by leading automotive influencers M Ror Sing Thailand, Un DRAG DIESEL, and O Custom Car Association.

A Dealer Zone features Toyota Surat Thani and Toyota Tapi showcasing Hilux Revo and Travo vehicles with exclusive event promotions. Viewers watching the live stream can scan QR codes for exclusive secret deals and discounts from local dealers. The event also includes over 21 partner brands selling customization equipment at special prices, plus The Hilux Legendary zone showcasing the vehicle's history from Hero and Mighty X through Vigo, Revo, and Travo models.

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National

Defense Chief's Restraint on Southern Violence Draws Fire

Five ranger officers were killed in a militant attack in Narathiwat, sparking public calls for aggressive military action, but the Defense Minister urged dialogue instead, arguing that heavy-handed crackdowns have historically strengthened

25 Jul Khaosod

Violence in Thailand's Deep South has intensified after militants launched an attack on a checkpoint in Tanongmass subdistrict, Rangae district, Narathiwat province, killing five ranger officers. Public sentiment, particularly on social media, has been filled with anger and demands to eradicate the southern insurgents completely. Army leadership, including the army chief of staff, appeared to understand this public mood well and announced plans to hunt down those responsible to the far corners of the earth, searching every village and forest area. This pledge to pursue and eliminate the militants resonated with many Thais. However, Defense Minister General Udomdej Bunjaicharoen subsequently objected to the language of "hunting," emphasizing that this should not be called a hunt because it is a problem of Thai citizens with differing views who should engage in dialogue, noting that a peace committee already exists. This cautious approach frustrated those who wanted to see the military launch an aggressive campaign against the insurgents, leading to widespread social media criticism. The general's position reflected a strategic understanding that heavy-handed crackdowns have proven ineffective over many years because southern insurgents are deeply embedded within Thai communities in the three southern provinces, and the root causes stem from disputes between the central government and locals with distinct ethnic and religious identities. Every military operation tends to harm innocent civilians, creating grievances that ultimately strengthen the militants' ranks. The principle that politics must guide military action—and that dialogue should lead suppression efforts—has been proven globally and was successfully applied when Thailand defeated the communist insurgency in 1975 under General Prem Tinsulanonda. Therefore, General Udomdej's position on the southern conflict is strategically sound, though it may not satisfy those eager to see aggressive military action. Ultimately, in any internal conflict, the more the state crushes the insurgency, the larger it grows. The general speaks correctly, but his words may not satisfy the public appetite for decisive military force.

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National

Mitsubishi Motors Rebrands for 65th Anniversary With 'Enjoy the Ride'

Mitsubishi Motors rebrands itself as a "Life Enhancer" for its 65th anniversary in Thailand, shifting from automaker to lifestyle companion under the concept "Enjoy The Ride." The company launches a new brand character and emphasizes unders

25 Jul Khaosod

A car may start as a vehicle, but over time it becomes part of people's memories and way of life—from family road trips to school runs, holiday travels, and daily work. For 65 years, Mitsubishi Motors has grown alongside Thai society. Now marking this milestone, the company announces a new role as a "Life Enhancer" under the concept "Enjoy The Ride," while launching "MITSURU," a new brand character reflecting the joy and positive energy of traveling.

As Thailand's auto industry intensifies with new competitors and rapid technology changes, consumers no longer seek just "good cars" but brands that truly understand their lives. Starting from a dealer of three-wheelers and small vehicles 65 years ago, Mitsubishi has become the Mitsubishi Group's largest production and export base outside Japan. To mark this 65th anniversary with distinction, Mitsubishi Motors held a major year-end event titled "Enjoy The Ride" to officially announce the brand's new direction, signaling that henceforth Mitsubishi will not merely be a car manufacturer but a life companion at every stage of Thais' lives.

From Automaker to "Life-Enhancing Brand"

Ryoichi Inaba, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Limited, stated that over six decades, the brand's pride extends beyond delivering high-quality vehicles to include customer trust, job creation, and driving Thailand's automotive industry and economy since 1961. With a philosophy centered on customers—"KOE" (listening to customer voice) and "KANDO" (creating delightful experiences in every detail)—Mitsubishi has become one of Thailand's leading automakers and a key global production base, with cumulative production exceeding 7 million units and exports of over 5 million units to 120 countries worldwide.

Yet amid intensifying competition, new competitors, and rapid technological change, today's consumers seek more than just "good cars"—they want brands that genuinely understand their lives. Mitsubishi has chosen its 65th anniversary to shift from discussing only vehicles to discussing the lives of users, announcing a new identity as a "Life Enhancer" that elevates quality of life across all dimensions—work, family time, and creating new memories.

While modernizing its image to connect more closely with consumers, Mitsubishi remains rooted in the original DNA that built trust: expertise in performance and driving technology, embodied in the concept "Expert in Any Road Condition," proven through over 100,000 kilometers of testing on Thai roads with vehicles like the Mitsubishi Xforce SUV, and drawing on experience from world-class events like the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR).

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Police

Retired Soldier's Pickup Truck Causes Four-Vehicle Pileup

A 66-year-old retired soldier's pickup truck hit a motorcycle at a red light in Nakhon Ratchasima, then collided with three more vehicles in a chain-reaction crash, injuring the truck driver who lost consciousness.

25 Jul Khaosod

At 4:05 p.m. on July 25, 2569, police from Nakhon Ratchasima City Station and rescue workers from the Sawang Metatham Foundation responded to a four-vehicle collision at the intersection near Nakhon Ratchasima Kindergarten School on Ratchasima–Chokchai Road. A Mazda pickup truck hit a red Honda PCX motorcycle from behind while it was stopped at a red light near Phon Laan intersection, causing the bike to fall. The driver, Lt. Anant, 66, a retired civil servant, sustained severe injuries and lost consciousness. Rescuers provided first aid before transporting him to Maha Rajpruek Hospital.

Anant, 29, the motorcycle owner, reported that after the truck hit his bike, he tried to follow and signal the driver to stop near a police CCTV camera, but the pickup sped away. The truck then collided violently with vehicles waiting at a red light near the kindergarten school, causing a four-vehicle pileup with no apparent braking.

Anuvattha, 36, owner of a black Honda HR-V that was hit, said the pickup struck his car hard with no sign of braking or deceleration, forcing his vehicle into the car ahead and injuring his face. Police documented the damage, collected witness statements, and are reviewing CCTV footage to determine the cause and pursue legal action.

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National

Thai Stock Market Eyes 1,700 Points as Foreign Funds Flow In

The Thai stock market is expected to reach 1,700 points by year-end as foreign funds pour in and corporate earnings recover, with analysts recommending selective buying in power, banking, and tourism stocks.

25 Jul Khaosod

Piriyapol Kongvanicha, investment analysis director at Bua Luang Securities, said the Thai stock market is expected to rise further in the second half of 2026, with the SET index potentially reaching 1,700 points by year-end. Foreign investment inflows are forecast to total around 160 billion baht for the full year, with 70 billion already deployed since January, while corporate earnings recover and earnings per share are expected to hit 100 baht.

The market will show K-shaped recovery, with different stock groups performing unevenly, so investors should use selective buying strategies focused on companies with strong fundamentals and growing profit prospects. Recommended stock groups include power generators (GULF, GPSC, GUNKUL, WHAUP) benefiting from foreign direct investment and green energy demand; electronics stocks (KCE) supported by global industrial recovery and AI investment; commercial banks (KBANK, KTB) offering high dividends; tourism and hotels (ERW, AWC) rebounding from second-quarter lows; consumer goods and food stocks (CBG, CPF) recovering as commodity prices stabilize.

Serimsakdi Wongsiticho, assistant managing director for financial instruments trading at Bua Luang, recommends investors with higher risk tolerance allocate 60-70% to equities (30% Thai stocks, 70% foreign stocks) and 30-40% to bonds and debt instruments, focusing mainly on Thai debt securities with some foreign exposure for risk management.

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National

China Envoy Proposes Three Steps to Deepen Thailand-China Ties

China's ambassador outlined three steps to boost Thailand-China economic ties, emphasizing shared opportunities in green and digital technology, infrastructure projects including a railway network, and the upcoming Cooperation Expo 2026 fol

25 Jul Khaosod

Ambassador Zhang Jianwei presented three key expectations for advancing economic and trade cooperation between Thailand and China. First, both nations should share new opportunities emerging from China's high-quality development, leveraging China's large market, complete industrial chain, and ongoing advances in green economy, digital economy, and smart technology to benefit Thai entrepreneurs globally. Second, the ambassador highlighted the recent official visit by Prime Minister Anutin Chaivirakul to China, where both leaders reached important consensus on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across all dimensions. President Xi Jinping emphasized China's long-standing commitment to developing ties with Thailand and positioned China as a trustworthy strategic partner, urging acceleration of the Thailand-China railway project, integration with the China-Laos-Thailand rail network, and expansion into new sectors including artificial intelligence, aviation and aerospace, and clean energy. Thai PM Anutin affirmed Thailand's sustained commitment to deepening relations with China, promoting high-level exchanges, and broadening practical cooperation in trade, investment, advanced technology, and infrastructure connectivity to advance their strategic partnership comprehensively. Third, Ambassador Zhang stressed that the consensus reached by both leaders represents a crucial direction for building a Thailand-China community with a shared future in a new era, and serves as a strategic framework for expanding bilateral trade and investment cooperation. The Thailand-China Cooperation Expo 2026 thus occurs at an opportune moment as a concrete action to translate this consensus into tangible results.

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National

TFEX Eases Gold Investment for Retail Traders

Thailand's futures exchange TFEX launched Mini Gold Online Futures in May, allowing retail traders to invest in gold with smaller contract sizes and lower margin requirements than previously available.

25 Jul Khaosod

Thailand's futures exchange TFEX is highlighting current market volatility and encouraging investors to use derivatives for risk management. TFEX Managing Director Attriwit Wangwarawuth noted that rapid asset price movements mean historical data alone may not suffice, making risk management alongside return generation essential for investors.

TFEX operates as a futures trading market allowing investors to hedge price risk without holding actual assets, using two main instruments: futures contracts (for price-locking, speculation, and short selling to manage risk) and options contracts (similar to insurance, where investors pay a premium for the right to buy or sell at a set price). Before investing, traders must understand three critical concepts: contract value to avoid overtrading, leverage ratios that boost returns while increasing risk, and margin management to prevent forced position closure.

Since May 25, TFEX has launched Mini Gold Online Futures (MGO), reducing contract size from 10 troy ounces to just 1 troy ounce (approximately 2 baht in gold value), lowering margin requirements and opening gold investment to retail traders. Contracts remain indexed to global gold prices with profit and loss settled in Thai baht. The exchange is also developing new non-equity products such as oil and cryptocurrency futures to expand risk management options and meet investor needs.

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Police

Rider Arrested for Stealing Motorbike Over Mom's Payment Dispute

A 28-year-old motorcycle rider was arrested in Pathum Thani after stealing a Honda PCX to spite his mother, who refused to pay his overdue loan installments. He confessed to abandoning the stolen bike so the finance company would repossess

25 Jul Khaosod

Chakravarti Police apprehended 28-year-old Kittiphoom on July 25, 2569 (2026) following an arrest warrant issued by Bangkok Southern Criminal Court on July 24. Officers arrested him at a residence in Soi Pibarnon, Moo 3, Kukhot Subdistrict, Lam Luka District, Pathum Thani Province on the afternoon of July 24.

The investigation began after police received reports of motorcycle theft in the area. Using CCTV footage, investigators identified Kittiphoom as the suspect and obtained an arrest warrant. He was located hiding in Pathum Thani province and taken into custody.

During questioning, Kittiphoom, who works as a motorcycle rider, confessed that he stole a Honda PCX motorcycle identical to his own because his mother had scolded him and refused to pay five overdue installment payments on his vehicle. He then abandoned the stolen bike to allow the finance company to repossess it. Police charged him with nighttime theft using a vehicle to facilitate the crime, with the case proceeding under applicable law.

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National

Thailand Targets 3% Growth Through Investment Push

Thailand's government targets 3% economic growth by boosting private and public investment, which expanded roughly 10% and aims for 9.4% respectively in early 2025, while addressing risks from inflation and a ballooning current account defi

25 Jul Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphas said at a 2025 economic journalism development seminar that Thailand's economy has operated like a single-engine aircraft powered solely by exports, making it fragile when global economies slow. Domestic consumption and investment remain weak, and successive stimulus policies have increased public debt. Over the past seven months, the government has prioritized investment-driven growth, with private investment in the first quarter of 2025 expanding roughly 10% and public sector investment targets set at 9.4% growth.

The government must monitor two key risks: accelerating inflation from energy prices and a current account deficit exceeding $14 billion over two months, roughly 600 billion baht, reflecting higher spending than income that could impact economic stability. To capitalize on global economic shifts and production relocation, Thailand must pursue new investment opportunities in future industries, unlock clean electricity trading through the Direct PPA system without quota limits to accommodate AI and data center investment, and address the European Union's environmental standards (CBAM).

Long-term economic strengthening requires three reforms: clean energy transition, support for aging societies, and workforce upskilling through the Skill Bridge program. Ekniti emphasized three priorities: improving Thai workers' skills, enabling seniors to work longer, and attracting more skilled foreign workers, with a target of restoring economic growth above 3%. Under a public-private cooperation committee, the government will support the private sector through fiscal measures, trade policies, workforce development, regulatory relief, and clean energy infrastructure investment.

Regarding citizens stripped of welfare card benefits after being fraudulently listed as company directors or shareholders, the government confirmed it will restore rights upon verification of non-involvement. The issue stems from incomplete government databases rather than screening flaws. A new registration round found 2.3 million newly eligible recipients, with over 5 million of 9 million cardholders aged 20-60 in the working-age bracket. The government plans upskilling and job placement measures to lift incomes above poverty, emphasizing that budget is not a constraint as current welfare spending reaches approximately 70,000 million baht annually alongside other benefits.

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National

Election Commission Defends Senate Graft Case Decision

The Election Commission defended its handling of a Senate election fraud case, saying its decision will be based on evidence and legal procedure rather than public opinion, with a ruling expected by August.

25 Jul Khaosod

On July 25, 2569, Election Commission Secretary Sawaeng Boonmee briefed the media on the commission's progress in reviewing the Senate election fraud case and whether it will proceed to file charges in court. The commission has previously stated it expects to complete its work by next month or August, with approximately four more meetings planned.

Sawaeng noted that while the Senate fraud case dominates daily news, public activities and opinions do not alter the established facts or the commission's statutory examination process. The law requires the commission to vote on whether wrongdoing occurred before forwarding the case to court as a preliminary opinion.

"We listen to all external viewpoints and opinions, but they do not affect the facts or the legal procedures we follow," Sawaeng said. He explained that when determining guilt, the law must first define what constitutes a wrongdoing, then the commission reviews evidence and witnesses. Regarding the Democratic Party's planned press conference tomorrow to reveal additional evidence in the case, Sawaeng said the commission will examine whether that information is already in the official record.

When asked if a decision not to prosecute would contradict public sentiment, Sawaeng stressed that the final decision rests on evidence and findings stated in the ruling, which are fully documented. "We do not decide based on feelings or anyone's preferences, but on the facts we have gathered," he said.

Asked whether the commission is prepared to face social backlash, Sawaeng replied, "This happens every day." Regarding complaints filed by accused candidates against those who disclosed information, Sawaeng noted this is their right and unrelated to the commission's case. He also said the commission already has all relevant clips from Senate candidate screenings, as the law requires the Election Commission to record every step of the voting process at all levels. "We must operate under the law, not according to anyone's wishes. Freedom of expression is protected as long as it does not infringe on others' rights," he concluded.

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National

Thailand Marks King's 74th Birthday With Royal Observances

Thailand celebrates King Maha Vajiralongkorn's 74th birthday on July 28 with nationwide merit-making ceremonies, alms-giving, and public tributes at the Royal Plaza and provincial locations.

25 Jul Khaosod

July 28, 2569 marks the anniversary of His Majesty the King's 74th birthday. Thai citizens nationwide are invited to unite in offering royal blessings and well-wishes. The Royal Household encourages the public to sign an online congratulations message through the royal office website www.royaloffice.th from July 26 to 30, 2569.

Merit-making activities include morning alms-giving ceremonies to Buddhist monks at 7 a.m. nationwide, with central ceremonies held at the Royal Plaza and provincial ceremonies at provincial administrative offices and suitable locations.

These activities unite all Thai citizens in making merit and paying tribute to His Majesty's boundless compassion and dedication. Buddhist temples throughout Thailand will also conduct chanting ceremonies in His Majesty's honor, as directed by the Sangha Supreme Council, while Thai temples abroad will conduct ceremonies as appropriate.

The government will also hold oath-taking ceremonies for civil servants to demonstrate their commitment to serving the nation. State agencies at all levels are invited to organize ceremonies at their respective locations. Ceremonies honoring His Majesty will include royal tributes, flower offerings, and candlelit prayers scheduled simultaneously across the kingdom, with central ceremonies at the Royal Plaza and provincial ceremonies at provincial halls.

These observances commemorate His Majesty's steadfast commitment and continued dedication to the nation and its people since ascending to the throne.

Government agencies, private companies, and citizens are encouraged to display royal portraits with ceremonial offerings, decorate public spaces with Thai flags, yellow-and-white ribbons, and patriotic symbols to demonstrate gratitude, loyalty, and unity in honoring the nation's revered leader.

Throughout this month of great merit, volunteers from all sectors are joining together in community service projects including tree planting, cleaning public areas and religious sites, and canal dredging—demonstrating their loyalty, unity, and wholehearted devotion in wishing their King long life and prosperity.

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