Indonesia Seizes 3 Tons of Thai Cannabis for E-Cigarettes

Indonesian authorities seized 3.37 tonnes of Thai cannabis hidden in suitcases and rubber containers in East Java, arresting 12 suspects who planned to manufacture cannabis-infused e-cigarettes for distribution across major Indonesian citie

3 Jul Khaosod

Indonesia's national narcotics agency announced on July 3 that it seized 3.37 tonnes of cannabis buds and arrested 12 suspects, including foreigners, during operations between June 29 and July 1. Police General Suryadi Ario Seto, head of the national narcotics agency, said the cannabis buds hidden in suitcases and rubber containers originated from Thailand and were seized in East Java province. Investigators determined the shipment was intended for distribution to major Indonesian cities including Jakarta and Bali, where it would be used to manufacture cannabis-infused electronic cigarettes. Indonesia is among the world's countries with the strictest drug laws. The most notorious drug case involved the Bali Nine gang, arrested in 2005 while attempting to smuggle heroin out of Bali International Airport. Indonesia's courts executed two Australian gang leaders in 2015, an incident that strained relations between Indonesia and Australia.

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National

Government Urges 11 Million to Register for Social Security Board Election

The government is urging 11 million employers and insured workers to register by July 15 for a Social Security Board election on September 27, with voting available online, via app, or in person at SSO offices.

3 Jul Khaosod

The government is inviting all employers and insured workers to register immediately to vote in the Social Security Board election on September 27 this year through three channels: the Social Security Office website, the SSO Plus application, or in-person registration at Social Security offices by July 15. Deputy Government Spokesperson Pattarasus Tongsluaykorn explained that elected representatives will directly participate in policy-making, establishing management foundations, and overseeing social security fund operations to ensure transparency and maximum effectiveness. The government aims for the election to be fair, transparent, and open, bringing in a new board to drive policies on healthcare, pensions, and sustainable fund management. The spokesperson noted that this election is expected to attract double the usual number of candidates, with an estimated 400-plus applicants from the insured workers' side and over 130 from the employers' side. All candidates must be active employers or insured workers who have consistently contributed for at least 36 months from July 2023 to June 2026, and the government has imposed strict qualifications barring individuals with conflicts of interest, government officials, and political party members from running. Among the 11 million eligible insured voters, only about 600,000 have registered so far, while only about 4,000 of the 400,000 eligible employers have registered.

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National

Beauty Pageant Director Steps Down From Ubon Role

The director of Miss Universe Ubon Ratchathani has resigned effective July 2 to focus on managing the Miss Universe Bangkok 2026 pageant, though she and two colleagues will continue as advisors to the current Ubon titleholder.

3 Jul Khaosod

Passakorn Phalburan (Fern) has officially stepped down as director of the Miss Universe Ubon Ratchathani pageant, effective July 2, 2026. In her announcement, she explained that the decision was made to allow her and her fellow directors to dedicate their full attention to managing the Miss Universe Bangkok 2026 competition with maximum efficiency.

The resignation affects three pageant officials: Passakorn Phalburan (Fern), Jutamad Intra (Am), and Phanupong Bunyong (Bass). Fern emphasized that this restructuring does not affect the positive relationships among the pageant community or their shared commitment to supporting and developing the beauty pageant industry at all levels.

Despite stepping down from their administrative roles in the Ubon pageant, all three will remain as directors of Miss Universe Bangkok 2026. They will also continue to serve as advisors and consultants to Manasvi Nilbuala (Roemmelle), the current Miss Universe Ubon Ratchathani 2026, providing guidance on related activities as appropriate.

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National

Ronaldo Becomes Oldest Player to Score in World Cup Knockout

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest player ever to score in a World Cup knockout round, converting a penalty for Portugal's 1-1 draw with Croatia in the 2026 tournament's Round of 32.

3 Jul Khaosod

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's superstar forward, has set a record as the oldest player to ever score in a World Cup knockout round at 41 years and 147 days old. Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot to earn Portugal a 1-1 draw against Croatia in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 on July 3rd. The record-breaking goal is Ronaldo's first in a knockout stage after six World Cup appearances. At 41 years old, Ronaldo has also become the first footballer to score more than 25 goals combined in World Cup and European Championship tournaments.

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Local

Sri Don Chai Municipality Defends Hiring Test Results

Sri Don Chai Municipality defended its general laborer recruitment after seven of eleven passing candidates shared the surname Wongchai, explaining the concentration reflects the local Tai Lue population demographic rather than favoritism.

3 Jul Khaosod

On July 3, 2569, at Sri Don Chai Municipality office in Chiang Khong District, Chiang Rai Province, Mayor Sasisong Yafuen and municipal administrators issued a statement addressing social media criticism about the general laborer recruitment results. Seven of the eleven candidates who passed selection shared the surname "Wongchai" (or "Wongchai"), raising questions about procedural transparency.

The mayor clarified in Statement No. 1/2569 that the recruitment process followed good governance principles based on ethics, equality, and transparency, with standardized scoring criteria for both practical and interview components. Regarding the prevalence of the same surname among successful candidates, the mayor explained this reflects the demographic makeup of Sri Don Chai Subdistrict, which comprises 18 villages with 4,617 residents total. Four main villages—Sri Don Chai (Moo 7), Sri Chai Mongkhon (Moo 12), Sri Chai Mongkhon (Moo 14), and Sri Don Chai (Moo 15)—have 1,992 residents, approximately 90.36 percent of whom are Tai Lue ethnicity with the surname Wongchai (about 1,800 people).

The position offered was general laborer with 11,000 baht monthly salary for office maintenance and disaster management duties. Most applicants were from the surrounding villages for commuting convenience, so the concentration of the same surname among successful candidates reflects the actual population distribution rather than impropriety.

The municipality emphasized strict anti-corruption measures, prohibiting administrators, council members, or staff from assisting candidates in any way. Residents were warned against fraudulent claims of exam assistance and encouraged to report any misconduct to the mayor's office or municipal complaint center.

Historical research revealed that the Wongchai surname originates from ancestors who migrated from "Muang U" in the Sipsongpanna region (present-day Laos), led by "Phokamnan Sena" when he was only 5-6 years old. The group became a foundational community in the area.

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National

Portugal Draws Croatia In World Cup Round Of 32

Portugal and Croatia drew 1-1 in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 at Toronto Stadium, with Cristiano Ronaldo equalizing from the penalty spot after Ivan Perisic had given Croatia the lead.

3 Jul Khaosod

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup match held at Toronto Stadium in the United States on the morning of July 3, 2026, Portugal faced Croatia in the final round of 32. Both teams battled fiercely, with Croatia seizing the initiative to take a 1-0 lead in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perisic's goal. Portugal subsequently intensified their attack, and in the 68th minute, they were awarded a penalty kick, which Cristiano Ronaldo converted without error to equalize the match at 1-1. After the scores were level, the game became increasingly open.

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Tourism

Thailand Ranks Top Five Asia Pacific Travel Destination

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomes findings from Visa’s 2026 Global Travel Intentions study, which ranks Thailand among the top five destinations visited by Asia Pacific travellers, re...

3 Jul Thailand.go.th Issues

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomes findings from Visa’s 2026 Global Travel Intentions study, which ranks Thailand among the top five destinations visited by Asia Pacific travellers, re...

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Community

Actress Min Ordains as Buddhist Nun at Father's Temple

Actress Min Ratawan Omthaisong, known for the series Thong Nuea Kao, ordained as a Buddhist nun at Apatharo Monastery in Nakhon Ratchasima on July 1, where her father has spent four Lenten periods.

3 Jul Khaosod

Tears flowed in support as actress Min Ratawan Omthaisong, known for her role as Khai Toom in the hit series Thong Nuea Kao, officially ordained as a Buddhist nun at the same temple where her father has ordained and observed Buddhist Lent for four years. The young actress, affectionately nicknamed "Lamom" by colleagues in the entertainment industry, shared photos from the ordination ceremony. Before the event, she posted a farewell video and message explaining: "Tomorrow, July 1, at 3:30 PM, I will participate in the hair-shaving ceremony at Apatharo Monastery in Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima—the same place where my father ordained and has stayed for four Lenten periods." In her message, Min respectfully asked forgiveness from everyone, saying: "If in the past I have ever wronged anyone through my actions, words, or thoughts—whether intentionally or unintentionally, openly or secretly—I humbly ask for your forgiveness and compassion. I also extend my forgiveness to all. I hope all past grievances are resolved and that we each find only happiness, prosperity, and goodness in our lives. With deep respect, I bid farewell as I ordain." Close friends who attended the ceremony were visibly moved, tears streaming down their faces as they paid respects and shared in her merit-making. Entertainment industry colleagues and fans also left supportive comments celebrating her spiritual commitment.

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National

Santi Cazorla Retires From Professional Football

Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla, 41, has retired after a distinguished career including two FA Cups with Arsenal and two European Championships with Spain, ending his playing days at childhood club Oviedo.

3 Jul Khaosod

Santi Cazorla, the former Arsenal midfielder, has announced his retirement from professional football at age 41 after a long career. Cazorla played for Arsenal and won two FA Cups with the club, as well as two European Championships with the Spanish national team. The Spanish midfielder finished his career with Oviedo, the club where he played as a child, before announcing his retirement. "Now everything is coming to an end," Cazorla said. "When the boots are hung up and the noise becomes silence, everything feels right. Because ending it is not just anywhere—it's at home."

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National

De Paul Proud To Call Messi Close Friend

Rodrigo De Paul expressed pride in his close friendship with Lionel Messi since both joined Inter Miami, urging fans to cherish moments with the Argentine superstar as his playing career winds down.

3 Jul Khaosod

Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul expressed pride in his close friendship with superstar Lionel Messi, calling it deeply meaningful. Since both players joined Inter Miami, De Paul has earned the nickname "Messi's bodyguard" and the pair are frequently photographed together. De Paul recently spoke about his relationship with the Argentine captain, saying "Being a good friend to Lionel Messi means a lot. Friendship is one of the most important things we all have." He added, "I feel very lucky to be there, to share different moments with him both on and off the field, and that makes me very proud." De Paul also urged fans to cherish every moment with Messi, noting that what remains may be like a countdown to his final days on the pitch. "Of course, we value those moments more than things we no longer have. It's part of life, but we're all happy to have him with us," he said. De Paul and Messi are currently on a mission to lead Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup championship, with their next match against Cape Verde.

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National

Fuel Prices Drop July 3, New Rates Effective Now

Fuel prices dropped across Thailand effective July 3, with gasohol 95 averaging 37.45 baht per liter at major stations including PTT, Bangchak, and Caltex.

2 Jul Khaosod

As of July 3, 2026, fuel prices have been reduced effective from 5:00 AM, according to the Office of Energy Policy and Planning under the Ministry of Energy. The following are the latest prices from five major fuel stations:

PTT Station (July 3, 2026): Gasohol 95: 37.45 baht/liter Gasohol E20: 32.45 baht/liter Gasohol E85: 28.39 baht/liter Gasohol 91: 37.08 baht/liter Gasohol 95 Premium: 47.79 baht/liter Benzin 95: 46.44 baht/liter Diesel: 37.50 baht/liter Diesel B20: 32.50 baht/liter Diesel Premium: 50.05 baht/liter

Bangchak Station (July 3, 2026): Gasohol 95: 37.45 baht/liter Gasohol E20: 32.45 baht/liter Gasohol E85: 28.39 baht/liter Gasohol 91: 37.08 baht/liter Gasohol 95 Premium: 48.44 baht/liter Diesel B7: 37.50 baht/liter Diesel B20: 32.50 baht/liter Diesel Premium: 49.25 baht/liter

PT Station (July 3, 2026): Gasohol 95: 37.45 baht/liter Gasohol E20: 32.45 baht/liter Gasohol 91: 37.08 baht/liter Benzin 95: 46.94 baht/liter Diesel B7: 37.50 baht/liter Diesel B20: 32.50 baht/liter

Shell Station (July 3, 2026): Gasohol 95: 37.95 baht/liter Gasohol E20: 32.65 baht/liter Gasohol 91: 37.58 baht/liter Gasohol 95 Premium: 49.84 baht/liter Diesel B7: 37.50 baht/liter Diesel B20: 32.50 baht/liter Diesel Premium: 49.84 baht/liter

Caltex Station (July 3, 2026): Gasohol 95: 37.45 baht/liter Gasohol E20: 32.45 baht/liter Gasohol 91: 37.08 baht/liter Benzin 95: 48.41 baht/liter Diesel B7: 37.50 baht/liter Diesel B20: 32.50 baht/liter Diesel Premium: 49.25 baht/liter

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