Athaya Nuan-uthai, deputy permanent secretary of the Interior Ministry, has withdrawn from a serious disciplinary investigation committee after his name emerged as a person of interest in an Anti-Corruption Commission probe. The Interior Ministry appointed him to the committee on July 8, the same day media reported he might face investigation over allegations of misconduct related to civil service and local government examinations. Upon learning of the appointment, Athaya immediately requested to step down from the disciplinary panel, citing potential conflicts of interest and other serious circumstances that could compromise the investigation's neutrality and fairness. He expressed his intent to cooperate fully with investigating authorities through proper legal channels. The ministry emphasized that the committee was appointed before news of the investigation emerged, to maintain standards of propriety and correctness. The remaining committee members will continue their investigation to establish facts and uphold legal principles, and will report their findings to the permanent secretary for submission to the Prime Minister and Interior Minister.

A 22-year-old woman is in critical condition after falling from the fourth floor of a university dormitory in Nakhon Ratchasima on July 15 at 7:05 p.m. Police from Muang Nakhon Ratchasima Station responded to the incident at a dorm located behind a major university in Muang District and coordinated with rescue workers and emergency medical personnel. The incident occurred at a professional training dormitory affiliated with the Tourism and Hospitality program. The woman sustained severe injuries from the fall, which occurred from a height of approximately 15 meters. Rescue teams and paramedics provided emergency first aid before rushing her to Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. Initial investigation revealed the victim is a 22-year-old from Roi Et province and was visiting a close friend at the dormitory, not a student at the university. Witnesses reported hearing what sounded like an argument or heated exchange between two women inside the building around 6:30 p.m., shortly before the woman fell from the fourth floor. Police plan to interview witnesses and the victim's friend to determine the circumstances of the incident.

Police in Nakhon Phanom Province responded on July 15 to a fatal traffic accident on Baan Nadone Road in Kham Tao subdistrict, where a white Isuzu pickup truck with a reinforced cargo bed flipped on its side after striking a central streetlight. The truck driver, a delivery employee, sustained minor injuries and was able to crawl out and provide a statement. At the scene, investigators found the overturned truck lying on top of a green Honda Dream motorcycle that was crushed beneath it. The motorcycle rider, identified as Mr. Naa, 56, was found pinned under the truck. Rescue workers took more than 30 minutes with a crane to lift the vehicle and extract his body.

Initial investigation revealed that the pickup truck was traveling from Ard Samara subdistrict to deliver alcohol beverages to shops in a local village. At the accident point, the truck lost control on the central median, causing the driver to swerve and clip the streetlight pole before turning back into the lane. At that exact moment, the motorcycle was passing, and the truck's rear swept the rider down, trapping his body underneath. He died at the scene.

Shortly after, the victim's 33-year-old son and relatives arrived to witness the body recovery. When the son saw his father's vehicle, he collapsed to his knees in tears. Relatives were so traumatized by the sight that they have not yet told the victim's wife, fearing the shock would be too much for her to bear.

Marks & Spencer (M&S), the historic British retailer, has announced the official closure of all sales operations in Thailand through both offline and online channels, effective June 30. The company's official Facebook page expressed gratitude for the love, support, and trust Thai customers have shown over the years, stating that M&S Thailand has now ceased product sales through all channels and hopes to serve customers again in the future. Marks & Spencer was founded in 1862 as a symbol of quality British goods, known for reliability and integrity. The brand offered clothing, beauty products such as soap and skincare items, body-care products, famous food items including biscuits, cookies, and chocolate, as well as home décor and furnishings. The company entered the Thai market in 1995 and operated here for 31 years before the recent closure.

A cashier at a beer bar in Ladprao has given his account of the night of the fire, stating he heard someone shout about the blaze and saw flames erupt from the ceiling within less than 20 seconds. He denies allegations that the establishment locked doors to prevent customers from leaving without paying their bills.

On July 15, Nontom Thanomwong, who had worked at the Ladprao beer bar for approximately one year, met with investigators from Phahon Yothin Police Station to provide his statement and retrieve his personal belongings left inside the establishment.

Nontom revealed that on the night of the incident, while he was working inside the bar, he heard a younger colleague shout "Fire!" Startled, he looked toward the ceiling of the central stage area and saw smoke beginning to form. He immediately ran toward the kitchen exit, and within less than 20 seconds, flames burst out from the ceiling area rapidly. It is believed that at the time of the fire, the bar owner was in the central area of the establishment and was sitting drinking.

Regarding the issue of collecting payment from customers, which drew attention after the incident, Nontom clarified that the bar's system collects payment from customers only once. Bills are gradually cleared starting around midnight as part of the establishment's normal procedure before closing at approximately 2:00 a.m. The fire occurred during the time when staff were clearing bills as usual around that time.

Concerning allegations that the bar locked doors to prevent customers from escaping without paying for food and drinks, Nontom stated that he does not know where such reports came from. From his perspective working there, it does not seem to be true, as everyone was fleeing during that period.

As for the bathroom exit door with a fire escape, Nontom explained that it is opened only when staff enter and exit before work begins. Once the bar opens to customers, it is closed because it is not the main entrance. He suggested that details about this may need to be clarified with the cleaning staff or those directly responsible.

Regarding the sprinkler system, Nontom admitted that he has no knowledge of it as he is only a cashier. During his one year of employment, he was never aware of any electrical system problems in the bar. Fire extinguishers are installed at various points throughout the establishment as normal procedure.

A brutal incident unfolded when a 68-year-old man was killed, his body placed on a pile of wood, and burned beside a roadside rest shelter. A young man suspected in the case has disappeared following the incident.

On July 15, Deputy Superintendent Surachai Chiang Wat Kaet of Mueang Saraburi Police Station received a report from residents about a killing and burning at a shelter in Prong Songuan Tai village, Lam Sompung subdistrict, Mueang Saraburi district. He and Captain Thanaphak Suwan, head of Mueang Saraburi Police Station, led an investigation team including detectives, forensic officers, hospital doctors, and rescue volunteers to the scene.

At the location, officers found a smoldering pile of wood with a charred body. Only the right leg remained partially unconsumed by the fire, and the skull was crushed, apparently from blunt force trauma. The victim was identified as Mr. Bua, 68 years old. Near the fire, investigators discovered a 50-centimeter fishing hook and scattered belongings including towels and pillows believed to belong to the victim. These items were collected as evidence.

Interviews with an 80-year-old resident, Ms. Dam, revealed that the victim had mental health issues but was not violent toward villagers and frequently slept at the shelter. Around 2 a.m., she heard what sounded like a quarrel and loud fighting near her house but did not investigate due to the darkness. By morning, neighbors informed her that Mr. Bua had been killed and burned at the shelter.

Ms. Dam suspected the perpetrator was Mr. Yam, 40, a fellow villager known to spend time with the victim and who struggles with drug addiction. Mr. Yam disappeared after the incident.

The victim's sister, Ms. Wanpen, 60, confirmed that her brother had mental health issues and regularly slept at the shelter. She recalled that when her brother had cash on him, the money would go missing, and she believes Mr. Yam was responsible for his death.

Police have deployed teams to locate Mr. Yam for questioning but have not yet found him. Preliminary investigation suggests the perpetrator knew the victim and likely attempted robbery, as the victim carried cash. A struggle may have ensued, leading the assailant to beat the victim's head with a wooden stick. The body was then placed on a pile of wood kept at the shelter and set on fire before the suspect fled the scene.