JAS invites volleyball fans to support Thailand's women's national team in Week 3 of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL 2026) in Osaka, Japan, where they will face four world-class opponents. As the broadcast rights holder for VNL 2026 in Thailand, JAS is offering complete live coverage of all matches through Monomax streaming and MONOMAX SPORTS TV throughout the tournament.

The VNL 2026 Week 3 competition runs July 8-12, 2026, with simultaneous tournaments in three locations: Osaka, Japan; Hong Kong; and Belgrade, Serbia. Teams compete for crucial points and rankings to advance to the finals. Thailand's women's team will face Japan, Turkey, Poland, and the United States in Osaka.

Thailand's match schedule (Thailand time): • Wednesday, July 8 at 1:30 PM: Thailand vs. USA (Monomax) • Thursday, July 9 at 5:20 PM: Japan vs. Thailand (Monomax and MONOMAX SPORTS TV) • Saturday, July 11 at 1:30 PM: Thailand vs. Brazil (Monomax) • Sunday, July 12 at 1:30 PM: Thailand vs. Turkey (Monomax)

Week 3 is a critical turning point for all teams, making every match crucial for Thailand's pursuit of higher rankings. Fans can watch all matches free on MONOMAX SPORTS TV or subscribe to the Monomax Sports Basic package for 199 baht per month or 1,599 baht per year for full live and replay coverage throughout the tournament.

Beyond his entertainment career where actor Toy Phongsakorn dedicates himself to performing diverse roles, he also makes time for running—his favorite activity. He has balanced his work schedule with exercise and successfully completed multiple marathons. Toy previously played golf but shifted to running based on advice from industry professionals. Beyond personal health benefits, running has improved his work performance, including body maintenance and physical stamina for action scenes without fatigue.

Toy explains that people run for different reasons—some for health, others to challenge themselves through marathons. "Running for health means enjoying the activity, which leads to longer, more effective workouts. It's something I love and do for my own health. Running to challenge myself is like pushing my limits. Marathon running requires tremendous discipline, teaching many lessons about rest, sleep, nutrition, and training. Marathon training isn't just about race day; the preparation journey is equally important. Each marathon provided different perspectives—pressure, satisfaction, or sometimes wanting to quit due to limited training time because of back-to-back filming for seven days, making one actual race more difficult than previous ones."

As he entered the serious running world, Toy describes physical and mental changes in himself, with his family appreciating his discipline. He must sacrifice certain things—declining outings with friends to get home early and rest before early morning training sessions starting at 4:30 AM.

"Running mentally helps with focus, letting go, and building discipline. It requires sacrifices, like choosing not to party with friends to get proper rest before early morning training. That's trading something for something better. I suggest thinking about which path you choose—one that benefits your health or one that doesn't."

"Every foundation starts with walking. Begin with walking, then gradually shift to slow running with walking breaks. I believe this pace allows continuous, longer-term running. Many feel pressured to run fast like others or maintain low pace. For health running, monitor heart rate around 140-145 BPM—where you can still talk while running. This heart rate range helps your body burn fat as energy and improves health. Just 30 minutes daily provides health benefits."

By prioritizing a strong body, the results are improved health. The Ministry of Public Health also emphasizes comprehensive health care to encourage everyone toward better health and quality of life. "Good health means being with loved ones longer without burdening others. It just requires exercise. Many make excuses, postponing until tomorrow. If you don't start, your health suffers. The ministry continuously promotes exercise, explaining benefits and consequences of inactivity, encouraging Thais to prioritize health for better quality of life and longer time with loved ones—not just exercise, but comprehensive wellness."

PHUKET: Two people were injured in a house fire at the Villa California housing estate in Wichit late last night (July 5), with firefighters taking about 40 minutes to bring the blaze under control.

Defense Minister General Adulyadej Boonthammacherng dismissed accusations from a Pheu Thai Party MP who called him a "demon minister" and linked him to the Navy's frigate purchase, claiming he was changing technical requirements and NATO standards. Speaking on July 6, 2025 at Royal Thai Air Force headquarters, Adulyadej responded to MP Ekachai Udomamnuay's parliamentary debate accusations during the consideration of the fiscal year 2570 budget bill by characterizing them as immature remarks unworthy of attention.

The minister said he was accused of being a "demon minister"—apparently referencing a movie trend—and of rigging the frigate purchase by changing technical requirements. He countered that frigate procurement decisions must consider the Navy's operational needs, not just technical specifications alone.

Before drafting technical requirements, ethics committees oversee every step of the process, Adulyadej explained. He urged patience until the Navy selects a winning bidder, at which point it will become clear whether technical standards can be modified. He stressed that weapons systems and basic equipment standards cannot be arbitrarily changed.

"If we acquire one ship but cannot operate it jointly with existing naval forces or warships, and cannot conduct other training operations, then frankly, I'm not that corrupt," Adulyadej stated.

Thailand is stepping up efforts to expand its presence in the Middle East tourism market following the launch of a new direct route between Dubai and Don Mueang through a strategic partnership with flydubai. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is hosting the "Amazing Thailand Takes Off with flydubai Roadshow 2026" on July 7-8 to attract more high-spending visitors ahead of the upcoming high season.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesaengchan said the Thai government, through TAT, has partnered with flydubai to strengthen Thailand's presence in the Middle Eastern tourism market. The partnership launched its inaugural direct flight between Dubai and Bangkok on July 1.

To support the new route, TAT will host the roadshow in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on July 7 and 8, aiming to expand business opportunities, strengthen ties with travel industry partners, and attract high-spending visitors from the Middle East ahead of peak tourism season.

The Middle East, particularly the UAE, is one of Thailand's key long-haul tourism markets, with visitors known for their high spending and strong tourism potential. Between January 1 and June 21, Thailand welcomed 188,447 visitors from the Middle East, with average spending exceeding 100,000 baht per person per trip. Travellers from the region typically visit in extended family groups, stay for 10 to 12 nights, and favour five-star hotels and luxury resorts. Around 65% are repeat visitors.

The new service currently operates one daily flight and is scheduled to increase to two daily flights from September 15. Between July and August 31, the route is expected to add approximately 10,292 inbound seats, helping stimulate travel demand and support continued growth in arrivals from the Middle East.

PATHUM THANI — 6 July 2026, Fourteen people, including 13 student footballers and their driver, were injured after a school van crashed into a power pole outside a school in Pathum Thani on Sunday morning.

Police said the van apparently swerved to avoid a trailer parked on the roadside before mounting the footpath and crashing into the pole. Investigators are also examining whether driver fatigue may have contributed to the crash.

The collision occurred at about 07:30 on Muang Ake Road outside the Demonstration School of Rangsit University in Lak Hok subdistrict, Mueang district. Officers from Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station, traffic police and rescue workers responded to the scene.

Authorities found the Toyota van, bearing red temporary registration plates, heavily damaged after the impact. The power pole had snapped and fallen onto the front of the vehicle.

The van was carrying 13 male students from lower and upper secondary levels at Wat Nawong School, along with the 25-year-old driver. Rescue workers provided first aid before taking eight of the injured to Krungsiam St. Carlos Hospital and the remaining six to Paolo Hospital.

According to police, the van had picked up the students from a dormitory in the Khlong Song area of Thanyaburi district. The students, all members of the school's football programme, stay at the dormitory and are transported to school each morning.

A 16-year-old Year 10 student told police he was sitting in the front passenger seat and noticed the driver appeared drowsy, with heavy-lidded eyes, shortly before the crash.

The student said that as the van approached the parked trailer, the driver appeared startled and suddenly swerved, causing the vehicle to lose control before striking the power pole.

Police said they will continue questioning the driver to determine the exact cause of the crash, including whether fatigue played a role and whether the van was carrying more passengers than legally permitted.