Thailand's jet ski model is advancing national economic benefits through sport development, with WGP#1 spending seven years building intellectual property to become a global game operator and generate comprehensive benefits for Thai athletics. WGP#1 chairman Parikhad Suepsahakarn revealed that the world jet ski championship's opening round in Bulgaria achieved significant sports marketing success, with WGP#1 creating premium content for global audiences. Government officials and local authorities welcomed the event as hosts, marking a new era where Thailand owns a world sport rather than merely sending competitors.

Owning global sports intellectual property, or Thai-Global Sport IP, enables comprehensive Thai sports development including tournament quality, athlete skill development, world-class reputation, and professional international recognition. The strategy generates sports export industries, media prominence, and aims to create 1 billion baht in economic value for Thailand's Pattaya World Cup tournament by 2027. The approach requires building international credibility and recognition among global sports communities, as international athletes traditionally trust European and American standards.

Importing global athletes requires over 3,000 international team members spending an average of 175,000 baht per person, generating substantial foreign currency inflow. Spectators, fans, and sports enthusiasts from the global jet ski community further boost economic returns, demonstrating how the jet ski model transforms a niche sport into substantial national benefit. Thai sports must excel on the world stage and develop intellectual property to build genuine strength.

Western Decor Corporation (WDC), Thailand's leading importer and distributor of premium floor and wall tiles, is advancing its corporate social responsibility mission through the second year of its "Weave Dreams, Share Joy" program under the philosophy "WDC: WE DO CARE because knowledge is care." The initiative brings educational activities and environmental improvements to Ban Khop Dang School and Ban Lan School in Fang District, Chiang Mai Province, demonstrating the company's commitment to creating sustainable educational opportunities and community development.

WDC CEO Bandit Hiranyanidhiwattana stated: "WDC believes that creating good spaces means more than just developing residential areas—it includes creating learning environments and opportunities for children and youth to develop with quality. We are committed to supporting education through collaboration among our organization, schools, and communities via the 'Weave Dreams, Share Joy' project. We also encourage our employees to participate hands-on, share their knowledge, and pass on their experience to children in remote areas. We hope this project will serve as a small catalyst that inspires learning and supports sustainable community growth."

This year, WDC worked with Ban Lan School, a community learning center and vital institution for child and youth development in Fang District, and Ban Khop Dang School, which has received royal patronage and attention for supporting children in remote areas. Throughout the project, WDC provided clothing, blankets, sports equipment, snacks, milk, and essentials to over 700 students. The program included hands-on learning activities such as English language teaching, practical learning experiences, creative thinking development, teamwork skills, and outdoor learning. WDC volunteer employees also improved school facilities by repainting fences and organized sports events including football and volleyball to foster a learning atmosphere, strengthen unity, and build relationships among students, teachers, community members, and company staff.

WDC remains committed to integrating business operations with social value creation under its philosophy "Others see floor, We see MORE," reflecting the belief that every space can create value beyond its primary function when thoughtfully designed and developed—whether for living, working, or learning environments that create opportunities and better futures for people and communities.

The anti-corruption police unit disclosed investigative progress in a civil service recruitment exam fraud case following the arrest of three suspects: Maj. Dr. Phichit Thangprom, director of strategy and budget at Wichian Buri Municipality in Phetchabun Province; Dr. Aswin Chotiphanan, an advisor at Kasetsart University; and Ms. Sataporn Thanphochrokhom, all currently detained by court order.

According to Deputy Commander Pattanasak Bubphasuwhan, initial suspect Phichit has denied all charges and refused cooperation, even declining to answer basic personal questions. However, Dr. Aswin, while also denying involvement, provided useful information by confirming that he and Ms. Sataporn received exam data files from Phichit before forwarding them to individuals at a house in Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi, for alteration. Searches of nine locations yielded no additional key evidence.

Investigators plan to seek approval from their commanding officers to summon 15 people found at the targeted house to hear charges, pending clearance from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Authorities also intend to question all approximately 5,000 people who passed the exam and were hired, potentially requesting nationwide police participation. The NACC retains primary responsibility for the main case, though the anti-corruption unit stands ready to provide full support if requested.

On July 16, 2026, at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Chatrapech Chanla, 39, mother of Natthapong Charoen Dong, 22, a second-year electrical technology student at Minburi Polytechnic College, came to receive her son's body. He was shot and killed by an assailant on a motorcycle at a traffic light near Suthathoboch Temple in Ladkrabang district, Bangkok, in the early hours of the morning.

Chatrapech revealed that she did not know of any problems her son had with anyone. She only knew that he attended school with good intentions. She was aware that his friends had minor disputes with others, but never imagined it would escalate to violence of this severity.

She stated that as a mother, she constantly reminded her son to be careful. He dressed normally for school, never had conflicts with anyone, and never carried weapons. When asked about the brazen attack at the traffic light, she said such behavior is inappropriate for someone his age and that she does not know who the perpetrator is. She appealed to the killer to take responsibility for what happened, saying that even if they evade the law, they will face karmic justice.

"Just as the perpetrator fled to save their own life, our son also wanted to save his own life," the victim's mother said.

The family will later perform merit-making rituals at Srivaree Noi Temple in Bang Sao Thong, Samut Prakan province.

Phuket Marriott Merlin Beach and Andamanda continue Water Heroes Project for second yearLegacyPhuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, in collaboration with Andamanda Phuket, has launched the second year of the Water Heroes Project Phuket, a community initiative that provides water safety training to local students. The programme began on July 3, 2026, and will provide practical water safety education and basic survival swimming skills to 114 students from Sainamyen School. The training is designed to help children build confidence in the water, understand potential hazards, and learn essential techniques that can reduce the risk of drowning. Training sessions will take place every Friday and Saturday until all participating students complete the programme. These are led by Andamanda Phuket’s certified lifeguards, who hold Ellis & Associates international certification, CPR life-saving skills, and Level 1 Swimming Coach Certification from the Thailand Aquatics Association (TAA). Each session begins with transportation from Sainamyen School to Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, followed by water safety instruction and practical survival training conducted by qualified professionals.

Lunch is provided for all students and volunteers after each session. “We are proud to continue the Water Heroes Project for a second consecutive year, building on the positive impact we achieved together with Andamanda Phuket,” said Trevor May, multi-property general manager of Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, Courtyard by Marriott Phuket, Patong Beach Resort, and Le Méridien Khao Lak Resort & Spa. “As a beachfront resort, we understand the importance of water safety. By continuing this programme, we hope to educate even more young people with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills they need to stay safe in and around the water. “Investing in our community’s children today helps create a safer future for everyone.”

The initiative supports wider efforts to strengthen water safety awareness among young people in Phuket, where many children grow up close to beaches, pools, and other aquatic environments. By introducing survival swimming and water safety knowledge from an early age, the programme aims to encourage safer behaviour around water and equip students with skills that may be useful in emergencies. The Water Heroes Project Phuket reflects Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach’s continued commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development. Through its partnership with Andamanda Phuket, the resort is helping expand access to water safety education while supporting the wellbeing of local youth. Now in its second consecutive year, the programme continues to encourage collaboration between the private sector, schools, and the local community.

The initiative aims to create long-term social impact through education, practical training, and stronger water safety awareness among children in Phuket. Press Release  The story Phuket Marriott Merlin Beach and Andamanda continue Water Heroes Project for second year as seen on Thaiger News.

On July 16, 2025, officials including Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality Mayor Dr. Wannarat Chanyanukhul and staff from the Fine Arts Department conducted a blessing ceremony before commencing archaeological excavations at Non Pla Lan, located near the eastern wall of the ancient city of Nakhon Ratchasima. The abbot of Wat Chaeng In presided over the ritual for good fortune. A 20-day excavation project is scheduled from July 20 to August 8, aimed at studying traces of ancient people in the old city and pre-historic era cultures.

Previous work in 2024 uncovered 11 human skeletons—5 from the Saai period and 6 from the Iron Age—along with pre-historic pottery. The site is believed to be a burial ground dating to 1,500–2,400 years ago. Notably, gold ornaments recovered from one skeleton showed elemental composition matching contemporary archaeological sites in Thailand's southern peninsula, suggesting regional trade networks. The excavation integrates input from educational institutions and related organizations.

Beyond the dig itself, officials have opened an exhibition at the site titled "Tracing Ancient Humans of Nakhon Ratchasima Through Archaeological Evidence," summarizing past work and demonstrating human presence in the old city through artifacts. The project seeks to build public awareness and appreciation of archaeology as national cultural heritage under the concept of "advancing scholarship while engaging the community."