National

Justice Minister Defends Missing Parliament Question on Senate Election Probe

Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naovorat denied avoiding parliamentary questions about a Senate election fraud probe, citing prior budget meetings as the reason for missing the July 3 session.

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Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naovorat denied evading opposition lawmakers' questions at Government House on July 3, 2569, after Democrat Party MP Pritsth Wattrasindhu alleged he avoided answering live parliamentary questions about the Senate election fraud probe being handled by the DSI. Rutthapol clarified that over the past three days he had been occupied with pre-scheduled meetings on the 2570 fiscal year budget bill, preventing his attendance at the parliamentary session. Regarding the live verbal question about the Senate case, Rutthapol noted that while such questions are typically urgent matters, the issue in question had occurred two years ago and could have been scheduled in advance. When asked if the Senate election case contains additional issues beyond those questioned, Rutthapol stated he lacked detailed knowledge because he operates at the policy level and suggested inquiring directly with responsible officials.

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National

Shopee Launches 500M Baht Thai SME Support Program

Shopee launched a 500 million baht support program for Thai SMEs, announced during a meeting between Sea Group chairman Chris Feng and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The initiative aims to boost digital access, competitiveness, and exp

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Chris Feng, chairman of Sea Group, Shopee's parent company, stated that amid the full transition to a digital economy, Shopee—the largest regional e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan and a leading platform in Brazil—is advancing its Digital Inclusion mission to provide equal access and benefit from digital technology for all. The platform functions as a "digital bridge" connecting local entrepreneurs to online opportunities domestically and regionally over the past decade.

Feng recently met with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to discuss ways to support and develop the country's digital economy through Shopee's platform ecosystem. He reported on key initiatives, including the 'Thai Helping Thai with Shopee: Thai MSME Growth Support Program,' which represents a significant milestone in supporting Thai MSME growth and expanding digital access opportunity comprehensively to better serve both sellers and buyers.

The program offers over 500 million baht in total support throughout the project to enhance competitiveness of Thai small and medium retailers and create an ecosystem conducive to sustainable growth. This reflects the collaboration between government and private sector in building strong foundations for grassroots economy and responds to the government's "Thai Helping Thai" policy, which aims to leverage e-commerce's potential to create opportunities and income for entrepreneurs nationwide.

During the discussion, the government emphasized its vision to strengthen Thai MSME capabilities, which form the foundation of Thailand's economic system, and highlighted the role of digital platforms in opening trade opportunities and expanding consumer access while driving growth for Thai entrepreneurs across the country.

Shopee has substantively supported this policy through the Thai MSME Growth Support Program, which promotes growth for Thai merchants through benefits that increase consumer reach, boost sales, and support sustainable growth. The platform has also conducted digital skills training for tens of thousands of Thai sellers and leveraged its regional network to connect Thai entrepreneurs to foreign markets, promoting collaboration in bringing local and community products to the international stage through cross-border e-commerce channels.

Currently, many Thai entrepreneurs are successfully expanding export markets through Shopee's cross-border sales promotion programs, including the Shopee International Platform (SIP) and Shopee Global Sales, demonstrating the potential and quality of Thai products recognized by foreign consumers in markets such as Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

The government also proposed that Shopee leverage Thailand's strategic strength as ASEAN's connectivity hub to drive the country's digital economic ecosystem and support Thailand's advancement toward becoming the region's digital economy center in the future.

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Tourism

Remote Mountain Town Builds Future Through Coffee

A remote mountain town in Yunnan Province, China transforms through specialty coffee cultivation, with entrepreneurs like Zhao Hua exporting beans globally while preserving traditional Wa ethnic crafts and culture.

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Zhao Hua and her sister operate a cozy café in Mengla County, Yunnan Province in southwestern China, selling coffee beans from their own farm while proudly preserving Wa ethnic cultural heritage. Café visitors can watch traditional Wa women demonstrate weaving, an ancient craft passed down for generations.

Zhao's parents were among the first to plant coffee in the county. She named her brand "Picar Coffee" to honor a beloved pickup truck that traveled mountain roads transporting fresh coffee beans, furniture, sugar cane, and other goods—reflecting the simple, hardworking spirit of local people.

Picar Coffee is now a favorite on Mengla's specialty coffee street. Zhao's viral videos have introduced this remote border town and its local coffee to a wider audience, with her beans now exported to Japan, Australia, and many other countries.

Mengla's coffee connection began in 1958 and expanded seriously in the 1980s. Li Meiying, secretary and director of the Mengla County Tea and Bioresources Industry Center, vividly remembers as a child watching officials and villagers terrace hillsides and plant coffee saplings. "As a child, I watched earlier officials lead everyone in planting coffee, and today I help bring our coffee to the world stage. This legacy will continue," Li said.

Among Mengla's lush hills, Guan Yong's large Lizuk Estate seamlessly combines eco-tourism, coffee culture, rural retreats, tasting experiences, and online sales. While working in Kunming, Guan tasted specialty coffee for the first time and was inspired. In 2017, he returned home and chose an unexpected path—opening a café first, then building a roastery, developing processing, and eventually creating his own Lizuk Estate. "I wanted to understand what gives coffee its true flavor," Guan explained, studying the market before tracing back to the source—the farm—enabling him to create a smart business model serving consumer needs.

From pioneering villagers terracing hillsides and planting the first coffee trees, to Li promoting the industry, to entrepreneurs like Zhao and Guan returning home to build their own brands—this is success passed from generation to generation.

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National

Chulabhorn College Honors Royal Vision With Medical-Art Initiative

Chulabhorn Royal College celebrated Princess Chulabhorn Walailak's birthday with a merit-making ceremony honoring her vision of blending medicine with art, marked by her donation of 690,000 cancer medication units to Thailand's health syste

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Chulabhorn Royal College held a merit-making ceremony titled "Artful Vision of Royal Compassion" on July 4, 2569 (2026) to honor the birthday of Professor Dr. Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, the college's president and board chair. The event took place at the Sriswangvadhana Building within Chulabhorn Hospital and was presided over by Acting Vice-Secretary General Dr. Ratchata Ratchatanawin. Administrative leaders, staff, government officials, partner organizations, and the public participated in the ceremony, offering flowers as tribute to recognize the princess's dedication to public welfare and Thailand's medical and public health development. The princess founded Chulabhorn Royal College in 2559 (2016) as a premier institution for education, research, medicine, and public health aimed at improving citizens' quality of life. She has demonstrated exceptional expertise in medical science, pharmacy, and visual arts by uniquely blending scientific knowledge with artistic imagination to create innovations and new hope for Thailand's health system. As a remarkable gesture on her birthday, the princess graciously donated 690,000 units of Immurabine 100 cancer medication to the national health system—a pharmaceutical achievement reflecting her tireless commitment to ensuring equitable cancer treatment access. The college presented three commemorative lectures and announced two prestigious national and international medical awards: the Sriswangvadhana Award for 2569, presented during a lecture on "Science of Compassion: From Dedication to Public Wellness" by Dr. Ratchata Ratchatanawin; the Princess Chulabhorn Award for 2568, presented during a lecture on "Science for Humanity: Diligence in Oncology" by Dr. Tassana Buntong, Dean of the Nursing Faculty; and a tribute lecture on "Science Reflecting Beauty: Phalaenopsis Princess Chulabhorn Orchid—From Silk Art Innovation to Exquisite Floral Beauty" by Dr. Takorn Pannit, Acting Vice-Secretary General.

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Police

Van Strikes Motorcyclist In U-Turn, 74-Year-Old Dies

A 74-year-old motorcyclist died after a passenger van struck him at a U-turn point on Suansor Road in Prachuap Khiri Khan province on July 3; police say the van was traveling at excessive speed and couldn't brake in time.

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Police received a report on July 3 of a collision between a passenger van and a sidecar motorcycle with serious injuries on Suansor Road near a U-turn point in Nong Saeng subdistrict, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Officers found the van parked on the roadside with severe damage to its left front. About 30 meters away lay the body of 74-year-old Boonjan, unconscious and motionless on the road verge, severely battered from being struck and thrown from the motorcycle. Emergency responders performed CPR before transporting him to hospital. Nearby on the roadside lay a blue Honda motorcycle with sidecar, overturned and damaged from the impact.

Initial investigation revealed the van was traveling from Na Di district toward Prachuap Khiri Khan when it struck Boonjan's motorcycle as he attempted to turn ahead. The van was traveling at speed and could not brake in time to avoid the collision. Boonjan died later at the hospital.

Local residents reported the U-turn point is a recurring accident hotspot, as vehicles traveling straight often drive at excessive speeds and cannot stop in time when drivers ahead brake or turn suddenly. Police Inspector Sophon Chinasutti said investigators will question the van driver, examine collision evidence, and interview witnesses. If the driver was speeding, negligent, and failed to reduce speed at the U-turn point, criminal charges will be filed.

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Police

Saraburi Governor Suspends District Chief Over Bribery Allegations

Saraburi's district chief was suspended following his arrest on bribery and misconduct charges involving abuse of official position. The governor removed him to protect public trust while criminal proceedings continue.

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Saraburi Governor Banjcha Chaowrintha has signed Provincial Order No. 2205/2569 placing District Chief Prin of Phra Phutthbat district on temporary suspension, following Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's policy directive. Prin, a senior provincial administrator, was arrested based on arrest warrant No. 20/2569 issued by the Central Region Corruption and Misconduct Complaint Court.

Prin faces charges of abusing his official position to coerce or solicit property or benefits for himself or others, as well as breaching his duties through misconduct or corruption under the Criminal Code articles 149 and 157. The arrest was coordinated between the Anti-Corruption Division, the Saraburi Office of the Ombudsman, and the Office of Administrative Affairs.

The governor's order emphasized that the district chief position requires public trust and credibility. Since Prin now faces criminal charges related to corruption, allowing him to remain in office would damage public confidence in the administration. The province determined that his continued service could cause harm to government operations. Criminal proceedings are expected to be lengthy, warranting his immediate temporary suspension.

The order took effect upon issuance. Those named in the order retain the right to lodge a written complaint with the Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry within 30 days of notification.

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Police

Police Dismantle Tiger Online Gambling Network, Seize 46M Baht

Police dismantled a major online gambling network operating across 40-50 websites, arresting three suspects and seizing 46 million baht in assets including luxury cars and cash after the network processed around 500 million baht monthly.

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The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau has dismantled the Tiger online gambling network in Operation Tiger Head Hunt, arresting three suspects and seizing more than 46 million baht in assets after uncovering a network handling around 500 million baht a month.

At a press briefing on 3 July 2026, officers said the investigation targeted the "boonmee" gambling website and more than 40–50 online gambling sites operating under the Tiger platform, offering casino games, slot machines, boxing and international football betting.

Investigators traced the network's financial transactions and found gambling proceeds were laundered through layers of corporate and nominee bank accounts to conceal their origin. The investigation led police to Loei province, where a woman admitted she was paid 1,500 baht a month to allow the syndicate to use her home's Wi-Fi connection to disguise the IP addresses used for online banking transactions.

Further investigation uncovered a safe house in Chiang Mai, which police said was used to collect gaming platform commissions and hold funds for the network. Police arrested the alleged network leader, Tatchai (surname withheld), along with his girlfriend, Krittaya (surname withheld), who allegedly managed the group's finances. Investigators said the proceeds were transferred to the bank account of Krittaya's sister, Romita (surname withheld).

The three suspects face charges including operating an illegal online gambling business, money laundering conspiracy and money laundering. Assets seized during the raids included a McLaren, an Audi, luxury jewellery, designer handbags and cash worth more than 46 million baht. Authorities also froze an additional 4 million baht in bank accounts linked to the network.

Police said the investigation is continuing to trace financial transactions and seize additional assets connected to the gambling operation.

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National

Five Top Thai Singers Unite For Historic Club 30 Concert

Five of Thailand's biggest music stars—Ink Waruntorn, Boykylion, Jeff Satur, The Toys, and Nont Tanont—performed together at the historic Club 30 Concert on June 27-28 at Bangkok's Impact Arena, with over 20,000 tickets selling out immediat

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Club 30 Concert 2026 will go down in history as a defining moment for the Thai music scene, bringing together five top-tier artists who are currently at the height of their success. The lineup features Ink Waruntorn, Boykylion, Jeff Satur, The Toys, and Nont Tanont, all riding waves of musical excellence and stardom.

The two-day concert on June 27-28, 2026 at Impact Arena in Muang Thonburi, presented by Mama, kicked off with a medley of each artist's biggest hits performed together on a single stage, starting with "Rak Raeng" by Nont Tanont, followed by "Lop Mai Dai Chuay Hai Luem" by Ink Waruntorn, "Dum Dum" by Jeff Satur, "Korn Rue Duean Fun" by The Toys, and closing with "Wad Wai" by Boykylion sung by all five performers.

The concert featured solo performances and special duets between the artists. Highlights included Ink performing "Ride or Die," Boykylion with "Tok Nam Tah" and "Khong Khwun Pi Mai," The Toys delivering "Sai Tah Lok Kan Mai Dai," and a highly anticipated collaboration between Nont and Jeff on "4:00." The show also featured an AI comedy skit called "Gam Rak Krua Hasan Talad Thai," which saw the five artists roleplay in a romantic love triangle scenario, complete with the song "Jai Yen."

Over 20,000 tickets from both shows sold out immediately upon release, cementing this concert as one of the most anticipated events of 2026.

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Breaking

Man Survives Eight Days Trapped Under 140-Ton Rubble

A man in Venezuela survived eight days trapped under 140 tons of rubble after devastating earthquakes in June, rescued after emergency workers heard his faint cries for help from an underground parking lot.

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BBC reported on July 3 a miraculous survival story from Venezuela's devastating earthquakes on June 24, which measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. Rescue workers successfully pulled out a man named Hernán Gil after he was trapped under collapsed building debris for eight days. Gil was located beneath the rubble and rescue efforts took over 100 hours from his discovery until extraction. A Chilean firefighter described the operation as the most complex and technically difficult rescue he had ever undertaken.

The confirmed death toll from the twin earthquakes has risen to at least 2,595, with around 12,500 injured and over 50,000 still missing. Allan Madrigal, an emergency medical officer with the Costa Rican Red Cross, revealed that he heard Gil's faint cries for help on Sunday, June 28, as Gil attempted to dig himself out from the rubble. Madrigal initially doubted his own ears and asked colleagues to confirm he was not imagining the sound.

Gil was working in a small concrete enclosure in the underground parking lot adjacent to the Galerías Playa Grande shopping center in Catia La Mar when the earthquakes struck. He survived because the concrete structure shielded him from approximately 140 tons of building debris that collapsed in that area. Officials noted that rescue efforts were delayed partly because access tunnels constructed by rescue workers collapsed multiple times, highlighting the dangers both rescuers and Gil faced. Despite these obstacles, rescue teams eventually located Gil and successfully extracted him from the rubble.

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National

Thailand Sets 12-Hour Workday Cap For Film Industry

Thailand's labor ministry will cap daily film and TV production workdays at 12 hours and launch social security improvements for entertainment workers, who currently often work over 16 hours with minimal protections.

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Labor Minister Chulaphan Amornvivat announced a major overhaul of entertainment industry labor protections on July 3, 2026, following collaborative discussions with the Thai Directors Association, Thai Actors Association, and media production networks. The creative media industry has undergone significant structural changes due to foreign investment and platform expansion, creating complex and diverse employment models that require updated worker protections.

The minister outlined two key initiatives. First, the government will launch upskilling and reskilling programs through the Department of Skill Development, offering professional certification recognized both domestically and internationally to improve employment prospects and raise worker incomes. Second, the ministry will address excessive working hours by establishing a working committee with industry representatives to draft regulations capping daily workdays at approximately 12 hours—currently, crew members, actors, lighting technicians, set designers, and support staff often work over 16 hours daily, creating health and safety risks.

Although many entertainment workers are freelancers, the ministry believes all deserve proper welfare and social security benefits. The government is studying ways to improve social insurance systems for this workforce, including healthcare, unemployment protection, and retirement security. The ministry is also promoting contract literacy among industry professionals, as many disputes stem from informal agreements and wage theft. Legal experts will conduct seminars on contract negotiations, worker rights, and legal protections.

While famous actors may face fewer vulnerabilities, supporting actors and crew members lack sufficient job security protections. Labor Minister Chulaphan emphasized commitment to concrete measures that elevate standards across Thailand's entire entertainment industry.

Chusakiat Saktiveerakul, president of the Thai Directors Association, confirmed the organization regularly receives complaints about wage non-payment, overtime issues, and workers unaware of their contractual rights. Small-crew members owed thousands of baht—critical to their livelihoods—have been particularly affected. He viewed this collaboration as a crucial starting point for improving entertainment workers' quality of life.

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National

Thai Industry Group Urges Government to Cut Energy Prices

Thailand's business chamber is pushing the government to cut energy prices as global oil costs decline, arguing lower fuel expenses would ease living costs and boost economic recovery across the nation.

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Pimpjai Lee Issaranukul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), announced that as global oil markets stabilize and crude prices have fallen from the elevated levels seen during Middle East tensions, the government should promptly implement measures to adjust domestic energy prices appropriately to reflect these reduced costs. This would help ease the cost of living for citizens, reduce business expenses quickly, and support Thailand's economic recovery.

The TCC has submitted five key proposals to the government:

1. Accelerate the transfer of reduced energy costs to consumers by implementing domestic pricing mechanisms that quickly, transparently, and fairly reflect global oil price reductions, ensuring direct benefits for both citizens and businesses.

2. Balance fuel fund management by reviewing fund collection obligations to suit the current stabilized market conditions, preventing citizens and businesses from bearing unnecessarily high energy costs.

3. Reduce the country's economic costs, as fuel expenses impact not only motorists but also transportation, food, and production costs for businesses, particularly SMEs, thereby enhancing competitiveness and stimulating overall economic activity.

4. Build confidence in the country's economic management through policies that promptly respond to global market changes with clarity, reinforcing trust among citizens, investors, and the business sector.

5. Accelerate the transition to clean energy while reducing fossil fuel dependence by promoting energy efficiency improvements and supporting clean energy deployment to ensure energy security, enhance industrial competitiveness, and support the long-term shift to a low-carbon economy.

Implementing these measures would provide both short-term relief from cost pressures and establish long-term energy foundations for the country, alleviating the cost-of-living burden on citizens, strengthening business competitiveness, and reinforcing confidence in Thailand's economy during volatile global conditions.

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