Khoi Ratchawin, a mother of two, clarified her decision to relocate to Phuket with her family during an appearance at the film premiere for "Dear Friend, Secret Love" at CentralWorld on July 20. Her earlier interview on the talk show "Muang Baan Ngan" hosted by Ja Yassinee had drawn criticism from netizens who interpreted her emotional remarks as reflecting personal sacrifice and lost identity. Khoi firmly denied ever being forced by her husband Toon Bodyslam to abandon her career or make one-sided sacrifices, stating the move was a mutual decision made before marriage to allow their children to grow up surrounded by nature.

Khoi acknowledged that while motherhood sometimes brings fatigue and frustration with her husband, she remains convinced the Phuket move was correct and is grateful for his vision in planning their family's future. She explained that her emotional comments during the interview were simply a candid moment between two women talking, not meant to convey a sense of forced compromise. Responding to suggestions the decision caused personal regret, Khoi emphasized that parenthood inherently involves sacrifice from both partners—her husband works away from home and sacrifices time with their children, while she chose to stay home full-time.

Khoi stressed that her earlier hesitation was merely a temporary emotional moment, characteristic of hormonal fluctuations that all mothers experience. Ultimately, she expressed gratitude for her husband's decision to move them to Phuket, asserting she chose this path and remains happy with it. She noted that before their marriage, her husband had already purchased land and discussed his vision of relocating there, so she entered marriage knowing this was his long-term plan. "In the end, we chose this together," she said. "He didn't force me. We love each other and want to build a family together. Whether it brings hardship or happiness, wherever we go, even if it weren't Phuket, I would follow."

The Department of Medical Services, the Office of the Committee for Promotion of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOST), and SKAI MED Co. Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance research and development of AI-based technology for public health screening of cerebrovascular disease risk, utilizing artificial intelligence and innovative pulse and blood vessel sensor technology. This collaboration integrates medical knowledge, research, and technological innovation with the goal of creating a highly accurate, easy-to-use screening tool with broad public accessibility that serves as a key mechanism for reducing stroke incidence and complications in Thailand. The initiative supports the practical application of technology within the public health system for better health outcomes, with Dr. Chitthiporn Thamjinda, Director of the Office of Biomedical Science and Innovation (Public Organization), witnessing the signing. The office plays a role in promoting research and development, supporting the commercialization of medical and health innovations, and facilitating international cooperation to strengthen the public health system and enhance the nation's economic capacity.

Dr. Natthapong Wongwiwat, Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, stated that this collaboration represents a significant step in applying artificial intelligence technology to the public health system to proactively address stroke, a leading cause of death and disability in Thailand. The focus is on pre-stroke screening using AI to improve the efficiency of risk assessment from the earliest stages, enabling faster and more accurate treatment access to reduce health, quality-of-life, and long-term economic costs. The project's core is building a reliable clinical database, with the Department of Medical Services taking the lead in clinical operations, coordinating Doppler Ultrasound examinations as the gold standard for blood vessel assessment, and working with neurology specialists to develop a Clinical Reference Dataset for training AI algorithms to achieve high accuracy tailored to the Thai population's physiological characteristics. Beyond technical development, the Department emphasizes oversight and safety standards by closely coordinating with the Food and Drug Administration to monitor and register AI software medical device products, ensuring the technology is applied efficiently and safely within Thailand's public health system and establishes new standards for future public health care.

Professor Dr. Sompoeng Khlai Nong Sawang, Director of the Office of the Committee for Promotion of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOST), outlined strategic support, noting that MOST is ready to serve as the primary mechanism for driving the country's science, technology, and innovation policies and systems, emphasizing the process of connecting research networks, funding sources, and relevant organizations into a unified whole. MOST's important role in this collaboration is to bridge research institutions, technological innovation, and public health applications.

Coach Teeya Sasom, head coach of PT Prachuap FC, has confirmed that the club has successfully signed Andros Townsend, the 35-year-old former English national team forward. Speaking to the B Bangpakong page, Coach Teeya described the deal as quite surprising, noting that PT Prachuap is not typically a major club that would attract a player of Townsend's caliber. He credited club president Nai Keaw Songkitti Limmarunaraks, whose negotiations with Townsend's agent resulted in the deal closing in less than a week.

"We believe that the arrival of this legendary former Thai Lion player will elevate our team's standard and generate excitement among football fans in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. His experience will greatly benefit our young players. From what we know, Andros is a true professional who always gives his all to his club. A player like that won't disappoint the fans no matter where he plays."

Regarding the contract details, Coach Teeya said he was not privy to those discussions, as they were handled entirely by the club president, though he believes the terms are reasonable given that Townsend is eager to continue playing in the Thai league. Townsend has just completed his duties as a commentator for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is scheduled to return to Thailand to join PT Prachuap's training camp by July 25.

Thailand's Department of Non-Formal Education partnered with the Royal Thai Army to launch the "One Year, One Qualification" program under a 2024 curriculum designed for conscripted soldiers without basic education qualifications. The initiative allows military personnel to advance at least one education level within one year while fulfilling their service obligations, using flexible learning formats—online, in-person, or hybrid—that align with military operations and schedules.

Deputy Education Minister Akkhranant Kannittinan emphasized that military service should not interrupt education but rather provide an opportunity for personal development alongside national service. The program aims to equip soldiers with credentials, discipline, responsibility, and skills applicable to further study or employment after discharge. Kannittinan stated that education and military service are not mutually exclusive and that this collaboration between the Education Ministry and Army represents an important step in improving soldiers' quality of life and future prospects.

A 9-year-old student from True Coding School Phuket named Pace has achieved a remarkable feat at the Coding Olympiad 2026 international championship held in Rome, Italy. Competing against young talent from more than 150 countries, he secured two gold medals as a global champion and ranked first in the world for his age group based on final scores.

Pace's achievement represents more than individual success—supporters view it as proof that Thailand and Southeast Asia can excel in cutting-edge technology and international competition. The victory has generated widespread enthusiasm on social media, with many celebrating the young programmer as a role model for the next generation of Asian innovators. His accomplishment challenges conventional perceptions about Thailand's contributions to global science and technology.

NAKHON PATHOM — The success of SM CLASSICS LIVE 2026, which reimagined K-pop hits through a full symphony orchestra, has highlighted the growing potential of Thailand's classical music scene to attract younger audiences through familiar songs.

That is the view of Nuttha Kuankajorn, known by her nickname "Mook", Principal Oboe, who performed in the concert. She believes the SM Classics project could encourage people who have never attended a classical performance to experience an orchestra for the first time.

Although the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO) has previously staged crossover concerts featuring film, video game and animation soundtracks, Mook said performing fully orchestrated K-pop music was a first for her and, she believes, for many of the musicians involved.

A longtime fan of SM Entertainment artists since 2004 and 2005, she admitted that despite knowing many of the songs by heart, performing them in orchestral form proved to be one of the most demanding projects of her career.

"I remember thinking how lucky I was to be in the audience instead of performing. In the end, I found myself on stage as part of the orchestra."

She said that while the ensemble's rehearsal schedule was similar to other productions, every musician had to spend considerable time practising individually before group rehearsals. The intricate arrangements and musical details typical of K-pop demanded precision so that dozens of performers could play as a single ensemble.

According to Mook, one of K-pop's strengths lies in its musical diversity, making it particularly well suited to orchestral adaptation while giving classical musicians the opportunity to explore a different musical world.

She stressed that the project's goal was not to turn every audience member into a classical music enthusiast overnight, but simply to encourage people to experience a live orchestra for the first time.

"We're not expecting everyone to become classical music fans after one concert. But if someone leaves inspired and wants to come back for another orchestral performance, then we've succeeded."

Mook also echoed the philosophy of conductor Thanapol Setabrahmana, who believes classical music has never disappeared from everyday life because it forms the emotional backbone of countless films, video games and other media.

"If a film didn't have an orchestra creating its emotional atmosphere, everything would feel completely different."

She said this shows that classical music is not as distant or inaccessible as many people assume, but is already woven into everyday life through different forms of media.

Mook also believes Thailand is moving in the right direction with crossover productions that blend orchestral music with contemporary culture, making classical performances more accessible to younger generations.