On June 28, 2025, Khon Kaen Zoo held its 13th-anniversary celebration, with zoo director Tippawadee Kittakun officially announcing the name of a female pygmy hippopotamus cub, daughter of mother Nya Nya and father Na Dech and granddaughter of Moo Deng. The public naming vote, which began on May 25, drew 10,737 votes from citizens and tourists nationwide.

The winning name "Moo Namtok" (Waterfall Pig) received 7,948 votes, far ahead of runners-up Moo Yo with 1,072 votes, Moo Dung with 618 votes, Moo Ping with 576 votes, and Moo Deo with 523 votes.

"The announcement reflects nationwide public interest and affection for the cub," Director Tippawadee stated. "The name 'Moo Namtok' captures the cub's behavior and conveys brightness and charm. The grand prize winner receives membership in the Thai Zoo Association allowing free entry to all national zoos for two years, plus a car, four additional memberships, an adorable Moo Namtok plush toy, and special souvenirs."

The zoo director added that the 13th-anniversary event celebrates not only the zoo's achievements but also its conservation work through staff collaboration and community partnerships. She invited visitors to experience the cub's playful development and learn about rare animal conservation at Khon Kaen Zoo, open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Environment Minister Takes Action Against Fake AI Images of Polluted River

On July 28, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin revealed that he has been closely monitoring environmental news on social media. The ministry discovered a Facebook page called "Oronong Haeohaen" that posted messages and images claiming the Pasak River was pitch black with white foam covering the surface, describing residents of Saraburi province as fed up with repeated industrial wastewater discharge. The post, made on July 25, demanded accountability.

After investigation, officials confirmed that the images and content were artificially generated using AI and did not reflect actual conditions. The minister ordered the Pollution Control Department to urgently verify facts, clarify information to the public, and monitor the situation closely. He stressed that all government agencies must communicate information transparently, as the ministry is ready to listen to all complaints and work to resolve environmental issues for the benefit of the people.

Dr. Surin Worakitdhammrung, director-general of the Pollution Control Department, stated that the department continuously monitors and tracks environmental quality in Saraburi province and regularly releases environmental test results to the public. Regional environmental offices have been instructed to closely monitor social media reports to investigate complaints and identify false or misleading content that could cause public confusion or panic.

Regarding this particular case, the Region 7 Office of Environmental Quality and Pollution Control in Saraburi, working with relevant agencies, conducted field inspections and found no evidence of the reported incident. Officials confirmed the accompanying images were AI-generated, which could lead to public misunderstanding about the actual environmental situation. The department urges media and citizens to verify facts before sharing or spreading information to prevent social confusion. Anyone witnessing potential environmental or public health incidents can report tips to the Pollution Control Department hotline at 1650 or message the department's Facebook page for prompt field investigation and remedial action.

Judd Sun Suntharb-Bell, Porting FC's new signing, has sent a first message to fans following his official debut with the Thai League club. The club's official Facebook page posted a video of the 22-year-old Thai-British striker greeting supporters. In the clip, the forward said: "Hello everyone, hello Porting FC fans. I wanted to send you a message to tell you how excited I am to play in front of you and to meet everyone at the club. I also want to send a special message to club chairman Photipong Lamsam, who helped make this deal happen and showed faith in me. I want to thank Madam Pang for her advice as well. Thank you all very much, and I hope to see you soon." Judd recently concluded his contract with Grimsby Town, an English League Two side, before ultimately choosing to join Porting on a four-year contract.

Ang Thong Hospital issued a statement on July 27, 2026, in response to circulated images and video clips from a press briefing concerning the loss of an infant. Medical staff appeared to smile or laugh during the announcement, raising concerns and causing distress to the deceased's family and the public. The hospital explained that the images showed only a brief moment during which staff responded to an unexpected question from reporters about whether legal action would be taken against the deceased's relatives. The facial expressions were natural reactions while listening intently to the question, with no intention to show happiness, mockery, or disrespect to the deceased or their family. The hospital reaffirmed that all medical personnel perform their duties with respect for all patients and service users, with no intent to communicate or express themselves inappropriately or harm the feelings of those involved. Regarding the facts of the case, Ang Thong Hospital emphasized its commitment to conducting a comprehensive, transparent, and fair investigation to establish the facts as quickly as possible, ensuring justice for all parties and maintaining public confidence.

On July 28, 2025, a 20-year-old female student at a prominent Udon Thani university posted on Facebook asking for advice on handling a situation involving a lecturer with inappropriate behavior and poor professional ethics. After filing a complaint with the university, she said more than two months had passed without receiving updates on the investigation or its progress, with administrators only telling her to wait patiently and not overthink the matter.

While waiting for the investigation, the student says she must continue attending classes at the same university and faces daily questioning, comments, and pressure from those around her. Some lecturers have questioned why she filed the complaint and made it a big issue. She reports feeling blamed and discussed negatively in front of her entire department, which has deeply affected her mental state.

The student emphasized that getting her money back was not the end of the matter for her. What she demands is correctness and fairness in the process, not just financial restitution. She decided to speak out because she wants society to understand that being a victim does not end when money is returned—the impact continues daily. She expressed sadness that the lecturer continues living normally, going out with senior students and working, while unaware students remain at risk.

Most recently, reporters spoke with Ms. A (pseudonym), 20, a student victim who provided evidence of messages from a 35-year-old English lecturer who requested a loan around midnight on July 15. The lecturer claimed his account wasn't working and said he needed money for food, promising to repay the next day. Out of respect for his position as a lecturer, the student transferred 3,000 baht. The lecturer claimed he didn't receive it, so she transferred another 3,000 baht. When he claimed the money still didn't arrive, she transferred an additional 4,000 baht. The lecturer only returned the funds after the student escalated the matter to the university rector, totaling 10,000 baht in transfers.

The story of comedian Som Chiang Samcha is heartbreaking—a powerful reminder that real life can be more dramatic than any soap opera. Recently appearing on the Khom Khom Story Podcast, Som Chiang, younger sister of Teng Thoet Thoing, opened up about the greatest wound of her life: choosing the wrong husband. Her ex-husband cheated on her while she was pregnant with their second child, and he eventually left her to build a new family with another woman. Som Chiang was forced to flee her home alone with her two young daughters and reached such depths of despair that she considered ending her life. However, she found the courage to fight on for her children, and that determination has sustained her to this day.

Som Chiang began by explaining that she was attracted to older men because she lacked a father figure, having lost her father as a child. She wanted a man who could be both husband and father to her. When she met a Chinese man ten years her senior, she was convinced after just two months of getting to know him that he was the one. Despite her mother's initial objection—warning that he was selfish and only cared about himself—Som Chiang was blinded by love and refused to listen.

The man had been married for six years before and desperately wanted children. Within two months of being with Som Chiang, she became pregnant, and he was overjoyed. However, she miscarried after two months. Three months later, she was pregnant again, and this time she gave birth to Jade. When Jade turned one, they wanted another child, hoping for a boy, but had another girl instead—Kim. At first, the husband was disappointed, but when Som Chiang was seven months pregnant, his behavior suddenly changed. He began coming home late.

When they finally talked, he confessed that he was in love with another woman. Som Chiang recalled: "My husband fell in love with a pregnant woman who was four months along. He said he felt sorry for her because her ex-husband was an alcoholic who abused her. He started taking care of her from month four of her pregnancy, and his care turned into love. He took her to give birth.

When that woman was seven months pregnant, her ex-husband discovered she was communicating with my husband. The ex gave her an ultimatum to choose. She chose my husband. My husband was delighted. He rented a room for her while I was already pregnant. Then he took her to deliver her baby—a boy—and he was very happy with that child, even though it wasn't his biologically. The baby looked a lot like the woman's ex-husband.

When I finally confronted him, he told me, 'Now you have your children. Your second one is almost here.'"

Som Chiang's journey from devastation to survival has become a testament to her resilience and her determination to provide for her daughters despite the betrayal and abandonment she endured.