The Department of Local Administration (DLA) announced on July 10 the completion of a comprehensive review of test scores from the local government employee recruitment and appointment process. Of 14,988 candidates who reported for appointment (out of 15,520 total called, with 532 no-shows), the investigation found that 9,217 passed with normal scores, representing 61.50%. However, 5,372 candidates—or 35.84%—showed irregularities, with an additional 399 (2.66%) pending further review.

The investigation identified three main categories of problems: general system irregularities affecting 3,044 candidates (20.31%); discrepancies between actual answer sheets and database records involving 1,522 candidates (10.15%); and 806 candidates (5.38%) who scored below 60% in Section C or below 10 points in English.

When broken down by test center, the Northern Region 1 center in Chiang Mai showed the highest transparency with 79.15% normal scores. In stark contrast, the Southern Region 2 center in Songkhla recorded alarming irregularities at 75.96% (477 out of 628 candidates), followed by Southern Region 1 in Nakhon Si Thammarat at 74.09%. The Nakhon Si Thammarat center also reported the highest number of candidates nationally failing to meet minimum English and Section C standards, with 691 such cases.

The DLA has committed to conducting fair and transparent document and answer sheet verification to protect public interest and maintain confidence in the local government system.

At 5 p.m. on July 10, 2025, Thailand's Meteorological Department issued alert number five regarding strong winds in the Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand, along with heavy to very heavy rainfall across southern Thailand's west coast, parts of central Thailand, and the eastern region, with impacts lasting until July 15, 2025.

From July 10-15, the southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand will intensify, generating waves of 2-4 meters in the upper Andaman Sea, exceeding 4 meters in thunderstorm areas. The upper Gulf and lower Andaman Sea will see waves of 2-3 meters, exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms. Sailors are urged to exercise caution and avoid thunderstorm areas, while small boats should remain ashore during this period.

Between July 11-14, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in southern Thailand's west coast, parts of central and eastern regions, particularly in Ranong, Phang Nga, Chanthaburi, Trat, and Kanchanaburi provinces. The public is warned of dangers from heavy rainfall and accumulated water that may cause sudden flooding and flash floods, especially in sloped terrain near waterways and low-lying areas.

Typhoon Bavi in the Pacific Ocean is forecast to pass through Taiwan and make landfall along Fujian Province, China, on July 11-12, 2025. The typhoon will not directly affect Thailand but will strengthen the southwest monsoon affecting the country. Travelers to affected regions should check weather conditions before departing.

The public is advised to plan activities and travel carefully during this period and monitor weather updates from the Meteorological Department via www.tmd.go.th or by calling 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182, available 24/7. The next alert will be issued on July 11, 2025, at 5 a.m.

Affected provinces:

July 11: Kanchanaburi and Trat expected very heavy rain; Chanthaburi, Ranong, and Phang Nga expected heavy rain.

July 12: Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Chanthaburi, Trat, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, and Phang Nga expected very heavy rain; Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Sa Kaew expected heavy rain; Chumphon, Surat Thani, Phuket, and Krabi expected heavy rain.

July 13: Kanchanaburi, Chanthaburi, Trat, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, and Phang Nga expected very heavy rain; Ratchaburi expected heavy rain.

Prime Minister Anupon Paojinda dismissed suggestions that Thaksin Shinawatra's recent visits to Malaysia and Indonesia signal a political power assessment, characterizing the trips instead as personal matters. Speaking at the Signature Hotel in Songkhla on July 10, 2026, Anupon noted that as a former national leader, Thaksin has every right to visit and meet with other leaders, and is traveling in a personal capacity rather than representing the government.

When pressed on whether the recent gatherings of three Shinawatra family members—Thaksin, his sister Yingluck, and his daughter Paetongtarn—held political significance, Anupon dismissed the concern as family business. He urged the media to stop speculating and emphasized that the three individuals enjoy the same freedoms as any ordinary citizen to travel wherever they choose.

Asked directly whether the trips constituted a political power gauge, Anupon initially deflected before firmly stating that there was no political dimension to the visits. He characterized all three as simply exercising the friendly relations between regional leaders.

On July 10, at the Kanchanaburi Provincial Police Operations Center, Paveena Hongsukul, chairwoman of the Paveena Hongsukul Foundation for Children and Women, accompanied by director Ekpap Hongsukul and foundation staff, brought 11 female students aged 11-15 from grades 5 and 3 at a school in Sri Sawat District—who allegedly fell victim to sexual abuse by their school principal—to meet with provincial police leadership including Pol. Maj. Gen. Pesawir Rueangpoo.

The parents and children filed a formal complaint against the school director. Deputy Education Minister Akkranun Kannittin assigned attorney Sirisak Kanakaput to represent the victims. Multiple agencies attended, including representatives from the Kanchanaburi Social Development Office, the primary education office, and related units.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Pesawir confirmed investigators are prepared. The students' interviews will be conducted at appropriate venues such as the Kanchanaburi Provincial Prosecutor's Office, with a multidisciplinary team including prosecutors, investigators, psychologists, social workers, and persons requested by the children. Given the victims are under 18, special consideration will be given to their psychological state. Interviews are scheduled to begin Monday, July 13.

During the meeting, Paveena's representative and parents described the incidents, which have been covered by media since July 9. Officials expressed concern about the families traveling over 100 kilometers for questioning. To assist, the Child and Family Residential Home in Kanchanaburi has offered temporary accommodation for the 11 students during the interview process, with proper care provided. The education office will ensure their schooling continues without delay.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Pesawir reported that police have maintained coordination with the foundation and have informed National Police Chief General Kittirat Phan-iset and Metropolitan Police Region 7 Commander Lieutenant General Pisit Tanprasertsai. The police chief has ordered full investigation to ensure justice for the student victims, noting they represent the nation's future.

MST Golf Thailand, the leading golf retail business in Southeast Asia, officially celebrated the opening of its first flagship store in Thailand at Chanya Issara Tower 1 in Bangkok. This represents a major step in the company's regional expansion plan, marking the company's entry into its fourth market after establishing successful operations in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia.

The opening ceremony was honored by the presence of Dr. Meechai Inwood, Deputy Secretary-General of the Sports Authority of Thailand, who presided over the event. The highlight included a special fashion show featuring brand ambassadors led by renowned professional golfer Pajaree Sattayaroj, alongside prominent Thai actors and sports celebrities including Tao-Sertthapong Piangpo, Leesoh-Theerathep Vinothai, and Darling-Ardha Aranyavuthi, held on July 9, 2026.

The launch reflects MST Golf's long-term commitment to Thailand, one of Asia's most vibrant and important golf destinations. The company aims to introduce a new shopping experience that brings together world-leading golf brands, expert advice, and premium shopping atmosphere under one roof.

Yong Yap Siew, Chief Executive Officer of MST Golf Group Berhad, stated: "Thailand is one of the fastest-growing, most vibrant, and most important golf markets in Southeast Asia. Opening our flagship store here is not merely expanding our retail branches, but delivering our complete golf ecosystem to Thai golfers. We're not just selling golf equipment—we're providing experience, innovation, world-class technology, entertainment, and sports lifestyle all in one place. We believe this landmark will become a new community hub that elevates golf standards in Thailand."

Unlike traditional mono-brand retail stores, MST Golf differentiates itself by allowing golfers to compare products from multiple leading brands in one location, supported by expert golf specialists and certified fitters who provide personalized recommendations rather than promoting any single brand. The integration of equipment, apparel, accessories, and expert services creates a seamless, customer-centric shopping experience.

Key highlights of MST Golf Thailand include exclusive distribution rights to sought-after brands unavailable elsewhere, led by Sun Day Red, Tiger Woods' lifestyle apparel brand, with MST Golf as the sole distributor across four major markets (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand). The store also carries WAAC, a trending Korean-American golf fashion brand; Disney Golf licensed merchandise; and leading brands such as ONOFF and Daiwa.

Internet users are sharing clips of the legendary four-member girl group Girly Berry again, as member Giftzaa Piya Phongkulapak prepares to compete for the Miss Universe Rayong 2026 title. At the Chuchai Influ Diamond Night celebration at Hotel Muse in Bangkok, Giftzaa discussed the viral clip and expressed confidence preparing for Miss Universe Thailand.

"The viral clip of our four is back again?" Giftzaa reflected on being a pop artist today, noting that earlier generations dominated the market. "When newer groups like PiXXiE and 4EVE perform alongside us, we have to stand out. We'll bring high-energy songs to compete," she explained, emphasizing how Girly Berry distinguished itself through creative choreography and unique stage presence.

Asked about a reunion, Giftzaa hinted at upcoming developments: "It's going to happen, but I can't say yet. Fans should stop missing us. They've already scheduled rehearsals, but I can't reveal details yet. Fans can prepare to dance along."

On concerns about age in pageantry, Giftzaa noted she stopped discussing age two years ago, pointing out that if Miss Universe only wanted younger contestants, they wouldn't expand age requirements. She acknowledged nervousness about transitioning from music to pageantry but said she's performing fully in all activities.

Regarding pageant competition, Giftzaa expressed some concern about the different worlds of music and beauty pageants but is determined. "Tarinee is beautiful, but I'm positioning myself for the big crown—Miss Universe Thailand 2026," she said. "In this industry, everyone is beautiful, so I'm asking for everyone's blessings. Please support Giftzaa as she aims for the universe."