Local Officials Committee Chair Awaits Clarity on 5,924 Name Removal

Thailand's Local Officials Examination Committee is awaiting clarity from the Department of Local Administration on the removal of nearly 5,924 employee names, with verification still underway and no set timeline for completion.

22 Jul Khaosod

The chairman of Thailand's Local Officials Examination Committee (KSTO) is awaiting clarification from the Department of Local Administration regarding the removal of 5,924 local government employee names, stating the verification process remains underway. On July 22, 2569, Wanchai Janphon, the committee chairman, revealed progress on the name removal process following an earlier KSTO resolution on July 17 to request clarity from the Department of Local Administration, as the name verification is still in progress. When asked about the expected timeline for the review, Janphon said the timeframe is unknown but the department must be allowed time to complete the verification. Regarding whether the incomplete removal process contributed to postponement of the central committee meeting, Janphon stated he is uncertain since that matter falls within the ministry and department's domain, reiterating that the committee is awaiting the department's action. When asked if the completed removal would need to be presented to the central committee meeting, Janphon said he must await the department's clarification first and cannot provide an answer at this time. Regarding whether reporting to the Ministry of Interior's Permanent Secretary is necessary, Janphon noted that the Permanent Secretary is continuously monitoring the situation, but requested to wait for that official's guidance.

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Police

Russian Man, 22, Dies in Hotel Room; Autopsy Underway

A 22-year-old Russian man died in a Phuket hotel room early July 22 under unclear circumstances, with authorities conducting an autopsy and notifying his family through the Russian Embassy.

22 Jul Khaosod

A 22-year-old Russian man died under unclear circumstances in a hotel room in Phuket's Kathu district. Police launched an urgent autopsy to determine the exact cause of death and are notifying his family. At 5:10 a.m. on July 22, 2025, Patong Police Station received a report of a foreign national found unconscious in a hotel room. Officers discovered the man, identified as Vitali, 22, a Russian national, unresponsive in his room but still showing vital signs. Rescue staff from the Phuket Kusol Tham Foundation provided initial aid and coordinated with Patong Hospital to transport him to the emergency room for treatment. However, he later died. The body has been sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a detailed autopsy. Police have coordinated with the Russian Embassy, tourist police, and immigration authorities to inform his relatives and arrange for his body to be released for religious rites. Investigators will proceed according to legal procedures.

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National

Gold Prices Surge Past 1,000 Baht on July 22

Gold prices in Thailand surged past 1,000 baht on July 22, with ornamental gold reaching 66,600 baht per baht as global spot prices climbed to $4,121 per ounce.

22 Jul Khaosod

The Thai Gold Traders Association announced on July 22, 2026 that gold prices surged strongly, breaking through the 1,000 baht mark. Gold prices for July 22, 2026 jumped 1,050 baht compared to the closing price on July 21, with ornamental gold selling at 66,600 baht per baht. The latest data from the Gold Traders Association, published on their website at 09:02, shows that gold bars have a domestic buyback price of 65,600 baht per baht and a selling price of 65,800 baht per baht under announcement 1. For 96.5% ornamental gold, the buyback price is 64,293.56 baht per baht and the selling price is 66,600 baht per baht. Global gold spot prices (Gold Spot) stood at 4,121.00 US dollars per ounce. Announcement 1: Gold bars – Buyback: 65,600 baht per baht; Selling: 65,800 baht per baht. Ornamental gold – Buyback: 64,293.56 baht per baht; Selling: 66,600 baht per baht. The chairman of gold traders predicted that the market opening tomorrow would see gold prices surge by 1,000 to 2,000 baht per baht, potentially breaking through 80,000 baht.

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Police

Pickup Struck by Freight Train at Level Crossing in Samut Prakan

A 61-year-old driver turned around at a Samut Prakan railway crossing after dropping off his daughter and failed to see a freight train approaching from the left, which struck his pickup truck's rear panel and dragged it along the tracks.

22 Jul Khaosod

A father driving a pickup truck to drop off his daughter at the train station turned around to return via the same route. As he crossed the railway tracks, the warning barrier was descending when he looked only to the right and failed to notice a freight train approaching from the left. The freight train struck the rear of the vehicle, causing severe damage.

At 06:30 on July 22, 2025, Deputy Inspector Somyot Chanthlert of Bang Nam Phriao Police Station was notified of the collision at a railway crossing near a school in Yodha subdistrict, Bang Nam Phriao district, Samut Prakan province. He and rescue personnel from Samut Prakan responded to the scene.

The Isuzu D-Max pickup, registered in Samut Prakan, sustained heavy damage to the front, while the rear was struck by the freight train traveling from Mab Ta Phut in Rayong province toward Khaeng Koi station in Saraburi province. The impact tore open the truck's rear panel.

Neighbors assisted the injured man, identified as Mr. A, age 61, from the vehicle. He suffered head and forehead injuries from the impact. First aid was administered before he was transferred to Bang Nam Phriao Hospital.

When questioned, Mr. A initially stated that before the accident, he had driven his vehicle to drop off his daughter to catch the train, then turned around to return by the same route. As he was crossing the railway tracks and the warning barrier began to lower, he looked to the right but failed to notice the train approaching from the left. The freight train struck the rear of his vehicle, causing it to spin and be dragged along the tracks.

Investigators plan to conduct additional questioning of the injured man at Bang Nam Phriao Hospital to determine the cause of the accident and proceed with legal action.

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Regional

Sansiri Launches 30 Projects Worth 40 Billion Baht in Phuket

Thai property developer Sansiri is launching 30 residential projects worth 40 billion baht across Phuket over five years, doubling its regional portfolio value to 80 billion baht as it targets the island as its second-largest market after B

22 Jul Khaosod

Sansiri has announced a five-year expansion strategy for Phuket, unveiling 30 new residential projects—condominiums, houses, and pool villas—valued at 40 billion baht, bringing the company's total portfolio value in the region to 80 billion baht. Bhumijai Madhyamabhavabhinnyo, manager of Sansiri's Southern Thailand development division, stated that the company views Phuket as its second-largest strategic market after Bangkok and is committed to advancing growth after 15 years of successful market stabilization and sustainable expansion, having invested over 40 billion baht and delivered 11,000 units to date.

Under the five-year strategic plan spanning 2025–2028, Sansiri will launch 30 projects valued at approximately 40 billion baht annually at 8 billion baht. These comprise 13 horizontal projects (houses, villas, and pool villas) worth 15 billion baht and 17 condominium projects worth 25 billion baht. The rollout begins in the second half of 2025 with seven new projects across high-potential locations including Patong Beach, Samkong, Cherngtalay Soi 3, Pa Sak, Bang Cho, Pru Jumpae, and Rawai Beach. Condominium offerings include projects starting at 2.99 million baht in Samkong, 3.9–10.9 million baht in Patong, and 8.99 million baht for two-bedroom units in Cherngtalay, while luxury pool villas include "The Tales" series beginning at 45 million baht. Bhumijai emphasized that Sansiri's competitive advantage lies in the "Sansiri Brand Trust & Excellence," which guarantees high and consistent rental yields averaging 8–10 percent, proven by popular projects such as The Base Cherngtalay, Canvas Cherngtalay, and The Base Bukit. He noted that Phuket's real estate market is remarkably resilient, with a total market value of 194 billion baht making it Thailand's second-largest property market, with sales velocity in prime locations nearly double that of Bangkok's premium zones. Luxury villas have grown steadily at 12.9 percent, driven by genuine foreign buyer demand rather than short-term speculation, positioning Phuket's prime areas such as Bangtao and Cherngtalay alongside world-class superyacht destinations and delivering net returns of 6.0–8.0 percent.

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National

Thai TV News Director Steps Down Over Economic Downturn

WorkPoint TV news director Somphop Rattanavalee is stepping down by month's end, saying he couldn't face staff as layoffs of 50-70 percent became necessary amid Thailand's economic downturn.

22 Jul Khaosod

News anchor and WorkPoint TV news director Somphop Rattanavalee has announced his resignation, citing the economic downturn forcing media outlets nationwide to restructure and downsize. In an interview on the Jomqua program hosted by Jomkhwan, Somphop explained that staff departures including anchors Popiah Kalawela and Pornthip Mongyai had already occurred, prompting his own decision to step down by the end of August.

Somphop stated that managing layoffs was difficult and he could not bear to meet the eyes of his subordinates as their director. "When you have to cut 50 to 70 percent of staff, I couldn't face them," he said. He noted that the morning news program had achieved strong ratings of over 1.0 and attracted over a million viewers with full advertising, making it difficult to justify further cuts under his leadership.

He explained that his salary was substantial, and by resigning, those funds could be redirected to maintain news quality and ratings. After deliberating for about a month, he decided to take early retirement with a severance package rather than force more staff reductions. Somphop emphasized that his departure reflects economic realities affecting all broadcast stations, not political or social issues. He noted he could only speak publicly about his resignation after receiving official approval from the board.

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National

Thai Foreign Minister Attends ASEAN Meeting in Manila

On 21 July 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (Retreat Session) and the Extended Informal...

22 Jul Thailand.go.th Issues

On 21 July 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (Retreat Session) and the Extended Informal...

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Police

Restaurant Worker Alleges Beating by Coworker Claiming Police Spouse

A restaurant worker was assaulted by a coworker near Cape Bali Hai on July 20, with CCTV capturing the attack that the victim says stemmed from refusing to join a pool activity.

22 Jul Khaosod

A 28-year-old restaurant worker named Pennapha (surname withheld) reported being assaulted by a female coworker at a pier near Cape Bali Hai on the evening of July 20. The victim said that after work, as she was heading home, her coworker ran up and attacked her with punches and slaps. Although the victim tried to fight back and flee, the assailant pursued her, until coworkers intervened. CCTV footage captured the incident clearly.

The victim explained that prior workplace tensions existed between them, primarily because she had declined to participate in a pool activity with the coworker. She noted the conflict seemed trivial and was surprised it escalated to violence, especially since they had previously resolved misunderstandings. The victim stated she had no desire for conflict but was shocked by the sudden assault.

The accused coworker allegedly boasted that her husband is a police detective and that she is powerful and fearless, able to do whatever she wants. The victim said these threats frightened her and left her feeling that she would not receive fair treatment. She came forward to the media and appealed to authorities to pursue the case according to the law.

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National

Fuel Prices Rise; Current Rates at Major Thai Pumps

Fuel prices increased across Thailand's major service stations on July 22, with regular gasohol 95 ranging from 35.79 to 36.29 baht per liter at PTT, Bangchak, PT, Shell, and Caltex stations.

21 Jul Khaosod

Fuel prices rose effective from 05:00 on July 22, 2026, with updated rates released from five major service stations.

The Energy Policy and Planning Office under the Ministry of Energy reported prices at PTT, Bangchak, PT, Caltex, and Shell stations.

PTT Station (July 22): Gasohol 95: 35.79 baht/liter Gasohol E20: 30.79 baht/liter Gasohol E85: 28.39 baht/liter Gasohol 91: 35.42 baht/liter Gasohol 95 Premium: 47.79 baht/liter Gasohol 99 Premium: 49.79 baht/liter Benzene 95: 44.78 baht/liter Diesel: 35.79 baht/liter Diesel B20: 30.79 baht/liter Diesel Premium: 50.05 baht/liter

Bangchak Station (July 22): Gasohol 95: 35.79 baht/liter Gasohol E20: 30.79 baht/liter Gasohol E85: 26.73 baht/liter Gasohol 91: 35.42 baht/liter Gasohol 95 Premium: 47.79 baht/liter Diesel B7: 35.79 baht/liter Diesel B20: 30.79 baht/liter Diesel Premium: 49.25 baht/liter

PT Station (July 22): Gasohol 95: 35.79 baht/liter Gasohol E20: 30.79 baht/liter Gasohol 91: 35.42 baht/liter Benzene 95: 45.28 baht/liter Diesel B7: 35.79 baht/liter Diesel B20: 30.79 baht/liter

Shell Station (July 22): Gasohol 95: 36.29 baht/liter Gasohol E20: 30.99 baht/liter Gasohol 91: 35.92 baht/liter Gasohol 95 Premium: 49.84 baht/liter Diesel B7: 35.79 baht/liter Diesel B20: 30.79 baht/liter Diesel Premium: 49.84 baht/liter

Caltex Station (July 22): Gasohol 95: 35.79 baht/liter Gasohol E20: 30.79 baht/liter Gasohol 91: 35.42 baht/liter Benzene 95: 48.41 baht/liter Diesel B7: 35.79 baht/liter Diesel B20: 30.79 baht/liter Diesel Premium: 49.25 baht/liter

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Breaking

Airport Rail Link Hit by Technical Glitch, Service Reduced

Airport Rail Link reduced service to one train per hour after a technical failure in its maintenance facility disabled the turnaround mechanism, though the operator said passenger safety remained unaffected.

21 Jul Khaosod

Airport Rail Link issued a passenger advisory this morning (July 22) following a technical failure affecting the train turnaround mechanism in its maintenance facility. The malfunction has prevented the operator from deploying all trains as scheduled, reducing service to a single train operating approximately once per hour at each station. The company stressed that passenger safety is not affected and is working to restore full service as soon as possible. To avoid delays, the operator recommends passengers consider using alternative public transport systems until normal operations resume. Airport Rail Link apologized for the inconvenience and thanked passengers for their understanding. Updates will be posted on its Facebook page and official communication channels as the situation develops.

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National

Thailand Vice Minister Attends ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting

On 21 July 2026, H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ M...

21 Jul Thailand.go.th Issues

On 21 July 2026, H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ M...

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