The sports program for the 34th SEA Games in Malaysia next year has been finalized, with 43 disciplines competing for medals after five new sports were added in the final stages: kabaddi, lethwei, tchoukball, padel, and ice hockey. Shinlum will also be added as a discipline under sepak takraw, and polo under equestrian sports. "Big Nat" Ao Ekachai Sirivat, vice chairman of the Thai Olympic Committee and honorary member of the SEA Games Federation, confirmed after the council meeting that no further sports additions will occur, and guidelines are being prepared for immediate distribution to all 11 member nations.

Ao Ekachai noted that during July 16-17, 2026, the Olympic Council of Malaysia hosted preparatory meetings with the SEA Games Federation at Sunway Resort in Kuala Lumpur. The Sports and Rules Committee reviewed appeals from all 11 national Olympic committees, receiving 30 sports proposals. The meeting approved five additional sports—kabaddi, lethwei, tchoukball, padel, and ice hockey—plus two new competition categories: shinlum under sepak takraw and polo under equestrian. Proposals for cheerleading and air badminton as demonstration sports were noted for future consideration.

Ao Ekachai also highlighted an important initiative approved for inclusion: water breaks during competition to promote athlete welfare and safety, particularly in the hot and humid Southeast Asian climate. Implementation will follow the technical specifications of each sport as detailed in the official technical guidelines and competition rules.

Dr. Suratana Tanprawet, a neurologist specializing in brain and nervous system disorders, posted on Facebook about a case involving a young businessman who seemed to have his health completely under control—exercising regularly, eating clean, and getting full sleep (except on match days)—yet woke up with a stroke.

When examining the patient, the doctor asked about existing medical conditions. "None, doctor," the patient replied. "What about sleep and exercise?" "I sleep well and exercise more than most people my age," he said with pride. Yet the doctor was puzzled about what could have caused the stroke.

"What about social gatherings—drinking alcohol?" the doctor asked. "Well, maybe 3-4 times a week, but it's just social stuff. Work, business events," he replied. Just as the doctor was questioning him, the heart monitor began alarming—the patient's heart was beating irregularly. This was the first time it had been detected, as he'd had no prior symptoms.

"That's atrial fibrillation (AF)," the doctor said quietly. "The culprit behind your stroke."

The patient looked confused. "But I don't drink heavily all the time, doctor." After a pause, he added, "Oh... two days ago there was a farewell party for my boss. I drank more than usual."

There is a condition doctors call Holiday Heart Syndrome—when someone drinks alcohol rapidly and in large quantities, or binge drinks, it can trigger atrial fibrillation within 24-48 hours, even in people with no prior heart disease. And atrial fibrillation is a major cause of stroke.

The doctor stepped away from the young patient and spoke with his wife, explaining physical therapy and recovery prospects. She listened quietly before asking the hardest question: "Will he go back to normal?"

The doctor didn't answer immediately because the truth is that even if one day the patient could walk and speak again, his life would never be the same.

Stroke doesn't just destroy brain cells—it divides a person's life into two chapters: before that day and after.

The doctor recently attended a cerebrovascular conference where colleagues discussed how sudden strokes transform a person's world, their future, and their dreams. About 25% of strokes are caused by atrial fibrillation. And here's the critical point: half of people with atrial fibrillation don't know they have it and feel no symptoms. Alcohol consumption is a major risk factor, especially binge drinking, which can trigger irregular heartbeats within 24 hours and lead to stroke in some people.

We face risks constantly. Some we know about and manage well, but we may still miss something else. People often say, "It won't happen to me," yet it usually does when we're careless.

Life is like that. Disease and accidents always find a weakness. When we slip up, they strike. So live carefully, and if you don't care for yourself, at least think of those who love you.

On July 17, Deputy National Police Commander General Samran Nuanma, along with National Police Office Commander General Nopsil Poolswadee, led more than 200 police officers and officials from the Department of Business Development and the Land Department in executing "Phase 4" of the operation to dismantle foreign nominee networks in Chonburi province. Officers conducted searches at 41 locations across 33 companies with total damages valued at 235 million baht, focusing on a luxury residential development in Pattaya's Bang Lamung district that authorities allege was being marketed as a "Russian village."

The operation targeted two Russian networks: one led by Igor, a Russian national who held 49% ownership of a company used to purchase homes through Thai nominees, and another network involving Russian national Russieyuzup, whose family allegedly owned six properties in the same development. When questioned, Igor claimed he had lived in Thailand for 20 years with extended family but did not know the Thai nationals holding the remaining 51% ownership stake, attributing the arrangement to his accountant or lawyer. Officers seized documents, property advertisements, utility bills, and tax receipts from multiple homes.

Authorities arrested Thai accountants and lawyers involved in the scheme and issued arrest warrants for 33 foreign nationals holding shares in the property companies. Officials stated that many of the Thai nominees listed as 51% shareholders appeared to lack legitimate identities and may have been falsely registered. Deputy Commander Samran emphasized that Thailand welcomes tourists and investors but insists that legal companies provide foreigners with accurate information about property ownership restrictions, as foreign nationals are prohibited from directly owning land in Thailand.

Thailand is upgrading its rice sector by emphasizing quality over quantity to create sustainable farmer income through three distinct product categories. Nanthapong Jiralersphong, director of the Ministry of Commerce's Office of Trade and Strategy Policy, explained that the office is studying ways to elevate rice farming income into high-value agricultural products. This strategy aims to create differentiation for Thai rice and boost competitiveness in an increasingly crowded global rice market, where oversupply pressures prices. As a major global rice exporter, Thailand must transition from "selling volume" to "selling value" to sustainably increase farmer incomes.

The three rice categories are: eco-friendly rice, which emphasizes socially and environmentally responsible production meeting global trade standards and consumer expectations. This includes sustainable rice grown under the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) standards covering environmental, economic, social, and management dimensions; low-carbon rice produced through processes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and organic rice grown without synthetic chemicals. Identity and story-driven rice highlights unique value linked to geographical origin and traditional knowledge, including rice with Geographical Indication (GI) status—such as Khao Kam Lanna, Jasmine Rice from Khorat, and Khao Sangkhod Phatthalung—and indigenous and hill-tribe rice varieties with cultural significance and distinctive flavors. Health-focused rice addresses aging populations and wellness trends through superior nutritional value, including high-nutrition and colored rice varieties like Rice Berry and black rice rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals; and specialty rice developed through research, such as low-glycemic index rice for blood sugar management and fortified rice with added vitamins and minerals.

Nanthapong stated that upgrading Thai rice to high-value agricultural products is a crucial strategy to sustainably increase farmer incomes, differentiate Thai rice globally, and maintain competitive advantage. The office is currently studying global demand for premium rice to understand what types each country seeks, and developing policy proposals to shift cultivation areas from volatile white rice to high-value varieties that match consumer preferences and justify premium pricing.

A popular Facebook page has shared a video of a young rescue worker winning the first prize lottery worth 24 million baht, while also noting that Pound Chakrakritsana previously won the same prize. The post states: 'Information correction: Pound Chakrakritsana won the first prize of 24 million baht in the December 16, 2022 draw. The rescue worker in the video, named Mac, won the first prize in late 2568 with Lottery Plus, unrelated to Pound.' The page's caption questions whether Pound has previously clarified this lottery win. Comments below show mixed reactions, with some users claiming Mac is a different person and others insisting Pound also won the first prize before Mac. One Facebook user claiming to be Mac commented: 'This is ridiculous misinformation. I'm Mac myself—what does this have to do with Pound? Check the facts before posting. Don't spread false information just to chase likes when you have nothing else to do.' Many commenters are waiting for clarification during an upcoming livestream event.

A concrete slab collapsed and crushed people in Sukhumvit Soi 66/1, Bangkok, on July 17, 2025, at 9:50 a.m., according to an emergency call received on the 199 hotline. The incident occurred in the Banga Na sub-district, Banga Na district. Firefighters and rescue personnel from Prakhon station responded immediately to the scene. Two people were injured, with one in serious condition, and were rushed to Ruamjai Hospital for treatment. One male victim trapped under the slab died at the scene, and rescue officials are working to recover the body. The concrete panel involved measured 1 meter in width and 6 meters in length.