The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) accepted applications for its director position from July 15-29, 2026. Applicants could submit materials in person at SAT's Human Resources Department on the 6th floor by phone (02-1867111 ext. 1217 or 7950) or via email to hrm@sat.or.th between July 15-29, 2026 by 4:30 p.m. On July 29, the final deadline coinciding with Asahna Bucha (a public holiday), applications were still accepted electronically. Late that day, politician and former broadcaster Mallika Boonmeetrakun Mahasuk, who recently ran for Bangkok governor, submitted her candidacy, bringing the total to 10 contenders.

The 10 candidates are: (1) Sirichet Phooltipayananth, chairman of the Thai Mixed Martial Arts Association; (2) Dr. Suwit Leirthanakul, local politician and Bang Rak social worker; (3) Thanyapawat Tejaphuwadolwit, advisor to the Thai Bodybuilding and Fitness Association; (4) Jen Piyathat, chairman of Granular Badminton Club and executive of the Thai Badminton Association; (5) Kunakorn Mannteerai, former MP and advisor to the Thai Military and Police Shooting Association; (6) Pol. Lt. Col. Chaiporn Aufuengwong, deputy director of the Thai National Police Office's Law and Case Division; (7) Dr. Meechai Inwood, deputy director (administration) of SAT; (8) Prodpran Somanmit, deputy director of SAT (professional sports and muay boxing); (9) Thanakorn Duangmani, CEO of The Agency Group; (10) Mallika Boonmeetrakul Mahasuk, politician and former journalist.

The selection committee, chaired by Natthareeya Taweewongse, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, will verify candidates' qualifications and conduct interviews, English language tests, and vision presentations. The committee will then submit recommended candidates to the SAT Board for approval before final submission to the Cabinet for endorsement.

Bangkok, 29 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is presenting the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession to international audiences through a Signature Thailand fam trip and the “From Experience to Inspiration” welcome reception. The programme brings together 40 media representatives, influencers, and travel trade partners from 17 countries across Europe and the Americas to experience the procession’s 125th edition and explore the wider cultural appeal of Thailand’s Northeast.

Held today at Centara Ubon immediately after participants viewed the much-anticipated morning parade, the reception reinforced TAT’s positioning of the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession as one of three Signature Thailand Events, alongside the Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession and the Christmas Star Parade in Sakon Nakhon. Presented under “Healing is the New Luxury – Signature Thailand: Inspiring Journeys Beyond Expectations”, the reception showcased Ubon Ratchathani’s woven textiles, candle artistry, gastronomy, community spirit and Mekong-influenced lifestyle through a contemporary format for international audiences.

Rooted in the Buddhist Lent tradition of candle offering, the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession blends faith, intricate wax artistry and province-wide participation. Running from 25–31 July at Thung Si Mueang, the 2026 edition features 47 elaborate candle pieces across traditional, moulded and carved categories, and major parades on 29 and 30 July with more than 37 dance processions. TAT is enhancing the visitor experience with lighting installations, light-and-sound performances, illuminated ‘Nong Mamuang’ landmarks and workshops in candle carving, wax-flower making and gold-leaf decoration.

Mr. Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said, “This specially organised fam trip and purpose-designed reception give international media and travel trade partners a first-hand understanding of the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession and the wider experiences surrounding it. By elevating this living heritage as a Signature Thailand Event, TAT is advancing Value over Volume through meaningful travel while creating greater benefits for local artisans, businesses and communities. Under ‘Healing is the New Luxury’, Ubon Ratchathani offers an inspiring journey through faith, craftsmanship, cuisine and community life across the wider Isan region.”

Reflecting this direction, the reception opened with a contemporary Isan welcome performance featuring dancers, singers and musicians playing traditional instruments. Live music continued during networking, blending the phin (an Isan string instrument), khaen (a bamboo mouth organ regarded as a symbol of Isan), wot (a bamboo wind instrument), pong lang (a traditional Isan percussion instrument) and traditional drums with bass guitar. The phin is particularly significant in Ubon Ratchathani, where the two-string tradition was developed by Thongsai Thapthanon and preserved by Akhom Thapthanon. Its distinctive sound is closely associated with the province’s Candle Procession and reflects a musical heritage passed down through generations.

Alongside the cultural programme, the reception highlighted the festival’s appeal for long-haul markets while presenting Ubon Ratchathani’s heritage, craftsmanship and communities within the broader Isan experience. The event featured an exclusive Thailand tourism update presented by Mr. Nithee Seeprae. Following the update, Ubon Ratchathani native, Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Chief Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, delivered an inspiring keynote address titled “From the Mekong to the World: Unlocking Ubon Ratchathani and the Mekong’s Tourism Potential”.

This presentation continued through four experience stations that brought Ubon Ratchathani’s identity to life. The Isan local spirit cocktail station introduced community-made spirits and regional ingredients, while the gastronomy showcases featured moo yor (Vietnamese-style pork sausage), nam nueng (grilled pork served with fresh vegetables, rice paper and dipping sauce) and banh mi (Vietnamese baguette). Participants also took part in a wax-sheet collage workshop inspired by the Candle Procession and stained-glass bookmarks reflecting local religious architecture.

The broader fam trip connected participants with candle-making communities, everyday local life and regional attractions. Experiences included watching candle masters at work, viewing elaborate wax displays at Thung Si Mueang, visiting Sam Phan Bok and Pha Taem National Park, and exploring Tohsang Cotton Village, Ban Pa-Ao Brassware Village and Ban Khampun Weaving Centre.

These experiences reflect Isan’s broader appeal across gastronomy, textiles and performing arts. Regional cuisine spans som tam (spicy green papaya salad), larb (spicy ground-meat salad with herbs, lime and toasted rice), and Vietnamese-influenced dishes. Michelin Guide-listed restaurants can also be found in Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen. Visitors can explore textile heritage at the Khampun Textile Museum, while Molam, a traditional Isan art form combining singing, music, dance and storytelling, embodies the region’s creativity and cultural identity.

Beyond the three Signature Thailand Events, TAT is presenting Thailand as a year-round destination for festivals and major international events. Upcoming highlights include the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 and nationwide Loi Krathong celebrations, Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 in Bangkok, Tomorrowland in Pattaya and the Amazing Thailand Countdown.

Thailand has been placed in Group B together with Vietnam, Pakistan, and the Philippines in the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 Division 1 tournament. FIFA officially released the draw results on July 27, 2025.

The tournament is divided into two divisions: Division 1 will be held in Indonesia and Division 2 in Hong Kong. The group stage results are as follows:

Division 1 Group A – Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Singapore Group B – Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, Philippines

Division 2 Group A – Hong Kong, Myanmar, Brunei Group B – Cambodia, Laos, Timor-Leste

The tournament will take place from September 24 to October 3, 2025. FIFA will announce the match format and complete competition schedule at a later date.

SAPPE has renewed its backing of Miss Wheelchair Thailand 2026 for a second consecutive year, advancing a message of equal opportunity and respect. CEO Piyajit Rakariyanpong emphasized the company's stance on promoting equality and embracing diversity by serving as the main sponsor of Thailand's only wheelchair pageant for women.

The platform gives disabled women an opportunity to showcase their potential, abilities, and identity with confidence while inspiring society to understand that true beauty is not defined by physical condition but by capability, attitude, and inner strength. SAPPE supported contestants through the final round held at MCC Hall in Bangkok recently.

The sponsorship reflects SAPPE's commitment to social sustainability and its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) principles, believing everyone deserves equal opportunity to demonstrate their potential regardless of differences. Like the Miss Wheelchair Thailand pageant itself, which aims to amplify wheelchair-using women across the country as ambassadors and sources of inspiration, SAPPE champions the belief that human worth and dignity are not determined by physical limitations.

SAPPE believes sustainable community development begins by opening opportunities for everyone to fully express their potential, and the company will continue supporting collaboration across all sectors to build a society that respects diversity, embraces differences, and grows together sustainably.

The Internal Security Command (ISC) has announced a nationwide coordinated effort to assist citizens in verifying welfare card eligibility, filing appeals, and correcting personal data. Following a cabinet resolution, the review and appeal deadline for the 2569 state welfare card program has been extended from July 31 to August 31, 2569, giving residents adequate time to check and update their information. Applicants can still submit documents for data corrections to verification units until September 20, 2569, while those who pass the review—both existing and new beneficiaries—will begin using their benefits simultaneously from October 1, 2569.

Prime Minister Anuthine Charnvirakul, who heads the ISC, has directed all government units to integrate their efforts to facilitate public access to state welfare benefits, reduce gaps in coverage, and build confidence in state care. The ISC's regional and provincial commands have been tasked with coordinating with local agencies, promoting awareness, providing guidance, and closely monitoring implementation.

The ISC is also mobilizing community networks, including volunteer defense groups, administrative networks, and school-based organizations, to disseminate accurate information about the review, appeal, and correction processes. Special attention is being given to elderly persons, people with disabilities, disadvantaged groups, and remote communities to ensure universal and equitable access to welfare benefits.

The ISC confirms it will continue integrating efforts across all sectors to support government policy, build public understanding, facilitate access, and ensure all eligible citizens receive complete, swift, and fair welfare benefits—ultimately improving quality of life and strengthening national security.