At 3:00 p.m. on July 20, 2026, Deputy Superintendent Piyaporn Potthiyong of Mae Ka Police Station in Phayao received a report of a deceased man found in a rice field in the Champahwai area, Tampol Champahwai, Muang District, Phayao Province. He immediately proceeded to the scene with a forensic pathologist from Phayao Hospital, provincial evidence specialists, Mae Ka Police investigators, and local rescue personnel.

The body was found lying face-up in the middle of a rice field, wearing a short-sleeved shirt, shorts, and white Converse sneakers. The corpse was bloated, and the face and torso had been severely decomposed by maggots, making facial identification impossible. Items found in the shirt pocket included cigarette packages, methamphetamine pills, and a lighter. The right hand bore a spider tattoo, while the right shoulder was tattooed with the word "Father" and the left shoulder with "Mother." Medical examination revealed what appeared to be blunt-force injuries to the head at four points, with death estimated to have occurred at least three days prior.

According to the village headman, the deceased is believed to be a 55-year-old man named Lah from Tambon Champahwai, who was a habitual drinker and had been missing from home for approximately three days without any missing person report filed by relatives. The match is considered highly probable but awaits official identification confirmation.

Police from Mae Ka Station are currently gathering evidence, conducting investigations, and awaiting detailed autopsy results to determine whether the death was caused by homicide or other factors before proceeding with legal action.

On July 20, 2025, the body of Somsak, a murder victim whose head and genitals were severed before being buried in a shack in Ban Dung District, Udon Thani, was cremated in a sparse ceremony at Wat Burpawan. Police arrested Niruit in connection with the case and filed three charges: attempted murder, concealment of remains, and animal cruelty, though he has denied involvement.

The victim's 80-year-old aunt, Wichian, who sells bundled rice porridge for a living, explained she had no money for funeral expenses and was the only surviving relative. She handed the body over to the local rescue association, which arranged a simple Buddhist cremation ceremony attended by six monks. The atmosphere was somber and quiet, with no other family members present to pay respects.

On July 20, residents of Khlong 8 in Lam Luk Ka, Pathum Thani province, shared video clips of large crocodiles measuring more than 2 meters long appearing in the canal near Phuetchanya Temple, causing significant panic in the area. A 49-year-old traditional massage therapist stationed at a floating massage clinic in the irrigation canal witnessed the first crocodile between 2 and 2:30 p.m. Initially it appeared to be a log, but closer observation revealed the animal's nose, eyes, and mouth at water level before it sank—a behavior distinct from logs which drift with the current. The first crocodile measured approximately 1.5 to 2 meters, while a smaller second specimen of about 1 meter emerged near the floating clinic, roughly 3 meters away.

The witness distinguished the animals from fish by their natural crocodile behavior of surfacing only the top of the head to breathe, with eyes and nostrils visible while the body remains submerged. He immediately warned residents to avoid entering the water and avoid areas near the canal pending further verification. Pattama Puranasurang, a staff member at the temple, noted unusual fish behavior before the sighting—the fish refused to eat their regular pellet food and huddled on one side of the canal, even though monks later provided 4-5 sacks of fish food. She also recalled seeing a suspicious object floating about a week earlier when water levels were higher. The crocodile sighting has alarmed local water spinach gatherers, who have temporarily halted harvesting for safety, and residents remain anxious despite most not having witnessed the crocodiles themselves.

A Nida Poll survey on illegal foreign activity reveals that most Thai citizens view money laundering and illegal business investment as the most dangerous forms of foreign crime, followed by nominee land ownership, shell businesses operated for foreigners, fraudulent Thai citizenship schemes, and currency manipulation. These activities directly harm Thailand's economy by siphoning capital from the system and allowing revenue to leak abroad. Many ordinary Thais have witnessed such conduct firsthand—from money laundering to nominee schemes, large foreign settlements, and illegal occupations—showing these are real problems across the country, not merely media stories. The survey identified government corruption as the leading factor enabling foreign crimes, cited by over 67 percent of respondents, with weak penalties, legal gaps, political corruption, and official neglect also playing major roles. This reveals the problem is rooted in internal structural weaknesses, not foreigners alone. While Thailand needs foreign investment, tourists, and skilled labor to drive its economy, these must be coupled with strict and fair law enforcement. Legitimate businesses should be promoted while lawbreakers face prosecution without exception. The government must urgently plug identified loopholes by combating official corruption, modernizing laws for transnational crime, increasing penalties for nominee schemes and money laundering, creating transparent oversight, and enforcing laws fairly. Failure to act risks undermining investor confidence, damaging Thai entrepreneurs, and causing long-term economic harm. The time has come for serious government action to prevent Thailand from becoming a safe haven for criminals and to protect Thai citizens' interests and the nation's future economy.

Presenters Jeff Satur and Mean Nichanun led celebrations at the national championship finals of the 'est COLA 3×3 Basketball U-League 2026,' where male and female champions were crowned to advance to international competition. The event at Mega Bangna shopping center included performances by Gen Z artists such as Jackie Chakrin, Aston Ratiphat, and Mark Notharit, as well as a celebrity exhibition match featuring the presenters, entertainers, and national basketball players. Both presenters praised the competing teams for their dedication and passion, emphasizing that the 'est AWESOME PLAYGROUND' provides a platform for young people to showcase their skills and pursue what they love, whether or not they won the trophy.

PTT Public Company Limited has issued a statement regarding a severe fire and explosion in the electrical control room at its NGV service station in Bo Win subdistrict, Si Racha district, Chonburi province, which resulted in the death of one electrical technician. A station attendant reported detecting a burning smell in the room and contacted the technician to conduct an inspection, after which the explosion occurred. On July 20, 2026, PTT reported that the fire broke out at approximately 3:30 p.m. at the Saiyong Bo Win NGV service station in Si Racha, Chonburi. Following the report, PTT immediately dispatched an emergency response team to control the situation, isolating systems in the affected area and temporarily closing the service station for the safety of customers and the public. One fatality was confirmed. PTT is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the facts and cause of the incident, and extends its deepest condolences for the loss. The company will take appropriate steps to support those affected and will provide further updates on the progress of the investigation.