A 43-year-old woman from Udon Thani reported being tailgated and cut off by a red-plated Mercedes-Benz driver on Highway 2 on July 16. While driving a cargo truck heading to Khon Kaen, she switched to the right lane to overtake due to rough road conditions, traveling at approximately 100 kilometers per hour. The Mercedes-Benz then sped up behind her, tailgating aggressively, before swerving left and cutting in front of her vehicle at close range, then braking suddenly. When both vehicles stopped, the Mercedes driver lowered his window, put the car in reverse to ram the victim's truck, and immediately fled without stopping to discuss the incident.

The victim, shocked and frightened by the dangerous maneuver, stated she did not pursue the driver because her dashcam had recorded clear footage of the incident. She submitted the video to media and police, hoping authorities would track down the driver for investigation and legal proceedings. She expressed concern that such reckless behavior endangers all road users and called on the Mercedes driver to take responsibility, pay for repairs, and compensate her for the trauma caused by the incident.

Police have received the complaint and are currently investigating evidence and tracking the vehicle's driver for questioning and further legal action.

On July 16, 2569, rescue workers responded to a vehicle crash that killed a man and left a car in a canal near Kao Khwang Soi 7 on Yanyawirojon Road in Muang District, Chanthaburi Province. The victim, 51-year-old Manas, was found with severe head and facial injuries near his bicycle and a garbage bin; locals said he regularly collected scrap metal in the area.

A white Mitsubishi Pajero (license plate Kob 8481, Chanthaburi) was discovered submerged in the roadside canal with its front bumper damaged. The driver, 45-year-old Chaiydet, was in a state of muscular rigidity and was given emergency first aid before being taken to Sirivet Hospital at relatives' request.

CCTV footage from Ruengchit Agricultural Company, recorded at 12:45 p.m., showed the vehicle traveling at low speed and hugging the left lane as if turning into an alley, when it suddenly accelerated hard and shot forward with black smoke billowing. It then struck Manas, who was sitting collecting garbage, killing him instantly before plunging into the canal.

Relatives of Chaiydet disclosed that he had just picked up a child from a private hospital and was returning when he suddenly experienced muscular rigidity and lost control of the vehicle. He had experienced similar episodes before, but despite previous medical examination, doctors had been unable to identify a definite cause or abnormality, so he had received no targeted treatment until this incident occurred.

Police Lieutenant Yodcheroen Inkai documented and thoroughly investigated the scene to determine the exact cause and ensure fairness to both parties. The body was transferred to Phra Pokklao Hospital for detailed autopsy, and will later be released to relatives for religious rites.

On July 16, Sub-district Officer Thanyarat Laebutsri led the special operations unit "Sing Mueng Muk" in coordination with intelligence and immigration personnel to conduct the raid in Mukdahan City after receiving a tip about illegal drug use at a birthday party. Officers discovered 14 suspects—9 men and 5 women, including 4 Laotian nationals—in an intoxicated state at the repair shop in Ban Kham Pak Nok, Tambon Bang Sai Yai.

During the search, police found ketamine in plastic bags and bottles containing red liquid believed to be "happy water" (methamphetamine-laced water). All suspects confessed to organizing the birthday gathering and using drugs together. One Laotian national was additionally charged under immigration law for overstaying.

Charges filed include illegal possession of ketamine (2.88 grams), illegal possession of methamphetamine in liquid form, and drug use violations against all 14 suspects. The suspects were transferred to Mukdahan City Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Police have made progress in the case of Ms. A (alias) who brought her 14-year-old daughter to file a report with Paveena Hongskul Foundation after witnessing her stepdaughter being sexually abused by her stepfather. When confronted about his actions, the stepfather admitted to the crime coldly, then drew a knife and stabbed Ms. A in the chest, leaving a wound. He then forced himself on her while recording video, after which both mother and daughter fled and filed a report at Lad Phrao Police Station on July 2.

Subsequently, Ms. A took her daughter to hide in various hotels, but the stepfather continued to pursue and threaten them relentlessly. They eventually decided to seek assistance from Paveena Hongskul. Paveena Hongskul provided shelter for the mother and daughter at the foundation's safe house and coordinated with police officials including Col. Kampanart Arunkeeri, commander of Investigation Bureau 4, and other officers from Lad Phrao Station.

Pavenna Hongskul arranged for the mother and daughter to stay at the foundation's safe house while coordinating with police investigators to interview the mother and conduct a multidisciplinary child assessment. Both were directed to undergo physical examinations at the Police Hospital.

Police issued an arrest warrant and apprehended the stepfather today at 11:00 a.m. The suspect confessed to all charges. Police opposed bail release at both the investigation and court levels and prepared to remand him in custody for a court hearing on July 18. Given the severity of the charges—sexual abuse of a minor stepdaughter over six years starting from age 8, combined with threatening and intimidating behavior—authorities are concerned he may flee and interfere with witnesses, posing serious danger to the victim.

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum has presented teenage musician Rattikan ‘Nene Royal’ Amlai with a certificate of appreciation, a day after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced government support for the 16-year-old following her success on ‘America’s Got Talent’.

The Entertainment Critics Club announced the 34th Thailand's Best Film Awards on July 16 at the Army Club with the theme "Make It Happen," aiming to propel Thai cinema onto the Asian stage. The film Phee Chai Dai dominated the awards, taking home the best film trophy. Director Ratchaphumi Bunyabanchachok won best director and best new filmmaker for the same film. Earn Fatima (Fatima Dechawalikit) won best female lead for Flatgirl: Levels Between Us, while Jin Jetsadee Watthanasein took best male lead for The Stone Prince. Two new award categories were introduced this year—Best Asian Film and Best Asian Animated Film—to encourage regional industry exchange and boost Thai cinema's international recognition. Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Thanit Jitnukul and Adirek Wattlila. The ceremony was presided over by Chotika Akkakich, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture.