Industry Minister Verawut Silpa-archa announced that the Ministry of Industry is accelerating Thailand's sugarcane and sugar sector toward full green industry status by deploying carbon management, carbon credit trading, and carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) technology as key mechanisms to generate economic value and strengthen Thailand's competitiveness in the intensifying global green trade landscape. During a recent visit to a Thai sugar mill in Udon Thani, Silpa-archa emphasized that the industry has potential to become a national green industry model—not merely reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but converting carbon into economic assets that generate new income for farmers and businesses.

Current data shows Thailand's sugarcane cultivation sector emits approximately 25-30 million tons of CO2 equivalent annually, while sugar production releases another 10-15 million tons, totaling 35-45 million tons yearly. This makes the combined sector a major player in achieving the country's Net Zero Emissions target by 2050. The Ministry, through the Sugarcane and Sugar Board (SOSF), is rolling out a carbon tracking project along the entire production chain—from field to mill—to measure, verify, and report greenhouse gas emissions transparently and accurately. The ministry is also developing a carbon credit trading mechanism via the T-VER program to directly compensate farmers and businesses for carbon reduction.

Additionally, CCUS technology is being promoted for the sector, particularly converting captured carbon into biochar to enhance soil carbon storage and add value to agriculture. The ministry outlined six strategic directions to transition the industry toward a low-carbon future: establishing international standards for CCUS carbon credits, developing comprehensive carbon tracing systems, creating economic incentives through carbon credit markets, elevating sustainability standards according to Bonsucro and Sugar Ecolabel criteria, preparing for the EU's CBAM mechanism, and integrating the sugar industry into Thailand's 2050 Net Zero goal. Officials stressed that carbon will shift from a cost burden to an economic asset, requiring the sector to evolve from a major carbon emitter into a carbon value creator and green bioindustry pioneer.

The controversy centers on allegations that 246 million baht in donated funds were transferred to personal accounts, with 81.9 million baht subsequently withdrawn in cash over multiple transactions. A rival Facebook page has accused an influencer of questionable financial practices, describing the situation with heavy skepticism. Pond Chakkaprukshanon has declared he will address the matter on his live-stream program today, calling for accountability and stating he has evidence from the person who exposed the issue. In response, Songduhi has posted cryptic messages about karma and personal responsibility, including veiled jabs at her rival. The posts have sparked widespread commentary and criticism among social media users. Pond emphasized that someone must be held responsible for the missing funds.

On July 17, 2025, the Thai Meteorological Department forecasts decreasing rainfall across Thailand over the next 24 hours as the southwest monsoon moderates, covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. A low-pressure trough remains over northern Vietnam. Residents in northern Thailand are warned of dangers from heavy rainfall and accumulated water, which may trigger flash flooding and flash floods, especially in foothill areas near waterways and depressions. The upper Andaman and upper Gulf of Thailand will have moderate winds with waves 1–2 meters high; the lower Andaman approximately 1 meter, with thunderstorm zones exceeding 2 meters. Sailors should proceed carefully and avoid thunderstorm areas.

Weather forecast for Thailand from 07:00 today to 07:00 tomorrow:

Northern Region: 40% thunderstorm coverage, mainly around Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Phayao, Nan, Phichit, and Phetchabun. Low 22–25°C, high 30–32°C. Southwest wind 10–20 km/h.

Northeastern Region: 30% thunderstorms, mainly Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani. Low 23–26°C, high 31–36°C. Southwest wind 10–20 km/h.

Central Region: 30% thunderstorms, mainly Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon. Low 23–26°C, high 33–36°C. Southwest wind 10–20 km/h.

Eastern Region: 40% thunderstorms, mainly Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Low 23–26°C, high 31–34°C. Southwest wind 15–35 km/h. Sea waves 1–2 meters; thunderstorm areas over 2 meters.

Southern Region (East Coast): 30% thunderstorms, mainly Chumphon, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Low 23–25°C, high 33–36°C. Southwest wind 15–30 km/h. Sea waves approximately 1 meter, offshore over 1 meter; thunderstorm zones over 2 meters.

Southern Region (West Coast): 30% thunderstorms, mainly Ranong, Phang Nga, Trang, and Satun. Low 23–25°C, high 31–35°C. From Phang Nga northward: Southwest wind 15–35 km/h, waves 1–2 meters, thunderstorm areas over 2 meters. From Phuket southward: Southwest wind 15–30 km/h, waves approximately 1 meter; thunderstorm zones over 2 meters.

Bangkok and Vicinity: 40% thunderstorm coverage. Low 25–26°C, high 33–34°C. Southwest wind 10–20 km/h.

On July 16, police commanded by Pol. Maj. Gen. Withawat Chinkham ordered officers from Wat Phraya Rai Police Station, led by Pol. Maj. Chakrapong Phitaksakul, to arrest Anon, 37, at a lodging house in Soi Sonammai. He faces charges of possession and distribution of methamphetamine (Category 1 drug) for commercial purposes without authorization. Officers seized over 2,200 methamphetamine pills and drug-concealment equipment on July 15 at 6 p.m.

The arrest resulted from ongoing behavioral surveillance after police received tips that the suspect had been illegally selling methamphetamine to users in the area for some time, with unidentified visitors regularly entering and leaving his room—a pattern consistent with small-scale drug dealing. Officers gathered intelligence, verified reports, and conducted observation before planning the operation.

When officers arrived at the lodging house, they spotted the suspect matching the informant's description standing outside his room. Upon noticing police, he visibly startled and rushed back inside. Officers followed, identified themselves, and requested a search. Inside his pants pocket, they found two clear plastic bags containing orange methamphetamine pills. When questioned, the suspect immediately confessed the pills were his and disclosed additional drugs hidden in the room.

Officers discovered large quantities of methamphetamine in multiple clear plastic and blue plastic bags concealed inside a stainless-steel cookie box—used as a hiding place to avoid detection. After arrest, the suspect was brought to Wat Phraya Rai Police Station for drug testing; results were negative for methamphetamine in his system. He was informed of his rights and charges under the law before formal arrest documentation and case referral to investigators.

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Patong – Patong police apprehended an Australian man after spotting him skateboarding along a public road with his board in hand. Officers quickly intervened, citing safety concerns and local traffic laws. The Phuket Tourtist Police told the Phuket Express. The Australina man was taken into custody together with his skateboard and escorted to the investigation […] Australian Man Detained for Skateboarding on Patong Road -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.