A 25-year-old former mechanical engineering student was shot dead by two armed suspects from a rival institution near an apartment in Khlong Kluea subdistrict, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province on the morning of July 21. A religious merit-making ceremony was held on July 22 at Sanam Noi Temple, with the atmosphere heavy with grief as the family and friends mourned. Many of the victim's friends attended the ceremony, and most believe the shooting resulted from institutional rivalries, as the victim had previously been a student at a competing institution.

Nari, the victim's mother, revealed that she lit incense at the ceremony asking her son's spirit to help police identify and pursue the two suspects. She stated firmly that she will never forgive the two gunmen for brutally killing her son, and if police arrest them, they should not bother seeking her forgiveness—she demands the case proceed strictly according to the law. When asked whether any government agency has offered assistance to the family, Nari responded that no organization has yet provided any support or compensation to them.

Thailand's men's volleyball team showcased excellent form after defeating Myanmar to open week two of the SEA V Cup 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Southeast Asian volleyball league tournament match occurred on July 22, 2026, at Jakarta International Volleyball Arena in group B, where Thailand's world-ranked 68th team and third-ranked squad from week one faced unranked Myanmar. Coach Park Ki-won, head coach of Thailand's men's volleyball team, fielded his starting lineup featuring Padej Pinijjadee, Anuchit Pakdeekeaw, Chaiwat Tongkham, Thanthat Tavaerat, and Bunnyaritthi Wongthon, with Nattapong Chachamnai as the free player. Thailand dominated decisively, sweeping Myanmar 3-0 in sets with scores of 25-20, 25-9, and 25-18 to earn three points and secure a successful opening in week two. The team's next match will be against Vietnam on July 23, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a weather warning for tomorrow, alerting four regions to heavy rain with Bangkok at 60 percent chance of thunderstorms, mostly between afternoon and evening. July 22, 2025—The Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rain in scattered areas across the North, Northeast, Central, and Eastern regions over the next 24 hours, driven by a moderate southwest monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam. Residents in the North and upper Northeast are urged to be vigilant against heavy rainfall and accumulated water.

The upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are expected to see waves 1-2 meters high, with the lower Andaman Sea experiencing around 1 meter. Thunderstorm areas may see waves exceeding 2 meters. Mariners are advised to navigate carefully and avoid areas with thunderstorms.

A low-pressure system over the Pacific Ocean is strengthening and expected to become a depression, moving through the northern Philippines between July 24-25, 2025.

**Northern Region** Thunderstorms expected in 70 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in some places, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, and Phitsanulok. Low 22-26°C, high 29-33°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

**Northeast Region** Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas with heavy rainfall possible in Udon Thani, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani. Low 23-25°C, high 29-35°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

**Central Region** Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lopburi, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Low 24-26°C, high 33-35°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

**Eastern Region** Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Low 24-28°C, high 33-35°C. Southwest winds 15-35 km/h. Waves 1-2 meters; over 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

**Southern Region (East Coast)** Thunderstorms in 30 percent of areas, mainly in Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Low 24-25°C, high 34-36°C. Southwest winds 15-30 km/h. Waves around 1 meter offshore; over 2 meters in thunderstorm zones.

**Southern Region (West Coast)** Thunderstorms in 40 percent of areas, mainly in Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Low 24-27°C, high 32-36°C. From Phang Nga northward: southwest winds 15-35 km/h, waves 1-2 meters, over 2 meters in storms. From Phuket southward: southwest winds 15-30 km/h, waves around 1 meter, over 2 meters in storms.

**Bangkok and Vicinity** Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas, mostly between afternoon and evening. Low 27-28°C.

Police and transport officials have visited an elderly couple in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, after they lost their state welfare card benefits, despite having received them continuously. The couple—Soad, 64, and Sommai, 73—had their benefits cut when authorities discovered they owned three motorcycles registered in their names.

Deputy Police Commander Sirichai Srichaiapanya of Mueang Station and Chotika Homyok from the Nakhon Ratchasima Transport Office visited the couple's home and delivered supplies while investigating the welfare card case. Chotika revealed that the couple's motorcycles are all over 15 years old, which falls within guidelines set by the Department of Land Transport in consultation with the Ministry of Finance. She confirmed that welfare card eligibility can still be considered even when someone owns more than one vehicle, and that the transport office has filed an appeal on their behalf.

For the husband, who is blind, all three of his registered motorcycles are also over 15 years old. Officials visited his home to file the appeal since he cannot travel easily. Chotika noted that thousands of affected residents have been contacting the transport office daily, so a One Stop Service has been established with all district offices to assist those unable to visit in person. The appeal and eligibility review period has been extended until September 20, 2026, and there is no fee for checking data or filing an appeal.

Gulf Development Public Company Limited (GULF) has rolled out the second phase of its 2025 Green Energy Green Network for THAIs project in Wung Kasang village, Pong Nam Ron subdistrict, Klong Lan district, Kamphaeng Phet province. Drawing on renewable energy expertise, GULF has installed a solar power system at the Pong Nam Ron–Wung Kasang early childhood development center to improve health, safety, and educational opportunities for preschool children while also connecting power to the village community hall and sports field, enabling shared benefits and potential income-generating opportunities for residents.

Wung Kasang is an ancient Pakakenyao hill tribe community of approximately 357 people in 110 households located in a valley west of Khlong Wang Chao National Park. Most residents practice agriculture and livestock raising. The village has had no grid electricity; residents light their homes with candles or oil lamps, and those with solar cells use them only for basic lighting. To charge devices or power agricultural equipment, villagers must travel over 6 kilometers to neighboring villages, creating financial and time burdens. The early childhood center, which serves children aged 2–5, has suffered from deteriorated solar equipment, limiting modern teaching methods.

Varuratana Pootueoh, the center's teacher, explained that the 13 students at the facility need advanced learning support during this critical developmental stage. Power shortages have prevented teachers from using printed materials and educational videos, forcing reliance on handmade crafts instead. Poor lighting during cloudy days affects children's eye health, requiring outdoor activities. During rainy season, electricity must be rationed for fans and mosquito control to prevent malaria. The facility's security cameras and emergency radio communication with parents cannot operate reliably due to insufficient power supply.

A New Zealand teenager accused of stealing a watch at a Thai airport has been released on bail and reunited with his mother after spending days in custody, according to New Zealand media outlet Stuff.

Loukas Rainger, 18, was granted bail of 100,000 baht (about NZ$5,070) after being arrested over allegations that he took a woman's Swatch watch during a security screening at Surat Thani Airport on July 3.

According to his mother, Natasha Rainger, the watch was left in a security tray alongside his belongings. She said Loukas told her he picked it up and put it in his pocket, but later realized he should have handed it to airport staff.

"He's inexperienced, young," Natasha told Stuff, adding that her son had been sick after a long boat trip before the incident and made a mistake.

Loukas was stopped by immigration officers at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on July 16 while preparing to fly home after a month-long trip in Thailand. Authorities told him there was an arrest warrant related to the alleged theft.

Thai legal documents seen by Stuff stated that Loukas denied all charges during questioning. The alleged offence, classified as theft at an airport, carries a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison.

After his release, Loukas was reunited with his mother, who said he had spent time in solitary confinement, lost about 10kg and had his head shaved while in custody.

The family remains in Thailand as Loukas awaits a court hearing scheduled for September. He is required to report to authorities every two weeks and cannot leave the country during the legal process.

Natasha said the woman who filed the complaint had since wanted to drop the charges, but the case has continued through the legal system.