CHUMPHON — The search for Si Som, a disabled cat that went missing during a train journey, entered its sixteenth day on 15 July as volunteers deployed thermal drones, infrared cameras, K-9 search dogs and other specialized equipment around Chumphon railway station in an effort to bring the cat home.

Donations from the public and Si Som's family have funded specialized search equipment, including a thermal imaging camera priced at 48,000 baht (reduced from 50,000 baht), a 3,500-baht inspection camera for confined spaces, and high-capacity backup batteries. An anonymous donor covered the entire cost of a thermal imaging drone at 272,365 baht, allowing deployment to accelerate.

The search operation now includes K-9 search dogs, a thermal imaging drone, infrared thermal cameras, snake inspection cameras for narrow spaces, ground search teams, multiple CCTV cameras, and humane cat traps.

Volunteers discovered fresh cat paw prints and rodent tracks near one of the station platforms, in an area close to potential food and water sources. Search dog Sandy detected only a faint scent beneath a nearby bridge, likely weakened by persistent rainfall. The search team has split into two groups: one using thermal imaging equipment beneath the bridge, and another inspecting the underside of railway platforms. Volunteers plan to install nine CCTV cameras covering both sides of the station platforms and place additional humane traps at key locations.

The Hope Thailand noted that the search area is extensive and complex. Heavy rain may have washed away scent traces, and cats are capable of crossing railway tracks and moving through narrow spaces beneath platforms. Volunteers continued searching throughout the night using infrared cameras, as night-time operations offer the best chance of locating the missing cat when frightened cats tend to become more active after dark.

An injured survivor of the Ladprao beer bar fire filed a report with investigators on July 15 to provide additional details for the ongoing case. The man said he arrived at the venue around 10:30 p.m. and was seated near the front stage when, shortly before midnight, he noticed white smoke billowing from the ceiling. He initially dismissed it as a stage effect, thinking it coincided with the music performance. Moments later, he saw sparks and smelled burning, prompting him to rush toward the rear exit near the parking lot. During his escape, panicked tourists grabbed his leg, but he managed to break free and reach safety. The survivor confirmed he never heard a fire alarm but heard people inside shouting "fire," and he did not see the sprinkler system activate. Two security guards with flashlights helped direct evacuees toward the rear exit where he emerged. He said this was his first visit to the venue, so he had not noted the fire exits. He came with four friends, one of whom—Sittipong Chaiyo—died in the fire. He sustained injuries to his forehead and both ears and received treatment under social security insurance at Petchhaboon Hospital. Investigators held a progress meeting this morning on the case, having interviewed 52 people by July 14, including one business owner, 16 staff members, 33 relatives and injured persons, and two officials at the scene. Today, investigators will separately question building and electrical system experts and interview injured survivors still hospitalized. They are also accelerating analysis of footage from 16 closed-circuit cameras captured before and during the fire, using recovered server data.

Deputy Prime Minister Phalpeer Suwannachwee addressed Democrat Party MP Kalee Leowpairojn's questions about the appointment of ministers from the "Luk Thep" faction, asserting that all selections were based on merit rather than family connections. He challenged the opposition to explain what the Democrat Party accomplished during its three-month participation in the previous government, noting no memorable achievements came from their involvement.

Phalpeer highlighted successes under the current administration, including Interior Minister Jaejad Thai-saard's work in disaster prevention, Deputy Interior Minister Worsit Liang-prasit's efforts against local government corruption, and the removal of hidden public utility charges from consumer electricity bills—a problem unresolved for over 30 years. He defended the "Luk Thep" grouping as an effective coordinating mechanism between ministries that previously worked at cross-purposes, and stated that results should be judged after the government has served longer than two months. On the term "Luk Thep" itself, he said grouping ministers by affiliation demonstrates integration and coordination, and credited the factional approach with finally solving long-standing consumer utility issues.

On July 15, 2569, Sitthichote Inthrawiseth, an Election Commission member, briefed the media on progress in investigating parliamentary vote-buying cases. He stated the Commission's deliberations are conducted impartially and based solely on evidence compiled by the 26th investigative panel. Since the cases involve covert activity, witnesses are scarce and identities must be protected for safety. Scientific evidence has been gathered with support from the Special Investigation Bureau and the Anti-Money Laundering Office, though admittedly it is harder to obtain than in typical cases.

Sitthichote explained that criminal liability requires clear proof of wrongdoing. If evidence falls short of criminal standards but suggests probable guilt, the Commission may recommend disqualification or removal from office without criminal charges. The seven Commission members will ultimately decide whether evidence reaches sufficient thresholds to warrant court proceedings. Regarding recent forum clips circulating in media, Sitthichote noted they are already within the Commission's purview and collected by the investigative panel. New clips are irrelevant, and even witness statements made outside formal proceedings cannot serve as evidence—only testimony given before the panel carries weight. When asked whether vote-buying in one province would damage the entire electoral system, he replied it would be case-specific and not invalidate the entire process. The Commission's decision is expected in August.

On July 15, 2569, at Parliament, Chaiyanond Detchdetcho, a Democrat Party list MP and deputy party leader, addressed the 40-baht curry controversy, stating that Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supa Jutatumpon, whom he views as skilled, had challenged him to produce evidence of 30-baht curry, offering to investigate with him. Chaiyanond argued that Supa should understand that 30-baht curry exists in other provinces and in Bangkok government offices and schools. He called on the government to verify the current lowest curry price and set that as a standard nationwide. He criticized the Commerce Ministry for failing to reduce product prices despite falling oil costs, saying energy prices have dropped but consumers see no relief. "I've told this eloquent minister repeatedly, but she doesn't listen," Chaiyanond said. "I think she should spend her time solving problems instead of inventing excuses. Check which consumer goods rose in price when energy costs went up, and verify if they've fallen now that costs have dropped. If shops haven't adjusted prices to match lower costs, what legal measures will you take?" He also warned of an impending fruit surplus in the southern harvest season and urged the Commerce Ministry to coordinate with Thai Post, private firms, the Agriculture Ministry, and domestic trade authorities to manage distribution, rather than dismissing the issue. When asked whether Supa should evaluate her own performance, Chaiyanond said the Prime Minister should decide that, but from his perspective, the public will be the judge. If goods remain expensive, wages stay the same, and living costs rise, Supa should reflect on her work. He emphasized that Thailand is a state, not a private enterprise that can do whatever it pleases.