Authorities arrested a Myanmar national at a Phuket market during a labor inspection targeting undocumented foreign workers in jobs restricted to Thai citizens.
PHUKET: A Myanmar national was arrested during an early-morning inspection at two markets in Phuket Town on Saturday (July 18) as authorities investigated complaints of foreigners illegally working in occupations reserved for Thai nationals.
A 26-year-old Phuket man was arrested for hacking online games and mobile top-up sites using AI tools to teach himself advanced techniques despite minimal formal education.
PHUKET: Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) officers have arrested a 26-year-old man in Phuket accused of hacking an online game and mobile phone top-up website, with police alleging he taught himself advanced hacking techniques using artificial intelligence tools despite having only a Grade 6 education.
Thailand's commerce minister is targeting a larger share of Japan's banana market, which imports around 1 million tons annually, mostly from ASEAN countries, after monitoring Thai agricultural products' growing popularity with Japanese cons
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthammaphan said on July 18 that she used a stopover during her return to Thailand from U.S. trade negotiations to participate in a Thai food and fruit promotion event at Aeon's Narita branch in Japan, monitoring market conditions and the overall situation for Thai products in Japan.
She visited displays of Thai fruits and food products that have attracted significant interest from Japanese consumers, particularly Thai durian, which continues to gain growing recognition and popularity, along with other Thai fruits such as mangosteen and pomelo, as well as Thai snacks and desserts favored by Japanese shoppers on weekends. These sales reflect the potential of Thai agricultural and food products to expand into Japan's premium market segment.
Suphajee also visited Kaew Jai, a Thai restaurant in Chiba Prefecture that holds the Thai SELECT certification and has served authentic Thai cuisine for over 25 years, exemplifying the success of building Thailand's food brand and consumer confidence in foreign markets.
Suphajee stated that through discussions with Pimjai Matsumoto, Honorary Trade Advisor for International Trade, and Nobuo Shirahama, a specialist in Japanese banana development, she exchanged information and monitored progress on promoting Thai banana exports to Japan, a market with high potential. Japan imports approximately 1 million tons of fresh bananas annually, with over 80 percent coming from ASEAN countries, making it an important opportunity for Thailand to increase market share and expand premium banana exports to Japanese consumers.
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) has scheduled a visit for Japanese importers to banana cultivation areas to meet with farmers and business operators in order to build confidence and encourage purchasing orders, with the main objective of capturing a larger share of Japan's banana market.
Four villages across Thailand received 2026 Five Precepts Village awards for exemplifying Buddhist principles of precepts, meditation, and wisdom in promoting social harmony and community welfare.
On Friday, July 10, 2026, Somdej Phra Maha Ratchmongkol Muni (Thongchai Thammacho), a member of the Supreme Sangha Council and senior abbot of the Central Region, chaired a project implementation meeting and presented honor plaques recognizing outstanding Five Precepts Villages for 2026 at the Buddhamamndal Auditorium.
Four villages were honored as national exemplars: Dong Khi Lek village in Ban Rai subdistrict, Damnoen Saduak district, Ratchaburi; Lak Mueang village in Si Thep subdistrict, Si Thep district, Phetchabun; Pong village in Bung Lert subdistrict, Roi Et; and Phang Palm village in Palm Phattana subdistrict, Manang district, Satun.
Somdej Phra Maha Ratchmongkol Muni emphasized that the project to promote harmony and unity through Buddhist teachings originated from the vision of the late Somdej Phra Maha Ratchmangkalacharya of Wat Pak Nam, a former Supreme Sangha Patriarch, in 2014. The project has three primary objectives: public welfare, national peace, and offering merit to the Thai royal family. Now in its twelfth year, the initiative promotes the Buddhist principles of precepts, meditation, and wisdom as a foundation for social harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Somdej Phra Thamvichirasunthon, abbot of Wat Kavisaram and acting chair of the central committee, stated that the Five Precepts Village project has been running since 2014 with strong support from the Buddhist Sangha and government agencies. He noted this represents one of the largest coordinated efforts in Thai Buddhist outreach and social welfare work. In the 2025 fiscal year, the project committee worked continuously across all 77 provinces to implement and monitor the program, ultimately selecting villages that demonstrated outstanding commitment to the Five Precepts as model villages worthy of public recognition.
Monks across Thailand have commissioned rare amulet coins honoring their birthdays and achievements, with pieces from abbots at Wat Don Khwang, Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, and Wat Pa Phrom Viharn becoming highly sought-after collectibles among d
"Whenever we see something, we must also see its faults. Thinking this way keeps our minds from wavering." – A dharma teaching from Luang Pho Cha Subhatto of Wat Nong Pa Phong, Ubon Ratchathani. In 2016, Phra Kru Uthai Buankij, known as Luang Pho Tee Pavaro, abbot of Wat Don Khwang in Uthai Thani province, a student of Luang Pho Thong Suk of Wat Saphan Sung, completed 72 years of age (six cycles of 12 years). To honor devotees who participated in his birthday merit-making ceremony, he commissioned the "Luang Pu Eiam Teacher Coin" in silver, niello inlay, and copper with gold plating. The coin is rectangular in shape with a raised figure of Buddha in relief at the center, bearing the numeral 9 in Thai script and the name "Luang Pu Eiam" below. The reverse side features a Khmer yantra with sacred Khmer characters encircling "Nametta" (loving-kindness), with "Teacher 2559" inscribed below—a relatively rare piece.
The "Phra Kandharaasadtr Amulet Coin" from Wat Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom is highly sought after. Created by Luang Pho Chot Thammapachotiko, a former abbot, using ancient casting techniques with metal alloy, the inverted oval-shaped coin features peacock designs carved on both front and back. The front center displays a Buddha image standing in a rain-calling posture, with the right hand raised to shoulder level in a summoning gesture and the left hand extended downward with palm facing up to receive water. The reverse bears a Khmer script yantra, making it an antique piece of great aesthetic and collector value.
"Phra Wichisara Sophon," or Luang Pho Chul Isaranyo, former abbot of Wat Hong Thong in Kamphaengphet and former district abbot, commissioned numerous amulets. The most popular is the "First Likeness Coin, Wat Hong Thong, Kamphaengphet, B.E. 2499." Rectangular in shape with a loop, it is made of copper with gold plating. The front shows a seated Buddha in full meditation posture, with an inscription below reading "In commemoration of the gift-giving ceremony for Phra Kru Vikrom Wichisara on March 30, B.E. 2499." The reverse bears a script yantra and remains a popular collectible.
"Phra Kru Khem Sarsudi" or Luang Pu Sai Khemmathamo, abbot of Wat Pa Phrom Viharn in Nong Bua Lamphu province, created notable amulets, particularly the "Raindrop Coin B.E. 2536." Without a loop, the front depicts a full Buddha in meditation, with "Series 1" inscribed below and "Luang Pu Sai Khemmathamo" below that. The reverse shows Buddhist requisites—a begging bowl, water vessel, and broom—with "Wat Pa Phrom Viharn" above and the inscription "Nonsan District, Udon Thani Province" below (created during the period when Nonsan was an Ampur in Udon Thani). This coin remains highly sought after and treasured.
A revered Buddhist scholar and meditation master at Wat Sri Loha Rat in Kanchanaburi created highly sought collector amulets in the 1960s, with first-edition coins from 1960 now among the most prized pieces from his 57-year monastic career.
Phra Kru Sophon Prachanarat, known as Luang Pu Narat Nakaseno, was a distinguished Buddhist scholar and meditation master at Wat Sri Loha Rat in Kanchanaburi's Ta Muang district. Originally named Narat Perm Bun, he was born October 4, 1901, to farmer parents Pim and Sambuon. He was ordained at age 29 on July 10, 1930, receiving the monastic name Nakaseno. Beyond his studies under Luang Pu Prot at his home temple, he traveled widely to study Vipassana meditation with Luang Pu Perm at Wat Chaichumpol and Luang Pu Nak at Wat Tamnantuen. He also journeyed to Bangkok to train under the renowned Luang Pu Sod Candasaro at Wat Paknam in advanced meditation and subtle body practices, attending twice. He studied traditional healing arts with lay masters including medicinal remedies for kidney disease.
In 1951, when the abbot position at Wat Sri Loha Rat became vacant, villagers invited him to lead the temple, which he subsequently developed significantly. In 1976, he and his disciples uncovered several tons of ancient lead from Sri Sawat district, believed to be casting remnants from the Sukhothai period used to create Buddha images. The discovery was confirmed by matching Khmer inscriptions on lead pieces found in nearby temple caches. From 1976 to 1977, he used the recovered lead to create amulets for sale, directing proceeds toward constructing the ordination hall at Wat Sri Loha Rat and funding temple renovations across Sri Sawat district.
He served as a preceptor from 1955 onward. In 1964 he was appointed Phra Kru Phandit (second rank), and in 1968 he received royal promotion to Phra Kru Sanyanabat Trikiat (first rank). In 1972 he was promoted to Phra Kru Sanyanabat Thoikiat (second rank). He died peacefully of old age on May 24, 1987, at age 86 with 57 years of monastic life. Among his amulets, the first-edition coins cast in 1960 to commemorate a new meditation hut dedication are highly prized by collectors. These coins were cast in a single copper alloy with a dark patina, with some bearing the abbot's consecration seal, totaling just five hundred pieces.
Thailand's PM roadshow in China aims to attract major tech investments from Chongqing and Shenzhen, with officials confident the visit will boost foreign direct investment in semiconductors and electronics to compete with Vietnam's investme
On July 19, 2025, in Chengdu, Suphachai Chearavanont, senior vice president of the Charoen Pokphand Group, revealed that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's China roadshow aims to attract investment from major regions such as Chongqing and Shenzhen, which serve as China's advanced technology manufacturing hubs.
Based on regional analysis, Chongqing and Shenzhen are centers of industries Thailand must accelerate, particularly semiconductors, electronics, high-tech manufacturing, and aerospace. If Thailand can attract investors or forge business partnerships from these regions, it will significantly boost foreign direct investment.
Suphachai noted that Thailand received approximately $10 billion in foreign investment last year, while Vietnam attracted $27 billion—a gap that directly impacts GDP growth. This disparity compels Thailand to strengthen its manufacturing and export base, particularly in electronics and semiconductors, though Western capital inflows remain below potential despite positive signals from the data center sector.
The key to attracting Chinese investment lies in building trust and demonstrating that Thailand is a friendly nation prepared to welcome investment through favorable laws, tax incentives, and government facilitation. Chinese investors prioritize destination-country readiness to mitigate investment risk.
"This visit carries good omens because the Prime Minister understands both the public sector, politics, and private mechanisms—critical factors for building investment confidence and good governance. This enables senior Chinese leaders to listen to proposals and reassure Chinese investors seeking ASEAN production centers, particularly when compared to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia," Suphachai said.
Suphachai stated that this economic offensive is a crucial step to reposition Thailand as the primary investment destination from the East, especially for emerging industries from Chongqing and Shenzhen, to strengthen Thailand's long-term economic structure.
A doctor warns that while floating stools alone aren't necessarily alarming, persistent greasy, foul-smelling, or hard-to-flush stools may signal pancreatic, bile duct, or malabsorption problems requiring medical evaluation.
Many people have noticed their stools floating in the toilet after defecation and worried whether it signals disease. Gastroenterologist Dr. Chuawheyru emphasized that floating stools alone don't necessarily mean the body has abnormalities, as excess intestinal gas from eating habits can cause this. However, if this occurs regularly with other signs, you should see a doctor. Greasy or oily stools with oil slicks on the toilet water may indicate poor fat digestion and absorption, a condition called steatorrhea, characterized by large, fatty, pale-colored stools. Unusually foul-smelling stools may indicate malabsorption; while normal stool odor is expected, severe or distinctly abnormal smells warrant attention, especially if accompanied by bloating, diarrhea, or frequent gas. Stools that are difficult to flush and stick to the bowl frequently, particularly if pale, bulky, and persistent, may also relate to steatorrhea. When floating, oily, foul-smelling, and hard-to-flush stools occur together repeatedly, it is more concerning and may indicate pancreatic enzyme deficiency, chronic pancreatitis, bile duct problems, or intestinal malabsorption. If these symptoms persist along with unexplained weight loss, chronic diarrhea, bloating, abdominal or back pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, or increasingly pale stools, consult a gastroenterologist. Doctors may order blood tests, stool analysis, abdominal ultrasound, or endoscopy to assess liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and intestinal nutrient absorption function.
Gulf Energy Program teaches over 600 students across northern Thailand about renewable and fossil fuel energy sources through hands-on activities where they design model cities powered by different electricity types.
Gulf Development Company Limited (GULF) launched the third year of its "GULF Sparks Energy" initiative, an educational roadshow bringing energy knowledge to over 600 students across three provinces in northern Thailand. The program teaches students about energy sources, electricity generation processes, fuel types, and energy conservation through hands-on learning activities. Participating schools include Wiangkaen Witthayakom and Chiangkhong Witthayakom in Chiang Rai, Ban Songao School in Loei, and Ban Phatang School in Nong Khai, aiming to instill appreciation for energy and natural resources.
The program delivers GULF's expertise in electricity and energy through engaging, playful learning activities with hands-on practice opportunities. The centerpiece is "My City, My Energy," where students design model cities with diverse electricity needs while learning electricity production steps and fuel advantages through four activity stations: hydroelectric power, wind energy, solar power, and fossil fuels. Students analyze and select appropriate energy sources for their model cities and receive educational materials for their schools.
Student Chayachat Chollua from Wiangkaen Witthayakom in Chiang Rai shared that the program helped him understand hydroelectric power as a renewable source that can produce electricity continuously, while noting that solar power depends on sunshine availability. His community should use hydroelectric power from the nearby Mekong River. Teacher Ekphol Kaewkantha from the same school praised how the knowledge can be integrated into classroom instruction to spark student creativity. Teacher Praweena Sritharadhikun from Chiangkhong Witthayakom added that students gained deeper understanding of renewable energy sources including hydropower, wind, and solar energy. Teacher Suphansa Intanai from Ban Songao School in Loei noted that students enjoyed hands-on learning with real equipment not found in textbooks, developing genuine understanding and appreciation of energy value. Student Sasiwimon Ruekaew from Ban Songao School called it an enjoyable and informative activity that strengthened teamwork and confidence. Principal Sadith Thiamchansorn from Ban Phatang School in Nong Khai expressed gratitude for GULF's contribution to student learning.
A delivery worker denies assaulting a woman and her teenage son, claiming he only sought payment for an undelivered package after the customer opened and consumed its contents. Mr. O says a relative caused the injuries during a confrontatio
A delivery worker identified as Mr. O gave his account of a confrontation that left a woman and her 14-year-old son injured, insisting he had no intention of committing assault but only sought to collect outstanding payment for goods. Mr. O said he delivered a parcel after the customer promised to transfer 2,712 baht by 20:30, but payment never arrived. When he returned to retrieve the package, he found it had been opened and its collagen contents partially consumed. After the customer repeatedly broke payment promises and avoided contact, Mr. O visited the home with two relatives to pursue collection. He said an argument erupted, during which one of his relatives kicked a water basin and scuffled with the customer, and the customer's son came out with a broom handle and struck his relative's face and shoulder, causing bleeding. Mr. O denies participating in the violence and claims he intervened to stop his relative. He stated he was unfairly fired by his company over the viral incident despite not being the direct aggressor, and that he still has not recovered his commission of approximately 2,000 baht. He says he has audio recordings and communications records to support his version and will submit them to police.
Disney Run Thailand 2026 at Rama VIII Bridge disappointed participants who expected character meet-and-greets but received only a standard race experience, sparking complaints on social media about the lack of Disney atmosphere.
The Disney Run Thailand 2026 event took place at Rama VIII Bridge on the morning of July 19, 2026, organized as a two-distance race (5km and 10km) that attracted large numbers of participants. Following the event, a prominent consumer-focused Facebook page posed the question: did participants actually experience Disney, or just the running? Most respondents reported they got only the run itself, with no Disney characters or experience to show for it—and some joked that the runners' costumes were more elaborate than what the event delivered. The post generated considerable engagement, with many commenting that they were fortunate to have missed out on ticket registration, while others complained that the mascots and Disney experience fell far short of expectations.