Deputy Transport Minister Sarrapeetch Bunyamani is spearheading a new dual-track railway project from Chumphon to Ranong to complete a critical missing link in Thailand's rail network. Thailand is entering a crucial phase of infrastructure development, moving from individual project investment to integrated transportation networks where roads, railways, ports, airports, and border crossings work together to enhance the nation's long-term competitiveness. The minister emphasized that modern infrastructure development means connecting existing investments to operate efficiently and maximize economic value for transportation and goods movement.

The Chumphon-Ranong railway project is vital for Thailand's transport network, filling a gap that will allow the main rail network to connect to Andaman deep-sea ports for the first time. Spanning approximately 110 kilometers with investment exceeding 27 billion baht, this strategic link completes the country's rail system like the final puzzle piece. When completed, goods from the north, northeast, central, and southern regions can be transported directly to Ranong port by rail without shifting to truck transport in the final stage, reducing logistics costs, shipping time, and strengthening Thai goods' competitiveness globally.

The project also gives Thailand flexibility in connecting trade across both the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman coast. The main rail network will continue connecting to major Gulf ports like Laem Chabang, Bangkok, and Map Ta Phut, while also linking to Ranong as the gateway to the Indian Ocean, connecting with BIMSTEC member countries and Middle Eastern and African markets. When roads, railways, ports, airports, and border stations work efficiently together, Thailand can become a regional logistics hub, reduce supply chain risks, and ensure long-term economic security. The project will boost the economies of Chumphon and Ranong provinces, attracting warehousing, distribution centers, logistics businesses, and related industries, creating employment and income while opening markets for southern agricultural products, seafood, and processed goods.

Many people may not realize that spending prolonged periods on the toilet while using their phones or reading can unknowingly cause hemorrhoids, doctors warn. Gastroenterologists explain that when sitting on the toilet for extended periods, gravity causes blood to accumulate in the rectal area, increasing pressure on blood vessels and potentially leading to hemorrhoid development. Hemorrhoids occur when veins in the anal and lower rectum areas become swollen, causing pain, itching, discomfort, and sometimes bleeding.

Medical experts recommend not sitting for defecation longer than 10-15 minutes and avoiding phone use or reading in the bathroom. If straining without results, patients should stand up and return when the urge returns, rather than straining forcefully, as strong straining also increases pressure on rectal blood vessels. Beyond toilet habits, constipation is a major contributing factor that can be prevented through adequate water intake, consuming at least 25-30 grams of fiber daily, regular exercise, and avoiding holding back bowel movements. If behavioral changes don't help, doctors may recommend laxatives or stool softeners.

For pregnant women, hemorrhoids are common and harder to prevent. Doctors suggest using a footstool to elevate the feet slightly while on the toilet to make defecation easier without straining, and cleaning the anal area with water or wet tissue instead of dry toilet paper to reduce irritation. Doctors emphasize that anyone experiencing persistent symptoms or frequent bleeding should consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

On July 29, 2569, Mongkol Chaiyaphakdi, director of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, revealed that a tragic incident occurred in the Khao Sam Roi Yot World Heritage area after officials discovered a male wild bull, approximately 5–7 years old and weighing 800–900 kilograms, with severe injuries to its right front ankle, where its leg had been severed by a tightened animal trap or snare before it collapsed and died.

The incident occurred on July 28 at approximately 09:00 AM, when park rangers at checkpoint 1 (Khao Hin Lad) were informed by a local landowner operating under Section 64 of the National Parks Act B.E. 2562 near Baan Huai Sai, Village 6, Tambon Huai Mae Pring, Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi Province, that an injured bull had entered the area. The park director ordered rescue personnel, special task force rangers from the central patrol division 2, park rangers, and border patrol officers from Unit 144 to investigate and closely monitor the situation.

At approximately 11:30 AM, the bull collapsed in a water channel within the farming plot, and died peacefully at approximately 16:00 PM. Officials then relocated the carcass to the Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park headquarters.

On July 29 at 09:00 AM, a veterinary team from the Wildlife Conservation Division, accompanied by the provincial administration led by Kanin Thongkom and Suriya Klom Piemsakul, Deputy District Officer of Kaeng Krachan, along with Major Sanchai Othaworwong, Public Relations Development Officer from Region 1, jointly conducted an autopsy of the bull carcass.

Initial autopsy results found no internal bleeding and no bullet wounds. The veterinarian concluded that death was likely caused by blood infection due to the large open wound on the right ankle from the spring trap, which became severely infected through prolonged contact with soil. Tissue samples were collected for laboratory examination to confirm the findings officially.

Authorities have compiled evidence, prepared investigation reports, and filed charges with Kaeng Krachan Police Station to pursue the perpetrator and conduct legal proceedings. To prevent threats to rare wildlife, the investigating team is preparing to submit a proposal to ban the possession and sale of ready-made spring traps in Phetchaburi Province.

On July 29, 2025, Deputy National Police Commander Trairong Phiwphan and the police spokesperson announced that police have been alerted to the case of Hlun Solo, a Thai tourist who traveled to Georgia and lost contact with his family. The Royal Thai Police have initiated coordination through international cooperation channels to request assistance from Georgian police in tracking, investigating, and locating the individual.

Coordination between the relevant agencies of both countries is ongoing, with authorities exchanging necessary information to accelerate the search and verify facts. Due to the joint international operation, certain details cannot be disclosed during the investigation to avoid compromising the search efforts and the safety of the missing person. The Royal Thai Police affirmed they will closely monitor the case and coordinate fully with all relevant agencies to provide assistance as quickly as possible. Any developments that can be made public will be communicated to the public.

The family has launched a public appeal for information about Hlun Solo, who has been missing in Georgia for 15 days with no contact. The Thai community in Georgia is assisting in the search. Hlun Solo, a prominent YouTuber, went missing 10 days ago according to an agency timeline. The case highlights his journey from orphan to scholarship recipient who graduated from Chulalongkorn University. Updates remain pending, with his brother requesting public cooperation and warning against spreading rumors that could cause confusion. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating the search, with Georgian authorities actively pursuing leads.

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) accepted applications for its director position from July 15-29, 2026. Applicants could submit materials in person at SAT's Human Resources Department on the 6th floor by phone (02-1867111 ext. 1217 or 7950) or via email to hrm@sat.or.th between July 15-29, 2026 by 4:30 p.m. On July 29, the final deadline coinciding with Asahna Bucha (a public holiday), applications were still accepted electronically. Late that day, politician and former broadcaster Mallika Boonmeetrakun Mahasuk, who recently ran for Bangkok governor, submitted her candidacy, bringing the total to 10 contenders.

The 10 candidates are: (1) Sirichet Phooltipayananth, chairman of the Thai Mixed Martial Arts Association; (2) Dr. Suwit Leirthanakul, local politician and Bang Rak social worker; (3) Thanyapawat Tejaphuwadolwit, advisor to the Thai Bodybuilding and Fitness Association; (4) Jen Piyathat, chairman of Granular Badminton Club and executive of the Thai Badminton Association; (5) Kunakorn Mannteerai, former MP and advisor to the Thai Military and Police Shooting Association; (6) Pol. Lt. Col. Chaiporn Aufuengwong, deputy director of the Thai National Police Office's Law and Case Division; (7) Dr. Meechai Inwood, deputy director (administration) of SAT; (8) Prodpran Somanmit, deputy director of SAT (professional sports and muay boxing); (9) Thanakorn Duangmani, CEO of The Agency Group; (10) Mallika Boonmeetrakul Mahasuk, politician and former journalist.

The selection committee, chaired by Natthareeya Taweewongse, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, will verify candidates' qualifications and conduct interviews, English language tests, and vision presentations. The committee will then submit recommended candidates to the SAT Board for approval before final submission to the Cabinet for endorsement.

Bangkok, 29 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is presenting the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession to international audiences through a Signature Thailand fam trip and the “From Experience to Inspiration” welcome reception. The programme brings together 40 media representatives, influencers, and travel trade partners from 17 countries across Europe and the Americas to experience the procession’s 125th edition and explore the wider cultural appeal of Thailand’s Northeast.

Held today at Centara Ubon immediately after participants viewed the much-anticipated morning parade, the reception reinforced TAT’s positioning of the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession as one of three Signature Thailand Events, alongside the Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession and the Christmas Star Parade in Sakon Nakhon. Presented under “Healing is the New Luxury – Signature Thailand: Inspiring Journeys Beyond Expectations”, the reception showcased Ubon Ratchathani’s woven textiles, candle artistry, gastronomy, community spirit and Mekong-influenced lifestyle through a contemporary format for international audiences.

Rooted in the Buddhist Lent tradition of candle offering, the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession blends faith, intricate wax artistry and province-wide participation. Running from 25–31 July at Thung Si Mueang, the 2026 edition features 47 elaborate candle pieces across traditional, moulded and carved categories, and major parades on 29 and 30 July with more than 37 dance processions. TAT is enhancing the visitor experience with lighting installations, light-and-sound performances, illuminated ‘Nong Mamuang’ landmarks and workshops in candle carving, wax-flower making and gold-leaf decoration.

Mr. Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said, “This specially organised fam trip and purpose-designed reception give international media and travel trade partners a first-hand understanding of the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession and the wider experiences surrounding it. By elevating this living heritage as a Signature Thailand Event, TAT is advancing Value over Volume through meaningful travel while creating greater benefits for local artisans, businesses and communities. Under ‘Healing is the New Luxury’, Ubon Ratchathani offers an inspiring journey through faith, craftsmanship, cuisine and community life across the wider Isan region.”

Reflecting this direction, the reception opened with a contemporary Isan welcome performance featuring dancers, singers and musicians playing traditional instruments. Live music continued during networking, blending the phin (an Isan string instrument), khaen (a bamboo mouth organ regarded as a symbol of Isan), wot (a bamboo wind instrument), pong lang (a traditional Isan percussion instrument) and traditional drums with bass guitar. The phin is particularly significant in Ubon Ratchathani, where the two-string tradition was developed by Thongsai Thapthanon and preserved by Akhom Thapthanon. Its distinctive sound is closely associated with the province’s Candle Procession and reflects a musical heritage passed down through generations.

Alongside the cultural programme, the reception highlighted the festival’s appeal for long-haul markets while presenting Ubon Ratchathani’s heritage, craftsmanship and communities within the broader Isan experience. The event featured an exclusive Thailand tourism update presented by Mr. Nithee Seeprae. Following the update, Ubon Ratchathani native, Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Chief Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, delivered an inspiring keynote address titled “From the Mekong to the World: Unlocking Ubon Ratchathani and the Mekong’s Tourism Potential”.

This presentation continued through four experience stations that brought Ubon Ratchathani’s identity to life. The Isan local spirit cocktail station introduced community-made spirits and regional ingredients, while the gastronomy showcases featured moo yor (Vietnamese-style pork sausage), nam nueng (grilled pork served with fresh vegetables, rice paper and dipping sauce) and banh mi (Vietnamese baguette). Participants also took part in a wax-sheet collage workshop inspired by the Candle Procession and stained-glass bookmarks reflecting local religious architecture.

The broader fam trip connected participants with candle-making communities, everyday local life and regional attractions. Experiences included watching candle masters at work, viewing elaborate wax displays at Thung Si Mueang, visiting Sam Phan Bok and Pha Taem National Park, and exploring Tohsang Cotton Village, Ban Pa-Ao Brassware Village and Ban Khampun Weaving Centre.

These experiences reflect Isan’s broader appeal across gastronomy, textiles and performing arts. Regional cuisine spans som tam (spicy green papaya salad), larb (spicy ground-meat salad with herbs, lime and toasted rice), and Vietnamese-influenced dishes. Michelin Guide-listed restaurants can also be found in Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen. Visitors can explore textile heritage at the Khampun Textile Museum, while Molam, a traditional Isan art form combining singing, music, dance and storytelling, embodies the region’s creativity and cultural identity.

Beyond the three Signature Thailand Events, TAT is presenting Thailand as a year-round destination for festivals and major international events. Upcoming highlights include the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 and nationwide Loi Krathong celebrations, Vijit Chao Phraya 2026 in Bangkok, Tomorrowland in Pattaya and the Amazing Thailand Countdown.