PHUKET: Nightlife venue operators in Phuket have formally asked the provincial government to expand designated entertainment zones, saying wider legal zoning would allow more businesses to obtain licences, reduce uncertainty and support the island’s tourism economy.

An AI-generated image claiming to show a crocodile at a school in Satthahip district, Chonburi province, sparked widespread panic on July 23, 2025, following heavy overnight rainfall that caused flooding in the area. The image was shared through a Facebook page after someone submitted it for verification, causing significant concern among students, parents, and residents.

District Chief Natthawut Anuyodthai ordered officials and rescue teams to conduct a thorough search of the school and surrounding areas, but found no evidence of a crocodile or any traces. Meanwhile, Thana Thanathat Pramoenpong, a Member of Parliament from Chonburi's District 10, arrived to verify the situation and investigate the image's origins.

Authorities traced the photo's source to a student at Singhasamutt School who admitted creating the image using artificial intelligence technology before sharing it in chat groups, from which it spread widely and was mistaken for a real incident. Officials confirmed no crocodile was present at the school and urged the public to fact-check sources, verify image credibility, and exercise caution before sharing, especially AI-generated content, to prevent unnecessary panic and reduce the burden on rescue personnel responding to false reports.

At 10:10 a.m. on July 23, 2025, the Sai Sangan Police Station in Nakhon Ratchasima received a report from Khorat Police of a trailer truck involved in a hit-and-run collision on Highway 224 near Hin Khon, which then fled toward Sai Sangan district. Lieutenant Colonel Saksit Kongsaktrakul, superintendent of Sai Sangan Police Station, ordered traffic and prevention officers to set up a roadblock and instructed them to exercise caution as the vehicle showed no intention to stop and was traveling at high speed.

As the truck passed through a traffic light intersection in Sai Sangan subdistrict, it struck another vehicle. Officers pursued the fleeing truck along the Sai Sangan-Nong Kee route before it turned back onto the Don Khwan road in Sai Sangan district. The high-speed chase, with officers following closely, alarmed residents and motorists along the way, resembling a scene from an action film. The truck eventually turned into the parking area behind Sai Sangan Police Station.

Officers identified the driver as Saengsawang Wong, 49, who exited the vehicle without resistance. A search revealed methamphetamine inside the truck, and his urine tested positive for amphetamines. Lieutenant Colonel Saksit revealed that the suspect, with a history of drug involvement, had caused the initial collision and fled in fear across three districts: Khopburi and Sai Sangan in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Nong Kee in Buriram province, striking four vehicles along the way over a distance of more than 80 kilometers in approximately two hours.

During his escape, the suspect's wife called him urging him not to flee, warning that he might cause an accident. The driver then headed to Sai Sangan Police Station to surrender voluntarily. Authorities are continuing their investigation for further legal proceedings.

Mentally ill Thai woman fabricates sexual assault allegation against taxi riderLegacyA motorcycle taxi rider in Nonthaburi is taking legal action against a female passenger fabricated allegations that he attempted to sexually assault her during a journey. The false claim gained widespread attention after the woman posted on social media that she had narrowly escaped an attempted sexual assault after attending a fan meeting for South Korean singer Jay B at Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani. According to her original post, she hired a motorcycle taxi to travel from the venue to a hotel about four kilometres away. She alleged the rider diverted onto a dark, isolated road and touched her thigh twice during the journey. The woman also claimed she recorded part of the incident before jumping from the motorcycle to escape, sustaining injuries that required nine stitches. Photo via Amarin TV Her account attracted widespread support online, including a message from Jay B, who commented on her post asking, “Did you sleep well? Where are you?” Fans also expressed concern and offered encouragement. However, some of the singer’s supporters later questioned the account and conducted their own review of the incident. They subsequently accompanied the motorcycle taxi rider to Pak Kret Police Station to file a complaint after concluding the allegations were false. The rider, identified as Phat, told KhaoSod on July 21 that he later met the woman’s older sister at the police station. Photo via KhaoSod According to Phat, the sister apologised on behalf of the family and said the woman had been experiencing mental health problems, which she claimed contributed to the false allegation. The sister also asked to negotiate over the legal proceedings and accepted responsibility for the online abuse directed at the rider. These claims have not been independently verified. Phat told reporters he had taken the woman via a shortcut that reduced the journey to about two kilometres instead of the usual eight-kilometre route. Photo via KhaoSod He said he intended to reduce the agreed fare from 200 baht to 80 baht because of the shorter journey. According to Phat, the passenger instead paid him 100 baht, and he thanked her by saying she was “beautiful and kind.” The rider said he does not use social media and only became aware of the allegations after staff at the Muang Thong Thani security centre informed him. He was later questioned by police, during which he denied any wrongdoing. Phat said he is prepared to forgive the woman if she apologises publicly. He added that any compensation awarded through legal proceedings would be donated to organisations supporting stray dogs and cats, as well as people in need. The story Mentally ill Thai woman fabricates sexual assault allegation against taxi rider as seen on Thaiger News.

Bolt has launched the "Bolt Sure" program to strengthen safety standards and provide comprehensive driver support. The initiative expands assistance for obtaining public transport licenses through digital systems, financial incentives, and full-stage guidance while raising standards in Thailand's ride-hailing industry.

Bolt Thailand's General Manager Nattadon Suksiritonnanth announced that Bolt Sure enables drivers to obtain public transport licenses conveniently, quickly, and accessibly through digital tools, specialized assistance, and financial incentives, while advancing safety and service standards across Thailand's ride-hailing sector.

The Bolt Sure program builds on Bolt's commitment to supporting drivers in full legal compliance. The company has developed a dedicated driver communication channel to track license application updates, submit documents through official Bolt channels for faster verification, and receive guidance and support throughout the process.

Bolt continues promoting legal compliance through financial incentives. Drivers who obtain and upload public transport licenses to Bolt's system receive a 500-baht bonus plus special commission rate discounts—6% for motorcycle drivers and 5% for car drivers throughout July. Bolt is currently the only ride-hailing platform in Thailand offering direct financial incentives to support driver compliance with public transport license requirements.

Bolt also continues its Booster Days program through September 30, 2025, providing consultation and guidance on license application procedures and facilitating documentation and registration processes. Since launching its legal compliance support program in 2024, Bolt has invested over 30 million baht to help drivers obtain public transport licenses and register vehicles correctly.

Starting June 22, 2025, Bolt requires all new drivers to hold public transport licenses before joining the platform, aligning with the Ministry of Transport's policy to raise standards for ride-hailing service providers. Bolt has now applied this requirement to all new drivers and invites other platforms to adopt the same standards, ensuring equal support for all drivers and creating a safer, more transparent ride-hailing industry operating under uniform standards.

Results are already visible. Between January 2024 and June 2025, over 60,000 Bolt drivers obtained public transport licenses, with the company targeting 100% compliance by September 30, 2025.

"Tens of thousands of drivers across Thailand depend on Bolt to earn income and support their families," the statement said. "We believe legal compliance should not be a barrier to earning a livelihood. Bolt Sure was developed to give drivers access to tools and support to navigate the licensing process smoothly."

Thailand's anti-corruption coordination committee (NACC) held its first meeting of 2569 on July 23 at Government House, where Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilthamphant announced the establishment of a new subcommittee on corruption and bribery in the public sector. Pradorn Prissananantakul, minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, will chair the panel, with the Digital Economy and Society Ministry serving as co-members. The committee approved a "One Department, One Transparent, Zero Gray" transparency project for submission to the cabinet and discussed comprehensive anti-corruption measures, including new legislation targeting those involved in procurement fraud—whether as perpetrators, users, or supporters. The panel also emphasized upgrading public sector service standards through technology, with the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission spearheading efforts. Pakorn reiterated the government's commitment to resolving corruption comprehensively and confirmed work on a new Facilitation Act, initially targeting the hotel and café sectors. Chamber of Commerce President Poj Aramwattananont praised the government's serious commitment and the committee's clear policy direction, particularly the transparency initiative. He noted the need for clearer public communication about the Facilitation Act and urged faster implementation through regulatory adjustments at the departmental level.