Volunteers from the Po Tek Tung Foundation received an emergency call on July 19 at 5:21 p.m. reporting a child who had fallen into a drainage ditch and become impaled on a metal rod in his leg on Puthabucha Soi 49 in Bangkok's Thung Khru district. Rescue teams equipped with cutting tools and an ALS ambulance from the Aravata emergency system were dispatched immediately.

At the scene, a nine-year-old boy was found sitting on the concrete walkway with his right leg caught in the drainage channel between the walkway and a fence wall. A metal rod had penetrated approximately five centimeters into his right leg, causing severe pain and distress. Rescue personnel used jackhammers to expose the metal rod's position before carefully cutting it out with bolt cutters, taking approximately 20 minutes to complete the extraction while the frightened child cried out in pain. After the rod was removed, first aid was administered and the boy was rushed to IMH Thonburi Hospital by advanced life support ambulance.

The 49-year-old grandmother revealed she received a call informing her that her grandson was trapped by metal in a pipe and rescue efforts were underway. When she arrived, she found her grandson in this condition. Upon questioning, she learned that children had been playing in the area when a pushing incident occurred, causing him to fall and become impaled.

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Phuket — A dramatic incident unfolded off Nai Yang Beach in Thalang when a local fishing boat was stolen and later sank in the open sea, leaving its owner devastated. Witnesses reported that the vessel, moored near the fish market, was suddenly taken by a man who sped away from shore, sparking panic among residents. […] Fishing Boat Stolen in Thalang Ends With Tragic Loss at Sea -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

PHUKET: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has rejected an appeal against an order requiring occupants of land encroaching on the Nui Beach area of Phuket to leave the protected forest and demolish 39 structures.

The Ministry of Finance announced the results of the 2025 State Welfare Card Program on July 17 after opening new registration and verification between June 4-21. The committee reviewing applications found that 9.51 million people qualified out of a total of 18.82 million applicants. The approved recipients comprised three groups: 12.70 million existing cardholders, 740,000 people without cards identified through community development databases and the electronic family booklet system, and 5.38 million additional individuals discovered by the Interior Ministry during the registration period. Over 9.1 million applicants did not meet the qualification criteria and were rejected—approximately half of all applicants—leaving only the net figures announced. The stricter and more detailed evaluation criteria were implemented according to the Finance Minister's policy to ensure assistance reaches only those genuinely poor and in need. After results were announced, many people who previously received welfare cards but failed this time felt disappointed, with some even crying upon hearing the results. Those who qualified appeared happy and satisfied. However, those who did not qualify for the 2025 State Welfare Card Program can request a review between July 17-31 through four announced channels. Those who qualify—including existing cardholders—can begin using their benefits starting August 1. New applicants must first verify their identity through the Pao Tang application or one of five registration centers before they can use benefits starting October 1. Those requesting a review must contact the verification unit to correct their information by August 16 and go through the verification process again. The hope is that relevant agencies will exercise fair judgment based on actual living conditions according to established criteria, without being overly strict or lenient.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Interior Minister visited Huawei's Beijing Executive Briefing Center on July 19 to tour technology and innovation exhibits and discuss cooperation with senior company officials. The Prime Minister stated the government is ready to continue partnering with Huawei as an investor and technology ally to advance Thailand toward an AI-driven economy, with technology benefiting citizens through improved government services, education, healthcare, agriculture, urban management, and new high-income jobs. Thailand welcomes investment in future industries including AI, semiconductors, data centers, cloud systems, and high-speed communications technology, with strong infrastructure and production ecosystem advantages.

Huawei executives noted the company has operated in Thailand for over 20 years with continuous expansion in digital skills centers, cloud services, data centers, and regional headquarters, praising Thailand's openness and suitability for digital business. Both sides agreed to push two priority areas: developing Thai talent through the Huawei ICT Academy Thailand with universities nationwide, and collaborating on cloud and AI with government agencies and universities to produce workforce-ready professionals. The cooperation aims to expand AI and digital technology use to boost business efficiency, enhance public services, and strengthen national competitiveness while developing Thai personnel alongside technology. Government spokesman Ratchada Thanadirek emphasized the collaboration attracts global tech investment while creating genuine opportunities for Thais to gain in-demand skills, quality jobs, and improved living standards through practical technology applications.

A doctor warns that intense and persistent cravings to chew ice may not simply be a personal preference, but rather a medical condition. During hot weather, many people enjoy cold drinks with ice, and some habitually chew the leftover ice in their glass. However, Dr. Wu Chi-ing, a physician and health influencer, reveals that such compulsive ice-chewing behavior may actually reflect hidden health problems.

The condition is known medically as pagophagia, a form of pica (eating non-food items), and it may signal iron deficiency anemia. While ice-chewing may appear to be merely a personal habit, clinical experience shows that patients with this condition often have surprisingly high levels of iron deficiency when tested.

Why does iron deficiency cause ice-chewing cravings? Although there is no definitive scientific mechanism, the most widely accepted explanation is that iron is essential for brain function. When the body lacks iron, alertness and concentration decline, causing fatigue, drowsiness, and weakness. The intense cold sensation from chewing ice may temporarily stimulate the brain, providing a brief sense of refreshment and alertness.

The doctor notes that many patients find their ice-chewing urges disappear once iron levels are restored to normal through treatment, often surprising even the patients themselves with this change.

If you suspect iron deficiency, get tested before taking supplements. Dr. Wu Chi-ing recommends against self-treating with iron supplements without professional diagnosis. Anemia has multiple causes, and taking iron without addressing the underlying reason may be ineffective. It is necessary to identify the root cause: whether it stems from abnormal blood loss, insufficient dietary iron intake, or chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. Taking iron without proper diagnosis may mask the underlying disease and delay treatment.

Blood tests provide quick answers. A blood test measuring hemoglobin levels and iron storage in the body can provide rapid answers. Once diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will determine the appropriate form and duration of iron supplementation, which is the safest approach.

Dr. Wu Chi-ing concludes that warning signals from the body often hide in small daily behaviors. While most people who chew ice may simply enjoy the sensation, in some cases this behavior may be the body's way of signaling iron deficiency and the need for medical evaluation.