On July 8, 2024, Dr. Montheian Kunasawat, director of the Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health, stated that the international standard method for diagnosing liver fluke disease is stool examination under a microscope to confirm the presence of adult parasites in the bile ducts. The positive cases detected at Mahasarakham University were identified through preliminary screening using OV-ATK rapid tests during student activities, with no symptomatic students found so far. However, confirmatory testing using standard methods is needed to verify the diagnosis.

Dr. Montheian reported that from January 1 to July 7, 2024, the digital disease surveillance system recorded 2,656 confirmed cases, with the highest infection rates among those aged 50-59, 60 and above, and 15-19 years old. No deaths have been reported.

"This incident serves as another reminder for people to be aware of liver fluke disease, which spreads through consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish," Dr. Montheian said. "If left untreated for 10-20 years, chronic infection can lead to bile duct cancer."

Dr. Direk Khampaen, deputy director of the Department of Disease Control, explained that liver fluke (Opisthorchis viverrini) is a flatworm transmitted by eating uncooked freshwater fish such as raw fish cakes, raw fish salads, raw fermented fish, or raw fish sauce. Once in the body, the parasite can survive in the bile ducts for 20-30 years, causing chronic inflammation and increasing cancer risk.

"Myths that squeezing lime juice, fermentation, or drinking alcohol can kill the parasite are false," Dr. Direk said. "The disease does not spread person-to-person. The only effective prevention is eating fully cooked food and thoroughly cooked fermented fish, avoiding raw or undercooked freshwater fish dishes."

The Department of Disease Control will implement phase 2 of its liver fluke elimination and bile duct cancer prevention plan (2024-2030) using a One-Health approach, coordinating with relevant agencies on food safety, sanitation, and health literacy, while conducting field investigations, screening, treatment, and monitoring according to standards. For more information, call the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.

Thailand's women's volleyball team made a valiant effort but could not overcome the dominant United States squad, falling 0-3 in sets during their opening match of VNL 2026 Week 3 in Osaka, Japan on July 8, 2025.

The women's Nations League 2026 (VNL 2026) Week 3 tournament runs July 8-12 in Osaka, with Thailand grouped alongside the USA, host nation Japan, Brazil, and Turkey.

Thailand's world-ranked 21st team faced the USA's 4th-ranked squad at Asu Arena Osaka. Historically, the two teams have met seven times in Nations League play, with Thailand never recording a victory and never scoring a single set against the Americans. Most recently in Nations League 2025 on July 10, Thailand lost to the USA 1-3 in sets.

After eight matches played, Thailand holds a 2-6 record with 9 points, sitting 14th in the standings, while the USA remains undefeated with a 7-1 record and 20 points, firmly at the top.

Coach Anucha "Ott" Kiatpongsa fielded Thailand's starting lineup including Taddao Nuekchaeng, Sasipha Janthawisut, Nutthanicha Jaiasen, Pimpichaya Korakram, Atchraporn Kongyod, and Kaewkalaya Komunthala, with Piyaneush Paennoi as libero.

Despite Thailand's full effort, they could not withstand the American team's strength, losing 0-3 with set scores of 21-25, 18-25, and 20-25. The USA picked up 3 additional points to reach 23 points total while maintaining their league lead. Thailand remains at 9 points in 14th place.

Thailand's next match will be against host nation Japan on July 9 at 5:30 p.m.

A TikTok user @soxx2111 posted a warning on July 8th after discovering their dog had a severe allergic reaction characterized by full-body hives, intense itching, and swollen eyes. Abdominal X-rays eventually revealed the culprit: a Bluetooth earpiece. The dog showed symptoms starting early morning on July 1st with constant scratching and visible hives, prompting an immediate veterinary visit. By 11 a.m., the dog improved—eating normally, sleeping, with hives subsiding after antihistamine medication every 8 hours. However, the symptoms returned in the evening with itching and reddish eye swelling accompanied by tearing. Veterinarians increased anti-inflammatory medication and prescribed eye drops. The condition continued to fluctuate, with hives reappearing the next morning but subsiding after injections. Veterinarians suspected remaining allergen triggers could be toxins, chemicals, foreign objects, or environmental factors, and provided symptomatic treatment. Further examination revealed red spots on the abdomen where the dog lay, abdominal cramps, and normal appetite. Additional gastrointestinal X-rays discovered a metallic foreign object resembling a safety pin, approximately 1 centimeter, lodged in the intestines. The dog may have ingested heavy metal toxins from the object, triggering the allergic response. One intestinal section was filled with gas, suggesting possible blockage or abnormal intestinal constriction preventing food passage. Veterinarians determined the cause: poisoning from heavy metals in a Bluetooth earpiece the dog had stolen from a chair, chewed on, and swallowed pieces of. Despite believing all fragments had been removed, toxins continued triggering severe allergic reactions over three days before detection.

On July 8, 2025, Parliament voted to approve the principle of amendments to the Immigration Act and related hotel legislation, despite opposition from lawmakers who argued the government's draft fails to comprehensively solve underlying problems.

During debate, MPs from the People's Party supported the bills but raised concerns that the amendments address only minor issues without tackling systemic problems. MP Thao Piphop Limchitrakorn of Bangkok argued that larger legislative reforms are needed and proposed postponing the vote to allow consideration of an alternative People's Party draft classified as financial legislation, which requires the Prime Minister's signature. He requested waiting for that draft to be submitted to ensure comprehensive solutions could be examined simultaneously.

Following debate, opposition MP Pakorn Udompipatthansakul proposed referring the bills to a special committee before approving the principle, noting that while the current draft represents minor changes, a more substantial reform draft awaits the Prime Minister's signature. However, ruling coalition deputy whip Krawee Parisnanantakul of Ang Thong opposed the referral, arguing the bills could proceed to committee consideration after principle approval.

House Speaker Mallika then suspended the session for negotiations between government and opposition representatives. Upon reconvening, Parliament voted by majority to approve the principle of all four bills and establish a 25-member special committee to examine them, using the government's draft as the primary version for consideration.

Bridgestone Thailand is inviting automotive enthusiasts to experience high-performance motorsports at IMPACT Speed Fest 2026, with prizes worth over 500,000 baht. As the official main sponsor of Thailand's largest national automotive and lifestyle festival, Bridgestone will showcase premium tire innovations and exclusive activities throughout the three-day event running July 17-19, 2026, at IMPACT Challenger Hall, Buildings 2-3 in Muang Thong Thani from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Visitors to the Bridgestone booth will witness the first-ever launch of new BRIDGESTONE tire models in Thailand, along with high-performance vehicles equipped with BRIDGESTONE POTENZA tires from Top Secret Thailand and Street Doc. The booth will feature prominent automotive influencers, including Bie Bai Yok, a YouTuber and owner of Top Secret Thailand custom shop, and Go from Street Doc.

Special celebrity guests will make daily appearances, including Ott Pramont Pathan (July 17), Uno Lao Thong (July 18), and Bee Bai Yok, creator and wife of Bie Bai Yok (July 19).

Event attendees can win over 500,000 baht in prizes from the Bridgestone booth, including a grand prize of four BRIDGESTONE POTENZA tires worth over 50,000 baht, 10,000 baht tire discounts, and 15% Bridgestone tire discounts for participants. Limited-edition merchandise including shirts from TOP SECRET X BRIDGESTONE and STREET DOC X BRIDGESTONE collaborations will be sold exclusively at the event.

IMPACT Speed Fest 2026 is Thailand's largest automotive and lifestyle community festival, held for the second year on July 17-19, 2026, at IMPACT Challenger, Buildings 2-3. The festival aims to strengthen car enthusiast culture through automotive brands, customization shops, car care products, tires and wheels, fashion, furniture, games, and dining, creating an accessible space for all.

Dr. Therachai Saeang-kaew, advisor to the deputy agriculture minister, revealed that the proposal for a new Dairy and Dairy Products Act to replace the 2008 version represents a significant upgrade in promoting, developing, and regulating dairy farming, as well as safeguarding the quality of cow milk and dairy products in Thailand.

He stated that the new law will address problems differently from the old approach. Rather than relying on a single agency to solve issues, all stakeholders will collaborate through a Milk Board that plays a crucial role in formulating policies, managing, and overseeing Thailand's entire dairy industry.

Under the current 2008 law, unclear jurisdiction meant that not all stakeholders in the dairy sector received fair problem resolution. The revised law addresses this by ensuring that all interested parties—whether farmers or business operators—participate in resolving issues equitably and effectively.

Dr. Therachai emphasized that the new Dairy and Dairy Products Act will definitely benefit farmers. He compared the law to legislation that must be practical. The new act establishes a 34-member Milk Board with representatives from all stakeholders—farmers and operators—who can participate in drafting regulations, serving on subcommittees, and determining raw milk costs and prices that work for everyone.

He noted that dairy farming is a royal profession established by the late King Bhumibol, which everyone should help preserve. The government is already committed to supporting it. Crucially, when the law takes effect, it must ensure fair implementation without exploitation. When any party exploits others, both the exploited and the exploiter eventually suffer.

All parties must depend on each other and work in harmony. If upstream, midstream, and downstream operators unite, and the government supports them, management becomes easier and solutions emerge naturally. Dr. Therachai said he is ready to serve, support, and drive forward Thailand's dairy sector and all stakeholders for sustainability, safety, and fair pricing.