The National Science Museum of Thailand (NSM) enhanced the country's international reputation by winning two awards at the GovMedia Conference & Awards 2026 on July 9, held at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore. The awards honored government agencies excelling in innovation, communication, and social benefit. NSM representatives, including Deputy Director Siriphat Seamvitthurorn and Dr. Wijitra Suriykul Na Ayutthaya, Head of the Museum's Academic Affairs Division, accepted the awards on behalf of the organization.

NSM received the Thailand Outreach Project of the Year – Science and Technology award for its Science Caravan initiative, recognized for its outstanding role in building public participation and expanding access to science, technology, and innovation knowledge for youth and citizens nationwide. The organization also won the Thailand Public-Private Partnership of the Year – Science and Technology award for the World Puppet Festival, reflecting the successful integration of government, private sector, and network partners in creating educational activities that foster innovation and tangible social benefit.

Both awards represent pride for NSM and Thailand, reflecting the organization's commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation education across all sectors of society through impactful programs and partnerships. The recognition underscores NSM's dedication to improving science communication, promoting lifelong learning, and driving Thailand's sustainable development through both domestic and international collaboration.

Speaking at Parliament on July 13, Sirikanya Tansukul, a Pheu Thai list MP and deputy party leader, commented on the DSI's preparation of an arrest warrant against fellow MP Bawuth Pongvitthayapanu in the Forex 3D case. She questioned the urgency of issuing an arrest warrant, noting that Bawuth had already cooperated by providing a statement as a witness and showed no intention to flee. Bawuth has signaled his readiness to surrender to the DSI promptly and present additional evidence to demonstrate his innocence.

When asked if she had discussed the matter with Bawuth following news of the warrant, Sirikanya confirmed they had spoken briefly about his next steps, with Bawuth planning to meet the DSI as soon as possible. She reiterated her suspicion about the timing and necessity of the arrest warrant, suggesting that a summons would have sufficed given his demonstrated willingness to cooperate.

Sirikanya also addressed concerns that the law might be weaponized for political purposes, particularly given Bawuth's recent exposure of alleged government-backed schemes. She expressed her support for Bawuth, urging him to fulfill his duties fully and noting that she believes the matter should not result in the loss of his parliamentary status. She expressed confidence that he would be granted bail if charged and that the process would not lead to his removal from office, while leaving further clarification to Bawuth himself.

As of 2 p.m. on July 13, 2026, the disaster relief coordination center reported that the death toll from the Ladprao beer hall fire remains at 27, with 16 victims now identified. Police at Phahon Yothin station noted that approximately 50 families have either arrived in person or telephoned to report missing relatives. An update from the Medical Examiner's Office at Police Hospital at 1:45 p.m. confirmed the death count at 27, with three additional identifications made: Sitthipong Chaiyo, Lance Corporal Pemika Onsri, and Phanitcha Singkhon. The identified victims comprise 6 men and 10 women. The identified deceased are: Nuthaikhao Satjalertsai, Aphinan Pengsri, Phisanu Tangsopha, Nipaporn Chamchang, Top Soropol, Aphinya Sukkthonla, Phonepaseut Poungppany (Laotian national), Atcharaporn Suthisin, Suwichcha Sirisolung, Knoktip Srisuk, Ldawon Notrosopha, Namthip Thubsuk, Kotchakon Soththarat, Sitthipong Chaiyo, Lance Corporal Pemika Onsri, and Phanitcha Singkhon. The number of injured remains at 71, while 45 people are still missing.

The classic romance drama "Bupphaesanniwas" from author Rom Phaeng is reimagined as a BL multiverse series titled "Love Destiny" in 2025, produced by CUU Thailand under the direction of Nai Bhavath Panangsiri. The production stars Aokus Vachirawit Paisalkulwongsa and Leung Thanapol Oosinthrarp in the roles of Thao Dej and Thao Kaew, alongside supporting couples: Na Naphatthorn Vikayrungrocha and Win Thanapol Akyuwongseri as Thao Rueang and Thao Wad, and Thanya Thanyathorn Wiwattanadecha and Faye Chinthaap Duangkaew as Ai Phin and Ai Yhaem.

The cast also includes Joturong Mokjok, Mom Luang Kwantip Thewakul, Anna Sueong Gamaeiam, Ishikawa Plavden, Varittasisa Limthammahisorn, Phanuwat Premmaninanth, Mawin Thaveepon, Natthasakon Chaiyarocha, and Nonthiya Jibbangpai, among others. The story begins when Great (Leung), a surgeon from 2026, awakens in the body of Thao Kaew in ancient Ayutthaya during the reign of King Narai. As he adapts to this unfamiliar world and atones for the original body's misdeeds, his former enemy Thao Dej (Aokus) gradually sees him differently, and a profound love develops between them amidst the constraints of their era and unpredictable fate.

Director Nai Bhavath shared his perspective on adapting the series into a BL version: "We've already made the original version, so tackling the yaoi version was a good challenge. It made me rethink and reinterpret the story in new ways, which was enjoyable. The key was finding fresh interpretations of the characters and dialogue while preserving what audiences loved about the original. I didn't want to erase the previous version—I wanted to keep the memorable character traits and the feelings viewers had grown to appreciate. The interesting part was figuring out how to tell a BL story while keeping it true to Bupphaesanniwas, without forcing it. I still respect and believe in the original version that people loved, and I hope everyone will keep an open mind and watch this series."

Tuning into the BL multiverse series "Love Destiny: Bupphaesanniwas" every Tuesday at 10:30 p.m., starting July 14, on Channel 3 HD. Stream the uncensored version at 11:00 p.m. exclusively on iQIYI app and iQ.com.

Performing on a major concert stage alongside famous artists represents a significant experience and an important step toward making musicians' dreams a reality.

FWD Music Live Fest 5 serves as a platform of opportunity, giving Gen Z students from various schools a chance to showcase their talents and gain meaningful experience on their musical journey, in an atmosphere of joy, fun, and shared passion.

A key highlight is the opportunity for young performers to take the stage at a large-scale concert, allowing them to practice, develop their skills, and learn from real-world experience performing before large audiences.

In (Peeriyaporn Jai Rungsee), lead vocalist, and Zoom (Pongsphirapra Prayurpat), guitarist, Grade 12 students from DSRU band at Ramkhamhaeng University Demonstration School, shared: "We went through tough auditions and rehearsals. Getting on a stage like this to play music in front of many people and standing on the same stage as artists we admire is an important opportunity. It's an experience that inspires us to keep developing our skills."

Blyde (Nannapat Pumsiree), lead vocalist, and Yufa (Thanakrit Sripanomwarn), keyboard player, Grade 10 students from Woodstock band at Thepchasrinint School, said: "We dreamed of performing on a big stage. FWD Music Live Fest 5 taught us how to perform at a festival and see how real artists work up close. This stage opened up a lot for us. Thank you FWD Insurance for giving students like us the chance to showcase our abilities."

Winnie (Mawinn Viriyayutmamm), lead vocalist, Grade 11 student, and Jing (Kittipitch Sangsitthisetying), bass player, Grade 9 student, from Mandrake band at Assumption School, said: "This is the biggest stage we've ever performed on. It's an important opportunity for students like us to prove ourselves and experience a real large-scale concert stage, which isn't easy to find. Performing alongside artists we admire is the motivation that pushes us to develop further."

Pavarisah Chumwikrant, Marketing Executive Vice President at FWD Life Insurance Public Company Limited, said: "This stage was created to give music-loving young people the chance to perform and learn from professional artists. Performing on the same stage as leading artists is an important step in developing skills and advancing toward the future. We hope this stage becomes the beginning of opportunity and another source of inspiration for music lovers."

Archaeologists have uncovered an extensive 700-year-old underground tunnel network at Wat Umong, one of Chiang Mai's most historically significant temples located at the foot of Doi Suthep. The temple was established by King Meng Rai in an area once known as "Eleven Bamboo Groves," and expanded by King Khuena with elaborate underground passages designed to provide monks a secluded meditation sanctuary. The vaulted passages feature remarkably preserved ancient murals depicting flora and fauna, along with scattered broken Buddha statues rescued from archaeological sites across Thailand. The complex showcases Lanna Kingdom Buddhist architecture influenced by Sri Lankan design principles, with its maze-like underground corridors and meditation chambers representing a major achievement of medieval Southeast Asian craftsmanship. Officials announced that Wat Umong will undergo high-standard digital restoration of its murals and receive international cultural promotion through partnerships with academic institutions. The discovery has drawn attention from heritage enthusiasts and cultural tourists interested in exploring the temple's spiritual and historical significance.