On July 8, 2569, opposition party representatives Sirikanya Tansakul and Weerayut Kanchanchuchart held a press conference at Parliament regarding the Constitutional Court's July 9 hearing on whether the government's 400-billion-baht energy decree violates Article 172 of the Constitution. Sirikanya outlined two main scenarios: the decree passes entirely, or it fails. She warned that if rejected, complications would arise since 200 billion baht has already been disbursed to Thai Help Thai Plus projects and state fund allocations. The remaining 200 billion baht lacks emergency necessity and clear roadmap, raising concerns about fund padded with unnecessary projects under the guise of crisis response.

Weerayut expressed heightened concerns about the second tranche of 200 billion baht designated for energy transition, noting the complete absence of conditions, targets, or timeline for achieving the transition. He warned of potential budget manipulation and questioned whether the December 2570 spending deadline would create pressure for inefficient fund utilization. As the decree represents significant public debt, ineffective implementation risks wasting resources without achieving energy transition goals. The party called for government accountability should damages occur.

Party leader Natthapon Ruangpanyanvut suggested that if the court rules negatively, the government will need to reassess cabinet ministers' performance, as evidenced by recent credit rating downgrades and ongoing evaluation demands.

PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) will stage the ‘Phuket Parkland & Music Fest 2026’ later this month in a bid to attract more visitors, stimulate the local economy and strengthen the islands image as an international creative tourism destination.

A biohazard waste truck collided with the rear of a disabled vehicle parked on the roadside, injuring two foreign nationals. Rescue workers were initially obstructed while attempting to assist.

On July 8, 2025, an accident occurred near kilometer marker 90-91 in Kraesabhan subdistrict, Kaeng district, Rayong province. Three African nationals traveling from Bangkok to Chanthaburi experienced vehicle trouble and pulled over to the shoulder to inspect their car. During this time, 50-year-old Patchphon, a biohazard waste truck driver en route from Samut Prakan to Chanthaburi, was driving at excessive speed. The truck lost control and struck the rear of the disabled vehicle with considerable force. The impact propelled the truck into all three foreigners, resulting in two injuries, with one victim suffering a crushed right leg.

When Kaeng district rescue personnel from the Buddhist Community Relief Association arrived to help the victim trapped under the vehicle, the victim's companions became panicked and blocked rescue efforts, refusing to let officials near the injured person. Despite rescue workers' attempts to communicate using sign language, their efforts were unsuccessful. The officials eventually withdrew to allow the companions to attempt their own rescue. After realizing they were unable to help, the companions finally permitted rescue personnel to proceed. Using a hydraulic jack to lift the truck, rescue workers extracted the victim and transported him urgently to Kaeng Hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Thailand's government has terminated perpetual renewable energy contracts with private solar and wind power producers, ending automatic contract renewals and cutting purchase prices to 2.16 baht per unit—matching community solar project rates.

Danucha Pichyanan, Secretary General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), announced the decision following a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Anucha Nakasai. The committee resolved to reform electricity purchase guidelines for private renewable energy to ensure consumer fairness and reflect true production costs according to government policy.

The committee found that the main problem stems from small and very small power producer (SPP/VSPP) contracts between the state and private sector for solar and wind energy. These contracts were structured as perpetual agreements with automatic renewal periods of 3-5 years upon expiration. Original purchase prices referenced wholesale rates plus variable electricity charges (FT) exceeding 3 baht per unit, despite these facilities having no actual fuel costs since they generate power from wind and solar. The committee therefore decided to adjust rates to align with current, cheaper technology, setting the new rate at 2.16 baht per unit—the same as community solar projects. This rate will first apply to solar cell facilities, while wind power rates will be determined separately.

The committee concluded that contracts should be handled in two groups: First, approximately 515 contracts that have completed their 25-year terms with combined capacity of roughly 2,400 megawatts. These previously renewed automatically in 3-5 year increments but will now be allowed only one final renewal of the original contract period, after which they must expire. The new purchase rate will be 2.16 baht per unit.

Second, approximately 46 contracts that have received subsidies (Adder) for 10 years but have not reached their 25-year term end, with approximately 1,478 megawatts of commercial operating capacity (COD). These are considered to have recouped construction costs during the subsidy period, so remaining contract years will have their purchase rates reduced to 2.16 baht per unit. Additionally, approximately four non-COD contracts with 67 megawatts total capacity that have exceeded their COD deadline by two years without progress will be cancelled case by case.

"We haven't yet calculated exactly how much this new pricing structure will reduce electricity costs," officials stated, "but reducing the variable charge component to reflect true current costs benefits overall consumer rates. The Office of Energy Policy and Planning and the Energy Regulatory Commission are currently calculating the impact. Rate reductions may not occur immediately this period since contracts must be gradually revised between the electricity authority and private producers before taking full effect."

The committee will present these measures to the National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC), chaired by the Prime Minister, to establish formal policy before implementation and contract modifications proceed.

Ultraman, the legendary hero beloved by fans worldwide for more than 60 years, is coming to meet Thai fans at the official ULTRAMAN HERO RUN 2026. This running event invites everyone to celebrate Ultraman's 60th anniversary through an experience blending sports, tourism, and world-class entertainment. Organized by Fun Entertainment Co., Ltd., officially licensed by Tsuburaya Productions Co., Ltd. of Japan and partnering with Dream Express (DX) Co., Ltd., Thailand's Ultraman licensing representative, the event is supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand to deliver a special experience for Ultraman fans of all generations across three races nationwide. Nitthi Patanaphakdi, Vice Chairman of Fun Entertainment Co., Ltd., stated that this year marks Ultraman's 60th anniversary, a hero cherished by multiple generations. The organizers intend for this to be more than just a running event—it's a celebration space where children, youth, families, runners, and fans can create lasting memories while embracing Ultraman's values of courage, hope, and perseverance. Under the "Hero Mission" concept, the event draws inspiration from the Showa era of Ultraman, the beginning of the legendary hero, recreating that atmosphere through activities and design. Fans will encounter Ultraman, Ultraseven, and other cherished heroes, plus meet Ultraman, Ultraseven, and Kaiju Kanegon traveling from Japan to celebrate intimately with Thai fans. Gavin Rojjanattanavanich, New Business Development Manager at Dream Express (DX) Co., Ltd., emphasized the goal to fully convey the Ultraman spirit through every element, from atmosphere to activities and details, so fans feel they're stepping into the real world of Ultraman. A special highlight is the limited-edition Race Pack inspired by Showa era Ultraman, featuring official designs on running shirts, medals, and memorabilia. ULTRAMAN HERO RUN 2026 will be held at three locations: July 19, 2025 at Bangkok Central Station; September 26, 2025 at Hatyai Public Park, Songkhla Province; and November 2025 in Kanchanaburi Province. Registration for the first race at Bangkok Central Station opens today through July 10, 2025 at https://race.thai.run/ultramanherorunthailand, or until capacity is reached.

Renowned Thai boxer Segsorn of Khwanmuang has announced he is preparing to retire from professional muay thai, citing physical reasons at age 37. Through a Facebook post, he stated: "After fighting for so long, my body has reached the time to say goodbye to muay thai. I will have one final retirement fight. See you all at the boxing stadium." Segsorn revealed that his dream opponent for this farewell bout would be Muang Thai PK Sanchai, saying: "If I could fight Muang Thai for my retirement match, he is the fighter I most want to face. It would definitely be an intense and exciting final fight. While winning or losing is just sport, I want to create excitement and intensity for the muay thai fans." Regarding his recent record, the 37-year-old has lost his last four consecutive fights, most recently by TKO to PK Siayelent Mangkorn at the ONE Lumpinee 147 & The Inner Circle 7 event on March 20, 2026.