Suan Dusit University, in collaboration with The Chemical Society of Thailand and the Department of Science Service under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, has announced its readiness to co-host the international Pure and Applied Chemistry International Conference 2027 (PACCON 2027). The conference theme is "Chemical Innovation for Longevity and Well-being" and will be held February 11-13, 2027 at Centara Life Chaeng Wattana Convention Centre in Bangkok, serving as a global platform for knowledge exchange and driving the future of the chemical industry.

The conference will feature world-class speakers, led by Prof. Dr. Susumu Kitagawa, the 2025 Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry, recognized for groundbreaking research on functional porous coordination polymers and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)—innovations with critical applications in clean energy storage, medicine, and environmental remediation. Also presenting will be Professor Dr. Orawon Chailapakul, a leading Thai analytical chemist with international recognition in diamond electrochemistry, electroanalytical chemistry, and chemical and biosensors.

PACCON 2027 represents a gathering of leading scientists addressing global challenges through chemical innovation to support aging societies and promote sustainable well-being. The event exemplifies a tripartite collaboration between professional associations, government science agencies, and academic institutions. The organizers invite academics, researchers, students, scientists, and industry professionals from Thailand and abroad to submit research papers and register at https://paccon2027.com/ or contact paccon2027@gmail.com for more information.

The Pure Heart Foundation presented 47 portable water filtration units worth 68,150 baht to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation on August 7, 2026. Foundation president Theerathat Nawamawatthana, supported by sponsor Verisanun Sriboonwattanakit and partner organizations, officially handed over the equipment to department director Artthapon Charoenchansai. The units will be distributed to staff at Erawan National Park for use in patrol, monitoring, and natural resource conservation operations in the field.

The donation is dedicated as a merit offering to Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Deva Yavaree, the foundation's honorary president. The foundation recognizes that clean water is a fundamental necessity for the health and operational capacity of park rangers working in remote and challenging environments. Access to safe, clean water not only promotes public health and reduces health risks but also strengthens rangers' ability to effectively protect and preserve the country's natural resources.

The Pure Heart Foundation remains committed to advancing the royal initiative of social good, supporting communities, and improving the quality of life for disadvantaged members of society.

Cushman & Wakefield Thailand reveals that Thailand's real estate market in the second half of 2025 is marked by cautious developer strategies, with companies slowing new project launches while accelerating inventory clearance to maintain cash flow. The firm notes that developers are shifting away from low-rise budget condominiums toward mid-to-high-end projects along BTS lines and high-potential areas, driving average condo launch prices to their highest levels since the COVID-19 pandemic began, despite overall new project volumes remaining below pre-pandemic levels.

Surachet Kongchip, head of research and advisory at Cushman & Wakefield Thailand, explains that the broader economic recovery remains incomplete, consumer purchasing power is fragile, and financial institutions maintain strict lending policies. Bangkok's Q2 saw only approximately 2,300 new condominium units launched, considered low, though the second half is expected to see more staggered releases if developers proceed as planned.

Warat Sirisaksanukhul, senior manager of capital markets and investment, notes that Bangkok's land market has transitioned from continuous price appreciation into a balanced state with some softening in certain locations, as the condominium market—previously a major land price driver—has slowed since the COVID period. Land developers now show increased caution in acquisitions while landowners face no urgency to sell, creating a clear "buyer's market." Sirisaksanukhul recommends landowners without immediate sale needs to consider 10-30 year leases for steady income and tax benefits, particularly for hotel and data center developments, which represent emerging market demand.

Data centers represent a particularly strong opportunity, with Thailand advancing toward "developed market" status. Combined operational, under-construction, and approved projects will support more than 1,500 megawatts of capacity, reflecting long-term growth in digital industries and foreign investment.

Pongphan Ployachart, head of logistics and industrial operations, reports that logistics and industrial parks remain the strongest-growing segment in the second half, with the Eastern Economic Corridor continuing as the primary investment hub. However, Chachoengsao Province faces water and electricity constraints, prompting data center investors to explore alternatives like Samut Prakan, which offers superior infrastructure despite higher land costs. Warehouse and factory rental rates continue climbing steadily since 2020, reflecting sustained logistics sector demand.

A deranged man wielding an iron rod attacked traffic police officers in Saraburi city, injuring two officers before fleeing. Police have launched a manhunt after a Facebook user shared video of the incident.

The attack occurred when Saraburi city police officers were responding to check on a man acting erratically on the roadside. Instead of cooperating, the man grabbed an iron rod and attacked the officers, causing injuries before escaping under cover of darkness.

Footage from the incident shows a shirtless man in shorts running across the street toward a parked police van. He appeared to retrieve a weapon before rushing back toward two traffic police officers. He violently attacked one officer, knocking him to the ground, while the other officer retreated. The suspect continued throwing objects at police from the rear of the van before fleeing into the darkness.

On July 7, 2026, reporters visited the scene near a rice porridge shop on Pichai Rannronggsongkram Road in Pak Phrao subdistrict, Muang district, Saraburi province. A witness identified as Mr. B, 36, a shop employee present during the incident, recounted that the attack occurred around 9 p.m. while he was working. He heard shouting and sounds of violence outside, then witnessed a shirtless man resembling a vagrant clashing with police officers. Mr. B noted there appeared to be only two police officers present, though some civilians helped intervene. The suspect appeared to be approximately 30-40 years old, but darkness made details unclear. He is suspected to have been in a deranged state, possibly under the influence of drugs, before fleeing.

Rerng Maj. Nathchakir Maliwetchepong, deputy commander of crime suppression at Saraburi city police station, disclosed that officers had initially responded to a dispute call at a hotel. While en route, they spotted a man acting erratically on the roadside and stopped to investigate. As officers approached, the man suddenly attacked them. Initially, police were unaware he was armed, but he was wielding an iron rod. During the struggle, he swung the rod at officers, striking one in the mouth, causing his lips to split and requiring stitches. The other officer was hit on the left cheekbone and also injured.

Both officers sustained non-serious injuries and were cleared by doctors to recover at home. The suspect remains at large. Police are urging the public to report any sightings of a man matching the attacker's description in the video. Preliminary information suggests the suspect may be suffering from a mental health condition resulting in his deranged state.

The Cabinet announced major personnel changes on July 7, 2569 at Government House, with Deputy Prime Minister's Office spokesperson Lalida Periwiwattana confirming the reshuffle at 2 p.m. The Cabinet approved the transfer of Pongsawat Neelayyothin, who completed four years as Secretary-General of the Ministry of Justice, to the position of Prime Minister's Adviser for Civil Service Affairs at the Office of the Prime Minister. In a parallel move, Piyasiri Wattanvarangkul, Secretary-General of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center, was transferred to become the new Secretary-General of the Ministry of Justice. Reports noted that Piyasiri is the younger brother of Songnuch Wattanvarangkul, the former wife of a former Prime Minister.

Thailand is positioning itself to capitalize on the global Pink Economy, valued at over $4.7 trillion USD, with continuous growth potential. As the country advances toward hosting World Pride 2030—expected to generate around 24 billion baht in economic value—the real question is not whether opportunities exist, but how Thailand can translate this potential into measurable economic growth. At the PRIDE MOVE: Thailand Pride Economy Forum 2026, held at True Digital Park, Dr. Theeradej Damrongplasit, CEO of True Corporation's enterprise business group, highlighted the company's capacity to combine Mobility Data Platform and GeoAnalytics capabilities to help government, business, and tourism sectors understand city readiness, travel patterns, and market opportunities—all while maintaining strict data privacy compliance under Thailand's PDPA law. This data-driven approach aims to unlock business opportunities for diverse sectors and serve consumers with evolving preferences.

Dr. Theeradej emphasized that Thailand's challenge is not simply being open and welcoming to diversity, but converting that diversity into economic power through data and technology. By deeply understanding LGBTQIA+ consumer and tourist behavior, both the public and private sectors can leverage insights to strengthen national preparedness across tourism, services, mobility, lifestyle, and investment. This effort will help drive the Pride Economy and propel Thailand from merely being "LGBTQIA+ Friendly" to becoming a true "LGBTQIA+ Destination."

The key to this transformation lies in understanding people through real data rather than outdated demographic assumptions. The LGBTQIA+ demographic represents high-spending consumers ready to invest in quality experiences, products, and services. True's Mobility Data and GeoAnalytics tools analyze travel and lifestyle patterns at an aggregate level without identifying individuals, complying fully with personal data protection standards. This enables businesses and relevant agencies to see how people actually move, participate in activities, live, and engage economically in different areas, helping them tailor offerings and strategies accordingly.