Parliament Pushes to Resolve Decades-Long Land Dispute

Parliamentary committees are examining legal solutions to decades-long land disputes at Thap Lan National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima, where about 30,000 residents face losing homes and farmland due to overlapping boundaries established when

7 Jul Khaosod

Deputy Police Colonel Thavee Sodsong, a Phak Prachaachat list MP and chair of a special committee reviewing an amnesty bill for people affected by state land and natural resource policies, joined Rangsimant Rom, also a Phak Prachaachat list MP and chair of the legal affairs and human rights committee, in hearing concerns about overlapping land disputes at Thap Lan National Park in Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima. The committee is collecting facts and examining legal solutions to resolve a decades-long land dispute and ensure fairness for affected residents, particularly regarding the park's boundary revision to address overlaps on land where people settled before the park was established in 1981. Thap Lan was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005 as part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, encompassing nearly 1.4 million rai across five districts in Nakhon Ratchasima and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces, though approximately 260,000 rai overlap with residential and agricultural land. A March 14, 2566 cabinet resolution approved boundary adjustments affecting over 150,000 rai to resolve overlapping areas, with about 30,000 residents at risk of losing their homes and farmland without resolution. The government, led by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchati Chomklin, is proceeding with boundary revisions while verifying land rights for over 5,000 residents, balancing conservation with allocating farmland and strictly enforcing laws against violators. Meanwhile, parliamentary committees are studying facts and hearing from stakeholders to find legal remedies, with an amnesty bill for people affected by forestry and land cases awaiting consideration in parliament, hoping that both boundary revisions and amnesty provisions will move forward to resolve these long-standing disputes.

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Community

Massage Business Owner Denies Profits, Refutes Illicit Services

Massage business owner Ton Hom Sakuntalah denied profitability claims and illicit operations at her Thaimart shop, saying her nearly 10 million baht investment remains in recovery phase with expected returns in 2-3 years.

7 Jul Khaosod

Entrepreneur Ton Hom Sakuntalah addressed rumors about her foot massage business at the Thaimart marketplace platform launch event, clarifying that despite nearly 10 million baht in investment, the shop has not yet returned a profit. She explained her hands-on approach of personally washing customers' feet, emphasizing the business operates as a legitimate massage establishment with no illicit services. Ton Hom responded to beauty queen Bai Fern Patskon's announcement of stepping down as Ubon Ratchathani's Miss Universe PD representative, requesting that Bai Fern provide her own explanation while reaffirming her support for all contestants, especially contestant 'Rot Mel.' Regarding public perception that the business is highly profitable, Ton Hom stated it remains in a low season and is still in the investment phase, with recovery expected to take 2-3 years. She attributed generous staff compensation to the startup phase rather than profits. She highlighted her genuine passion for foot massage service, explaining that customer satisfaction brings fulfillment money cannot buy. Currently, the main challenge is finding reliable massage therapists, as experienced staff frequently leave. She acknowledged initial age restrictions on therapists due to the five-story building, but learned that expertise requires more experienced practitioners. She called for clearer communication with staff about resignation timelines to allow adequate replacement time.

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National

Iran Celebrates USA's World Cup Elimination

The United States was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Round of 16, with Iran's Football Federation celebrating what it characterized as vindication after allegations that US President Trump pressured FIFA to overturn discipli

7 Jul Khaosod

Iran's national football team has taken a satisfying revenge after the United States was knocked out in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The entire world is celebrating the humiliating defeat of the USA, the tournament host that had performed well from the start, who has suddenly become football's villain. The controversy escalated after FIFA agreed to change the red card punishment for Florian Balogun to a one-year suspension instead of an immediate ban as is customary. The situation became even more heated when the global football community learned that US President Donald Trump was behind this controversial decision, having called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the US team's Round of 16 match. The USA, which did everything off the pitch to secure victory, was defeated 1-4 by Belgium, despite having a top striker who received special privileges to play in this game.

Now it is Iran's turn to settle the score with the United States decisively. Iran's Football Federation posted: "The whole world is dancing in celebration." This echoes back to when US Secretary of Defense Mark Wahlberg mocked Iran, saying he almost sang and danced when Iran was eliminated in the first round.

"Now the entire world is dancing to celebrate the shameful defeat of 'politics' against 'football'," the Iran Football Federation stated through its representative.

Earlier, Iran had already responded, saying: "Iranians are accustomed to unfair treatment and lies from US officials. Therefore, no one in Iran is surprised by these malicious remarks. These words show once again that US officials have no commitment to international law or the principles expected of a host nation capable of organizing a world-class sporting competition. Their overt celebration of Iran's elimination says much more about them than about our team. It reflects a pettiness that is unacceptable, even to the existence of a single football team participating in the world's greatest sporting arena. After our match against New Zealand, our head coach said that the US does not want Iran to continue in this tournament because our team faces inhumane and unprofessional treatment. These recent comments only serve to reinforce that belief."

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Police

Police Deploy K-9 Units to Screen Outbound Passengers

Police deployed sniffer dogs to screen baggage on a Thai Airways flight to Melbourne on Tuesday, finding no contraband during the inspection as part of enhanced airport security measures ordered by Thailand's transport ministry.

7 Jul Khaosod

Bangkok — Police K-9 dogs were deployed to inspect passenger baggage on flights bound for Australia on Tuesday as Thai authorities stepped up airport security measures.

At 06:30 on 7 July, police officers and sniffer dogs conducted drug detection checks on baggage belonging to passengers departing on Thai Airways flight TG461 to Melbourne, Australia. No illegal items were found during the inspection, police said.

The deployment followed an order from the Ministry of Transport instructing the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to strengthen security measures at airports. The measures include instructing airlines to tighten controls over passenger belongings, including prohibiting the acceptance of items that could pose security risks, as well as additional training for X-ray screening officers.

Authorities will also enhance intelligence operations and increase the use of K-9 units from the Royal Thai Police to support airport inspections. The move comes as Thailand works to ensure compliance with international aviation security standards and improve screening procedures for outbound travellers.

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Community

Nong Nooch Garden Expands Rare Plant Conservation With 23 Coco de Mer Trees

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden in Pattaya planted 23 rare Coco de Mer trees on Saturday, bringing its collection to 58 mature specimens worth approximately 29 million baht combined. The world's largest-seeded palms, endemic to the Sey

7 Jul Khaosod

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the Boy Scout camp area of Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden in Pattaya, garden president Kampol Tansatja joined students from St. Stephen's Stanley College in Hong Kong to plant an additional 23 Coco de Mer trees (Lodoicea maldivica). This represents one of the largest simultaneous plantings of this rare species at the botanical garden and marks a significant step forward in the garden's global rare plant conservation initiatives.

The planting brings Nong Nooch's total Coco de Mer collection to 58 mature trees—increased from the previous 35—along with an additional 25 seedlings. Each mature tree is valued at approximately 500,000 baht, making this one of Thailand's most significant Coco de Mer collections and an invaluable off-site genetic conservation facility (Ex Situ Conservation).

Kampol stated that today's planting represents working for the future, as conserving rare plant species requires continuous effort and patience spanning decades. Nong Nooch is committed to fulfilling its role as a botanical garden that collects, conserves, studies, and disseminates knowledge about plant genetics, ensuring that valuable natural resources are passed on to future generations.

The Coco de Mer, or double coconut (Lodoicea maldivica), is an extremely rare palm endemic to a few small islands in the Seychelles archipelago in the Indian Ocean. It produces the world's largest seeds and is considered one of the most valuable plants in botany due to its scarcity and strict protection status. Historically, sailors would discover the fruits floating in the ocean without ever finding the source tree, leading to the belief that the trees grew beneath the sea—hence the French name "Coco de Mer," or "sea coconut." This mystery made the Coco de Mer fruit even more precious and rare than gemstones.

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Police

Man Electrocuted Cutting Bamboo Near Power Line

A 59-year-old man was electrocuted while cutting bamboo for a construction project in Nong Bua Lamphu province after the stalk contacted a high-voltage power line. Authorities determined the moisture in the fresh bamboo conducted electricit

7 Jul Khaosod

A tragic accident claimed the life of a man cutting bamboo for a grilled chicken shop when he fell against a power line and was electrocuted. Police received the report at 1:30 PM on July 7, 2569, of a body found along a dirt road near a bamboo grove in Ban Kham subdistrict, Muang district, Nong Bua Lamphu province, approximately 2.5 kilometers from the residential area.

The deceased, identified as Winai, 59 years old, lay with his head turned toward the road and arms extended toward the bamboo stand. His body bore severe electrical burn marks running from top to bottom, with skin peeling away across approximately 20 centimeters. Both his hands were clenched. Near the body, officers found a machete about 50 centimeters long. One freshly cut bamboo stalk lay parallel to the road, while another had fallen across a high-voltage power line. The base of the bamboo had been severed from the root.

The victim's wife, Phuea, tearfully recounted that she had left home before Winai that morning. She knew he was hired to help build a grilled chicken shop for a neighbor and would ride a three-wheeled motorcycle to the job. A neighbor found him dead and called to inform her.

Neighbors explained that Winai had been working on the job for two days and had gone to cut bamboo from a relative's grove surrounding the property. Authorities questioned family members about the cause of death, but they saw it as a tragic accident.

Investigators determined that the bamboo stalk bore signs of electrical contact and charring at its tip. Authorities believe Winai cut the bamboo until it fell and contacted the high-voltage power line, which hangs approximately 10 meters above ground. Because fresh bamboo contains moisture, when Winai attempted to pull the bamboo away from the line, the high-voltage electricity traveled through the wet bamboo, through his body, and into the ground, causing his death. His body was subsequently released to family members for funeral arrangements.

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Tourism

TAT Promotes Thailand's Lush Rainy Season To European Travelers

Thailand's Tourism Authority is promoting the rainy season to European travelers, highlighting lush landscapes, full waterfalls, and fewer crowds as ideal conditions for visiting during this shoulder travel period.

7 Jul TAT Newsroom

Bangkok, 7 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting travellers to experience “Blooming and Bright Amazing Thailand” during Thailand’s rainy season, a shoulder travel period when landscapes turn lush, waterfalls are at their fullest, destinations are less crowded, and journeys unfold at a more relaxed pace.

Thailand’s seasons offer distinct travel moods throughout the year, from the cool season’s clear skies and the summer season’s coastal appeal to the rainy season’s lush landscapes, fuller waterfalls, and calmer destination atmosphere.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “Blooming and Bright Amazing Thailand invites travellers to see Thailand at a different rhythm, when the kingdom is greener, calmer, and full of seasonal character. This is a rewarding time to enjoy Thailand’s landscapes, hospitality, culture, wellness, gastronomy, and quieter travel atmosphere, while extending tourism benefits to businesses and communities across the country.”

TAT’s offices across Europe in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Prague, Stockholm, Moscow, and Rome are working with tourism industry partners, including airlines, hotels, and travel companies, to present Thailand’s seasonal appeal to European travellers. The campaign highlights the value of travelling outside peak periods, with more room to explore, lush natural scenery, and a calmer rhythm across destinations.

The concept supports TAT’s year-round tourism direction by presenting the rainy season not as an off-period, but as one of Thailand’s most refreshing times to travel. It showcases the country’s natural beauty, travel value, service standards, and diverse experiences across beach holidays, culture, cuisine, wellness, diving, golf, outdoor activities, and sustainable tourism.

Thailand remains a favourite destination for European travellers, supported by strong air connectivity, direct flights from major European cities, international service standards, and a wide range of experiences for different travel styles. Whether for a beach escape, cultural journey, wellness retreat, food-led adventure, or nature-based holiday, Thailand offers a quality travel experience that is meaningful, memorable, and in season.

Ang Ka Nature Trail, Chiang Mai

Wat Umong, Chiang Mai

Pha Dok Siao Waterfall, Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai

Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Rut Canal, Krabi

Nongtalay, Krabi

Tamarind Springs Forest Spa, Ko Samui, Surat Thani

Kuan Nom Saow Viewpoint, Krabi

Ao Ton Sai, Ko Phi Phi Don, Krabi

The post TAT invites travellers to discover Blooming and Bright Amazing Thailand appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

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Weather

Heavy Rain Forecast For 34 Provinces, Flash Floods Warned

Heavy rain is expected across 34 Thai provinces over the next 24 hours due to a low-pressure system, with the northeast region facing the highest risk of flash floods and forest runoff in hilly areas.

7 Jul Khaosod

The Meteorological Department issued a weather forecast on July 7, 2569, predicting heavy rainfall in the Eastern and northeastern regions over the next 24 hours, caused by a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam and moderate southwest monsoon winds. Residents are warned to stay vigilant against heavy rainfall accumulation that could trigger flash floods and forest runoff, especially in hillside and basin areas. Maritime conditions show moderate winds with waves of 1-2 meters in the Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand, approximately 1 meter in the lower Gulf, and exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm zones. Boat operators are advised to exercise caution and avoid areas with thunderstorms.

Regional forecasts (18:00 today to 18:00 tomorrow): Northern Region: 40% thunderstorm coverage, primarily in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, and Phetchabun. Low 23-26°C, high 31-35°C. Southwest wind 10-20 km/h. Northeastern Region: 60% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani. Low 23-25°C, high 28-35°C. Southwest wind 10-20 km/h. Central Region: 30% thunderstorm coverage, mainly in Uthai Thani, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Low 23-27°C, high 34-36°C. Southwest wind 10-25 km/h. Eastern Region: 40% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain, particularly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Low 23-27°C, high 32-35°C. Southwest wind 15-35 km/h. Waves 1-2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in storms. Southern Region (East Coast): 30% thunderstorm coverage in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat. Low 23-27°C, high 33-36°C. Southwest wind 15-35 km/h. Waves 1 meter nearshore, 1-2 meters offshore, exceeding 2 meters in storms. Southern Region (West Coast): 30% thunderstorm coverage in Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Low 24-26°C, high 32-35°C. Southwest wind 15-35 km/h. Waves 1-2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in storms. Bangkok and Vicinity: 30% thunderstorm coverage. Low 27-29°C.

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National

Cabinet Cuts Fund Contributions For Four State Banks

Thailand's Cabinet cut fund contribution rates for four state banks from 0.25% to 0.0625% annually starting January 2025, aiming to reduce their costs and enable greater lending support to struggling borrowers and small businesses facing ec

7 Jul Khaosod

The Cabinet has approved a Finance Ministry announcement to reduce fund contribution rates for four specialized financial institutions: the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), Government Savings Bank, Bank for Housing and Urban Development (BHUD), and Islamic Bank of Thailand for the 2025 fiscal year.

The contribution rate will be reduced from the previous 0.25% annually to 0.0625% annually on deposits received from the public, effective from January 1 to December 31, 2025, with contributions divided into two installments of 0.03125% each. This reduction is intended to lower the cost burden on specialized financial institutions and enable them to provide meaningful assistance to borrowers.

Government spokesman Lalida Persivivatana stated that this measure aligns with Thailand's volatile economic conditions, which face challenges from global trade policies, geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, and Middle Eastern conflicts. Many borrowers at these institutions are grassroots individuals, vulnerable groups, small business owners, and microenterprises facing liquidity risks and debt repayment challenges.

The government expects these financial institutions to use the reduced costs to support debtor assistance programs, debt restructuring, and new credit facilities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with potential, thereby improving economic liquidity. The government will closely monitor implementation to ensure aid reaches people effectively without undermining financial discipline or encouraging unnecessary debt default.

"The government is leveraging specialized financial institutions as tools to support grassroots communities, reduce financial burdens, help borrowers stabilize and recover, and support credit for entrepreneurs with potential, enabling the economy to move forward with stability and fairness," Lalida stated.

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Regional

Coconut Farmers Demand FDA Explanation on Frozen Coconut Milk Imports

Over 300 coconut farmers from Prachuap Khiri Khan protested on July 7, demanding the FDA explain its approval of frozen coconut milk imports, which they claim are depressing domestic prices. The farmers have yet to receive written responses

7 Jul Khaosod

Over 300 angry coconut farmers from Prachuap Khiri Khan stormed Bang Saphan District on July 7, 2025, demanding that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explain its approval of frozen coconut milk and coconut cream imports. Network leader Pongsak Bunrak and farmers arrived with sound-equipped pickup trucks to submit a letter to Bang Saphan District Chief Manit Vongjinda, requesting coordination with relevant agencies.

The farmers specifically called on the FDA to provide clarification about approvals for importing frozen coconut milk and ready-to-drink coconut cream, which they believe are major factors driving down domestic coconut prices. The coconut farmer network had previously submitted a request through the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Health Office on May 27, 2025, asking for import approval criteria, procedures, and historical import statistics for frozen and processed coconut milk from 2023-2025. However, they have yet to receive a written response. The provincial health office sent an urgent letter to the FDA on June 9, 2025, requesting factual clarification following complaints from affected coconut farmers.

Without an official response, the farmer network submitted a letter to the district chief requesting that FDA Secretary-General Supattra Bunserm visit the area by July 14, 2025, to directly address farmers on five key points: approval criteria for coconut milk imports; authorization standards for importers; why imported products don't clearly indicate raw material origin; impact calculations on domestic coconut quotas; and protection measures for Thai farmers.

The network reiterated seven earlier proposals submitted to the Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister and Commerce Minister on March 24, 2025: suspending all coconut and coconut product imports until large coconuts reach at least 18 baht per fruit and dried coconut reaches at least 35 baht per kilogram. They also called for releasing import data, establishing a national coconut committee with farmer representatives, converting imported coconut products to equivalent whole coconut units before approval, requiring clear raw material origin labels, and restricting processing outside AFTA and WTO frameworks. The network scheduled another gathering for July 14, 2025, at Bang Saphan District Hall to await responses.

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Community

Actress Khwan Denies Romance Rumors, Opens Door To Dating

Actress Khwan Usamanee denied dating Buddhist teacher Ajarn Beer at a July 7 event, calling him an older brother figure while revealing she's open to romance with someone successful and impressive.

7 Jul Khaosod

Actress Khwan Usamanee addressed swirling romance rumors at the Thaimart marketplace platform launch event on July 7 at the Sirinimit National Convention Center. Fans have been intensely speculating about her closeness with Ajarn Beer, a Buddhist teacher known for his reformative work.

Khwan firmly stated that she and Ajarn Beer share only a platonic, sibling-like bond rooted in mutual respect. "He's like an older brother and a role model to me," she explained, dismissing pregnancy rumors by clarifying that her recent hospital visits were for allergy treatment and wellness care, not obstetric reasons.

The actress revealed she's now ready for romance. "I want to have a boyfriend. Anyone interested can try, but they need to win my heart," she said with a smile. When asked if Ajarn Beer could be that person, she joked that she calls him "Older Brother Turtle" because of his resemblance to a character from a Thai drama.

Regarding her hospital visits, Khwan explained she was undergoing wellness and anti-aging treatments due to allergies and work stress, not prenatal care. She expressed openness to pursuing a relationship but noted she's been too busy with work to check dating messages.

When asked what qualities attract her, Khwan said she appreciates capable, successful men with good mindsets and strong performance records who've built something themselves. "I haven't found anyone impressive yet—everyone's the same level," she remarked.

Asked if she could now be "sold" to the right suitor, Khwan laughed: "You can try to woo me. My mom's given her blessing. Keep trying—win my heart, and that's all that matters."

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