PHUKET: Patong lifeguards are urging beachgoers not to let clear skies create a false sense of security, warning that dangerous rip currents remain a serious threat throughout the southwest monsoon season.
PHUKET: Patong lifeguards are urging beachgoers not to let clear skies create a false sense of security, warning that dangerous rip currents remain a serious threat throughout the southwest monsoon season.
The Cabinet approved Rapeephat Chantharisrivongse as the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, replacing the outgoing official.
At 12:30 p.m. on July 21, 2569, Agriculture Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit announced following a cabinet meeting that the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives had proposed appointing a new permanent secretary: Rapeephat Chantharisrivongse, director-general of the Department of Agricultural Extension. Suriya confirmed the appointment was made after consultation with ministry executives and complies with civil service regulations, which stipulate that an outgoing permanent secretary should not nominate a replacement. The appointment was recommended by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Niltapreephand, legal affairs division, with the cabinet set to consider department-level administrator appointments on July 27. Suriya stated that Rapeephat is the most senior candidate and has strong credentials, with experience in agricultural development and proven ability to elevate farmers' livelihoods through scientific knowledge. Current and incoming permanent secretaries have already coordinated on the transition plan, ensuring that the list presented to the cabinet next week will remain unchanged. Suriya emphasized that appointing department directors is the permanent secretary's authority, in which he has no involvement.
Thai pageant queen Aay Kanyalak Nookaew is representing Thailand at Miss Supranational 2026 in Poland, wearing a striking Thai silk dress featuring Yala artwork to showcase regional culture on the global stage.
Thai pageant queen Aay Kanyalak Nookaew continues to turn heads at Miss Supranational 2026 in Poland by showcasing Thai silk art on the global stage. The Thai representative has been generating buzz with her elegant appearances and is now preparing intensively for the competition.
Aay recently appeared in a striking look wearing a Thai silk dress that beautifully tells the story of Thai art and local identity. The outfit was inspired by paintings from Associate Professor Nicaleh Radenahmad, a Southern Thai artist whose works reflect the beauty of regional life and culture. The dress was tailored by SAKIYA, a brand that printed the artistic designs onto fabric using safe, non-toxic dyes before crafting a uniquely designed ensemble. The patterns on the shirt and skirt vividly depict "The Flowers of Yala," creating an elegant and vibrant presentation.
Aay collaborated with SAKIYA on the runway previously and has brought the dress back to wear again on the international stage. This is far more than a fashion statement—it represents Thai talent, Thai art, and stories from Thai communities reaching audiences worldwide. The presentation demonstrates that Thailand's beauty extends beyond traditional Thai silk to encompass art, culture, wisdom, and stories from every region that can shine elegantly on the world stage. Special thanks to SAKIYA for championing Thai art and silk as soft power for Thailand on the global platform.
Thailand is rallying behind Aay Kanyalak Nookaew as she competes in the 17th Miss Supranational pageant, with the finals scheduled for July 31, 2026, in Poland.
A cardiologist shares 10 often-overlooked warning signs of heart attack, including throat tightness, unusual fatigue, and sweating, since cardiac symptoms don't always present as classic chest pain.
Dr. Akanis Srisukwattana, a sports cardiologist and internist specializing in cardiovascular disease, has posted an educational guide on Facebook outlining 10 critical warning signs of cardiac ischemia that everyone should know. Heart disease doesn't always present as textbook chest pain radiating to the left shoulder; symptoms can be subtle, leading people to misdiagnose them as acid reflux, ordinary fatigue, or stress.
Key warning signs include: tightness, heaviness, squeezing, or pressure in the chest (not necessarily pain) that may radiate to the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back; throat tightness or burning sensations resembling acid reflux; unusual or worsening fatigue compared to baseline; symptoms triggered by exertion that improve with rest; sweating, nausea, or dizziness accompanying chest symptoms; symptoms occurring at rest or becoming more frequent and severe; and the fact that even fit athletes with good cardiovascular fitness can have blocked coronary arteries. Dr. Akanis warns against jumping to alternative diagnoses like muscle inflammation or anxiety without proper evaluation, notes that initial electrocardiograms and blood tests may be normal (especially if done too early), and emphasizes assessing both symptoms and individual risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, hypertension, or family history. He stresses that when in doubt, diagnostic testing should be thorough and conclusive, and that seeking a second opinion from another physician is always acceptable and encouraged, as human error—even among doctors—can occur. Early misdiagnosis of heart disease can be fatal.
A 75-year-old woman died after a pickup truck collided with her motorcycle in Phetchabun Province on July 21, 2026, when the motorcycle suddenly cut in front of the vehicle near a rural bank branch.
On July 21, 2026, investigator Tuladhorn Diseang of Nong Phai Police Station in Nong Phai District, Phetchabun Province, received a report of a vehicle collision between a pickup truck and a motorcycle in front of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives at Tha Daeng branch on the old Phetchabun-Wichian Buri Road. One person was declared dead at the scene. At the accident location, police found a blue and white Honda Wave motorcycle with minor damage. Nearby, they discovered 75-year-old Bua (surname withheld) who was dead, and 72-year-old Mong (surname withheld) who was injured and taken to Nong Phai Hospital. A white Isuzu pickup truck driven by 70-year-old Mok (surname withheld) was found with minor damage to the left headlight.
Initial investigation revealed that Mong was riding the motorcycle with Bua as a passenger to appeal for a state welfare card at the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives' Tha Daeng branch. As they were riding along the road, the pickup truck was following behind. When approaching the bank, the motorcycle cut in front of the vehicle, causing a collision that knocked them down. Bua struck her head on the road and died at the scene. Police will continue investigating the true cause of the accident.
Prime Minister Anuthin has ordered a review of welfare card eligibility criteria, with plans to expand appeal services to transport and district offices while exempting older vehicles from disqualifying factors.
On July 21, Transport Deputy Minister Siripong Angsakulkiattikul announced that Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul has instructed relevant agencies to streamline the welfare card appeals process. The government will expand appeal service locations beyond existing channels at Krung Thai Bank and Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to include transport offices and district offices, with mobile district units eventually serving village halls for maximum convenience.
The Transport Ministry has ordered the Department of Land Transport to revise vehicle ownership criteria, exempting old vehicles and waiving inspection fees. Cars over 20 years old and motorcycles over 15 years old will not count as disqualifying factors, while residents may own up to two motorcycles even if under installment plans. The government will establish verification processes to address cases of unused vehicles still listed in the system and illegitimate vehicle transfers.
The Finance Ministry requested a delay to fully review the PM's directives before the cabinet meeting next week. The government urged the public not to believe rumors about August 1 or October 1 deadlines and to await official cabinet resolutions. Officials emphasized the re-registration is necessary as data has not been updated in 3-4 years, with over 2 million additional people now qualifying for benefits while some wealthy individuals need to be removed for fairness.
Actress Khoi Ratchawin defended her family's move to Phuket as a joint decision with husband Toon, clarifying that recent emotional interview remarks were misinterpreted as suggesting she was forced to sacrifice her career.
Khoi Ratchawin, a mother of two, clarified her decision to relocate to Phuket with her family during an appearance at the film premiere for "Dear Friend, Secret Love" at CentralWorld on July 20. Her earlier interview on the talk show "Muang Baan Ngan" hosted by Ja Yassinee had drawn criticism from netizens who interpreted her emotional remarks as reflecting personal sacrifice and lost identity. Khoi firmly denied ever being forced by her husband Toon Bodyslam to abandon her career or make one-sided sacrifices, stating the move was a mutual decision made before marriage to allow their children to grow up surrounded by nature.
Khoi acknowledged that while motherhood sometimes brings fatigue and frustration with her husband, she remains convinced the Phuket move was correct and is grateful for his vision in planning their family's future. She explained that her emotional comments during the interview were simply a candid moment between two women talking, not meant to convey a sense of forced compromise. Responding to suggestions the decision caused personal regret, Khoi emphasized that parenthood inherently involves sacrifice from both partners—her husband works away from home and sacrifices time with their children, while she chose to stay home full-time.
Khoi stressed that her earlier hesitation was merely a temporary emotional moment, characteristic of hormonal fluctuations that all mothers experience. Ultimately, she expressed gratitude for her husband's decision to move them to Phuket, asserting she chose this path and remains happy with it. She noted that before their marriage, her husband had already purchased land and discussed his vision of relocating there, so she entered marriage knowing this was his long-term plan. "In the end, we chose this together," she said. "He didn't force me. We love each other and want to build a family together. Whether it brings hardship or happiness, wherever we go, even if it weren't Phuket, I would follow."
Kasem Bundit University and Thailand's Esports Association have partnered to develop university-level esports standards through sports science integration, offering students competition opportunities and career pathways in the growing indus
Kasem Bundit University and the Esports Association of Thailand have signed an academic cooperation agreement on sports science to elevate university-level esports standards. Rector Dr. Wallop Suwannadi and Esports Association chairman Santi Lohtong signed the memorandum at The Stage on July 21. Dr. Suwannadi stated that the university is committed to developing esports alongside academic education, emphasizing knowledge creation, student development, and integration of sports science, technology, and innovation to prepare youth for quality careers in esports. The partnership will provide competition opportunities at university, national, and international levels.
Santi Lohtong said the cooperation will establish standardized systems for developing quality esports athletes and personnel, linking education and sports practically while opening pathways for students to compete nationally and internationally. Beyond competitions, the partnership will focus on curriculum development, staff training, research, and application of modern sports science and technology to build quality esports professionals and support industry growth. Both organizations will implement esports projects and activities throughout the academic year to promote learning, skill development, and university-level competitions.
Thailand's public health sector is developing AI technology to screen stroke risk using advanced pulse and blood vessel sensors, aiming to identify at-risk patients early and reduce the country's high stroke mortality rates. The Department
The Department of Medical Sciences under the Ministry of Public Health has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Office of the National Science, Research and Innovation Committee (NSRIC) and SKAI MED Co. Ltd. to drive a research and development project on artificial intelligence-based public stroke risk screening technology using new pulse and blood vessel analysis sensors. This collaboration integrates medical knowledge, research, and technological innovation, focusing on creating high-precision, easy-to-use screening tools with broad public accessibility that will serve as a key mechanism to reduce stroke incidence and complications in Thailand while supporting the real-world application of technology in the public health system for improved health outcomes.
Dr. Nattapong Vongwiwat, director-general of the Department of Medical Sciences, stated that this collaboration represents a significant step in applying artificial intelligence technology to the public health system to proactively address stroke, a leading cause of death and disability in Thailand. The focus is on pre-stroke screening to identify at-risk individuals before disease onset, using AI to enhance early-stage risk screening efficiency and enable faster, more accurate treatment access, ultimately reducing health, quality-of-life, and long-term economic losses.
The project's core objective is to build a reliable clinical database, with the Department of Medical Sciences taking the lead in clinical operations and coordinating Doppler Ultrasound assessments—the gold standard for blood vessel evaluation—while working with neurology specialists to create a Clinical Reference Dataset for training AI algorithms to achieve high accuracy tailored to the Thai population's physiological characteristics.
Beyond technical development, the Department of Medical Sciences emphasizes oversight and safety standards by closely coordinating with the Thai FDA to regulate AI software-based medical device standards and registration, ensuring this technology is applied safely and effectively within Thailand's public health system and sets new standards for future healthcare.
Professor Dr. Sompoung Khlaiyhaang, director of the Office of the National Science, Research and Innovation Committee (NSRC), discussed strategic support roles, noting that NSRC is ready to serve as a key mechanism for advancing the country's science, research, and innovation policies by focusing on connecting research networks, funding sources, and relevant agencies into a unified system. NSRC's key role in this collaboration includes...
Phaopanji Chobnam has been appointed secretary-general of the Office of the Court of Justice, taking over from Theerathay Charoenvorakul effective October 1, 2024. The appointment was approved by the Judicial Commission following a Supreme
The Judicial Commission of the Court of Justice has approved the appointment of Phaopanji Chobnam, deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Court of Justice, as the new secretary-general, replacing Theerathay Charoenvorakul who is being transferred back to judicial service, effective October 1, 2024. On July 20, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., Adisak Tantiwongse, president of the Supreme Court, chaired the 19th meeting of the Judicial Commission of the Court of Justice. The meeting reviewed and approved personnel transfers effective October 1, 2024. Phaopanji holds a bachelor's degree in law with second-class honors from Thammasat University and a master's degree in law from the same institution, along with a Thai legal certificate. He has previously served as deputy secretary to the Court of Appeal, presiding judge of Buriram Provincial Court, presiding judge of Kanchanaburi Provincial Court, presiding judge of the Criminal Division, deputy secretary-general to the Supreme Court President, and deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Court of Justice. Phaopanji has completed several advanced training programs, including the 8th E-Government Course for Senior Executives, the 30th Advanced Justice Administration Course, the 12th Advanced Budget Administration Course, and the 2nd Cybersecurity Certificate Program for Senior Executives.
PT Prachuap FC has signed 35-year-old former England international Andros Townsend, with club president Nai Keaw securing the deal in under a week. The experienced forward will join the provincial club's training camp by late July.
Coach Teeya Sasom, head coach of PT Prachuap FC, has confirmed that the club has successfully signed Andros Townsend, the 35-year-old former English national team forward. Speaking to the B Bangpakong page, Coach Teeya described the deal as quite surprising, noting that PT Prachuap is not typically a major club that would attract a player of Townsend's caliber. He credited club president Nai Keaw Songkitti Limmarunaraks, whose negotiations with Townsend's agent resulted in the deal closing in less than a week.
"We believe that the arrival of this legendary former Thai Lion player will elevate our team's standard and generate excitement among football fans in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. His experience will greatly benefit our young players. From what we know, Andros is a true professional who always gives his all to his club. A player like that won't disappoint the fans no matter where he plays."
Regarding the contract details, Coach Teeya said he was not privy to those discussions, as they were handled entirely by the club president, though he believes the terms are reasonable given that Townsend is eager to continue playing in the Thai league. Townsend has just completed his duties as a commentator for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is scheduled to return to Thailand to join PT Prachuap's training camp by July 25.