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Phuket– Authorities in Phuket have intensified efforts to regulate the island’s jet ski industry, targeting unlicensed operators and nominee businesses in a sweeping enforcement campaign. On Saturday (July 25th), Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom assigned Deputy Governor Romdon Hayiawa to lead the operation, joined by Adul Raluekmul, Director of the Phuket Regional Marine Office, Teerapong Phannak, Senior […] Phuket Launches Crackdown on Illegal Jet Ski Operators and Nominee Businesses -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

Thailand's state power utility Egat organized a grand celebration titled "74 Years: Threads of Love from Mother to Child" to honor His Majesty's 74th birthday on July 28, 2025, at Vachiralongkorn Dam in Kanchanaburi province. Air Chief Marshal Cholit Phukphaisuk, a royal advisor, officially opened the ceremony with Kanchanaburi Governor Waristha Songwan Sermsri, Egat Governor Narintr Pao Vanich, and local officials and residents in attendance.

The celebration, themed "Threads of Love," conveyed the concept of love, bonds, and compassion passed from mother to child, woven into royal aspirations that benefit the nation and Thai people. Contemporary Thai dance performances inspired by traditional Khon art portrayed stories of love, care, and the passing of royal ideals from the late Queen Sirikit to His Majesty. The program also featured fireworks and a spectacular 200-drone light display illustrating the connection between the monarchy and Thai citizens, reflecting royal compassion, dedication, and gratitude.

Additional activities included awards for ten outstanding mothers from Thong Pha Phumi District, community product stalls around the dam, and performances by renowned artists. An exhibition at the Palubplalong building showcased the life and royal accomplishments of Queen Sirikit, highlighting her dedication to improving the lives of the poor and rural communities, her commitment to forest conservation—inspired by the late King's words "I am water; you are the forest"—and her legacy of duty and service, which she instilled in His Majesty and passed to Princess Bajrakitiyabha.

Violence in Thailand's Deep South has intensified after militants launched an attack on a checkpoint in Tanongmass subdistrict, Rangae district, Narathiwat province, killing five ranger officers. Public sentiment, particularly on social media, has been filled with anger and demands to eradicate the southern insurgents completely. Army leadership, including the army chief of staff, appeared to understand this public mood well and announced plans to hunt down those responsible to the far corners of the earth, searching every village and forest area. This pledge to pursue and eliminate the militants resonated with many Thais. However, Defense Minister General Udomdej Bunjaicharoen subsequently objected to the language of "hunting," emphasizing that this should not be called a hunt because it is a problem of Thai citizens with differing views who should engage in dialogue, noting that a peace committee already exists. This cautious approach frustrated those who wanted to see the military launch an aggressive campaign against the insurgents, leading to widespread social media criticism. The general's position reflected a strategic understanding that heavy-handed crackdowns have proven ineffective over many years because southern insurgents are deeply embedded within Thai communities in the three southern provinces, and the root causes stem from disputes between the central government and locals with distinct ethnic and religious identities. Every military operation tends to harm innocent civilians, creating grievances that ultimately strengthen the militants' ranks. The principle that politics must guide military action—and that dialogue should lead suppression efforts—has been proven globally and was successfully applied when Thailand defeated the communist insurgency in 1975 under General Prem Tinsulanonda. Therefore, General Udomdej's position on the southern conflict is strategically sound, though it may not satisfy those eager to see aggressive military action. Ultimately, in any internal conflict, the more the state crushes the insurgency, the larger it grows. The general speaks correctly, but his words may not satisfy the public appetite for decisive military force.

At 4:05 p.m. on July 25, 2569, police from Nakhon Ratchasima City Station and rescue workers from the Sawang Metatham Foundation responded to a four-vehicle collision at the intersection near Nakhon Ratchasima Kindergarten School on Ratchasima–Chokchai Road. A Mazda pickup truck hit a red Honda PCX motorcycle from behind while it was stopped at a red light near Phon Laan intersection, causing the bike to fall. The driver, Lt. Anant, 66, a retired civil servant, sustained severe injuries and lost consciousness. Rescuers provided first aid before transporting him to Maha Rajpruek Hospital.

Anant, 29, the motorcycle owner, reported that after the truck hit his bike, he tried to follow and signal the driver to stop near a police CCTV camera, but the pickup sped away. The truck then collided violently with vehicles waiting at a red light near the kindergarten school, causing a four-vehicle pileup with no apparent braking.

Anuvattha, 36, owner of a black Honda HR-V that was hit, said the pickup struck his car hard with no sign of braking or deceleration, forcing his vehicle into the car ahead and injuring his face. Police documented the damage, collected witness statements, and are reviewing CCTV footage to determine the cause and pursue legal action.

Ambassador Zhang Jianwei presented three key expectations for advancing economic and trade cooperation between Thailand and China. First, both nations should share new opportunities emerging from China's high-quality development, leveraging China's large market, complete industrial chain, and ongoing advances in green economy, digital economy, and smart technology to benefit Thai entrepreneurs globally. Second, the ambassador highlighted the recent official visit by Prime Minister Anutin Chaivirakul to China, where both leaders reached important consensus on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across all dimensions. President Xi Jinping emphasized China's long-standing commitment to developing ties with Thailand and positioned China as a trustworthy strategic partner, urging acceleration of the Thailand-China railway project, integration with the China-Laos-Thailand rail network, and expansion into new sectors including artificial intelligence, aviation and aerospace, and clean energy. Thai PM Anutin affirmed Thailand's sustained commitment to deepening relations with China, promoting high-level exchanges, and broadening practical cooperation in trade, investment, advanced technology, and infrastructure connectivity to advance their strategic partnership comprehensively. Third, Ambassador Zhang stressed that the consensus reached by both leaders represents a crucial direction for building a Thailand-China community with a shared future in a new era, and serves as a strategic framework for expanding bilateral trade and investment cooperation. The Thailand-China Cooperation Expo 2026 thus occurs at an opportune moment as a concrete action to translate this consensus into tangible results.

Chakravarti Police apprehended 28-year-old Kittiphoom on July 25, 2569 (2026) following an arrest warrant issued by Bangkok Southern Criminal Court on July 24. Officers arrested him at a residence in Soi Pibarnon, Moo 3, Kukhot Subdistrict, Lam Luka District, Pathum Thani Province on the afternoon of July 24.

The investigation began after police received reports of motorcycle theft in the area. Using CCTV footage, investigators identified Kittiphoom as the suspect and obtained an arrest warrant. He was located hiding in Pathum Thani province and taken into custody.

During questioning, Kittiphoom, who works as a motorcycle rider, confessed that he stole a Honda PCX motorcycle identical to his own because his mother had scolded him and refused to pay five overdue installment payments on his vehicle. He then abandoned the stolen bike to allow the finance company to repossess it. Police charged him with nighttime theft using a vehicle to facilitate the crime, with the case proceeding under applicable law.