PHUKET: Phuket officials have reported finding eight “cases” in the latest phase of the ongoing campaign against illegal jet-ski operations, but have released few details about what was actually uncovered.
PHUKET: Phuket officials have reported finding eight “cases” in the latest phase of the ongoing campaign against illegal jet-ski operations, but have released few details about what was actually uncovered.
Denmark's electric vehicle market surged to nearly 80% of new car sales in early 2025, prompting Thailand's trade promotion agency to push Thai automotive component manufacturers and clean energy firms to capitalize on expanding Nordic expo
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) reports that Denmark's electric vehicle (EV) market is growing steadily, with nearly 80% of newly registered cars in the first half of 2025 being EVs, opening significant opportunities for Thai manufacturers to export automotive components and electronics while expanding cooperation in clean energy, charging technology, and smart software systems.
On July 27, 2025, Sunanta Kangwalkulgij, director-general of the DITP under the Ministry of Commerce, announced that she has instructed commercial attachés stationed worldwide to accelerate the expansion of Thai products and services in line with Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthammapun's policy. The ministry recently received a market assessment report from Nichaporn Wannaphruk, director of the Trade Promotion Office in Copenhagen, Denmark, detailing the EV market opportunity and prospects for exporting automotive components and partnering in clean energy services, charging technology, and intelligent software systems.
According to the commercial attaché's findings, Denmark is clearly entering an era of energy and transportation transformation. Data from Mobility Denmark shows that in the first half of 2025, 79.9% of newly registered vehicles in Denmark—nearly four out of every five cars—were electric vehicles, reflecting significant changes in consumer behavior and Denmark's success in advancing its greenhouse gas reduction targets and green transition policy.
During January–June 2025, Denmark recorded total new car sales of 101,032 vehicles, a 12.9% increase compared to the same period last year, while EV sales surged by 41.2% compared to the first half of 2024, demonstrating that the EV market has become a crucial driver of the nation's automotive industry.
Mobility Denmark executives emphasized that EV growth is vital to achieving Denmark's long-term climate goals. Consumer adoption of EVs has been fueled by multiple factors, including rising fuel prices driven by Middle Eastern tensions, particularly between Iran and the United States, which has increased operating costs for gasoline and diesel vehicles. This has prompted many consumers to view electric vehicles as a more economical long-term option. Competition among automakers' financing offers and favorable credit terms have also become key purchase decision factors.
The most popular EV models in Denmark this year include the Skoda Elroq with over 5,065 registrations, followed by the Toyota bZ4X and Tesla Model Y. Notably, all ten best-selling vehicles in the first half of 2025 were electric, reflecting Denmark's automotive market reaching a critical turning point where EVs have become the new consumer standard rather than a mere alternative. This trend mirrors broader developments across Nordic countries, which prioritize reducing fossil fuel dependence, supporting clean technology, and promoting sustainable consumer behavior aligned with sustainability policies. Demand for electric vehicles and related technologies is expected to continue rising.
XPeng has partnered with TVS SCS Logistics to nearly triple its parts warehouse capacity in Thailand, expanding from 1,000 to 3,000 square meters to support faster repairs and better after-sales service as the EV maker ramps up operations.
XPeng has joined forces with TVS SCS Logistics Management to expand its strategic parts storage facility and elevate after-sales service quality in preparation for electric vehicle growth. Vivat Kijkrua, XPeng Thailand's after-sales director, stated that the partnership agreement with the supply chain management leader marks an important milestone in building long-term customer confidence through efficient parts warehouse management and handling systems. The collaboration supports the company's vision of building trust before growth, with after-sales service recognized as a lifelong customer experience.
The partnership operates under three pillars of Aftersales Excellence to deliver superior service and optimal customer experience: Space expands parts storage area for greater efficiency and capacity across all electric vehicle component dimensions; SKU increases the number of stored parts inventory to cover all current XPeng models and accommodate future vehicle launches; and Speed improves delivery velocity of parts to dealers and business partners nationwide with precision and responsiveness.
XPeng Thailand has simultaneously established after-sales service foundations to standardize service quality nationwide and support long-term brand growth, meeting modern consumers' expectations for after-sales care alongside performance and AI technology, including:
PDI Center emphasizes quality from the start before customer delivery through comprehensive Pre-Delivery Inspection covering electrical systems, batteries, software, ADAS, charging systems, and interior and exterior vehicle quality to ensure customers receive fully prepared vehicles from day one.
Parts Warehouse, the heart of after-sales service, has expanded storage space nearly threefold from 1,000 to 3,000 square meters and increased SKU inventory from approximately 2,000 to over 6,000 items, aiming not just to stock more parts but to reduce repair time and get customers back on the road faster.
Body & Paint Center develops repair standards specifically for electric vehicles. XPeng Thailand partnered with MMS Body & Paint to create a paint and body shop designed exclusively for electric vehicles, equipped with specialized tools, work areas supporting high-voltage battery systems, and technicians trained to XPeng standards, with all procedures meeting manufacturer specifications to ensure quality and safety confidence.
Technical Training recognizes personnel as the heart of service. XPeng, an AI and innovation-driven brand, prioritizes developing technician and consultant skills as a core service pillar.
Deputy PM Pipat Ratchakitprakarn denied coalition tensions Tuesday, blaming unnamed sources for spreading discord rumors and announcing a joint public appearance with the party's political mentor in Nakhon Si Thammarat on July 31 to demonst
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, speaking as a Bhumjaithai Party leader on July 27 at Government House, addressed recent rumors of disagreement between two senior coalition figures. He said there were attempts to create division by someone unknown, but insisted that meetings occur every week before cabinet sessions and parliamentary joint sessions. He urged the public not to worry about himself, the Prime Minister, or party leadership, calling them a unified political party and attributing the discord narrative to ill-wishers.
When asked if the conflict could destabilize the government, Pipat said he was unsure due to involvement of other coalition partners, but confirmed no problems within Bhumjaithai itself. He noted rumors of discrediting between the two figures had circulated for 2–3 days. To counter this narrative, Pipat and the party's political mentor will make merit together in Nakhon Si Thammarat on July 31, and attend a friendly football match between Buriram and Pattani provinces on August 1—which Pipat presented as factual evidence of their cooperation.
Pipat said he did not know the source of the attacks, noting that most come from avatar accounts of unknown origin and are difficult to trace. He has reported the matter to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the Technology Crime Investigation Division. When asked about the party's respected political mentor and whether attacks could shake government stability, Pipat explained that the mentor gathers information and offers political advice to new ministers, as politics is complex and requires expert guidance. He said he and the mentor had not yet spoken directly, only by phone, and would meet this evening.
Asked whether the mentor advised on allegations that several Bhumjaithai leaders were linked to a parliamentary scandal, Pipat said his name had not appeared before but does now, leaving him confused. He denied any involvement and noted that allegations about his daughter, a company employee with no political role, were unfounded. He said he would consult legal advisors about possible action and called for more careful speech: "When you speak, you should filter your words. Don't say whatever comes to mind or whatever someone whispers to you, because that causes damage. I can bear criticism since I hold a position that must, but words should be chosen wisely."
Police are hunting a white Honda City sedan linked to a drug smuggling case involving a 28-year-old Thai woman arrested at Fukuoka Airport in Japan with methamphetamine hidden in coffee packets.
At 10:00 a.m. on July 27, 2025, Thanasak (surname withheld), 53, father of Ms. Chutathip (surname withheld), 28, a defendant in a methamphetamine smuggling case arrested at Fukuoka Airport in Japan, came to give an additional statement to investigators at Bangbuathong Police Station.
After his daughter lost all contact during her trip to Japan, the family received notice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that she had been arrested by Japanese police on drug charges. The father insists his daughter has no criminal history and believes she fell victim to a drug smuggling gang.
Thanasak explained that the incident occurred after his daughter left the country on July 10. On July 22, the family received notification that she had been detained by Japanese authorities after methamphetamine was found hidden inside a parcel labeled as coffee packets. Since then, the family has been unable to contact her or receive further information from consular officials.
Previously, his daughter had worked buying secondhand goods and took jobs as a courier between Thailand and Japan for over a year, finding work through online groups. She had always been checked before boarding. However, this time the package she received was supposedly pre-sealed coffee, preventing her from opening it to inspect contents. The father believes she was tricked into becoming a drug mule without knowing.
The father expressed deep concern for his daughter's wellbeing and safety, having been unable to contact anyone. He filed a report with Bangbuathong Police Station for assistance in coordinating with Japanese authorities. During the interview, Thanasak became dizzy and had to stop the questioning to provide additional information to police officers.
Investigators have obtained crucial CCTV footage showing a white Honda City sedan with Bangkok license plates entering the woman's neighborhood on July 10 at approximately 21:11 and leaving at 21:23—about 20 minutes. Authorities suspect this vehicle delivered the methamphetamine and are accelerating their search for it.
Thai police dismantled a fraud ring operating disguised as dried fruit shops in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, where staff used hidden card readers to skim data from 1,200 Chinese tourists' UnionPay cards, causing losses of nearly 29 million baht.
On July 27, 2025, Thai police announced the successful takedown of Operation Card Shield, a major credit card fraud network targeting Chinese tourists. The gang operated three dried fruit shops in Chiang Mai and Bangkok as fronts while skimming customer card data through hidden readers installed at checkout counters. Over 1,200 Chinese visitors fell victim to the scheme, suffering combined losses of around 29 million baht (6 million yuan).
Police identified four key suspects: Chao Ji (42, Chinese national), Salini (33, Thai), Chittra (32, Thai), and Theeraphut (32, Thai), who jointly registered and operated the businesses. Investigators discovered that shop staff were instructed to swipe UnionPay cards twice—first through hidden card readers at the point of sale to capture data, then through standard payment terminals. Staff deceived customers by claiming the first swipe activated a 32% promotional discount. During raids on six locations on July 22, authorities seized 11 magnetic card readers, 3 EDC machines, 5 computers, 18 IP cameras with servers, and numerous other pieces of evidence.
Opposition lawmakers demanded the Digital Economy Ministry halt the 1.621 billion baht TH-AI Passport program, citing procurement irregularities, poor value compared to cheaper alternatives, and data sovereignty concerns.
On July 27, 2025, opposition legislator Kaladee Lieopairot, deputy leader of the Democrat Party, led a delegation to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to formally petition Digital Economy Minister Chaiyachok Chidchob to review, revise, or cancel the TH-AI Passport program, a 1.621 billion baht initiative designed to boost digital and artificial intelligence skills among Thai citizens.
Kaladee stated that she and her party seek sustainable and transparent innovation in Thailand and have raised five key concerns for the ministry to address. First, they cite doubts about procurement transparency and process irregularities, including abnormal haste in project approval and changes to critical terms during the interim government period, along with conditions that risk favoring specific contractors unfairly. Second, they argue the program offers poor value, noting that testing revealed the AI Pass system performs worse than free commercial alternatives, and that a similar project by another agency (OKMD) achieved comparable results with just 2.4 million baht, making the 1.621 billion baht investment wasteful and failing to create lasting innovation infrastructure.
Third, the opposition points to lack of transparency in the pay-per-use payment model, which lacks clear criteria for counting tokens and defining active users, risking overpayment and policy fraud without strict monitoring. Fourth, they argue the program violates its own terms of reference by sending user data abroad for processing on foreign servers, contradicting the requirement to store and process data within Thailand and threatening long-term data sovereignty. Fifth, they note the AI Pass system falls short of the pro or premium-tier capabilities mandated in the original specifications. The opposition maintains these concerns can be addressed through legal procurement procedures while prioritizing Thailand's public interest.
Security forces detained three residents in Pattani's Yarang district on July 27 for questioning at military facilities, with authorities pledging to follow legal procedures including audio and video recording of custody.
On July 27, the network of people affected by special laws (JASAD) reported that a large contingent of armed security personnel cordoned off and searched a residential area in Ban Tha Duan, Moo 3, Talakapor subdistrict, Yarang district, Pattani province. Three residents were detained: a 29-year-old identified as Sa, a 26-year-old identified as I, and a 42-year-old identified as Ma. Officers seized three mobile phones during the initial search before taking the detainees to Yarang Police Station.
Authorities then transferred the detainees to military facilities for further questioning. Sa and Ma were taken to the Forward Military Intelligence Interrogation Unit at Ingkhayut Camp, while I was transferred to the Special Operations Ranger Unit 43 interrogation center in Bongthong subdistrict, Nong Chik district, Pattani province.
Officials confirmed they are following proper legal procedures, particularly complying with the 2022 Torture Prevention and Suppression and Enforced Disappearance Act. Custody processes must be continuously audio and video recorded until detainees are handed to investigators, with notifications required to prosecutors and relevant authorities. The procedures aim to prevent enforced disappearances, torture, and human rights violations.
JASAD expressed hope that officials would treat detainees with respect for human dignity, protect their fundamental rights fairly and equally, and promptly return seized property if investigations later show no connection to criminal activity.
Settrade is opening Government Savings Bond subscriptions through 15 brokers via its Streaming app from August 3–5, with a minimum investment of 1,000 baht and interest rates up to 2.8% annually.
Settrade is opening subscriptions for Government Savings Bonds through its Streaming application across 15 securities firms from August 3–5, with a minimum investment of 1,000 baht. The platform fully supports the Bond Connect system, covering everything from subscription and small-lot-first allocation to future secondary trading, expanding public access to government bond investment.
On July 27, 2025, Amity Praphaphand, managing director of Settrade.com Limited, announced that the Streaming application is ready to open subscriptions for Government Savings Bonds through 15 brokers from August 3–5, 2025, with a minimum of 1,000 baht. Users simply navigate to the "More" menu and select "Bond." Settrade is one of the developers of the Bond Connect system, which provides end-to-end support for Government Savings Bond investment, from subscription through small-lot-first allocation to ensure all subscribers have equal and widespread access. Investors can check subscription status and allocation results via www.settrade.com, and the platform will eventually support secondary trading, allowing bonds and stocks to be held in a single portfolio and used as collateral for further investment.
The Government Savings Bonds are available for subscription through the Bond Connect system via 24 participating distributors from August 3 at 8:30 a.m. through August 5 at 3:00 p.m., with allocation on August 6, 2025. The total offering is 2 billion baht in two series: a 3-year term at 1.8% annual fixed interest, and a 10-year term at 2.8% annual fixed interest, with interest paid every three months. For more information, visit www.set.or.th/bond and www.setinvestnow.com/th/bond.
The 15 brokers offering Government Savings Bond subscriptions through Settrade Streaming are: Krungthai Securities, Kasikornbank Securities, Globlex, DAO Securities (Thailand), Beyond Securities, Land and House Securities, Asia Plus Securities, iRA Securities, Bualuang Securities, Tiscore Securities, KGI (Thailand), Invest EX, Yuan Ta (Thailand), CGS International (Thailand), and UOB Kay Hian (Thailand).
The Natural Resources Ministry held a ceremonial blessing for the King's birthday on July 27, with staff pledging loyalty and recommitting to public service under Minister Suchart Chomklin's leadership.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment organized a ceremony on July 27, 2569 at 08:30 to offer blessings to His Majesty on his birthday, July 28, while pledging to be good civil servants and support the nation. Minister Suchart Chomklin led executives, civil servants, and staff from the ministry in the ceremony, where they signed the royal pledge before the King's portrait. The minister opened traditional flower arrangements, paid respects, and led participants in offering good wishes and taking the civil service oath. All attendees, including those joining via video conference, sang hymns of praise and the national anthem at the ministry's Trideach conference room and signed their pledges of loyalty to demonstrate their devotion and gratitude to the Crown.
A 24-year-old man slapped a 4-year-old girl twice at a learning center in Phayao's riverside district on July 25, prompting her mother to file a police complaint and seek medical examination.
A 41-year-old mother filed a complaint with investigators at Muang Phayao Police Station after her 4-year-old daughter was slapped twice in the face by a 24-year-old man on July 25, 2569 (2026) at approximately 2:48 p.m. The incident occurred in the children's play zone on the first floor of a popular learning center building along Phayao's riverside.
According to the mother, she was comforting her crying child when the man suddenly walked up and struck the girl's face once. Staff members quickly intervened and ordered him away. However, the man returned moments later and slapped the child a second time before the mother raised her hand to shield her. She said he appeared ready to strike again two to three more times, prompting her to file a police report.
Investigator Lt. Col. Kittikorn Phala, Deputy Superintendent (Investigations) at Muang Phayao Police, accepted the complaint as evidence and arranged for the girl to receive a medical examination at Phayao Hospital. Doctors will assess her condition and provide findings to support the case file. The investigation is ongoing as police gather evidence and determine what charges to file against the suspect. The child's relatives claimed the man lost his temper due to the child's crying and the sound of his own dog, and apologized, but the mother decided to pursue legal action. She brought the child for a medical checkup today to provide documentation for the police investigation.