PM Announces Police Commission Meeting to Appoint 16th National Police Chief

Thailand's police commission will meet July 22 to select the country's next national police chief from four eligible deputy generals, with the appointment requiring royal approval.

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On July 13, 2025, it was reported that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will preside over a police commission meeting on July 22, 2025 at 1 p.m. in the Sriyanon conference room to appoint the 16th national police chief. The appointment process is governed by the 2022 Police Act and national police commission regulations, which mandate a merit-based system. Under Article 78(1), the prime minister selects candidates based on seniority, knowledge, competence, and particularly investigation and crime prevention experience. The commission must then recommend a candidate to the prime minister for royal approval under Article 77(1).

Four deputy chiefs are eligible: General Nirandon Luemsri with 21 years at senior rank, General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot with 23 years, General Samran Nualma with 15 years, and General Itthiphol Atchchariyapradit with 20 years. Generals Nirandon and Samran are the leading candidates by seniority, with retirement dates in 2028 and 2033 respectively. As of now, the prime minister has not signaled a preference among the four candidates. Before the formal meeting, current National Police Chief General Kittipat Pancharoen and all four deputy chiefs are expected to meet with the committee to discuss details and legal matters before the commission votes on the 16th police chief.

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Breaking

Beer Bar Owner Hospitalized After Returning to Rescue Customers

The owner of Ladprao Beer Bar remains hospitalized in ICU after returning inside during a late-night incident to help customers, collapsing from smoke inhalation before rescue workers extracted him.

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Influencer Gattiya provided an update on Phi Nai, the owner of Ladprao Beer Bar, following the incident that occurred late at night. According to Gattiya's livestream, "He got out once, then ran back in, grabbed a fire extinguisher and went back to help people. The owner is now in the ICU and hasn't been able to speak with anyone yet. He's still not out of danger. He did everything he could." Gattiya confirmed that the owner passed out inside the bar and was rescued by emergency responders. "He lost consciousness in the shop, rescue workers got him out. The owner is still alive and in the ICU. Please don't curse him," she said, adding she knows the owner personally. She described him as deeply devoted to his business and customers: "He's the sole owner, though there are business partners. He holds the largest share. He built this bar from the ground up. He was so dedicated he wouldn't even allow lighters inside." Gattiya shared old clips from the owner's birthday party at the bar, reminiscing about his kindness and care for others, noting how he would regularly organize concerts and events at the venue.

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National

Pruksa Eyes Custom Home Market Beyond Bangkok

Pruksa's custom home unit Plantery is expanding beyond Bangkok to tap the 140-billion-baht provincial market, targeting major cities like Chiang Mai and Chonburi with a focus on builder credibility and project guarantees rather than price a

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ICC, part of the Pruksa group, views the custom home construction market as having strong growth potential, especially among landowners in major provincial cities seeking quality homes on their own land. Plantery by Pruksa is positioning itself to capture the 140-billion-baht provincial custom home market, drawing on Pruksa's three decades of residential development expertise.

Piya Prayong, CEO of InnoHome Construction Limited (ICC), the service provider behind Plantery by Pruksa, notes that the custom home market continues to expand beyond Bangkok. Data from the Home Building Association shows the provincial custom home market is worth over 14 billion baht, representing about 77% of the national market, while Bangkok and its surrounding areas account for 23%. This reflects that opportunities are growing in economically significant provinces nationwide.

Top custom home construction areas by volume include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Samut Prakan, and Pathum Thani—all regions with economic potential, residential demand, and expanding urban populations. Plantery by Pruksa is expanding service centers to these major cities to serve customers seeking reliable builders with clear processes, quality oversight, and project completion guarantees.

"Today's custom home customers don't decide based solely on design or price," Piya explains. "They prioritize builder credibility, budget clarity, construction timelines, material quality, and delivery standards."

Landowners in major cities with available capital increasingly demand builders they can trust to complete projects professionally. Plantery by Pruksa applies Pruksa's 30 years of residential development experience as a one-stop service, helping customers plan confidently while reducing risks from budget overruns, delays, and construction quality issues.

The company positions itself as a comprehensive custom home service covering consultation, design, budgeting, construction planning, quality control, and handover. It offers over 100 house designs customizable to lifestyle, land size, and family needs. A key strength is operating show homes where customers can experience actual build quality, functionality, materials, and atmosphere firsthand.

Plantery by Pruksa is developing new home products to meet diverse customer needs, launching in Q3 this year. The focus emphasizes value, transparency, quality, and confidence over price competition alone.

The company has also partnered with Grand Home nationwide to offer special benefits to Grand Home members, including an additional 100,000-baht discount and free professional architectural layout planning, plus complimentary land surveys, making it easier and more affordable for landowners to begin building plans.

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National

Thai Businesses Embrace AI As Digital Readiness Grows

Thai businesses are increasingly adopting AI and strengthening cybersecurity as digital readiness grows, though small and medium enterprises still struggle with talent shortages and need government support to scale operations.

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As digital technology becomes central to economic growth, business operations, and daily life, the ability of entrepreneurs to adapt is crucial to national competitiveness. A survey by Thailand's National Digital Economy and Society Committee (BDE) examining digital readiness levels under the 2025 Thailand Digital Outlook initiative shows that Thai digital businesses are entering the digital economy era more tangibly. The survey demonstrates that Thai entrepreneurs have significantly increased their digital readiness, especially in AI adoption and cybersecurity infrastructure strengthening, reflecting the sector's shift toward the digital economy.

BDE Secretary-General Wetang Phuangsap stated that this year's survey results are "good news for Thailand" because Thai digital entrepreneurs have shown clear progress in digital readiness compared to the previous year, successfully advancing from the initial stage of digital transformation to a moderate readiness level.

AI and cybersecurity have emerged as two positive indicators for Thai businesses. Among 834 surveyed digital entrepreneurs, the average digital maturity level score was 2.12 out of 4 points—an increase of 0.56 points from the previous year, reflecting the sector's continuous adaptation.

AI has become the most popular advanced technology among Thai digital entrepreneurs at 21.18 percent adoption, the highest rate compared to other digital technologies like Blockchain (20.09 percent) and Big Data Analytics (19.88 percent). Notably, cybersecurity infrastructure readiness has shown significant improvement, which is a critical foundation for digital-era business operations.

"Thai companies are clearly using AI more when compared to the previous year," Wetang said, noting that the survey reflects the business sector's awakening to applying digital technology to improve efficiency and create new business opportunities.

SMEs Still Need Support in Talent and Skills

Despite the positive overall trend, the survey also revealed significant challenges for Thai digital entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Wetang noted that a recurring issue identified in surveys over several years is the "human resources" factor. Most SMEs lack sufficient resources and struggle to attract or retain AI and cybersecurity experts compared to larger organizations, requiring additional government support in knowledge, skills, and access to technology. Additionally, while AI usage has increased, most applications remain in experimental or pilot project phases rather than full-scale business implementation, presenting an important opportunity for Thailand to accelerate development.

BDE's Role in Creating Digital Opportunities for All Sectors

As the agency overseeing the country's digital policy, BDE is not limited to data collection and situation assessment but also serves to promote digital technology access across the public, business, and government sectors.

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National

Thailand Tightens Rules on Construction Contractors for State Projects

Thailand's Finance Ministry has tightened procurement rules for state construction projects, introducing penalties including suspension, rank demotion, and delisting for contractors who breach contracts or fail engineering standards. The re

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The Comptroller General's Department has revised procurement regulations to screen construction contractors serving the public sector with new penalties including rank demotion and delisting. Director Patricia Mongkolvanic revealed that the Finance Ministry has issued a regulation on public procurement and state asset management (Version 3, B.E. 2569) to assess the performance and capability of construction contractors working on government projects while establishing penalties for those who breach contracts, fail to meet engineering standards, or are grossly negligent, causing harm to public life or state property.

Key provisions include:

1. Applicability: The regulation applies to construction projects worth 5 million baht or more under six agencies including the Irrigation Department, Department of Highways, Department of Rural Roads, Port Authority, Department of Water Resources, and Department of Public Works and Town Planning; high-rise buildings, mega-structures, and public assembly buildings; and all construction projects valued at 1,000 million baht or more with notices and invitations published and contracts signed from July 10, 2569 onward.

2. Assessment Criteria and Damage Scores: Divided into two periods—during contract execution and during defect warranty—with damage scores assigned for various violations such as contract termination under Section 103 (60 points), work not meeting engineering standards or gross negligence causing death (60 points) or serious injury (30 points).

3. Suspension of Proposals and Contracts: Damage scores accumulate and are used to evaluate contractors. If scores reach suspension thresholds, contractors are barred from submitting proposals or entering contracts with state agencies for subsequent projects, with penalties up to 720 days. If a contractor was previously suspended within two years and accumulates additional damage scores, the previous suspension period is deducted from the new one.

4. Appeals and Score Correction: Contractors may appeal assessment results to state agencies within seven working days of receiving scores through the e-GP system. Damage scores are deleted after two years from publication; if a court rules the contractor is not at fault, the score is deleted immediately.

5. Rank Reduction and Delisting: Contractors with 120 or more damage points face rank reduction by one level at set intervals (maximum penalty 1,440 days). After the reduction period, contractors may request reinstatement if they meet standard registration criteria. Contractors reduced to the lowest rank or those in serious cases—such as negligence causing death—may be delisted but can reapply after two years.

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National

Ex-Official Blasts 40-Baht Meal Plan as Ineffective Bandaid

Former deputy commerce minister Voravong Ramaengkoor denounced the government's 40-baht meal subsidy as ineffective public relations that masks deeper economic problems like weak purchasing power and rising production costs. He warned the t

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On July 13, 2025, Voravong Ramaengkoor, former deputy minister of commerce, criticized the government's 40-baht meal program as wasteful public relations that fails to address structural economic problems. He compared the initiative to "grinding chili paste into a river," arguing it uses large budgets on marketing rather than genuine economic solutions and amounts to little more than face-saving rather than a growth policy.

The government plans to subsidize 100,000 participating restaurants with 3,000–10,000 baht each in raw material assistance for at least three months. However, Voravong questioned whether restaurants could maintain 40-baht prices after subsidies end, suggesting the program merely props up prices temporarily without solving underlying cost drivers such as ingredient prices, electricity, gas, fuel, transportation, labor, and financial expenses across the entire production chain.

Voravong expressed concern that the policy may incentivize poor practices, such as restaurants offering only one or two discounted menu items while cutting portion sizes or quality to participate. He warned the subsidy approach distorts market mechanisms, creates unfair competition between participating and non-participating businesses, and may foster dependency on government handouts rather than business efficiency.

Ultimately, Voravong argued the real economic problem is weak consumer purchasing power and systemwide rising production costs, not simply the price of a single meal. He called on the government to reduce costs for businesses, raise incomes for citizens, and foster competitive markets rather than funding ad-hoc price subsidies that will vanish once funding ends. Redirecting the same budget to cut energy costs, reduce transport expenses, strengthen competition, address raw material prices, or boost consumer incomes would generate lasting structural improvements.

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National

CJ More Campus Tour Draws Gen Z Crowds to Bangkok

CJ More's Campus Tour featuring popular influencers draws large Gen Z crowds with games, activities, and brand experiences at Bangkok University. The retail chain plans more stops in August as part of its 21st-anniversary expansion across T

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The CJ More x Kham Tong Chuem Campus Tournament has become the hottest activity for Gen Z, drawing impressive crowds of students and teenagers to every location. The latest stop at Bangkok University reflected the campaign's success, with participants from various institutions arriving in large numbers. Many came specifically to meet influencers like Terd, Samuekr, and Mee from Kham Tong Chuem, who created an engaging, casual atmosphere with games, conversations, and booth tours that energized the space with youthful energy all day long.

The fun extended beyond meeting influencers, as the CJ More booth was packed with Gen Z-friendly activities including CJ Easy Card membership sign-ups for free photo booth privileges, fortune-telling sessions with complimentary Nine Beauty cream samples, and authentic Toy Story collectible merchandise from UNO. The booth became more than just an activity stop—it transformed into a gathering space where people could have fun with friends, earn prizes, and experience the brand in a casual, welcoming environment.

The success of this Campus Tournament demonstrates that reaching Gen Z today requires more than communication alone; it demands creating tangible experiences, enabling participation, and integrating the brand into daily life. CJ More strategically brought the campaign directly to teenagers at universities and popular youth hangouts to deliver fun, value, and accessible activities aligned with the brand's philosophy of "growing together, daily, complete, and worthwhile."

As CJ More marks its 21st anniversary and prepares to expand to over 2,000 locations across 60 provinces nationwide, this event reinforces the brand's commitment to continuously adapt and evolve with changing Gen Z lifestyles.

For those who missed the Bangkok stop, there is no need to worry—more Campus Tournament stations are coming in August. Gather your friends and prepare to check in, win prizes, participate in activities, and capture fun moments together.

Upcoming dates: • August 13, 2026 at Thai Chamber of Commerce University • August 22, 2026 at Central Ladprao

Whether you're a student or youth activity enthusiast, make sure to visit the CJ More x Kham Tong Chuem Campus Tournament wherever it appears, as each station offers fun, value, and exciting surprises for everyone.

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National

Thailand Destroys Over 3 Million Illegal Health Products

Thailand's FDA destroyed over 3 million counterfeit and illegal health products seized from 131 cases, including fake medicines, cosmetics, and medical devices, as part of a crackdown on unauthorized manufacturers and smugglers. The operati

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On July 13, 2025, Supatra Bunserm, Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), announced that the FDA worked with police, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and provincial health offices to aggressively crack down on illegal health product manufacturers, importers, and distributors. After court cases conclude, confiscated goods are handed to the Public Health Ministry for destruction, as they are illegally produced or imported without authorization, lack Thai labeling, and pose health risks. This destruction operation involved 1,376 items totaling over 3 million units seized from 131 cases, including 90 cosmetics cases, 51 food cases, and 32 medicine cases, plus medical devices and hazardous substances. Notable cases included a warehouse smuggling Lyn Mie sanitary pads in Bangkok, an illegal cough medicine factory in Pathum Thani, networks importing and selling counterfeit fillers and Botox, unlicensed cosmetics like shampoo and sunscreen, a Chinese supermarket importing unauthorized food products, illegal medical glove manufacturing, and smuggled nitrous oxide and Laojun mosquito repellent. FDA Secretary-General Supatra emphasized the agency's commitment to dismantling the illegal health product supply chain from source to consumer and restoring public confidence. She urged the public to report violations to the FDA hotline 1556. Police Deputy Commander Natsakdi Chaownasat pledged continued coordination with the FDA to prosecute offenders and warned businesses against selling non-standard products, promising strict legal action against violators.

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Breaking

Thai Health Authority Ensures Care for Fire Victims

A brewery fire in Bangkok's Ladprao district has killed 27 people and injured many others, with Thailand's health authority ensuring all victims receive free emergency care through the Gold Card system without payment concerns.

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The National Health Security Office (NHSO) is coordinating benefits for those injured in a brewery fire at Ladprao, ensuring continuous treatment under the Gold Card system until patients are out of critical condition, with no payment concerns for patients or families. According to NHSO Deputy Secretary-General and Spokesman Dr. Atthapon Liamphuntharakul, as of 3:45 a.m. on July 13, 2569, the fire has resulted in 27 deaths—9 male and 18 female—with many more injured. The NHSO expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and encouragement to all injured, medical personnel, rescue officials, and related agencies involved in the response.

For severe accident victims in critical condition, those covered can use the UCEP (Emergency Care for All) policy to receive treatment at any hospital nationwide within the first 72 hours or until stable, with no advance payment or charges. The NHSO will coordinate with relevant facilities to transfer patients to appropriate care for continuous treatment. For injured individuals not in critical condition who hold the National Health Security Card or 30-baht Gold Card, the NHSO system covers accident and emergency care treatment, allowing hospitals to bill the NHSO according to established standards.

Dr. Atthapon stated: "Injured persons and relatives need not worry about treatment rights, hospital choice, or payment concerns. The NHSO covers both critical emergencies under UCEP and cases meeting Section 7 criteria. Hospitals can immediately provide necessary care, while the NHSO handles benefit coordination, transfers, and billing to ensure continuous appropriate care." The NHSO Region 13 Bangkok is currently coordinating with relevant service units to support Gold Card holders injured in the fire and guide hospitals on payment procedures. The NHSO requests treating facilities to follow professional standards and submit billing data through the NHSO system. Anyone with questions or difficulties regarding medical benefits, Gold Card use, or seeking additional help may contact the NHSO hotline 1330 toll-free 24 hours.

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Police

Brother Grieves After Fire Kills Sibling, Pleads for Body's Return

A 24-year-old Laotian worker grieves his younger brother, killed in a fire at their workplace, and pleads for authorities to return the body so his family can take him home to Laos.

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At 1:50 p.m. on July 13, 2025, at the Police Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine, Khaeowudon Pungpani, 24, the older brother of Phonpasert Pungpani, 21, one of the fire victims, tearfully recounted his account. Both brothers are Laotian workers at the same establishment, where they had worked since its opening. On the night of the fire, they clocked in at 6 p.m. and were scheduled to finish around 2 a.m. They had eaten and chatted together before the incident—their last moments together.

Khaeowudon explained that he was in the bathroom when the fire broke out, so he did not witness the initial blaze or early events. When he emerged and attempted to re-enter the shop, he found crowds of people fleeing. He ran out with them without hearing any fire alarm or emergency announcement at that moment. Once outside, he immediately searched for his brother, starting from the rear entrance and moving around to the front, asking staff and evacuees if they had seen him or knew his location, but received no answers.

Unable to find his brother, Khaeowudon grabbed a fire extinguisher with another employee and attempted to spray the entrance area. He walked inside approximately 2–3 steps, calling his brother's name repeatedly, knowing he typically worked in the shop's central zone. However, he could see nothing due to thick smoke. While attempting to help, he heard people calling for help from inside, intensifying his desire to reach his brother, but the dense smoke and intense heat made it impossible to proceed further without risking his own life.

Regarding safety measures, Khaeowudon stated that the shop had previously informed staff about emergency exits and fire extinguisher locations, with four exits in total, all reportedly functional. However, he acknowledged that no evacuation drills were ever conducted at the shop, though he had previously participated in fire safety training elsewhere. He was unsure whether the shop had a sprinkler system or automatic fire suppression system.

On the matter of the emergency door now being scrutinized, Khaeowudon indicated that to his knowledge, it operated normally and was not locked, though the shop assigned staff responsibility for opening it during emergencies. On the night of the fire, he exited through the door near the bathroom, believed to be an emergency exit for employees. Regarding reports that customers were required to pay bills before leaving or that items were blocking emergency exits, Khaeowudon could not confirm these claims, as he was in the bathroom during the fire. Regarding merchandise tables near exits, he observed that people were still able to flee through those areas.

When asked who should be held responsible, Khaeowudon stated he did not wish to assign blame at this time, as the family's most pressing concern is returning his brother's body home. He expressed worry about his family's mental state and called on relevant agencies to provide comprehensive care and support to those affected. Regarding compensation, he emphasized that money is not the priority right now, as his parents are waiting for their son to come home. "All I want right now is to bring my brother's body home. Our parents are waiting for him to return. He's gone. If possible, I want to take him back to Laos as soon as we can."

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National

Thailand's Weightlifting Stars Chase Asian Games Medals

Thailand's weightlifting team will field 10 athletes at the upcoming Asian Games, led by Olympic medalists Wave Weeraphol Wichuma and Oy Surajana Kumbao, aiming to deliver medals for the country.

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Thailand's weightlifting team will send its strongest squad to chase medals at the 20th Asian Games, led by two Olympic medalists, Weeraphol Wichuma (Wave) and Surajana Kumbao (Oy). General Wisut Dechsakul, secretary-general of the Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association, is confident the team's capabilities place it at the forefront of Asia and will not disappoint fans.

General Wisut revealed that Thai weightlifters are training at the National Weightlifting Training Center in Chiang Mai with support from Thailand's Sports Authority (SAT). The team has a quota of 10 athletes—five men and five women—selected through intensive trials to secure the strongest competitors with the best records. Weightlifting is among Thailand's medal-winning opportunities at the Asian Games.

The stars anchoring Thai hopes include Wave Weeraphol Wichuma, a gold medalist at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and Oy Surajana Kumbao, a gold medalist at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Both are key pillars in Thailand's bid for medals.

"The association has fully applied sports science to build athletes' physical condition to peak performance and aid injury recovery, with strong support from SAT," General Wisut said. "Thai weightlifters have consistently delivered for the country, and we will do our best this time. Though we face strong rivals like China, South Korea, and Indonesia, our elite-level athletes should not let anyone down. We ask Thai sports fans to support us."

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