Police are hunting a black Volkswagen sedan with forged license plates in connection with the fatal shooting of Thaninchay, a cockfighting live-streamer, who was killed outside a small grocery store in Na Bin La, Muang District, Trang Province on the evening of July 21. Investigators suspect the assailant tracked the victim from a cockfighting arena.

On July 22, family members held a spirit-calling ceremony at the crime scene. The victim's girlfriend, Ms. Kamolrat, tearfully told reporters she had prepared a meal for him the previous day, but he never returned to eat it. She urged police to quickly apprehend the perpetrator and not let the case go cold, emphasizing that her boyfriend was a good man with no conflicts. They had been together for over five years and were saving to marry next year. She works at a nail salon while he was planning to supplement his income by tapping rubber.

Ball, a close friend who worked as a cockfighting commentator with the victim since first grade, described him as well-mannered, polite, and previously a mechanic before entering the cockfighting business about 2–3 years ago. He earned approximately 18,000 baht monthly plus annual bonuses and harbored no known disputes with anyone. Investigators believe at least two perpetrators were involved, with one possibly tracking the victim's movements before coordinating with the shooter. The attackers used a meticulously prepared forged license plate and appear to have followed him until he stopped to buy food, when they returned to attack. The victim earned income working for a group with servers based in Malaysia.

From October 1 onwards, the Royal Thai Police will enter a new chapter with General Samran Nualmaa taking the helm as the new national police chief, following a unanimous 12-0 vote by the Police Civil Service Commission on July 22. The decision was approved based on a proposal from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister, who chairs the commission.

General Samran had been widely expected to get the position as the succession race drew to a close, with no real competitors. There had been earlier calls to support the deputy police chief based on seniority, making General Nirandon Luemsri, the most senior deputy, a serious contender. However, the rules for appointing the national police chief do not mandate strict seniority—instead combining seniority with competence and capability.

When competence came into question, General Samran stood out. His police career began at the police academy and progressed through numerous stations, covering investigation work, suppression operations, and traffic duties. He rose to become superintendent of the academy before commanding the special inspection and operations unit that oversees the 191 emergency hotline, including both crime prevention and VIP protection divisions. He also commanded the special operations unit 191 "Arintharaj" in handling serious violent crimes in the city, and later served as Bangkok Police Commander overseeing the capital.

With broad government backing and support from senior figures, Samran's appointment was eventually secured, despite earlier proposals to bring in a transitional figure for one or two years given his long remaining service life. The advantage many see in his seven-year tenure is the opportunity to conduct comprehensive reforms and overhaul an organization plagued with numerous systemic problems. Chiefs serving only one or two years often accomplish little, whereas seven years allows a committed leader to restructure and revitalize the entire organization.

A public interest group called Internet for Public Law (iLaw) has submitted evidence related to the Huas case to Priset Vachrasindhu, chair of the opposition coalition coordination committee. The group compiled the evidence starting in 2568 (2025) and argues that while the Election Commission has reviewed it, the opposition has a duty to scrutinize the government since senior officials face allegations in the case. Nine individuals—including the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, ruling party MPs, and a former House deputy speaker—have been named for opposition review.

The outcome of the opposition's investigation into the Huas case remains to be seen. Election Commission chair Nrong Klanvarindr stated there is nothing to worry about, confirming that the examination is proceeding on schedule with four more rounds of consideration remaining and substantial progress already made. Commissioner Sithichote Intrawisase, one of seven commissioners, confirmed progress with seven charges filed and additional charges being pursued. Critical aspects involving political figures remain under review, with the commission expecting to conclude by mid-August.

The Huas case is a major political scandal that has damaged parliament, the legislature, and democratic processes. After the Election Commission received the case, it established an investigation committee that recommended charging 229 individuals: 186 senators and senate candidates, and 43 political network members. However, a later subcommittee found the charges baseless and referred the case to seven commissioners for final review on whether to prosecute. Given the extensive evidence presented over years and broad public awareness, the article suggests all 229 individuals should be charged and tried in court rather than selected for prosecution.

Udon Thani Airport is launching a new international route to Tokyo via Suvarnabhumi Airport, positioning the northeastern hub as a regional aviation center. Thai Viet Jet will operate the service to Narita Airport with the Sky ConX connecting flight service, allowing passengers to check in and load baggage once in Udon Thani before retrieving it at their international destination.

Deputy Transport Minister Pattrapong Pattraprasit presided over the ceremony, describing the project as a crucial step toward making Udon Thani a fully-fledged international airport and supporting Thailand's goal of becoming a world-class aviation hub. The initiative will enhance travel convenience, strengthen international flight networks, and expand economic, trade, investment, and tourism opportunities across the Northeast.

Udon Thani Airport is currently seeking formal recognition as an international airport and upgrading its infrastructure to meet global standards, including improvements to passenger building B to accommodate immigration, customs, and control agencies. The airport can handle over 3.9 million passengers annually and currently operates more than 30 domestic flights daily. The new Tokyo connection via Sky ConX will strengthen Udon Thani's role as the Northeast's aviation hub and gateway to the Mekong subregion.

The Transport Ministry is also preparing logistics support for the World Horticultural Exposition scheduled for Udon Thani in 2569–2570 (2026–2027), using an integrated transport system with shuttle buses to accommodate the expected surge in visitors.

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — Archaeologists have uncovered remains of an Ayutthaya-era city wall in Nakhon Ratchasima, marking the first such discovery in the province in two decades. The find was made during an archaeological excavation along Phon Lan Road on the eastern side of the historic city wall, with the project being carried out jointly by the Fine Arts Department's Regional Office 10 in Nakhon Ratchasima and the Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality.

Official sources said the wall was found more than two meters below ground level and represents a significant archaeological breakthrough for the area. Nakhon Ratchasima, commonly known as Korat, has long been regarded as one of Thailand's most heavily fortified historic cities, with a carefully planned layout that included moats, fortifications, gates, and watchtowers.

Archaeologists believe the original city wall began as an earthen embankment constructed during the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, with brick fortifications later added during the reign of King Narai the Great. Historical records indicate the city wall stretched approximately 1.7 kilometers from east to west and about 1 kilometer from north to south, with a wall crest measuring around 2 to 3 meters in thickness. Officials said further studies will be conducted to better understand the structure and its historical significance.

On July 22, 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) reported the results of its investigation into the death of the wild elephant Sidaw Hupab. The investigation committee, established under secret order 194/2569 on March 11, 2025, found that officials exhibited negligence during the capture and relocation process of the elephant. The committee recommended disciplinary proceedings against the staff involved and ordered the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to pay compensation equivalent to the elephant's value, estimated at 5-10 million baht.

According to Nipon Jamnongsirisak, Deputy Secretary of the MNRE and chair of the investigation committee, the findings are now clear and based on legal principles. Field staff directly responsible for managing the elephant relocation are considered to have been negligent when the elephant died during the operation. Department executives involved in the relocation will be pursued for civil damages, with the compensation amount to be calculated more precisely according to scientific valuation methods.