PHUKET: Police are searching for a foreign man accused of assaulting an Australian couple in Rawai after a dispute over damage to a motorcycle, with CCTV footage of the incident now circulating on social media.
PHUKET: Police are searching for a foreign man accused of assaulting an Australian couple in Rawai after a dispute over damage to a motorcycle, with CCTV footage of the incident now circulating on social media.
Over 5,800 local government job appointments have been suspended after investigators discovered score manipulation affecting candidates across three rounds of civil service exams in Thailand. The Interior Ministry is reviewing cases where a
On July 15, 2025, Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Arisit Sampatharatana appeared at the Central Investigation Bureau to brief journalists on the local government civil service exam fraud case. He stated that the Prime Minister has been closely monitoring the situation and attended today's central examination committee meeting as one of its members. After delegating initial oversight, Arisit found his own name under investigation, prompting his personal attendance. The Prime Minister wanted an update on the committee's review of all prior proceedings.
During today's meeting, irregularities were discovered in three rounds of 15,000 appointees, with 14,988 reporting for duty out of 15,520 who passed. Investigators compared submitted candidates' scores against raw answer sheets kept in safes and found 5,814 individuals with score discrepancies: 3,621 candidates had scores artificially inflated from failing to passing; 1,713 had scores bumped up to secure higher rankings; and 480 others had single-point errors or unclear scans requiring verification against the Anti-Corruption Commission's sealed documents.
When asked why the Prime Minister did not simply revoke the appointments himself, Arisit explained this follows the law governing local government procedures. The Interior Minister chairs the committee but must include representatives from all three local government bodies and their secretaries—six officials total—plus outside experts. Since the committee is collectively composed and appointed, not unilaterally designated by the Premier, decisions require joint deliberation. The 5,814 flagged appointments have been referred to the three local government committees for further action. If revocation proceeds, a complete recount will be needed and qualified candidates from the remaining pool will fill positions. Currently, all score sheets and answer documents are held by the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
Anantara Luxury Resorts continues its global expansion with properties spanning Thailand, the Maldives, Dubai, Italy, Seychelles, and Zambia, maintaining its reputation for world-class hospitality.
The brand Anantara has long been associated with quality of the highest order, something an extensive range of luxury resorts scattered across the globe can attest to. From Thailand to Dubai, from Italy to the Seychelles and from Zambia to the Maldives, guests consistently experience best-in-class hospitality at each venue.
Yala Municipality is returning to Grand Halal Bangkok 2026 in July to showcase local entrepreneurs and halal products, building on last year's success in generating sales and brand recognition across national and international markets.
While Yala province is known for its natural beauty and multicultural charm, it is also home to a wealth of high-quality products from talented local entrepreneurs ready to enter national and international markets. The Yala Municipality has been continuously supporting local businesses, particularly after last year's successful Grand Halal event, which generated strong sales, business partnerships, and widespread brand recognition. This year, the municipality is returning with local entrepreneurs to make an even greater impact at Grand Halal Bangkok 2026 at BITEC Bangna in Bangkok from July 15–17, 2026, marking an important step in boosting the local economy and building community pride.
According to Pongsak Yingchanomjareun, Mayor of Yala Municipality, the municipality serves as a hub for promoting entrepreneurs, particularly in contemporary fashion that leverages the region's halal cultural resources in an area where over 90% of the population is Muslim. The effort includes collaboration with designers from Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as partnerships with Thammasat University to systematically develop design skills. The municipality is also upgrading standards for processed agricultural products and food while ensuring that grassroots entrepreneurs and community networks are included in the learning process for sustainable self-reliance. Long-term goals include introducing premium brands to foreign markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, including Jeddah.
The mayor emphasized that the objective is to develop entrepreneurs and create sustainable livelihoods by building strong sales capabilities. When these business owners succeed, it creates jobs and improves the overall economy, enabling people to support their families and education. At Grand Halal Bangkok 2026, Yala Municipality aims to create an opportunity for sustainable entrepreneur and grassroots development by elevating community products to international standards and showcasing Yala's unique identity. Featured brands include KiriKhet, a premium drip coffee brand from Yala's pristine forest highlands, known for its carefully selected, high-quality roasted beans.
A Phuket chef's viral Facebook post about low-quality shrimp sparked debate after he identified them as mislabeled "ko shrimp" sold at market price, revealing concerns about misleading species labeling and possible reheating of unsold inven
A chef has sparked a social media debate after posting images of grilled shrimp on Facebook with comments suggesting they came from an unsold batch that had been reheated multiple times. The post, which went viral on July 15, drew widespread criticism and jokes from online users who identified the shrimp as "ko shrimp"—a species with a disproportionately large head and meager meat that becomes even more rubbery when cooked.
When reached for comment, the chef clarified that he intended only to share professional observations, not attack the restaurant. He admitted he initially mistook the shrimp for tiger shrimp because six came on a plate for just 50 baht, purchased from a market in Pa Tong sub-district, Kathu district, Phuket. Upon peeling the shrimp, he found the meat far smaller than expected and unusually tough, suspecting repeated reheating from unsold inventory.
The chef acknowledged that ko shrimp's resemblance to tiger shrimp could easily mislead consumers who fail to inspect them carefully. The restaurant named in the post has not yet issued a response to the allegations.
Thailand's Constitutional Court ruled 7-2 that a five-year ban on candidates convicted under the Local Election Act unconstitutionally restricts the right to run for local office without reasonable justification.
On July 15, 2025, the Constitutional Court considered cases referred by the administrative courts of Phitsanulok and Chiang Mai regarding Section 50(18) of the Local Election Act, B.E. 2562, which the court assessed against Article 26 of the Constitution concerning the limits on individual rights and freedoms. The disputed provision states that anyone convicted of an offense under the act—whether or not they received a sentence—who has completed their sentence or faces a final judgment less than five years before the election date is ineligible to run for local office.
The Constitutional Court determined that this disqualification rule excessively restricts a person's right to candidacy without reasonable justification. By a 7-2 majority vote, the court ruled that Section 50(18) contradicts Article 26 of the Constitution.
This ruling means the five-year disqualification period cannot be enforced in the areas the court found unconstitutional, establishing an important standard for protecting citizens' voting and candidacy rights under the Constitution. The seven justices supporting the decision were Udom Sittiwirattham, Wirul Sangthian, Chiraniti Hawanon, Naphadol Theppitag, Banjong Sakdiwoungpracha, Udom Rattamrit, and Sarawut Songsivilay. The two dissenting justices were Nakorin Mekhtrairat, the court's president, and Sumet Roykuncharin.
A Chiang Mai doctor explains that age-related body odor, caused by chemical changes in aging skin, doesn't affect all seniors and depends on genetics, health, and lifestyle rather than hygiene alone.
On July 15, 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Peerasak Lertrakarnon, head of the Department of Family Medicine at Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Medicine, explained that age-related body odor has a scientific basis but does not affect all elderly people and is not solely the result of poor hygiene.
**What Causes Age-Related Body Odor?**
As people age, the body undergoes multiple changes, including alterations in skin function, hormones, skin cell turnover, and the composition of skin lipids. Research has found that older adults begin to accumulate a substance called 2-Nonenal (documented since 2001), which results from the oxidative breakdown of fatty acids on the skin. This compound produces a distinctive smell often described as resembling dried grass, old paper, or a musty odor—the origin of the term "age-related odor." It typically appears from around age 40 onward and may become more pronounced in advanced age.
**Do All Elderly People Have Age-Related Odor?**
No. While age is a factor, the intensity of odor varies among individuals and depends on multiple factors including genetics, overall health, personal hygiene habits, water intake, diet, exercise, medication use, and chronic diseases. Many elderly people do not experience abnormal body odor at all.
**Some Diseases Can Also Change Body Odor**
If body odor changes rapidly or an unusual smell appears alongside other symptoms, it may signal a condition requiring medical attention, such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, infection, chronic wounds, or oral health problems. Anyone suspecting abnormal changes should consult a doctor.
**Bathing Alone May Not Be Enough**
Managing age-related odor requires a comprehensive approach including daily bathing and body cleaning, thorough drying especially in skin folds, regular clothing changes, frequent laundering of towels and bedding, adequate water intake, balanced nutrition, appropriate exercise, management of chronic diseases, and regular health checkups. Family members should assist elderly relatives who have limited self-care ability with bathing, clothing changes, and bedding cleaning on a regular basis.
**Avoid Saying "You Smell"**
Many elderly people may not realize their body odor has changed because their sense of smell declines with age. Direct comments like "you stink" or "why haven't you bathed" can cause embarrassment, loss of confidence, and feelings of being a burden to the family.
**What Should You Say Instead?**
Dr. Peerasak recommends using care and concern as the foundation for communication, such as: - "It's hot these days. Let me help prepare a bath for you." - "Let's change into fresh clothes so you'll feel more comfortable." - "I've washed your blankets and pillowcases. You'll sleep well tonight."
If you suspect odor may be disease-related, invite your loved one to see a doctor for health reasons rather than mentioning the odor directly. Age-related body odor is not shameful and not something elderly people choose to experience. Sometimes what seniors need most is not perfume or deodorant, but understanding, attention, and gentle care from their family members.
Police have identified four individuals connected to the Ladprao beer bar fire and are examining financial records to determine if misconduct contributed to the blaze. Investigators recovered CCTV footage showing smoke originating from the
Police investigating the Ladprao beer bar fire reported significant progress on July 15 as they examined documents and financial records. Four individuals are connected to the establishment: two registered owners—one currently hospitalized in intensive care and his mother—plus two additional partners or informal shareholders, whose identities are already known to police. Investigators are examining how money flowed between the business and all four parties to determine if financial misconduct occurred. The financial evidence will be combined with other materials to support charges against those involved. Authorities are comparing this case with similar past incidents, including the Chonburi pub fire and Santic Bar cases, finding that the Ladprao group has significant assets though not at the level of the Santic case. Preliminary charges may include at least three existing counts with additional possible charges under the Service Establishment Act, plus potential civil claims for damages. Regarding CCTV evidence, investigators have successfully recovered approximately 30 minutes of footage from the bar's 16 cameras and are meticulously reviewing the sequence of events. Key findings show that smoke originated from the left side of the stage before rapidly spreading right and developing into continuous flames. This evidence will be corroborated with witness statements from staff, customers, and emergency personnel.
PHUKET: A road crash in Thalang that left a 16-year-old motorcyclist injured has sparked heated debate online after a video of the incident appeared to show a car colliding with the teenager while changing lanes.
PHUKET: A road crash in Thalang that left a 16-year-old motorcyclist injured has sparked heated debate online after a video of the incident appeared to show a car colliding with the teenager while changing lanes.
Chonburi FC signs 33-year-old left-back Phiraphat Notchaiiya, a Thai national team veteran with experience at top clubs, as their eighth new signing ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Chonburi FC has officially announced the signing of Phiraphat Notchaiiya, a 33-year-old left-back, to reinforce the team's defense and prepare for the 2026/27 Thai League season. Notchaiiya is among Thailand's most experienced left-backs, having played for numerous top-tier clubs including BEC Tero Sasana, Muangthong United, True Bangkok United, and most recently Phlang Kanchanaburi FC. He made 22 appearances across all competitions last season, logging 1,467 minutes of play.
At the international level, Notchaiiya has represented Thailand across all age groups, from the U-19 to U-23 teams and the senior national squad, reflecting his quality, experience, and professionalism. Notchaiiya is Chonburi FC's eighth new signing for the season, joining Wellington Priori, Ryoma Itou, Stenio Junior, Krawich Thasaa, Chaoowat Veeraphat, Dennis Murillo, and Triston Do as the club prepares for a successful campaign in the 2026/27 Thai League.
A severe storm battered a Thai border patrol police base in Trat province on July 12-13, toppling over 10 large trees and damaging buildings, solar panels, and infrastructure, though no personnel were injured.
A severe storm struck a Thai border patrol police base in Ban Tua Kum village, Mueang district, Trat province, on July 12-13, toppling more than 10 large trees and causing extensive damage to the facility. Trees over 10 meters tall crashed onto the base, destroying a residential building, laboratory, bathroom, and damaging the roof, solar panels, drone netting, and flagpole. Nearby durian orchards also sustained significant damage. When the storm intensified, personnel took shelter in bunkers to safety, and fortunately no one was injured.
Following the incident, residents initially attempted to clear debris with chainsaws, but requested assistance from the Tua Kum subdistrict office to deploy machinery for large-scale tree removal. Trat City Municipality Mayor Surasak Phuttipat has been overseeing city repairs and safety improvements, with municipal workers clearing sidewalks, roads, and public areas. The municipality is also surveying and dredging waterlogged areas and drainage channels to prevent flooding and reduce disruption to residents, particularly after the heavy rainfall and strong winds of the past two days.