Customs Region 2 has dismantled a major counterfeit goods warehouse in central Nakhon Ratchasima, seizing over 10,000 items valued at approximately 30 million baht.

On July 9, 2025, Nattaphoom Dokput, senior customs officer and head of investigation and enforcement at Customs Region 2, led a team of over 10 officials in raiding a warehouse in Sai Nam subdistrict, Muang district. The operation followed public complaints about trademark-infringing goods being sold via Facebook Live.

During the search, officers discovered 14 employees sorting counterfeit branded products including clothing, shoes, bags, belts, and hats from leading brands. The raid netted no fewer than 10,000 items, representing economic losses exceeding 30 million baht.

Nattaphoom stated the operation aligns with government policy and orders from the Finance Ministry and Customs Department leadership to crack down on illegal goods and intellectual property violations in the Northeast region. Officials had investigated and identified the warehouse as a distribution hub for smuggled counterfeit goods that bypassed customs procedures, leading them to obtain a search warrant from Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court.

"All seized goods have been confiscated and will be examined in coordination with trademark representatives," Nattaphoom said. "We will vigorously prosecute all parties involved under customs law, which carries both imprisonment and fines. We caution consumers to be wary when purchasing online—if authentic-looking items are priced unusually low, they may be counterfeit or illegally smuggled goods. We also warn traders engaged in smuggling and selling such goods that this constitutes serious customs violations with severe penalties. Customs Region 2 will continue its investigation to apprehend all offenders and protect the economy and consumers."

Police raided a prominent temple in Mae Hong Son province and arrested the abbot after discovering heroin hidden in his quarters. On July 9, officers from Pang Ma Phai Police Station received complaints from residents about the abbot's scandalous behavior involving drug trafficking. A joint operation was launched with border patrol, district administration officials, and soldiers from the 722nd Infantry Battalion.

Upon arrival at the temple, officers presented their credentials and searched the abbot's cell. The search uncovered Class 1 narcotics (heroin) concealed in the quarters, which was seized as evidence. The abbot was taken in for initial interrogation.

Following questioning, the abbot confessed. He was immediately brought through defrocking ceremonies to end his monastic status before being transferred to Pang Ma Phai Police Station with all seized evidence for legal proceedings.

On July 9 at 5:50 p.m., Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, accompanied by Deputy Governor Vishnu Saraswat, inspected the Purple Line extension tunnel where water leaks are occurring along Ratchada Road near the Grand Roundabout, between Sao Ching and Rat Burana stations. The incident has prompted shop operators, clinics, and commercial buildings in the area to urgently evacuate their assets due to safety concerns.

After discussing the situation with construction contractors and relevant agencies, Governor Chadchart proceeded to a meeting to monitor ongoing developments. Police officers, municipal staff, Khlong San District officials, and contractor security personnel closed traffic on Ratchada Road from the Bangkhen intersection to the Grand Roundabout. They continuously measured road and building settlement using specialized equipment.

At 7:00 p.m., Governor Chadchart revealed that this tunnel section is on the same route as a previous incident near Vajira Hospital but involves a different contractor. The incident location is the tunnel's lowest point, functioning like a water trap, which caused water leakage and soil subsidence. The Mass Transit Authority and contractors are working to resolve the situation.

Bangkok's approach focuses on public safety at street level, with close monitoring of water leakage and soil settlement rates to assess whether damage will expand. A 30-meter surveillance radius has been established around the incident site. Approximately 60 residents from three buildings along Ratchada Road must evacuate for one week, with the most critical building already cleared. Neighboring buildings remain under strict surveillance with tilt and vibration sensors installed to provide instant alerts if anomalies are detected.

Traffic closure from the Bangkhen intersection to the Grand Roundabout aims to facilitate repair work and reduce vibrations affecting the incident area. Governor Chadchart stated that while the situation shows signs of stabilization, close monitoring remains essential. The primary solution involves stopping water infiltration and strengthening the soil layer—the contractor's responsibility to complete. Compensation for damages is also under discussion.

The Thai Social Welfare Council under Royal Patronage held a press conference on July 9, 2026, to announce the 2026 National Mother's Day celebration at the council's headquarters. Colonel Dr. Manas Nonuch, chairman of the council, led the announcement of the event scheduled for August 12, 2026, at Impact Exhibition Hall 6 in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi Province.

Dr. Manas announced this marks the 51st consecutive year the council has organized Mother's Day to honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and promote the values of motherhood and the family institution. This year, Princess Sirivannavari Nariruththammraja will officially open the celebration on August 12.

Dr. Thidarak Satjaphong, secretary-general of the council, outlined major activities including selection of Outstanding Mothers of the Nation, writing competitions honoring mothers, book publications, jasmine flower sales, floral tributes, meals for underprivileged children and youth, and the 26th "Missing Mom" concert. The council will also implement royal initiatives across all 76 provinces.

The council also announced the establishment of the Outstanding Mother of the Nation Foundation to unite outstanding mothers nationwide and promote their roles in family, community, and social development through sustainable public benefit projects.

On July 9, 2025, Region 1 Police Commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Wattana Yicheen, together with Deputy Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Wichit Boonchinawitthakul, authorized a search operation led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Warchart Seankhum of Region 1's Special Operations Unit. Officers executed search warrant 349/2569 issued by Thanyaburi Provincial Court on July 8, 2025, at a three-story commercial building in Tambon Khlong Nueng, Amphoe Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani Province. The operation was conducted after provincial electricity authorities reported abnormal power consumption at the abandoned building.

Officers discovered ten bitcoin mining machines installed on the third floor, concealed with soundproofing wall panels and carefully hidden wiring. The mining equipment's cooling fan noise was masked to resemble continuous air ventilation sounds. Preliminary investigation by electricity officials revealed that the electrical circuit had been illegally modified to bypass the meter, allowing unmetered power consumption for continuous digital mining operations. The state suffered damages valued at several million baht.

Confiscated evidence includes ten bitcoin mining machines, network equipment, internet signal receivers, electrical main switches, three-phase meters, breakers, and wiring. All materials were transferred to Khlong Luang Police Station for legal proceedings and further investigation to apprehend those responsible.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Wattana revealed that meter tampering or illegal direct power connections for digital mining constitutes night-time theft, punishable by up to five years imprisonment plus substantial civil damages owed to the electricity authority. He also warned that unauthorized electrical system modifications and excessive current usage in abandoned buildings pose serious risks of electrocution, short circuits, and fires that could endanger nearby residents and their property.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Phakpong Saiubol, spokesman for Region 1 Police, urged anyone with information about such violations to report tips to the emergency hotline 191 at any police station, available 24/7.