The Princess Royal meets with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at Government House. Source: UK in Thailand https://www.facebook.com/share/1D8cdFjEFJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The Princess Royal meets with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at Government House. Source: UK in Thailand https://www.facebook.com/share/1D8cdFjEFJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
A thief stole a shoulder bag containing gold jewelry and 300,000 baht from a woman resting in a Khon Kaen hospital ward; security footage captured the suspect fleeing, and police suspect he may be linked to similar thefts at hospitals in ot
On July 16, 2026, a 63-year-old woman named Sompoang from Khon Kaen province filed a complaint after a thief stole her shoulder bag while she was receiving treatment inside a hospital ward. The bag contained gold jewelry, a silver-framed amulet, cash, and a mobile phone totaling over 300,000 baht in value. The victim explained that she suffers from asthma and high blood pressure and was admitted after experiencing severe breathing difficulty. While her husband rested on the ward balcony, she placed her bag on a metal cabinet beside her bed, took medication, and fell asleep. When she woke to staff cleaning the room, the bag had vanished.
Security footage captured a thin man, approximately 170 centimeters tall and aged 40-50, surveying patient beds before taking the victim's bag and fleeing. Investigators later discovered the bag abandoned in a hospital drainage channel near Mittraphap Road, with the mobile phone still inside, but all gold and cash had been removed and returned the recovered items to the victim. Police Lieutenant Colonel Peerapat Ngamlertratanchai, commander of Khao Suan Kwang Police Station, confirmed that officers have questioned hospital staff whose shoes resembled those of the suspect but found no evidence. The investigation also revealed similar incidents at hospitals in Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani provinces in February, with the perpetrator showing comparable appearance and behavior, though police have not yet confirmed if it is the same individual. Authorities believe the suspect may be traveling between provinces using public transport and are coordinating with regional and provincial police to accelerate apprehension and prosecution. Police urge hospital patients with valuable items to inform staff for safekeeping.
A Ratchaburi resident won 10 million baht in a Government Savings Bank lottery draw, with prize money to be transferred to their account shortly after the July 16 announcement.
The Government Savings Bank announced on July 16, 2025, that a customer from the Ratchaburi branch won the top prize of 10 million baht in the special one-year savings lottery draw (100-baht tickets). The bank will transfer the prize money to the winner's designated savings account on the day following the official draw announcement. Additional prize results can be checked on the GSB website at www.gsb.or.th or https://to.gsb.or.th/x3KqvpD. Lottery prizes for individuals are not subject to income tax. Interested in trying your luck? Open an account at any GSB branch or through the MyMo mobile app.
Thailand inaugurated MEGA HALAL Bangkok 2026 on July 16, bringing together 1,200 companies from 22 countries to establish the nation as Southeast Asia's halal trade hub.
Thailand is establishing itself as Southeast Asia's halal trade hub with the opening of MEGA HALAL Bangkok 2026 and MEGA SHOW Bangkok 2026 on July 16, 2026. Prime Minister Anuthín Charnvírakul and Malaysia's Crown Prince Sulaiman Shah Al-Haj jointly inaugurated both events at the Sirikit National Convention Centre. The exhibitions, organized by ComAsia Limited and held July 15–17, aim to position Thailand as the region's halal commerce and industry center while reinforcing its status as Asia's international procurement hub.
The 2026 edition brings together approximately 1,200 companies from 22 countries across more than 1,300 booths, showcasing consumer goods, lifestyle products, innovations, health products, and halal goods. The events provide opportunities for buyers, importers, distributors, investors, and entrepreneurs worldwide to conduct business negotiations and build trading networks.
MEGA HALAL Bangkok 2026, now in its second year, is Thailand's first specialized halal industry exhibition. It features products in four main categories: food and beverages, beauty, health and wellness, and fashion, with pavilions from Thailand, China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. MEGA SHOW Bangkok 2026, entering its fifth consecutive year, expands to cover six product groups including home goods, gifts, premium items, electrical appliances, hardware, outdoor equipment, stationery, art toys, and licensed merchandise—categories experiencing strong global demand.
Key highlights include the launch of the MEGA Stationery Zone and Asia Art Toy & IP Show to capitalize on growing markets for stationery and intellectual property, as well as the expanding "Kidult Economy" trend of adults purchasing youth-oriented products. The organizers expect over 20,000 buyers, business professionals, and investors from more than 70 countries to participate, with approximately 1,200 business-matching sessions planned to connect buyers with manufacturers and suppliers across Asia.
The event offers benefits to foreign buyers, including complimentary five-star hotel stays for two nights or $200 travel support for qualified purchasers, designed to attract major business figures and position Thailand as Asia's new procurement center. The initiative is a collaboration between ComAsia Limited, SHAPERS Malaysia (organizers of Malaysia's MIHAS and HALFEST events), the National Food Institute (NFI), and the Thai Muslim Business Association (TMTA), supported by domestic and international partners to expand trade opportunities and strengthen Thai entrepreneurs' access to global markets.
A 32-year-old sound engineer burned in a beer bar fire is receiving intensive care at Lopburi Hospital for severe burns covering 60% of his body, with all treatment costs covered under Thailand's Universal Health Coverage.
Dr. Worawat Kaewwichian, deputy director of Phranarai Maharaj Hospital in Lopburi, announced on July 16 that Phanuwat Tipmani, a 32-year-old sound engineer, was admitted to intensive care immediately upon arrival from Paolo Hospital to prevent infection. The patient sustained burns covering approximately 60% of his body and requires specialized medical treatment. The hospital confirmed it is equipped with state-of-the-art medical instruments comparable to those in Bangkok hospitals.
The hospital has also arranged psychiatric care for the patient's family members. The patient is currently able to communicate with medical staff. All medical expenses are being covered under Thailand's Universal Health Coverage scheme.
Dr. Sakorn Nanthapakporn, a specialist in reconstructive surgery, noted that the patient is receiving close monitoring and that tissue for grafting has been provided by the Thai Red Cross. He urged the family to have confidence in the medical team's care. Although the patient remains in critical condition, the medical team is providing the best possible treatment.
Rayong's governor has launched an investigation and prosecution following illegal waste dumping in a pineapple field that contaminated groundwater and created severe odors in Mae Nam Khoo Subdistrict. Authorities identified the landowner an
Rayong Governor Traipath Wongtrairat announced measures to tackle illegal industrial waste dumping in a pineapple field in Mae Nam Khoo Subdistrict, Nikhom Phatthana District, which has caused severe odors and raised concerns about groundwater contamination. Following complaints, the governor ordered deputy governor and relevant agencies to investigate immediately. Inspectors found approximately 5 rai of private land where the owner illegally dumped waste for supplementary income to care for his bedridden mother; the waste had accumulated for 4–5 months before recent rains washed pollutants into groundwater basins, creating serious nuisance. The province will prosecute the landowner under public health and environmental laws, while instructing the Rayong Industrial Department to determine whether the waste is hazardous and identify the source factory for full prosecution. All factories were reminded of proper industrial waste disposal procedures, and the province ordered immediate removal of waste and environmental remediation according to scientific standards. The governor emphasized that such negligence severely damages Rayong's image and vowed to pursue legal action to the fullest extent and restore the environment to normal conditions as quickly as possible.
Thailand's government launched a domestic travel subsidy program offering 50% off accommodation up to 3,000 baht plus 500-baht meal and transport coupons to stimulate tourism spending across all 77 provinces.
The government has unveiled conditions for the Thailand Travel Plus program, which provides state support covering 50% of accommodation costs up to 3,000 baht per booking, along with a 500-baht digital coupon for meals, transport, or tourism services.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Kanthachuva announced the initiative on July 15, stating that the ministry is advancing tourism stimulus measures targeting both domestic and international markets to distribute revenue among businesses and communities, reduce dependence on foreign tourism alone, and build sustainable strength in Thailand's tourism economy.
The ministry is preparing to launch the Thailand Travel Plus program to support domestic travel for Thai citizens.
Initial program conditions include:
– The government will subsidize accommodation at 50% of the cost – Support capped at 3,000 baht per booking – A 500-baht digital coupon for use on meals, transport, or tourism services – Administered through the Pao Tang application, covering all 77 provinces to stimulate spending and generate revenue for tourism operators nationwide
The government is also preparing flight ticket support measures:
– Travelers heading to major cities will receive 400 baht per flight – Those traveling to secondary cities will receive 600 baht per flight, with bookings made directly with participating airlines
The ministry is simultaneously advancing the Thailand All Connect program to support scheduled flights and charter flights to attract foreign tourists and increase opportunities for revenue distribution to tourism destinations across Thailand.
The ministry will accelerate implementation of these measures to drive travel, generate business revenue, distribute funds to grassroots economies, and reinforce Thailand's position as a quality and safe tourism destination.
Rayong fisheries launched a culling operation to combat invasive blackchin tilapia spreading across three districts in the province. Caught fish will be processed into fish sauce by prison inmates as part of a vocational training program.
At 9 a.m. on July 16, 2025, the Rayong Provincial Fisheries Office organized a fishing operation called "Luang Khek Luang Khlong" to net blackchin tilapia in the Rayong River near the mid-river pagoda in Pak Nam Rayong subdistrict, Muang district, Rayong province, following an outbreak of the invasive species. District chief Kittipong Urawat participated in the activity.
Kanistha Rungruang, head of the fisheries development and vocational promotion group at the Rayong Provincial Fisheries Office, revealed that the blackchin tilapia infestation has reached moderate levels of approximately 100 fish per 100 square meters across three districts: Muang, Ban Chang, and Kaeng. Regular monthly culling operations are now being conducted to remove the invasive species from natural water sources.
Caught blackchin tilapia will be processed into fish sauce as part of a vocational training initiative for inmates at Rayong Central Prison, helping reduce the prison's food production costs while providing job skills before their release. Following the culling operation, predatory snakehead fish will be released in August to prey on blackchin tilapia fry and help control the population in natural waterways. These efforts will continue monthly.
Heavy rain will persist across northeastern and eastern Thailand over the next 24 hours due to southwest monsoon winds, with flooding risks in foothill and low-lying areas. Bangkok faces 60% thunderstorm coverage with temperatures reaching
The Meteorological Department forecasts for the next 24 hours that rainfall across Thailand will decrease, though heavy rain will persist in parts of the northeastern and eastern regions due to moderate southwest monsoon winds covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. A low-pressure system sits over northern Vietnam.
Residents across Thailand's upper regions should be alert to dangers from heavy and accumulated rainfall, which may trigger sudden flooding and flash floods, especially in foothill areas near water channels and low-lying zones.
Wave conditions in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are moderate, with waves 1-2 meters high. The lower Andaman Sea has waves around 1 meter, but thunderstorm areas may see waves exceeding 2 meters. Fishermen should exercise caution and avoid thunderstorm zones.
**NORTH:** 40% thunderstorm coverage, mainly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Phayao, Nan, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun. Low 23-25°C, high 31-34°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.
**NORTHEAST:** 40% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in some areas, particularly Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhon Phanom. Low 23-26°C, high 32-36°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.
**CENTRAL:** 40% thunderstorm coverage, mainly in Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon. Low 23-26°C, high 34-35°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.
**EAST:** 60% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in some areas around Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Low 22-28°C, high 32-34°C. Southwest winds 15-35 km/h. Sea waves 1-2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.
**SOUTH (East Coast):** 30% thunderstorm coverage, mainly in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Low 23-25°C, high 34-36°C. Southwest winds 15-30 km/h. Sea waves around 1 meter offshore, exceeding 1 meter near shore, and exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.
**SOUTH (West Coast):** 30% thunderstorm coverage, mainly in Ranong, Phang Nga, Trang, and Satun. Low 23-26°C, high 33-35°C. From Phang Nga northward: Southwest winds 15-35 km/h, waves 1-2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas. From Phuket southward: Southwest winds 15-30 km/h, waves around 1 meter, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.
**BANGKOK AND VICINITY:** 60% thunderstorm coverage. Low 26-28°C, high 33-34°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.
European companies are seeking to invest in Thailand's major infrastructure projects including rail systems, ports, and airports through public-private partnerships, the Transport Ministry confirmed following discussions with EU-ASEAN busin
European private sector representatives have expressed interest in investing in Thailand's major infrastructure projects through public-private partnership (PPP) models, focusing on rail systems, ports, and airports. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn revealed this following discussions with the EU-ASEAN Business Council and European business representatives, who sought to exchange views on infrastructure development policy, modern transport systems, vehicle and transport safety standards, and public-private investment promotion.
The Transport Ministry is advancing Thailand's transport infrastructure under the strategies of "Safe and Green Transport," "Inclusive Transport," and "Efficient Transport" to provide safe, environmentally friendly, accessible, and efficient transport services to the public, while elevating Thailand to become a regional transportation and logistics hub.
European business representatives expressed interest in Thailand's infrastructure development including rail systems, ports, and airports, as well as international transport connectivity and PPP investment opportunities. The ministry confirmed progress on major projects including the double-track southern rail line connecting Thailand and Malaysia, the high-speed rail linking Nong Khai and the Mekong region, Laem Chabang Port Phase 3 development, Nata cargo transshipment center in Nong Khai, and airport developments at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, and Phuket to accommodate future economic, trade, and tourism growth.
The Transport Ministry is also upgrading vehicle safety standards to comply with UN Regulations, with the Department of Land Transport planning to enforce additional safety standards including Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS), cybersecurity standards, driving data recording systems, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) by 2029-2030.
For advanced automated driving systems (ADS) levels 3-5, the ministry has established a testing framework with manufacturers through a Regulatory Sandbox mechanism to develop laws, standards, and infrastructure aligned with future technology, while studying legal liability, consumer protection, insurance systems, and accident investigation oversight to maximize technology benefits safely.
The Transport Ministry is also accelerating the development of Thailand's rail standards under the 2025 Rail Transport Act by integrating both European and Asian international standards, prioritizing European Norm principles to enhance service quality, safety, and efficiency for both urban and intercity rail.
Simultaneously, the ministry emphasizes reducing transport sector greenhouse gas emissions by developing guidelines to assess carbon dioxide and particulate matter reduction following UN principles for the country's future emissions reduction plan, and promoting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use.
Bangkok legislator Phandil Nuamchim disputed Parliament Speaker Sophon Saram's claim of a record 122-day work achievement, noting that 10 of the 14 bills cited were government resubmissions rather than new legislation.
On July 16, 2025, Bangkok legislator Phandil Nuamchim of the People's Party challenged Parliament Speaker Sophon Saram's announcement of 122 days of work and passage of 14 bills—the highest in a decade—arguing that most were not newly originated legislation but government bills resubmitted for confirmation from the previous parliament. Of the 14 bills cited, 10 were government resubmissions and others originated from Senate referrals to joint committees, meaning they cannot be claimed as the speaker's personal achievements but rather reflect parliamentary votes.
Phandil further criticized other aspects of Sophon's tenure, including an expired Parliament building insurance contract requiring investigation, questions about why staff aerobic exercise sessions were conducted during work hours without staff consultation, and a 1-million-baht annual budget for the speaker's official vehicle that warrants scrutiny. He called for the speaker to cease self-promotion and ceremonial activities and return focus to core legislative functions.
Phandil also challenged Sophon's claim that critics harbor bias, asking whether the speaker examined his own pattern of selective attention—such as focusing drug-trafficking enforcement only in Buriram province or delaying opposition referrals to anti-corruption agencies. He pointed out that as Parliament speaker, Sophon has a duty to act as an impartial conduit for opposition petitions to relevant authorities, not to withhold them.