Thai communities have long drawn their identity and character from nature and local resources—plants, vegetables, fruits, and traditional herbs. By developing these resources alongside local knowledge and distinctive craftsmanship, communities can create livelihoods and transform local assets into sustainable income.

PTT Group recognized this potential across Thailand and launched the "Community Smiles" program to expand marketing channels and create opportunities for community products to reach consumers more widely.

Advancing Community Smiles Toward Sustainable Business The Community Smiles program was initiated by PTT Group to support farmers and community entrepreneurs affected by the Covid-19 crisis, serving as a bridge to distribute goods to consumers. It later evolved into a social enterprise model and opened the Community Smiles Official Store at PTT's headquarters. To date, nearly 700 communities have joined the program, offering over 2,000 products.

Four Years of Community Smiles: Four Dimensions of Happiness Happiness Through "Living Well"—Creating jobs, income, and improved quality of life rooted in community foundations. The program promotes local resources, wisdom, and identity as stable livelihoods, enabling people to achieve better quality of life, self-reliance, and sustainable growth from their own roots.

Happiness Through "Caring for Earth and Home"—Adding value to waste materials toward environmentally friendly happiness. The program supports the creation of eco-friendly products by reusing waste materials and local resources, maximizing their benefit while reducing environmental impact and protecting local heritage.

Happiness Through "Pride in Value"—Elevating community wisdom into valued products and stories. Every community product reflects stories, ways of life, and wisdom passed down through generations, fostering pride in what communities possess and sustaining local identity.

Happiness Through "Growing Together"—Uniting all sectors to create shared growth and happiness. Over four years, Community Smiles has grown through cooperation between organizations, communities, and customers. True happiness comes from balanced growth together, and every partnership strengthens the community economy and spreads smiles sustainably.

Everyone is invited to support community products, because every item begins with a community's smile and reaches yours. Interested parties can explore products or apply to join the program via the Community Smiles Facebook page.

Bangkok nightclub fire death toll reaches 33 as police widen investigationLegacyThe death toll from the Bangkok nightclub fire has risen to 33 after another member of the band performing on the night of the blaze died from his injuries yesterday, July 15. Police also identified two additional shareholders connected to the venue as the investigation into the disaster continues. Thitiwat “Din” Kaewkanha, a 27 year old singer who was performing at the nightclub on July 12, died yesterday, July 15, at Rajavithi Hospital after remaining in critical condition since the fire. Three other members of the band who died in the blaze were female singer Breeze, keyboardist Kwang and drummer Bew. Officers from Metropolitan Police Division 2 said they have identified 31 victims and returned their bodies to relatives. Sixteen people remain in critical condition, 12 sustained moderate injuries and another 43 suffered minor injuries. The Musical band leader Atipat Wijan | Photo by Sakchai Lalit via AP Police said investigators have interviewed 96 witnesses, including one business owner, 26 nightclub employees, 56 customers and relatives, and 13 officers who took part in the rescue operation. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. According to police, the venue’s operators had previously applied for permission to increase the building’s electricity capacity because the existing system was insufficient. However, ะhe upgraded electrical system had not yet been installed when the fire occurred. Investigators also examined footage from 16 CCTV cameras inside the nightclub. Police said the recordings show smoke first appearing on the left side of the stage before spreading across the venue and developing into a fire. Photo by Wason Wanichakorn via AP Smoke was visible near the ceiling above the stage about 15 seconds before flames appeared. Police said the fire developed from the first signs of smoke to a major blaze in about one minute, with flames intensifying at around 11.50pm. Police are also examining the nightclub’s ownership structure as part of the criminal investigation and compensation process for victims. Investigators said the business was officially registered under the name of a male owner, who remains in critical condition, and his mother. However, police discovered two additional people received profits from the business despite not being listed in the company’s registration documents. Photo by Anton L. Delgado via AP According to police, four shareholders are expected to be summoned for questioning while investigators determine whether further legal action is appropriate. Police allege the business committed multiple offences, including operating an entertainment venue under a restaurant licence, trading beyond permitted hours, violating the Building Control Act and acting recklessly in a manner that allegedly caused deaths and injuries under criminal law. The final charges and legal proceedings will be determined once the investigation is complete. The story Bangkok nightclub fire death toll reaches 33 as police widen investigation as seen on Thaiger News.

Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation(MHESI) is strengthening efforts to combat PM2.5 pollution in northern Thailand by promoting the “Zero Burn to Earn: S...

Experience an immersive 360° underwater world with free entry from July 29 to August 12, 2026, at NEX Hall in Siam Paragon. "YOUNG Sea Guardians: SEA THE CHANGE—Building a New Ocean World With Our Hands" is Thailand's flagship marine conservation exhibition, inviting visitors to explore the underwater realm through innovative learning experiences that are visually stunning, entertaining, and inspiring. The event transforms awareness into action and calls on everyone to help restore Thai seas sustainably. Organized by the Thai Coral Reef and Marine Life Conservation Foundation, this exhibition brings together support from government agencies, the private sector, researchers, conservationists, and young people to share Thailand's ocean stories through modern technology and inspire all to become "protectors of Thai seas." The event runs from July 29 to August 12, 2026, at NEX Hall, Level 5, Siam Paragon shopping center, with free admission throughout.

Highlights not to miss:

Dive into the underwater world via 360° immersive experience: Experience a virtual underwater world with surround sound and visuals, encountering schools of marine animals and glowing giant jellyfish. The exhibition then gradually educates visitors about the crises facing Thailand's seas and invites everyone to become part of the solution.

Learn ocean restoration from real practitioners: Discover the behind-the-scenes work of researchers and conservationists through accessible, participatory exhibitions covering microplastic surveys, coral reef restoration, marine emergency rooms for injured sea creatures, and the marine conservation legacy of Queen Sirikit and Princess Sirivannavari.

Over 30 activities and talks and workshops throughout 15 days: Enhance your experience with workshops and activities for all ages, including coral restoration, marine waste reduction, and conservation diving preparation, plus discussions by researchers, conservationists, and marine experts sharing knowledge and inspiration.

Community market supporting coastal communities: Browse eco-friendly products and goods from coastal communities nationwide that reflect conservation principles while supporting community income and sustainability.

Because change starts with everyone: Whether you're a child, youth, family, student, diver, or someone who never thought the sea was relevant to daily life, SEA THE CHANGE will help you discover that every aspect of our lives is connected to the ocean, and everyone can help create a "new ocean world" by starting with themselves.

Join this year's major marine conservation experience—YOUNG Sea Guardians: SEA THE CHANGE—Building a New Ocean World With Our Hands, July 29 to August 12, 2026, at NEX Hall, Level 5, Siam Paragon shopping center. Free admission throughout. Register at: https://forms.gle/2zkKCb7M94x7j2DX8

The Royal Irrigation Department is accelerating weed and water obstruction removal across national irrigation areas to boost drainage and water storage efficiency during the rainy season while minimizing flood risk and maximizing agricultural benefits. Operations include clearing water hyacinth and weeds from irrigation and drainage canals and critical water sources using specialized equipment—weed-removal boats, excavators, and support machinery—deployed nationwide to improve water flow, reduce blockages during heavy downpours, and enhance water retention for dry periods. The department has emphasized that all units must monitor work progress and tailor machinery deployment to suit local conditions, ensuring efficient removal operations that support comprehensive water management. The Irrigation Department reaffirms its commitment to sustained weed and obstruction removal alongside continuous water monitoring and multi-faceted management to maintain irrigation system performance, reduce flood risk, increase water storage capacity, and deliver lasting water security for people and agriculture.

The Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to universal health coverage, global health security, and resilient healthcare systems during the 79th World Health Assembly held at the Palais des Nations in Ge...