Roi Raeng FESTDelicious food by the sea, delightful times for the heart! You cannot miss Roi Raeng FEST. This July 25–26, come experience the best tastes, talented people, and local charms at Bawon...
Roi Raeng FESTDelicious food by the sea, delightful times for the heart! You cannot miss Roi Raeng FEST. This July 25–26, come experience the best tastes, talented people, and local charms at Bawon...
The screening committee is examining whether an NBTC chairman nominee's previous work as a fee-per-hour physician at a state hospital constitutes prohibited state employment under broadcasting law. Legal experts argue the actual working rel
The screening committee's review of the NBTC chairman nominee continues to draw scrutiny, particularly regarding his former employment status as a physician at Ramathibodi Hospital before his royal appointment to the commission. The central question is whether his work as a fee-per-hour doctor (Doctor Fee) constitutes employment as a state agency worker as defined by law.
Medical sources have stated that physicians working under fee-per-hour arrangements at Ramathibodi Hospital's medical faculty—whether as salaried employees or under service contracts—must sign contracts with the faculty before beginning work. Because Ramathibodi Hospital operates as part of Mahidol University, it maintains clear legal ties to a state institution.
These sources note that classifying Doctor Fee compensation as independent professional income under tax code Section 40(6) is merely a tax classification and does not establish employment status. The true test should examine the actual working relationship between the physician and the state agency, applying the legal principle of "substance over form" commonly used in employment status determinations.
Working as a Doctor Fee physician in a state hospital differs fundamentally from private practice because the work occurs under state liability law and often involves compensation connected to government budgets, creating a different relationship with state agencies than typical independent professional practice.
Under Section 8 of the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Act, NBTC commissioners must not be state agency employees to preserve the organization's independence and prevent conflicts of interest. Whether fee-per-hour physician work qualifies as state employment remains a legal question requiring careful examination of facts and evidence in each case. The screening committee bears responsibility for thoroughly investigating the nominee's qualifications before submitting the name for royal appointment, a process critical to legal correctness and the credibility of the independent constitutional agency.
However, Mahidol University's rector's office previously stated there are no qualification problems with the nominee's appointment as NBTC chairman and presented investigation results from Ramathibodi Hospital's medical faculty showing that the nominee performed physician duties treating patients during the period from December 20, 2021, to January 7, 2022.
A nine-year-old Phuket boy claimed two world coding championship titles and World No. 1 rankings at the International STEM Olympiad in Rome, competing against students up to Grade 11.
PHUKET — 16 July 2026, A nine-year-old boy from Phuket has brought international recognition to Thailand after winning two world championship titles in coding and achieving the World No. 1 ranking at the International STEM Olympiad & Coding Olympiad – Grand Final 2026 in Rome, Italy.
Pavin Pattanavekin, known as Pace, who is currently in Grade 3, claimed the Global Champion – 1st Place title and the World No. 1 ranking in two major categories: the Codementum Grand Final (Grades 3–11) and the Codementum International Final, according to True Coding School Phuket.
The Grade 3 pupil competed against students from Grades 3 to 11 to secure both titles. Pace also received a Global Top 3 Gold Award in the Online Coding Exam Worldwide Winners competition, bringing his coding achievements this year to two Global Champion titles (World No. 1), two Global Top 3 Gold Awards and one gold medal.
In the STEM competitions, he won another Global Top 3 Gold Award in the Mathematics Olympiad (Grades 3–5) Grand Final, as well as a gold medal in the Science Olympiad (Grades 3–5) Grand Final.
The International STEM Olympiad & Coding Olympiad – Grand Final 2026 is a global platform that brings together young participants from around the world. Organisers said the event attracted participants from more than 153 countries, representing 1,700 schools, more than 2,100 teachers and over 38,000 students.
This achievement builds on Pace's success in 2025, when he won three gold medals at the Coding Olympiad Grand Final in New York City, including a first-place finish in one of the competitions, before going on to claim two world championship titles in 2026.
True Coding School Phuket said Pace's achievements reflected his strengths in computational thinking, coding, logical reasoning and problem-solving, as well as his determination to develop his skills and challenge himself on the international stage while once again bringing recognition to Thailand.
Merit-Making on Elephant Back & Big Buddha Worship Festival 2026Witness a unique cultural tradition at the annual Merit-Making on Elephant Back and Big Buddha Worship Festival! Join this sacred a...
Merit-Making on Elephant Back & Big Buddha Worship Festival 2026Witness a unique cultural tradition at the annual Merit-Making on Elephant Back and Big Buddha Worship Festival! Join this sacred a...
Thailand's jet ski championship aims to generate 1 billion baht in economic benefits by 2027 while establishing the country as an owner of global sports intellectual property rather than just a competitor. The WGP#1 tournament will draw tho
Thailand's jet ski model is advancing national economic benefits through sport development, with WGP#1 spending seven years building intellectual property to become a global game operator and generate comprehensive benefits for Thai athletics. WGP#1 chairman Parikhad Suepsahakarn revealed that the world jet ski championship's opening round in Bulgaria achieved significant sports marketing success, with WGP#1 creating premium content for global audiences. Government officials and local authorities welcomed the event as hosts, marking a new era where Thailand owns a world sport rather than merely sending competitors.
Owning global sports intellectual property, or Thai-Global Sport IP, enables comprehensive Thai sports development including tournament quality, athlete skill development, world-class reputation, and professional international recognition. The strategy generates sports export industries, media prominence, and aims to create 1 billion baht in economic value for Thailand's Pattaya World Cup tournament by 2027. The approach requires building international credibility and recognition among global sports communities, as international athletes traditionally trust European and American standards.
Importing global athletes requires over 3,000 international team members spending an average of 175,000 baht per person, generating substantial foreign currency inflow. Spectators, fans, and sports enthusiasts from the global jet ski community further boost economic returns, demonstrating how the jet ski model transforms a niche sport into substantial national benefit. Thai sports must excel on the world stage and develop intellectual property to build genuine strength.
The Democrat Party hit back at a former minister for criticizing the party, saying mature politicians should debate facts rather than attack their former colleagues to gain favor with new leadership.
On July 16, 2569, Passin Pitutetcha, a Democrat Party deputy spokesperson from Rayong, responded to remarks made by Naen Bunyanuthida Somchai, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, who had criticized her former party using rhetoric dismissed as "all talk." Passin countered that the Democrats remain committed to truth and can point to tangible achievements across multiple administrations that disprove empty criticism.
Passin questioned why former party members would resurface old attacks in new positions, saying such behavior lacks political maturity. He noted that while the Democrat Party has produced politicians who have moved to other parties, mature politicians typically prove themselves through results rather than by demeaning their former colleagues and party to impress new leadership.
The spokesman emphasized that party switching is acceptable if motivated by national interest rather than personal gain or position, and he outlined major policy achievements—from economic recovery during the hamburger crisis to infrastructure megaprojects like dual-track railways and subway expansion—that originated from Democratic administrations. He concluded by stating that true political maturity requires substantive debate based on facts, not personal attacks or dismissal of past accomplishments.
Western Decor Corporation launches the second year of its "Weave Dreams, Share Joy" program, providing educational activities, supplies, and facility improvements to two schools in Chiang Mai's Fang District serving over 700 students. The i
Western Decor Corporation (WDC), Thailand's leading importer and distributor of premium floor and wall tiles, is advancing its corporate social responsibility mission through the second year of its "Weave Dreams, Share Joy" program under the philosophy "WDC: WE DO CARE because knowledge is care." The initiative brings educational activities and environmental improvements to Ban Khop Dang School and Ban Lan School in Fang District, Chiang Mai Province, demonstrating the company's commitment to creating sustainable educational opportunities and community development.
WDC CEO Bandit Hiranyanidhiwattana stated: "WDC believes that creating good spaces means more than just developing residential areas—it includes creating learning environments and opportunities for children and youth to develop with quality. We are committed to supporting education through collaboration among our organization, schools, and communities via the 'Weave Dreams, Share Joy' project. We also encourage our employees to participate hands-on, share their knowledge, and pass on their experience to children in remote areas. We hope this project will serve as a small catalyst that inspires learning and supports sustainable community growth."
This year, WDC worked with Ban Lan School, a community learning center and vital institution for child and youth development in Fang District, and Ban Khop Dang School, which has received royal patronage and attention for supporting children in remote areas. Throughout the project, WDC provided clothing, blankets, sports equipment, snacks, milk, and essentials to over 700 students. The program included hands-on learning activities such as English language teaching, practical learning experiences, creative thinking development, teamwork skills, and outdoor learning. WDC volunteer employees also improved school facilities by repainting fences and organized sports events including football and volleyball to foster a learning atmosphere, strengthen unity, and build relationships among students, teachers, community members, and company staff.
WDC remains committed to integrating business operations with social value creation under its philosophy "Others see floor, We see MORE," reflecting the belief that every space can create value beyond its primary function when thoughtfully designed and developed—whether for living, working, or learning environments that create opportunities and better futures for people and communities.
A Thai lawmaker questions the hefty budget for TH-AI Passport after testing it alongside free international AI alternatives, calling for public trials to verify its cost-effectiveness and demanding clarity on employment contracts, inspectio
Deputy Democratic Party leader Kaladee Liaopairojaern announced on July 16, 2025, at Parliament that she has tested the TH-AI Passport in its initial version and found several important details still pending release from relevant agencies. These include revised employment contracts, the full list of project inspection committee members, and clarification on key performance indicators (KPIs) and data processing methods. Kaladee emphasized that these three issues are central to ensuring taxpayer value, maximum benefit, and transparent, verifiable operations.
After preliminary testing, Kaladee reported that the system's user interface is attractive and its AI learning functions appear comprehensive. However, after consulting with technology experts, she discovered that many functions resemble free AI services already available internationally, raising questions about why Thailand requires such a large budget for the project. She called for wider public testing to better assess the initiative's cost-effectiveness.
Kaladee also noted that the contract model has been adjusted from "Pay per Use" to "Pay per Active User," a significant change that should improve transparency and budget accountability. She expressed concern that the system's integrated learning and operational design may discourage public adoption, potentially undermining the justification for the substantial investment. Kaladee further recommended that project success metrics be clearly linked to Thailand's national AI strategy, noting that concrete goals remain unclear despite the project's budget in the hundreds of millions to over a billion baht.
A municipal director and university advisor were arrested for allegedly altering civil service exam scores, though the director refuses questioning while the advisor confirmed receiving exam data before it was sent for manipulation.
The anti-corruption police unit disclosed investigative progress in a civil service recruitment exam fraud case following the arrest of three suspects: Maj. Dr. Phichit Thangprom, director of strategy and budget at Wichian Buri Municipality in Phetchabun Province; Dr. Aswin Chotiphanan, an advisor at Kasetsart University; and Ms. Sataporn Thanphochrokhom, all currently detained by court order.
According to Deputy Commander Pattanasak Bubphasuwhan, initial suspect Phichit has denied all charges and refused cooperation, even declining to answer basic personal questions. However, Dr. Aswin, while also denying involvement, provided useful information by confirming that he and Ms. Sataporn received exam data files from Phichit before forwarding them to individuals at a house in Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi, for alteration. Searches of nine locations yielded no additional key evidence.
Investigators plan to seek approval from their commanding officers to summon 15 people found at the targeted house to hear charges, pending clearance from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Authorities also intend to question all approximately 5,000 people who passed the exam and were hired, potentially requesting nationwide police participation. The NACC retains primary responsibility for the main case, though the anti-corruption unit stands ready to provide full support if requested.
Bangkok authorities have shut down three venues for fire safety violations and lack of proper permits as part of a citywide inspection blitz across all districts ordered by the governor. Businesses found non-compliant face closure until cor
Bangkok has ordered the temporary closure of three establishments for failing to meet safety standards as part of a citywide safety inspection blitz across all 50 districts. On July 16, Bangkok authorities announced they are escalating safety measures for businesses and service establishments across the city under orders from Governor Chatchat Sittipan. All 50 district offices have been instructed to coordinate with police on aggressive inspection operations focusing on fire safety preparedness, emergency response capability, and verification of business permits and proper building use under the 1979 Building Control Act. Any business found with safety deficiencies or failing to comply with regulations will face immediate suspension of services until legally corrected.
Three venues have already been shut down: a Rama I establishment in Pathumwan District was closed after operating as an unlicensed pub with live music and lighting but lacking emergency exits and fire escape signs; a Charoensanitwong venue in Bangkok Noi District was suspended for providing entertainment services without proper authorization for activities posing health risks; and a Phetchburi establishment in Ratchathewi District was ordered to cease operations within seven days after repeatedly flouting previous warnings. Violators face penalties under the 1992 Public Health Act: up to six months imprisonment or fines up to 50,000 baht, with additional daily fines of up to 25,000 baht for continued violations.
Bangkok authorities emphasized this is not a temporary crackdown but an ongoing, systematic effort to enforce regulations, elevate safety standards, and build public confidence.
Multiple BAAC Savings Lottery winners claimed prizes up to 40 million baht on July 16, with the top prize going to ticket GG 7168233 in the Khun Phan Emerald series.
BAAC Savings Lottery Results for July 16, 2025
First Prize winners at 40,000,000 baht: Khun Phan Emerald series ticket GG 7168233.
First Prize winners at 20,000,000 baht: Tuei Savings Emerald series ticket TD 7168233; BAAC Golden Pot series ticket VJ 7168233.
First Prize winners at 10,000,000 baht: BAAC Jade Dragon series ticket มT 7168233; BAAC Silver Pot series ticket ษC 7168233; BAAC Jade Imperial Dragon series ticket LY 8721069.
First Prize Digital BAAC Lottery at 5,000,000 baht: 2O 7168233.
Other category first prizes and subsequent prize tiers follow with various winning ticket numbers and prize amounts ranging from 80,000 baht down to 300 baht depending on the lottery series and prize level.