PHUKET: A senior Phuket provincial official was behind the wheel of a car that fatally struck a Russian man crossing the main road through Pa Khlok, police have confirmed.
PHUKET: A senior Phuket provincial official was behind the wheel of a car that fatally struck a Russian man crossing the main road through Pa Khlok, police have confirmed.
A 29-year-old man was arrested in Sra Kaew for his role in a gold trading investment scam that defrauded over 50 victims of at least 4 million baht by promising false returns.
On July 25, 2025, police officers led by Tasanaphumi Jarupratya, commander of the Nonthaburi Provincial Police, arrested 29-year-old Somkiart (surname withheld) at a residence in Sra Kaew province. The suspect was wanted under a Nonthaburi Provincial Court arrest warrant issued January 7, 2025, facing multiple charges including public fraud, impersonation, computer data falsification, and allowing unauthorized use of bank accounts.
Investigators determined the suspect was part of an investment scam falsely claiming to operate as the AURORA gold shop, promising 20-30 percent returns to attract victims. Over 50 individuals have been identified as involved in the scheme, with at least 4 million baht in combined losses reported. The suspect admitted to opening bank accounts and traveling to Poipet, Cambodia, in 2023, where he underwent facial recognition scans at a 25-story building in exchange for 12,000 baht per scan. Police are continuing investigations and pursuing charges against all identified conspirators.
A 20-year-old man in Ubon Ratchathani fired an M16 at a pickup truck, injuring three occupants, after accusing one of them of attempting to assault his pregnant wife. Police arrested him in Si Sa Ket province and charged him with premeditat
A shooting erupted around 2:50 a.m. on July 24 in Muang Ubon Ratchathani district when police responded to reports of gunfire at a house in Kham Yai subdistrict. Officers discovered a gray Isuzu pickup truck, registered in Bueng Kan, had been sprayed with 5.56mm gunfire and crashed into a rice field behind the house. Four occupants were in the vehicle; three suffered injuries and were rushed to hospital, while one escaped unharmed. Police found ten spent 5.56mm cartridge casings near the kitchen area.
The homeowner identified the shooter as Phayut, 20, his son-in-law, who fled the scene. Officers tracked him to a friend's house in Si Sa Ket province and arrested him that evening. Under interrogation, Phayut confessed to all charges and revealed his motive: he believed one of the injured men, Vishnu, had attempted to rape his pregnant wife. According to his account, Vishnu had previously contacted his wife offering 150,000 baht in damages and trying to recover a pickup truck valued at 45,000 baht that Phayut had seized. Phayut said he set a trap, luring Vishnu to his wife's house, then ambushed the arriving truck with an M16 and two magazines containing about 40 rounds, firing until the vehicle crashed before abandoning the weapon and fleeing.
Police charged Phayut with premeditated attempted murder. A background check revealed disturbing prior convictions: a murder case and firearms violation in 2567 at Khueang Nai Police Station, another firearms violation in 2567 at Muang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station, and he was currently out on bail pending appeal of a separate intentional murder conviction when he committed this attack.
Parliament's Religion, Arts and Culture Committee held a major forum in Nan province to preserve traditional Lanna cloth weaving, which risks disappearing as master weavers age and younger generations lose interest in the centuries-old craf
Thailand's parliamentary Religion, Arts and Culture Committee held a major forum in Nan province on July 25 to preserve traditional Lanna cloth weaving and address concerns that centuries-old cultural knowledge could disappear as master weavers age and younger generations lose interest in the craft. Vice Chair Prasit Nota of the committee's Religion, Arts and Culture subcommittee opened the seminar titled "Lanna Weaving: Preserving Wisdom, Creating Future Value," which aims to revive and advance the region's local heritage while ensuring its survival in Thai society. The event brought together over 400 participants, including local weavers, community scholars, weaving instructors, students, youth groups, women's groups, community leaders, and local government officials.
Vice Chair Prasit emphasized that Lanna cloth is far more than clothing—it is a precious cultural legacy that embodies the stories, beliefs, history, and wisdom of the Lanna people, accumulated and passed down for centuries. Every pattern, color, and thread reflects a unique local identity that cannot be replicated. However, social and economic changes have severely impacted the transmission of traditional weaving knowledge, with fewer young people learning the craft while many master weavers and village scholars grow elderly, risking the loss of invaluable knowledge without systematic and continuous transmission.
The committee stressed that this seminar aims not only to preserve cultural heritage but also to create a learning platform that bridges older and younger generations, gives youth direct exposure to local wisdom from master craftspeople, and helps develop Lanna weaving into economically viable products and cultural goods competitive in the future. The Religion, Arts and Culture Committee reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing efforts to conserve, revive, and develop Lanna weaving expertise, ensuring that this valuable cultural legacy is passed down through generations and remains a cornerstone of national identity while driving creative economy and sustainable community development.
Typhoon Noul with winds up to 130 kph is expected to make landfall near Huizhou and Shanwei in eastern Guangdong and Hong Kong on Sunday morning, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong gusts across the region.
On July 25, local authorities in Guangdong province, southern China, have raised alert levels after Typhoon Noul, with maximum wind speeds of 130 kilometers per hour, moved across the northeastern South China Sea toward the eastern coast of Guangdong. China's National Meteorological Center expects Typhoon Noul may make landfall near Huizhou and Shanwei in eastern Guangdong, as well as Hong Kong, on the morning of Sunday, July 26. The typhoon's impact will bring strong wind gusts, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall across a wide area. Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau says Noul will bring rain to southern and eastern Taiwan. China recently faced disaster from Typhoon Bavi, which struck on July 11, causing severe heavy rain and flooding in eastern China, forcing more than 2 million residents to evacuate. Before that, Typhoon Mirinae made landfall in southern China on July 3, causing torrential rain and compounding the damage from a dam breach in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, resulting in massive flooding that affected cities including Zhengzhou and Nanning.
Former Pheu Thai spokesman Prom Pongsa proposes a four-point economic plan to counter US tariffs of 12.5% on Thai goods, which could cost the economy over one trillion baht and threaten exports, jobs, and SMEs. His plan includes establishin
On July 25, 2569, Prom Pongsa Nopruetthi, former spokesman of the Pheu Thai Party, said the United States has imposed a 12.5% tariff rate on Thai goods. While Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has correctly ordered all ministries to integrate data to support the trade negotiation team with the United States, the US trade measures could impact Thai exports by more than one trillion baht, according to international trade experts. Although Thailand and the United States maintain a strong and long-standing trade partnership, these tariffs will inevitably affect exports, investment, employment, Thai entrepreneurs, and SMEs—a vital pillar of the national economy. Prom Pongsa urged the government to urgently prepare and proactively implement measures to contain the impact and prevent it from spreading to employment, public income, and cost of living, and proposed four measures:
1. Establish a National Economic War Room to monitor trade impacts, assess the situation daily, coordinate with the private sector, and accelerate negotiations with the US to reduce trade barriers, while opening new markets in the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and other trading partners to reduce dependence on any single market.
2. Urgently assist SME operators through low-interest credit, debt payment suspension, and reduced government fee burdens to help businesses continue operations.
3. Support product development, quality upgrades, and online market expansion abroad through government budget allocation to boost competitiveness, and accelerate promotion of Thailand's strengths in food, medical tourism, and soft power as additional revenue engines.
4. Urgently protect manufacturing and export sector workers; if factories or operators face impacts, implement job preservation measures alongside workforce skills development to prevent widespread layoffs.
Prom Pongsa emphasized that the most important task is to restore confidence in entrepreneurs and the public that Thailand remains competitive and the government has a clear action plan. Amid Middle East tensions, volatile energy prices, and global economic slowdown affecting Thailand, if all sectors cooperate and the government implements appropriate measures, the export sector, SMEs, and the Thai economy can adapt without letting the impact reach the livelihood of ordinary citizens. Thailand has weathered many crises; while tariffs may affect economic figures, what the government must protect is exports, employment, and the people's livelihood. Protecting the market protects jobs, income, and the future of Thai people—that is success citizens can truly feel.
Abhisit Vejjajiva criticized the government's deal with oil refineries to cut fuel refining costs by just 2.40 baht per liter, saying it falls short of structural reform needed to address Thailand's energy pricing crisis.
At 9:20 a.m. on July 25, 2569 at parliament, Abhisit Vejjajiva, Democrat Party leader and party-list MP, revealed that the party had expected the Energy Ministry to address structural problems, but remained concerned about oil prices. He noted that after months of discussion, the government appeared to be moving away from structural reform.
Abhisit stated that the government's negotiation with refineries to reduce refining costs to 2.40 baht per liter was inadequate, especially given that normal refining costs are higher. He criticized the lack of a clear formula or excess-profits tax mechanism, calling the negotiations opaque in their calculation basis.
The Democrat Party asserted that the 2.40 baht reduction falls short of what is achievable. If the government acted seriously on this issue combined with excise tax reforms, it would not need massive sums from the Oil Fund. Currently, the Oil Fund must compensate for 7-8 baht per liter while consumers still bear the burden, Abhisit said.
On electricity, he noted the same problem exists. The Democrat Party had previously proposed adjusting the electricity rate formula when natural gas prices were high, but no action was taken. While the government claims it will not use short-term relief measures and instead pursue structural reform, Abhisit expressed skepticism, noting the government still appears focused on finding money rather than fixing the underlying system.
When asked whether he would speak directly to the Energy Minister, a former Democrat member, Abhisit said informal consultations occur but the party wants systematic solutions. He emphasized that current structures allow middlemen to gain excessive profits, and by international standards, such cases warrant systematic mechanisms to help citizens. Abhisit concluded that despite the government's own admission of major structural issues, concrete changes remain unclear.
Thai Nichi Industry won a top innovation award for transforming Thai rice into Japanese-style crackers, generating over 600 million baht in revenue with support from Chiang Mai University's research center.
Chiang Mai University celebrated the achievement of Thai Nichi Industry on July 25, reaffirming its role in translating research and innovation into industrial benefits. The company, supported by the university's Food Innovation and Packaging Center (FIN CMU) under the Faculty of Agro-Industry, won first runner-up in the Economic Impact category at the 7Innovation Awards 2026, held at the PIM Convention Hall during the THAILAND SYNERGY event for Thai SMEs transitioning to Innovation Driven Enterprises in 2026.
The company's success stems from upgrading Thai rice—a key national commodity—into Japanese-style rice crackers through technology and production process development tailored to global market demands. This innovation has generated over 600 million baht in revenue, expanded export markets, and exemplifies how science, technology, and innovation can strengthen Thai business competitiveness and elevate agricultural products to international standards.
Behind the scenes, FIN CMU served as the company's innovation partner, providing research and development support, knowledge transfer in food technology, product development guidance, and strategic business consulting to help drive the enterprise toward becoming a true innovation-driven business. This effort reflects Chiang Mai University's mission to bridge academic knowledge with industry through collaboration that develops market-responsive innovations, adds value to national resources, and enhances Thailand's long-term economic competitiveness.
Thai Nichi Industry's success at the 7Innovation Awards 2026 exemplifies how university knowledge creates tangible economic and social impact, underscoring Chiang Mai University's commitment as a higher education institution dedicated to translating research and innovation into practical application for sustainable growth among entrepreneurs and the nation.
The U.S. imposed a 12.5% tariff on Thai goods, the highest rate alongside China and Vietnam, citing forced labor concerns and threatening to erode Thailand's export competitiveness. Thailand's first-half trade deficit hit 1.1 trillion baht,
On July 25, 2025, Pichai Naripthaphan, former Commerce Minister, stated that the United States has announced a 12.5% tariff on Thai goods—the highest rate—citing forced labor violations. Thailand faces the same rate as China and Vietnam, while Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines are charged only 10%, which will erode Thai competitiveness, harm exports, and discourage investment.
Although Thai exports surged 20.74% in June, imports jumped 50.28%, leaving Thailand with a first-half trade deficit of 1.1 trillion baht and potentially record deficits by year-end. This threatens to create a twin deficit crisis affecting GDP. In the first six months of 2025, Thailand held a 33 billion dollar trade surplus with the U.S. but ran a 46.2 billion dollar deficit with China—likely prompting the high U.S. tariff and risking further increases if Washington suspects transshipment or circumvention schemes to evade tariffs.
Pichai criticized the slow pace of negotiations, noting that Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supratarp Suphajee met USTR Jamieson Greer only briefly in May and negotiated with Deputy USTR Rick Switzer in June—warning signs he had flagged earlier. He urged faster action and praised Wuttikrai Livirapat, Permanent Secretary of Commerce, and Chotima Iamsawatdi, Director-General of the Trade Negotiations Department, as key figures who previously helped secure Thailand's exemption from Section 301 tariffs under President Biden and should lead current efforts to close an FTA and meet performance targets.
A 41-year-old former soldier has been arrested in Chachoengsao province for the murder and dismemberment of a 51-year-old man from Ubon Ratchathani, whose remains were discovered in a eucalyptus plantation.
On July 25, 2569 (2026), police from Sanam Chai Khet Station took 41-year-old former soldier Ranakrit into custody for murder and corpse concealment. He was escorted to crime sites to reconstruct events under tight security and the watch of the victim's family.
The case began on July 21 when the daughter of 51-year-old Boonlertsak from Ubon Ratchathani reported him missing at Plaeng Yao Station. On July 23, residents discovered human remains in Wang Yen subdistrict, Plaeng Yao district, Chachoengsao province, prompting authorities to launch an investigation.
On July 24, Chachoengsao provincial police and Region 2 officers arrested the suspect in Bang Teen Ped subdistrict, Muang Chachoengsao. They seized a sidecar motorcycle and a wooden-handled machete believed to be the weapon used.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to quarreling with the victim before striking him with wood, causing his death. He then transported the body to a eucalyptus plantation in Sanam Chai Khet subdistrict, dismembered it, and discarded the pieces at various locations.
During the reconstruction, the victim's brother arrived from Ubon Ratchathani and tearfully confronted the suspect, shouting "Why did you kill my brother?" The suspect replied only that "he came to me," before officers continued the reconstruction amid the family's grief.
The victim's daughter watched the process with sorrow, struggling to come to terms with her father's loss, supported by relatives. Authorities have sent identified remains to the Police Hospital's forensic institute and are still searching for two legs and one arm. Preliminary urine testing revealed the suspect had drugs in his system.
After the reconstruction, the suspect was remanded in custody and charged with intentional assault causing death and concealing, moving, or destroying a corpse to conceal the manner or fact of death.
Thailand's education ministry is backing student entrepreneurs through the ELP program, which pairs university innovators with international mentors to transform research into market-ready products across 16 regional science parks.
On July 23, Dr. Phanthup Arunee, Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), officially opened the national-level pitching and interview competition for the ELP (Experiential Learning for Entrepreneurs) program. The initiative partners MHESI with 16 regional science park universities across Thailand, including Chiang Mai University, Khon Kaen University, Suranaree University of Technology, and Thammasat University, among others.
The ELP program, now in its fourth year, aims to cultivate student entrepreneurs who can transform research, technology, and innovation into marketable products and services. Participants develop critical skills including analytical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and data-driven decision-making through hands-on experiential learning both domestically and internationally. Dr. Phanthup explained that the program emphasizes real-world market validation and mentoring from international business partners.
For 2025, the program has intensified its selection process across three tiers—university, regional, and national levels—to identify 25 high-potential entrepreneurs from approximately 540 nationwide applicants. The current pitching and interview sessions serve not merely as competition but as a critical feedback opportunity for participants to receive expert guidance and demonstrate their capacity to drive sustainable economic and social impact through their ventures.