On July 13, 2025, at Parliament, Sirikanya Tansakul, a party-list MP and Pheu Thai deputy leader serving on the special budget committee, commented on the Department of Local Administration's decision to cancel its proposal for projects funded by a 400 billion baht emergency decree. Sirikanya said the cancellation was fortunate, as she had received information about the plan long ago but was awaiting the Constitutional Court's ruling. After she posted her concerns just one day ago—flagging the inclusion of projects that may not genuinely meet energy transition requirements, such as solar installation on equipment and vehicles—the department decided to withdraw the proposal. However, she believes this is not the end of the matter and expects the administration to resubmit the projects using revised procedures.

"This is a very large slice of the budget—200 billion baht—and every ministry wants a piece of it," Sirikanya explained. "The next time they submit, the conditions may not be as transparent. They will likely hide and obscure the details much more, making oversight significantly harder."

Despite this concern, she stressed the importance of close monitoring and thanked those who had provided tip-offs and civil servants and local government officials who have raised red flags. She said that if irregularities emerge again, these groups would likely come forward with information, allowing problems to be caught before projects begin.

Sirikanya noted that many ministries have already submitted projects through a screening committee. She hopes the parliamentary committee will rigorously track spending from the 400 billion baht emergency loan, scrutinizing every baht. She reiterated that the original scheme was flawed from the start, as achieving genuine energy transition within one year—despite the large budget—is unrealistic. She vowed to minimize spending in this area in favor of other priorities, such as the smart grid transmission line project funded by state enterprises.

When asked whether any projects in the 400 billion baht decree duplicate those in the 2570 fiscal budget, Sirikanya confirmed she had found approximately 3 billion baht in overlaps, including solar roof and solar irrigation projects. She instructed relevant agencies to clarify which budget source should be used and to avoid drawing from both simultaneously.

She also flagged potential overlap between the 400 billion baht decree and the 12 billion baht economic recovery plan budget. Notably, the 12 billion baht scheme involves cost-sharing between the government and budget-holding agencies—such as the government funding half and local authorities funding the other half—which she sees as an opportunity to mobilize accumulated funds. However, if agencies also draw from the emergency loan, she expressed concern about project effectiveness and suggested reallocating that money to underfunded areas, such as research budgets that were cut by 1.3 billion baht or welfare programs that fell short of announced levels, to ensure every baht delivers maximum value.

On Thursday, July 2, 2026, Phra Phromvachirphothiwong (Veerayut Veeryuthot), abbot of Wat Thai Buddha Kaya and head of the Buddhist missionary delegation to India and Nepal, presided over a religious ceremony. Deputy Culture Minister Sabida Thaisetrect delegated Prasop Riangnguean, Permanent Secretary of the Culture Ministry, to lead the lay delegation in a merit-making Buddhist chanting ceremony honoring Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, Deputy Registrar, on the occasion of her birthday on July 4. The ceremony was held at Wat Suvarnnaphum Buddhachayanti temple in Bang Saothong District, Samut Prakan Province, attended by Provincial Governor Supahmit Chinsri, Deputy Director of the Department of Religion Patthanachat Pannyasilp, Culture Ministry administrators, officials, and citizens.

On the occasion of her birthday on July 4, Thai people of all backgrounds gathered to express reverence and loyalty by performing merit-making activities in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, Deputy Registrar, who has dedicated herself to Buddhist patronage and countless public service endeavors across religious, cultural, artistic, and social development sectors.

In Buddhist affairs, she serves as a devoted patron and supporter of the faith, continually promoting Buddhism both domestically and internationally. She chairs the project to construct the Dharma Museum and Stupa of Luang Ta Maha Bua Yannasampanno at Wat Pa Ban Tat, and supports a radio station broadcasting dhamma to the public. In 2020, she traveled to India to oversee merit-making activities and a mass ordination ceremony marking the tenth anniversary of Chulabhorn Hospital. During that journey, she visited significant Buddhist sites including Kushinara in Uttar Pradesh, where Buddha attained parinirvana. She led the lay delegation in ordination ceremonies, circumambulated the Bodhi Tree, offered robes and gold leaf to Buddha statues, and brought joy to Buddhists from Thailand and worldwide.

In arts and culture, she demonstrates remarkable artistic talent in visual arts and painting, creating valuable works whose exhibition proceeds support public welfare. She continuously promotes, preserves, and disseminates Thai art and culture. In recognition of her outstanding creative contributions and cultural stewardship, the Culture Ministry's National Culture Committee presented her with the "Sirisalapin—National Artist" award for 2024, honoring her as a creator of precious artistic works and guardian of national identity.

Prasop stated that the Culture Ministry, through the Department of Religion and in cooperation with Wat Suvarnnaphum Buddhachayanti in Bang Saothong District, Samut Prakan Province, held this Buddhist chanting merit ceremony to honor and pay tribute to Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak, Deputy Registrar.

At 1:20 p.m. on July 13, 2025, at the Forensic Institute of the Police Hospital, a mother named Nid arrived to identify the remains of her daughter, Ms. Nampip (Ice), and her son-in-law, Mr. Suwicha (Lee), a staff member at Sanam Luang Palace. Both died in a fire at a beer shop in Bangkok's Ladphrao district.

Mother Nid traveled from Nakhon Nayok Province to confirm their deaths. Through tears, she revealed that she is currently caring for the couple's two children, ages 4 and 5, while the parents were living in another province. Her son-in-law was hardworking and supported the family; he held a government position while also driving a Bolt taxi under the name "Bolt Camouflage" to earn extra income. He freely transported patients, students, pregnant women, and the elderly as his contribution to society. Her daughter had recently graduated as a teacher and was employed as a computer instructor at a private school.

An investigation of the TikTok account "Bolt Camouflage" shows that Lee had 146,000 followers and over 3.2 million likes. His profile stated that organ donors, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and students ride free. He had posted multiple clips of helping passengers and the community. Following confirmation of their deaths, thousands of followers left condolences, mourning the loss of someone known for his goodness and generosity.

Bangkok, 13 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed the official opening on 10 July 2026 of the new road linking Sadao Customs House in Songkhla with the Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint in Kedah, Malaysia. The ceremony was jointly presided over by Thailand’s Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul and The Honourable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, marking a major infrastructure milestone in strengthening travel, trade and tourism connectivity between the two countries.

The ceremony brought together senior representatives from both countries. Thailand’s delegation included Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport; Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports; Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor; and TAT executives, alongside senior Malaysian officials.

The connection supports the government’s Ease of Travelling policy and cooperation under the Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle framework. TAT views the road as tourism infrastructure that will enable faster, more seamless cross-border travel, expand overland tourism, strengthen southern Thailand as a gateway linking Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, and reinforce Thailand’s role as a regional travel hub.

Ms. Thapanee said, “The new Sadao road creates an opportunity to transform a border crossing into a regional tourism corridor. Connecting travellers more efficiently to Hat Yai and destinations across southern Thailand can encourage longer stays, wider travel and greater spending in local communities. This reflects TAT’s Value over Volume direction, under which stronger connectivity must deliver not only more journeys, but also greater economic value, safer travel and lasting benefits across destinations.”

The TAT Kuala Lumpur Office is expanding marketing activities around the new connection, combining overland and aviation promotions with scenic driving routes, private-vehicle journeys and cross-border tourism programmes. TAT will work with airlines, online travel platforms, travel agents, tourism operators, and Malaysian car, motorcycle and touring communities to extend travel from border areas to established and emerging destinations.

TAT is also preparing to launch the “New Hat Yai” project, inviting key Malaysian opinion leaders to present new perspectives on Hat Yai and to connect with journeys to Phatthalung, Trang, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Roadshows, joint marketing initiatives, familiarisation trips, influencer content, Muslim-friendly travel promotion, sporting events, incentive travel and business events will further support destination dispersal.

Alongside improved connectivity and market development, TAT reaffirmed its commitment to tourist safety and security when travelling through the border area. TAT will continue working with relevant authorities and partners to provide clear information, strengthen visitor assistance and support safe travel through the Sadao gateway and onward destinations.

Malaysia remains one of Thailand’s leading source markets, ranking second after China with 2,142,904 arrivals from 1 January to 8 July 2026, against a full-year target of 4,825,000 visitors. Demand is driven by independent and repeat travel, weekend breaks and family journeys, with strong interest in gastronomy, culture, wellness, beaches, nature, shopping and local experiences.

The new Sadao connection, together with expanding road, rail, maritime and air links, will improve access across southern Thailand and reinforce the country’s long-term role as an ASEAN tourism hub.

The post TAT welcomes the new Sadao Road as an ASEAN tourism gateway linking Thailand and Malaysia appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

On July 13 at the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Police Hospital, Ms. Kalyawadee (surname withheld), 34, a cousin of Sitthipong Chaiyod, 23, from Ubon Ratchathani province—one of the victims of the Ladprao beer bar fire—arrived to claim her cousin's body after authorities confirmed his death in the incident.

Ms. Kalyawadee explained that she is a cousin of the deceased. After his mother in Ubon Ratchathani learned of the tragedy, she rushed Ms. Kalyawadee to Bangkok to handle documentation first, with plans to arrive the next day to take the body back for religious rites at their hometown.

Sitthipong had been working as a server in Bangkok for only one month. Since yesterday was a day off, he likely visited the establishment for the first time. Though they did not live together, when Ms. Kalyawadee saw news of the incident and received a call from home, she rushed to investigate, only to learn the devastating news that her cousin was among the dead.

Ms. Kalyawadee expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and said the family's emotional state is dire. She questioned whether such an incident should ever occur and raised concerns about emergency exits. "If there had been more emergency exits, my brother could have escaped," she said. "While I may not be a nightlife person, this is a harsh lesson. It should not have happened. How will the establishment take responsibility? My brother was only 23 years old. The feelings are indescribable. As for their excuse about fearing drunk customers wouldn't pay—don't you have staff to watch that area? Shouldn't you have a contingency plan? No amount of money can bring my brother back to life."