The House of Representatives approved a draft amnesty bill on July 9, 2024, with 307 votes in favor and 141 against, with 2 abstentions. A review of voting records shows the 307 supporting votes came predominantly from government coalition MPs. Bhumjaithai Party members cast 183 of the party's 192 total votes in favor, with Deputy House Speaker Mallika Jirapontavanicha abstaining and 8 other members absent from voting.

Notably absent from voting were Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister serving as a party list MP and party leader, Digital Economy Minister Chaiyachon Chidchop serving as party secretary, and Deputy Digital Economy Minister Nanbunyida Somchai serving as party spokesperson.

The Pheu Thai Party provided 66 supporting votes from its 74 MPs, with MP Adisorn Piangket voting against the measure in defiance of party position. Seven Pheu Thai members did not cast votes, including MP Jaturont Chayaeng. The Palang Pracharath Party contributed 4 supporting votes, with party leader Thawee Sodsai absent from voting. The Kao Klai Party had 44 supporting votes and 25 absent, including brothers Thammanas and Akara Phromphao.

Opposition came from 141 votes, with the Democrat Party casting 119 against votes. The Democratic Party, led by former PM Abhisit Vejjajiva, cast 16 opposing votes, though MP Pitakdej Detchdetcho from Nakhon Si Thammarat abstained. Four other Democratic members did not cast votes, including Deputy Party Leader Kardee Reauyphirun and former party leaders Chuan Leekpai, Sathit Wongnongti, and Sakolthee Pattiyakul. The United Thai gave 4 opposing votes from 6 members, and the New Dimension Party cast 1 opposing vote.

Sixteen-year-old Thai guitarist Nene Royal (Nene Royal, or Phraew-Rattikarn Amloy) from Phuket has created a buzz on the global stage of America's Got Talent Season 21, showcasing both her vocal prowess and guitar skills to win over judges and audiences alike. The performance went viral on social media as Nene chose to perform the legendary rock song "Zombie" by The Cranberries in her own style, delivering a raw, unfiltered performance with guitar solos that displayed maturity beyond her years, mesmerizing the entire hall.

Nene's performance impressed all four judges tremendously, who unanimously praised her abilities and called her a true rockstar, earning her four unanimous passes. Regarding her musical journey, Nene previously shared on the program SUPER10 that she began playing guitar in first grade, though not by initial choice—she originally preferred academic subjects, but when those classes filled up, music was her only option. This turned out to be a pivotal moment in her life.

Nene typically plays Western rock music and counts AC/DC as her favorite band, with legendary guitarist Angus Young as her idol. She has also performed at street venues and the Chao Fa Market variety show in Phuket to gain real stage experience. Participating in America's Got Talent was one of Nene's dreams, and this performance has not only fulfilled that dream but also opened doors for her to advance to the global stage.

Bangkok, 9 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) strengthened its Middle East engagement in the United Arab Emirates from 7 to 8 July through two complementary activities, including the “Healing is the New Luxury” media launch in Dubai and the “Amazing Thailand Takes Off with flydubai Roadshow 2026” in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Together, the activities reinforced Thailand’s readiness for the region’s peak travel period by linking new air access, trade partnerships, wellness-led messaging, and the seasonal appeal of “Blooming and Bright Amazing Thailand”.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “Thailand is ready to welcome Middle East travellers throughout the year with strong connectivity, quality accommodation, world-class hospitality, gastronomy, shopping, wellness, and family-friendly experiences. Through Healing is the New Luxury, TAT is presenting Thailand as a safe, accessible, and welcoming destination where travel supports wellbeing, balance, and personal renewal. Building on Thailand’s strengths in wellness, medical care, Thai wisdom, and hospitality, we are moving from healing to longevity, offering meaningful journeys that restore body and mind and create lasting value.”

The UAE activities took place under the leadership of Ms. Thapanee, together with Mrs. Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa, TAT executives, and the TAT Dubai Office. The roadshow was supported by Thailand’s diplomatic representatives in the UAE, including the Consul-General of Thailand to Dubai and the Northern Emirates at the Dubai event and the Chargé d’affaires ad interim of Thailand to the UAE at the Abu Dhabi event, reflecting a coordinated effort to strengthen Thailand’s presence in the market.

TAT hosted the “Healing is the New Luxury” media launch on 8 July at CÉ LA VI Dubai, The Address Sky View Hotel, welcoming over 100 leading local media representatives, Key Opinion Leaders, influencers, and corporate guests. The event introduced the campaign and provided tourism updates aimed at high-potential UAE travellers.

The campaign redefines luxury through meaningful time, emotional rest, physical renewal, and reconnection with oneself and loved ones. Thailand supports this message through Thai hospitality and tourism products suited to Middle East travellers, including luxury hotels and resorts, private pool villas, quality dining, halal-friendly services, shopping, wellness, and medical tourism.

Alongside the media launch, the TAT Dubai Office, in collaboration with flydubai, organised the “Amazing Thailand Takes Off with flydubai Roadshow 2026” from 7 to 8 July in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The two-city roadshow brought over 21 Thai tourism sellers—15 hotels, five DMCs, and one tourism business—into direct meetings with travel partners from Dubai, the Northern Emirates, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain.

The roadshow followed the 1 July launch of flydubai’s new Dubai–Bangkok Don Mueang service and leveraged the airline’s network of more than 140 routes across 58 countries. It supported Thailand travel sales for key UAE segments, including families, leisure travellers, and medical and wellness visitors seeking comfort, privacy, and high-quality experiences.

TAT also highlighted “Blooming and Bright Amazing Thailand”, encouraging travel during the green season when landscapes are lush, waterfalls are at their fullest, and destinations are less crowded. This aligns with Middle East travel patterns, presenting the kingdom as a refreshing, and wellness-friendly destination.

The Middle East remains a high-value long-haul market, with average spending of around 100,000 Baht per person per trip. TAT expects 600,000 visitors from the region this year, after recording 210,000 arrivals in the first half of 2026.

From the UAE, Thailand welcomed 37,000 visitors in the first half, with a full-year rebound projected at 140,000. As travellers become more price-conscious on airfares while prioritising quality accommodation and experiences, TAT continues to work with wide-network airline partners and low-cost carriers to broaden access, sustain demand, and support the Gulf Cooperation Council growth in 2027.

The post TAT drives Middle East demand with Healing is the New Luxury and flydubai roadshow appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

The Asian Age Group Championships 2026 was announced on July 9, 2026, at Alexander Hotel, with Col. Thammas Promphao, president of the Thai Water Sports Association, leading the press conference. The competition will take place from July 16-25, 2026, featuring swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo across three venues: the Government Sports Complex pool for swimming, Assumption University's Samutprakan campus for diving and synchronized swimming, and Thammasat University's Rangsit campus for water polo.

The event will attract 34 nations with approximately 1,226 athletes and 332 officials. Col. Thammas emphasized this represents Thailand's pride as host nation for the first time in a decade, showcasing the country's capability to organize world-class international sporting events. The championship serves as an important platform for young water sports athletes to gain international experience and develop toward competing in the Asian Games, Olympics, and world championships.

For Thailand, hosting the event will enhance the nation's image as a center for international sports competitions, boost tourism and sports-related economy, and inspire Thai youth to pursue water sports. The competition aims to foster friendships and excellence in Asian water sports development. Col. Thammas thanked sponsor organizations including PTTEP, Thai Oil, and PTT Global Chemical, and expressed wishes for the championship's tremendous success. He also presented flowers to five Thai female water polo players returning from international clubs in Israel, Russia, and Hungary.

A Facebook post by a chef criticizing those who oppose weight-loss injections has ignited a major social media storm with divided public opinion. The post stated: "Those of you against weight-loss pens—if you lose weight from them, then you should just eat boiled eggs and jog around the park. Don't criticize people who use them. I'm rich anyway." The post went viral with thousands of comments and extensive shares. While many agreed with the chef, critics argue the post demeans people using conventional methods, despite the fact that each person has different needs and constraints. Regarding the effectiveness of weight-loss pens, Samitivej Hospital reports that liraglutide was developed as an injectable medication with a small needle for administration into the abdomen, thigh, or arm to achieve long-term weight reduction. A clinical trial comparing the drug to placebo in 3,731 non-diabetic volunteers with BMI over 30 kg/m² (obesity) and those with BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher (overweight) combined with weight-related conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and abnormal blood lipids showed that after 56 weeks, test subjects receiving the medication lost more than 10% of their weight, or at least 5% within the first two months. The treatment also reduced waist circumference by 8.2 centimeters. After stopping the medication, weight regain was only 1.9%. Weight-loss pens are merely one approach to weight management; diet control, nutritious eating, regular exercise, adequate sleep, avoiding late nights, and stress reduction remain paramount for sustainable success. Successful weight loss requires understanding one's body first to identify the true underlying causes of weight issues, as improper dieting and exercise methods can lead to failure and abandonment.