On July 11, 2026, authorities reported that Sophaa Khemthong, 53, from Sri Thep Noi Village in Sri Thep District, Phetchabun Province, disappeared from his home on July 7 at around 1 p.m. Community leaders, village headmen, residents, and rescue teams have been searching the area, but he remains missing.

Sophaa's wife, Thongyuai Khemthong, 51, revealed that before his disappearance, their 28-year-old son, a methamphetamine addict, had regularly abused Sophaa and forced him to steal money for drugs. Desperate, Sophaa eventually turned to robbery and was arrested and imprisoned. While he was in prison, his son destroyed their home, leaving only the foundation posts. Upon his release, Sophaa was devastated to see his house in ruins and feared further violence from his son, prompting him to flee. His whereabouts remain unknown after four days, as does his son's location.

World No. 2 Thai golfer Atthaya Thitikul carded four more birdies on day three of the Evian Championship 2026 at Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France, but faces a steep climb to the title as she trails the leader by nine strokes.

Thitikul, who started the day in fifth place with a 6-under-par score of 136, added four birdies to post a cumulative 10-under-par 203, sitting in a tie for sixth place. However, her championship hopes face a major challenge as South Korean pro Ryu Hae-ran erupted with an 11-under-par round to reach 19-under-par 194, opening a commanding nine-stroke lead.

Other Thai golfers' standings after 54 holes: Ariya Jutanugarn at 16th with 6-under-par 207; Patcharapa Anannarukarn tied for 19th; Patchara Yubol in a tie for 26th with 5-under-par 208; and Pattamanida Thanaphong tied for 40th with 3-under-par 210.

Little Angels, an all-female rock-metal band whose members are all elementary school students from Wat Chumpol Kiri Municipality School in Mae Sot district, Tak province, traveled by bus for over 18 hours to perform at the Khaopip Music Festival 2 in Chumphon today. However, the event was suddenly cancelled without warning, leaving the band members and crew stranded despite their intensive preparation. The organizers had not arranged any accommodation, forcing the band to share one room among 8 people while 6 crew members slept in the van.

After the story gained traction online, numerous musicians and community members stepped forward to help Little Angels. Papa restaurant owner Golf offered the band a concert performance at his venue tonight at 10 p.m.

The band has now released a list of donors and supporters: - Sek Losso donated 10,000 baht - Golf Papa provided a concert venue - Eed (Fly band) donated 10,000 baht - Pi Dross donated 10,000 baht - Bao Wee donated 5,000 baht - Nong (The Nap manager) donated 3,000 baht and provided 9 hotel rooms - Pi Bua donated 3,000 baht - Pi Hong (Pi Bua's friend) donated 2,000 baht - Teacher Sun (drummer) donated 1,000 baht

Abhisit Vejjajiva, Democrat Party leader and list MP, dismissed claims by fellow MP Paradorn Prissananantakul, cautioning against conflating separate budget matters. He led Democrat lawmakers to inspect the Kaeng-Ling-Klonglian water retention basin—designed to slow runoff from upper areas and prevent rapid flooding of Hatyai's economic zone—at 6 PM on July 11. Khohong Mayor Thevisak Theeratana presented the municipality's concerns and requested assistance, including procurement of ten water pumps.

Abhisit stated that Hatyai's flooding problem has been wrongly portrayed as a political dispute when both parties are simply performing their duties. He noted that initial disaster response focused on economic remedies, but timing remained problematic due to uncertainty about rainfall patterns.

Abhisit highlighted that following the election, both Democrats and opposition raised concerns about the province's preparedness. Parliamentary discussions began in May, with MPs Joury Noomkaew and Saksit Khaothong citing examples like Klong Ror 1. The Prime Minister visited on July 10, and the government had planned a cabinet meeting in early June but cancelled it, citing incomplete project vetting.

As budgetary discussions extended into July, Joury spoke clearly about flood concerns, referencing the budget crisis—particularly debates about candle-lighting expenses—which prompted an emotional government response. This prompted the Prime Minister to visit and approve approximately 400 million baht, pending cabinet confirmation. An emergency fund of 99.5 million baht from private-sector assistance was also approved for urgent priorities.

Abhisit told Pradorn not to conflate separate issues, noting the project is centrally funded but involves distinct components requiring budget approval and upgrades. He emphasized the opposition performed its duty fully and appreciated the government's eventual response to two to three months of advocacy, particularly regarding Klong Ror 1. He urged the government to expedite cabinet approval, as remaining amounts exceed the Prime Minister's sole authority to approve.

Heavy Rain Swamps Hat Yai in Under 20 Minutes, Power Pole Blocks Drainage Canal, Residents Frustrated Over 9,000 Baht Relief. July 11—A Facebook video by user Wit Tong Thai captured sudden flooding at Khlong Hua intersection in Ban Pru municipality, Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, following heavy rain on the afternoon of July 9. Water surged rapidly into homes and shops.

Investigations revealed an incomplete drainage system under construction. The canal along the Asia Route toward Phatthalung was clogged with garbage and water hyacinth. Downstream before the railway overpass, an electrical pole stood directly in the drainage canal, which residents believe is a major obstruction preventing adequate water flow.

Vatcharasit Phinyodthananth, owner of Tong Thai Tour Company, revealed the flooding happened extremely fast. Rain fell for less than 20 minutes before water rushed into homes, leaving no time to save belongings. This recurring problem has plagued residents for nearly 20 years. Heavy rain and lack of canal dredging, combined with grass, branches, and garbage blocking pipe openings, cause the flooding.

When residents called Ban Pru municipality, they were told to manage garbage collection themselves. Despite multiple reports to authorities, nothing changed. Last year saw chest-high flooding. This year, after water damage rotted his home, he recently renovated. Now items he prepared for merit-making at nine temples for 500-600 people on July 19 were damaged by flooding. He questioned whether the 9,000 baht relief compensation justifies repeated damage.

Shop owners in the area unanimously blame the incomplete drainage pipe project for worsening floods. Heavy rain now causes flooding in less than 30 minutes. Before the project, water would recede quickly after rain stopped. Now drainage is much slower, affecting business.

Chelsea is prepared to sell Alejandro Garnacho after his transfer from Manchester United less than a year ago. Reports indicate the 22-year-old has yet to report for preseason training under new manager Xabi Alonso despite no reported injuries.

Players excluded from the 2026 World Cup squad have begun reporting to training camp and undergoing fitness tests for preseason preparation under Alonso's direction. Most have arrived, but the 22-year-old striker remains absent with no injury explanation offered.

Sources indicate Chelsea has run out of patience and believes Garnacho is not part of Alonso's team plans, so they are open to offers for the forward they signed from Manchester United for £40 million last summer. The board is inclined to sell outright rather than loan him out. Roma from Italian Serie A is reportedly interested in Garnacho, though negotiations have not yet formally begun.