The NBTC selection committee, chaired by Kiatpongse Amatayakul, a senior judge at Regional Labor Court 7, will convene at 9 a.m. on July 17, 2025 to determine whether Dr. Sarun Bunibhunchaipruk must step down as NBTC chairman. Complaints allege he holds disqualifying positions under the broadcasting and telecommunications law. Dr. Suphatra presented documentation showing Sarun maintains status as a temporary hourly-paid physician at Mahidol University from January 8, 2565 to April 12, 2565, and serves as an independent director of Bangkok Bank. The evidence includes tax records, university revenue receipts, and employment regulations clarifying that temporary staff includes monthly, daily, and hourly workers. Dr. Suphatra noted that Sarun cannot simultaneously work as a physician at Ramathibodi Hospital and volunteer elsewhere, yet evidence shows he treats patients on Mondays and Thursdays, visits Samitivej Hospital on Sundays, and attends Rama 9 Hospital on Saturdays—websites now inaccessible. Sarun registered as a Bangkok Bank independent director before his NBTC appointment the following day without resigning. Dr. Suphatra called for an open vote to settle the matter definitively.

MUKDAHAN — A joint task force arrested 14 men and women on July 16 after raiding a Thai-Lao birthday party where attendees allegedly consumed drugs inside a car repair shop in Mukdahan province.

The operation was carried out by district officials, the Singh Muang Muk special operations team, members of Mukdahan Territorial Defence Volunteer Corps Company 2, Border Patrol Police Company 234, the Internal Security Operations Command, Surasak Montri Task Force, and Mukdahan Immigration Office.

The raid followed complaints about a drug-related gathering in Mueang Mukdahan district. Authorities arrested 14 suspects—nine men and five women, including four Lao nationals (one man and three women). One Lao national faced additional charges for overstaying their permitted stay in Thailand.

Offcers acted on information from local informants about a birthday party involving drug use and excessive noise at a car repair shop in Ban Kham Phak Nok, Bang Sai Yai subdistrict. Upon arrival, they found the shop door open with loud music playing inside. After following legal procedures, officers discovered a plastic bag containing 2.88 grams of ketamine and bottles containing red liquid believed to be "happy water" with methamphetamine detected in preliminary testing.

All detainees admitted to gathering for a birthday celebration and bringing drugs to consume together. One suspect was charged with illegal possession of ketamine, another with illegal possession of methamphetamine in "happy water," and all 14 with illegal drug use involving methamphetamine. The Lao national also faced immigration charges. All suspects and evidence were transferred to Mueang Mukdahan Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Most Bangkok nightclub fire victims died from toxic gases, not flames, police sayLegacyMost victims of the Bangkok nightclub fire died from inhaling toxic gases rather than from burns, as carbon monoxide and cyanide were found in their systems. Officers from Phahonyothin Police Station and the Metropolitan Police Bureau met yesterday, July 16, to review progress in the investigation into the fire at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao nightclub. Following the meeting, Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Siam Boonsom briefed the media on the latest developments. Siam said post-mortem examinations found that the victims died from suffocation after inhaling toxic gases rather than from direct exposure to flames. According to the commissioner, forensic examinations detected carbon monoxide and cyanide in the victims’ bodies. He said both substances interfere with the body’s ability to absorb oxygen and, when inhaled in high concentrations, can prove fatal within minutes. Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Siam Boonsom | Photo via Thai Post Siam added that officers involved in the rescue operation were also affected by the toxic smoke. He said some experienced respiratory irritation, sore throats and symptoms associated with smoke inhalation after entering the building to assist victims. Police said the investigation into both the cause of the fire and the identities of those responsible for operating the nightclub remains ongoing. According to Siam, investigators are examining whether the electrical system may have contributed to the fire. He said the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) confirmed that the nightclub had applied to increase its electricity capacity. The commissioner said that after approving the increased capacity, the MEA sought permission to inspect the upgraded electrical system, but the operators denied. Photo by Sakchai Lalit via AP Siam added that investigators are considering the possibility that modifications may have been carried out without MEA involvement, which could have resulted in an electrical overload and short circuit. Nevertheless, the official cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Investigators are awaiting findings from the relevant government agencies before deciding on any legal action. Siam also said police are tracing financial transactions to identify everyone who benefited from the nightclub’s operations as part of efforts to determine who may bear legal responsibility. According to police, the business was registered in the names of a male owner, who remains hospitalised, and his mother. Investigators have also questioned the owner’s older sister after determining that she received financial benefits from the business. Photo by Wason Wanichakorn via AP The commissioner said no criminal charges have been filed against anyone so far because investigators are still waiting to interview the injured owner and other people connected to the business. Siam also addressed reports that one of the nightclub’s emergency exits had been locked. He said an employee who escaped the fire told investigators that one fire exit was locked during the incident. Police said the claim will form part of the ongoing investigation and will be considered when determining whether any legal action is warranted. The story Most Bangkok nightclub fire victims died from toxic gases, not flames, police say as seen on Thaiger News.

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