Senate Approves Clean Air Bill After Three-Day Debate

The Senate overwhelmingly passed a comprehensive Clean Air Management Act on July 9 with 145 votes in favor, though senators flagged concerns about enforcement complexity and potential corruption risks.

9 Jul Khaosod

The Senate passed the draft Clean Air Management Act with 145 votes in favor, 4 opposed, and 11 abstentions on July 9, 2569, following a three-day review period from July 6-9. The special committee, chaired by Senator Wuttichart Kalyanamit, completed its second-reading deliberation with substantial amendments to the 273-article bill based on feedback from the House of Representatives. The legislation will now return to the House for consideration of whether to approve the Senate's modifications in the next parliamentary session, as the current session closes July 11.

The Senate also approved supplementary notes expressing concerns about the law's complexity and potential impact. Senator Ratchaneekorn Thongtip noted that the legislation is intricate in its committee structure and penalties, warranting periodic impact assessments once enacted. She warned that enforcement could affect individuals and private businesses alike, while the discretion granted to officials may increase opportunities for corruption.

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National

Democrats Accept Court Ruling On 400 Billion Baht Loan

The Democrat Party accepts a Constitutional Court ruling that a 400 billion baht emergency loan decree is constitutional, but warns the decision could set a dangerous precedent allowing routine government borrowing during normal economic ti

9 Jul Khaosod

On July 9, 2569, at Parliament, Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva stated that the party, as part of the petitioners, acknowledges and respects the Constitutional Court's ruling that the 400 billion baht emergency decree does not violate the constitution. However, the party has not yet seen detailed reasoning since today's announcement was only a summary of the verdict.

Abhisit expressed concern that this ruling could set a new precedent allowing governments to borrow during normal economic conditions if budget allocations are insufficient, potentially undermining fiscal discipline frameworks established by successive constitutions. Thailand has avoided such borrowing problems for decades, he noted.

Regarding the second tranche of borrowed funds for energy projects, Abhisit pointed out that even the Constitutional Court's ruling contained dissenting opinions questioning whether the funds met constitutional conditions. He called on the government to clarify the project details and allow all parties to participate in reviewing projects for efficiency and transparency.

Abhisit acknowledged that the court likely exercised caution to avoid hindering executive function, and that the current constitution limits the court's authority to assess urgent necessity while allowing interpretation of economic security concerns. He stressed the need for the government to present clear medium and long-term fiscal plans, including revenue increases and spending cuts, to avoid future borrowing needs.

On the energy projects financed by the second tranche, Abhisit expressed concern that while the government claims economic security justification based on oil import dependency, the current budget review process shows no detailed project information or clear vetting mechanisms.

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National

Thai Dance And Arts Shine At Netherlands Festival

Thailand's Bunditpatanasilpa Institute showcased traditional Nora dance, Thai costumes and performing arts at the Thailand Grand Festival 2026 in The Hague, captivating Dutch and international audiences from July 2-6.

9 Jul Khaosod

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The Bunditpatanasilpa Institute (BPI) showcased Nora dance, traditional Thai costumes and creative performing arts, captivating Dutch and international audiences at the Thailand Grand Festival 2026 in The Hague, the Netherlands.

Thailand's BPI under the Ministry of Culture continues to advance its mission of promoting Thai arts and culture internationally. By showcasing expertise in traditional Thai dance, music, performing arts and cultural heritage, the institute brings these cultural treasures to both the Thai diaspora and international audiences. The initiative aims to reflect Thailand's cultural identity, raise global awareness and enhance the value of Thai cultural arts worldwide.

Assistant Professor Dr. Somkiat Poomipak, President of the BPI, assigned the Faculty of Performing Arts to lead a troupe of performers at the festival. The event, held from July 2-6 at Lange Voorhout in The Hague and organized by the Royal Thai Embassy, attracted strong interest from Dutch and international audiences, earning praise for the elegance and beauty of Thai performing arts.

Performances featured traditional and contemporary productions, with highlights including Nora, the southern Thai dance-drama inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021, alongside traditional Thai costumes. The program opened with "Charm of Siam" followed by traditional Nora dance and creative productions including "The Flight of Kinnaree and Nora Sacrificial Dance," "The Rhythm of Isan Wooden Castanets," "The Graceful Fan Dance," and "The Bouquet of Thai Arts." All performances received warm reception from audiences.

On July 5, the Faculty of Performing Arts also organized a cultural workshop in The Hague for Thai diaspora members, introducing them to fundamentals of Thai performing arts and the creative performance "Puen Thai." The session aimed to promote learning about Thai cultural arts while strengthening connections between overseas Thais and their heritage.

The BPI continues its role as Thailand's leading educational institution for arts and culture, preserving and promoting Thai performing arts internationally while fostering cultural exchange and strengthening ties between Thailand and the global community.

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Tourism

Japan Extends Visa-Free Travel for Thai Tourists

Japan has extended its visa-free travel scheme for Thai passport holders through June 2027, allowing stays of up to 15 days without a visa.

9 Jul Khaosod

Japan has extended its temporary visa exemption scheme for holders of ordinary Thai passports by another year, allowing Thai tourists to enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 15 days per visit.

The Thai Department of Consular Affairs confirmed on 8 July that the visa-free measure remains in effect from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.

Thai authorities reminded travellers to strictly comply with Japan's immigration rules by not overstaying their permitted period of stay and not engaging in employment without the appropriate authorization.

Under the current arrangements, Thai passport holders can travel visa-free to 35 countries and territories, with the permitted length of stay varying by destination. Thai citizens may stay for up to one year in Georgia without a visa.

Countries allowing visa-free stays of up to 90 days include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, South Korea, Peru and Haiti. Visa-free stays of up to 60 days are available in Samoa, Panama and Cambodia.

Thai passport holders may stay for up to 30 days without a visa in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan.

Visa-free stays of 14 to 15 days are available in Japan (15 days under the temporary scheme valid from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027), Taiwan (14 days until 31 July 2026), Myanmar (14 days for arrivals via international airports only), Brunei and Oman.

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Community

JAS Hosts World Cup Watch Party at Bangkok Rail Park

JAS and MONO are hosting a free FIFA World Cup Fan Park at Bangkok's Rail Park on July 12, 2025, featuring the Argentina vs. Switzerland quarterfinal on giant screens with pre-match analysis from Thai football commentators.

9 Jul Khaosod

JAS, the exclusive broadcaster of FIFA World Cup 2026 in Thailand, partnering with the Monomax application under MONO, is hosting a new fan experience at "FIFA WORLD CUP FAN PARK THAILAND 2026: LIVE THE GAME, SHARE THE MOMENT." The green space in central Bangkok will bring football fans together to cheer the World Cup quarterfinals with entertainment and lifestyle activities for everyone on Sunday, July 12, 2025, from 6:00-10:00 a.m. at Vachirabenjatas Park (Rail Park) in the Caterpillar Plaza area.

The event embraces a "New Sport Lifestyle" concept, blending world-class sports viewing with relaxation, exercise, and quality time in a green environment, transforming an ordinary Sunday morning into a celebration for football fans and families. The live broadcast on large LED screens will feature the World Cup quarterfinal match between Argentina and Switzerland, kicking off at 8:00 a.m. Before the match, fans can enjoy a Pre-Match Talk session diving into key tactical points with famous Thai football commentators and analysts: Games-Suphawut Srakwan (Games), Kuay-Nattapol Damrongratchavattana (Tan Kuay), Yak-Jitakorn Srikamkruea (Yak Doi Daeng), and Je-Warapat Arunphakdi, who will discuss tactics and team preparations to enhance the viewing experience.

Admission is free. Fans can watch the live broadcast in a relaxed atmosphere on Sunday, July 12, 2025, from 6:30-10:00 a.m. at Vachirabenjatas Park (Rail Park) in the Caterpillar Plaza area. For more details, visit the JAS Group Facebook page.

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Police

Police Bust Birth Certificate Fraud Ring Using Fake Thai Fathers

Police dismantled a birth certificate fraud ring that used a fake Thai father to register 164 Chinese children over five years, arresting a hospital broker and district official who facilitated the scheme for 70,000 baht per case in the Tho

9 Jul Khaosod

On July 9, 2026, Deputy Police Commissioner Samran Nualmma, along with National Police Office Commander Nopsit Poolswat, launched Operation 'Scale of the Dragon' to arrest a man using the alias 'Thipaya' who was hired to register false births for foreign nationals. He worked in collaboration with hospital staff from a private hospital in the Thonburi area and local district office officials.

Simultaneously, Bangkok Metropolitan Police investigation chief Colonel Chotiwat Leungvilai and his team arrested Ms. S., a medical records officer at a private hospital in Thonburi, identified as a broker for the 'Chinese children' operation. She coordinated the arrangement of Chinese clients seeking delivery services at the hospital, with package fees of 70,000 baht, earning 20,000 baht in commission for arranging paperwork. The scheme had been operating for over five years.

Medical records review revealed 164 Chinese nationals who used the same Thai father for birth registration over approximately five years. Hospital records showed no prior pregnancy records under this Thai father, yet birth certificates were subsequently issued with him retroactively listed as the father.

Colonel Chotiwat read the arrest warrant and charges including misconduct in office and corruption. A district official identified as Ms. S. was also arrested for registering and issuing birth certificates to Chinese children. Both suspects were taken to Bangkok Metropolitan Police Division 8 for further questioning and investigation.

Police are currently executing search warrants on the homes of the Thai parents of Chinese children involved in the scheme.

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National

Bus Fares Cut as Fuel Prices Drop

Bokor Sor bus company cuts fares by 3 satang per kilometer starting July 11, 2025, following a drop in fuel prices and a government directive to reduce living costs for passengers.

9 Jul Khaosod

Atthawit Rakkachamuang, managing director of Bokor Sor (BKS), announced that the company will reduce fares by 3 satang per kilometer per seat starting July 11, 2025, in compliance with the Department of Land Transport's directive. The reduction applies to Category 2 routes (Bangkok to other provinces) and Category 3 routes (between provinces), following a fuel price drop to 34.94 baht per liter. The move aligns with government and Transport Ministry policy to reduce living costs for the public.

Passengers who purchased BKS tickets on or after July 11, 2025, at the pre-reduction price can request refunds with their tickets at BKS ticket counters nationwide. Travelers can inquire about routes and book tickets through the BKS website (https://tcl99web.transport.co.th), Facebook (www.facebook.com/BorKorSor99), Line (ID: @BKS99), BKS ticket offices nationwide, or by calling 02-936-3660.

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National

Thai Teen's Rock Performance Wows America's Got Talent

Phuket teenager Nene Royal, 16, advanced on America's Got Talent after delivering a commanding performance of "Zombie" that earned unanimous praise from all four judges for her powerful vocals and guitar skills.

9 Jul Khaosod

Nene Royal, a 16-year-old Thai rock performer, stunned the America's Got Talent audience with a powerful performance of "Zombie," earning four yes votes from the judges. The Phuket native's performance of the iconic rock song featured commanding vocals and impressive guitar playing that left judges and audience members amazed, with the show highlighting her surprising transformation from her initially shy appearance with the caption "16-Year-Old Nene Royal Is Shy… Until She Starts Singing 'Zombie'." Judges praised Nene for her incredible stage presence, rock authenticity, and exceptional vocal control, with one remarking that despite her young age of 15, she sounds like a true rock star with remarkable guitar skills, as if born to perform rock music.

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Breaking

Water Seepage At Purple Line Tunnel Alarms Residents

Water seeping from the Purple Line tunnel construction site at Ratchayothin has sparked safety concerns among residents spotting cracks in nearby structures, though officials say the leak stems from a faulty sump pit being repaired and curr

9 Jul Khaosod

Water leakage beneath the construction tunnel for the southern Purple Line extension at Ratchayothin intersection has alarmed local residents, with cracks appearing in nearby structures. Prime Minister Anuthint Charnveerakul visited the site on July 9 and confirmed that water levels were under control, though officials were instructed to prioritize repairs to ensure public safety.

A local shop owner showed reporters fresh cracks near the construction site and expressed concern, particularly given recent earthquakes in the area. The merchant, who has operated there for about a year, noted visible ground subsidence and construction dust, along with vibrations during pile-driving operations. He called on authorities to accelerate inspections and urged contractors to work more carefully in this high-traffic area.

Mass Transit Authority Chairman Montri Dechaskulsoom told media the water seepage likely stems from a leaky sump pit or collection basin. Officials have moved quickly to fix it. He confirmed that latest inspections found no additional structural settlement or tilting, no new cracks, and that an adjacent overpass remains structurally sound. The authority coordinated with district engineers to inspect surrounding buildings and reassure the public. Regarding some cracks residents reported, Montri clarified that some were pre-existing, though the contractor has been ordered to conduct a thorough reinspection of all nearby buildings with district engineers.

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National

Constitutional Court Approves 400 Billion Baht Loan Decree

Thailand's Constitutional Court approved a 400 billion baht emergency loan decree, but opposition Pheu Thai party argues the government misused special powers to fund routine projects that should go through regular budget processes.

9 Jul Khaosod

At noon on July 9, 2025, at Parliament, Nattapong Ruengpanyawuthit, Pheu Thai list MP and party leader, along with Sirikanya Tansukul, list MP and party deputy leader, held a press conference following the Constitutional Court's ruling that the 400 billion baht loan decree did not violate the constitution. They expressed disappointment but said the outcome was unsurprising and aligned with the party's prediction.

The party maintains the government had no legitimate urgent reason to invoke special powers for this loan decree. Instead, they allege it was an attempt to bundle various projects that could already be included in the annual budget bill. Nattapong noted that the special committee currently reviewing the 2570 fiscal year budget bill is examining these very projects, and that morning, local government agencies had presented details on projects they wanted to fund using the 400 billion baht loan.

Examples included solar sports courts, electric garbage trucks, and other initiatives that could be budgeted through regular appropriations without requiring special procedures or emergency borrowing. Nattapong stated these examples confirm Pheu Thai's long-standing assertion that the government's proposed projects do not meet the legal criteria for an emergency loan decree.

He also referenced Article 172 of the constitution, which explicitly allows the cabinet to call an extraordinary session to expedite parliamentary consideration of a decree only if outside regular session and waiting for normal proceedings would cause delays. The party will await clarity on the government's next steps.

When asked if Pheu Thai had discussed strategy with the Democrat Party, Nattapong said all actions must follow constitutional procedures. Whether to call an extraordinary session is the cabinet's decision. Pheu Thai reaffirms its opposition to the court's ruling, even though the outcome matched its predictions.

Sirikanya added that the party had previously monitored signals from the government regarding the ruling's outcome. She noted that before the court decision, no single energy transition project from the 200 billion baht allocation had even entered the committee screening process. However, within just one to two weeks prior, multiple ministers from Interior and Transport had announced projects intended for the loan.

Sirikanya revealed the party received documents circulated to local administrations that resembled a catalog or menu of projects and goods eligible for the 400 billion baht loan, rather than locally-initiated proposals. Many projects—including EV garbage trucks, solar sports courts, solar-powered oxygen generators, and rooftop solar installations—do not genuinely reflect meaningful energy transition or significant fossil fuel reduction. The party questions whether the loan's true purpose aligns with legitimate energy transition goals.

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Police

School Principal Accused Of Abusing Female Students In Kanchanaburi

A Kanchanaburi school principal faces allegations of sexually abusing at least 11 female students over several years, with parents filing formal complaints at a foundation in Pathum Thani on July 9. The Education Ministry has launched an in

9 Jul Khaosod

On July 9, 2025, at the Paveena Hongsukul Foundation for Children and Women in Pathum Thani, parents representing 11 girls aged 11-15 from a Kanchanaburi school filed complaints against their school principal for sexual abuse and misconduct. The girls, students in grades 5-9, claim the principal called them individually under pretexts such as haircuts, clothing fittings, or chores—often to his teacher's residence—where he allegedly committed sexual abuse. Some victims report being abused since grade 3, occurring nearly daily over 100 times. The principal allegedly threatened to revoke their educational support if they told anyone.

The principal also reportedly purchased undergarments for students and deducted costs from government-subsidized clothing allowances, then requested the used items back, raising further suspicion about his motives. When students reported incidents to other teachers, they were dismissed and told to protect the school's reputation. The girls confirm at least 20 additional victims among their peers.

When confronted, the principal denied the allegations and blamed social media. He submitted a resignation letter on July 3, 2025, claiming to ease tensions and protect the school's image. Parents fear he may be attempting to evade prosecution.

Following the complaint, Paveena Hongsukul coordinated with Deputy Education Minister Akkranant Kankit, who oversees the Education Ministry's Rights Protection Center, to investigate. Officials including Dr. Aruni Jiramahascal and Dr. Trin Kandok arrived to meet with Paveena and the parents. The foundation will assist the families in filing a police report on July 10, 2025, with ongoing support from the Education Ministry.

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