The Thai Shooting Association has presented score sheet evidence to counter claims from the mother of national shooter Isaranudom Boonparchaiwitpach, age 22, who finished third in selection trials and was denied entry to the Asian Games despite meeting performance standards. The association believes there is a deliberate discrediting process with unknown parties orchestrating the campaign. Captain's mother, Pornpaktr Boonparchaiwitpach, filed a complaint with Sports Minister Surasak Phandcharoenworakul, alleging the shooting association deliberately obstructed her son's participation in the Asian Games despite his qualifying performance. Sakol Wanpong, chairman of the Thai Shooting Association, recently clarified the matter, stating he is unfazed because the entire situation is untrue. He recounted how Isaranudom participated in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics at age 16 and was eliminated in the first round. Afterward, the athlete's mother claimed the association failed to provide support and ammunition for training, though the association counters that the athlete refused to train at the association facility and instead trained alone in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Wanpong explained that the association held three selection competitions over three months, with the final two rounds in March and April. Competition rules require only the top two finishers in each category to compete at the Asian Games. The association possesses clear evidence that Isaranudom finished third in the two selection rounds and did not qualify. When the athlete's mother learned her son placed third, she requested the association send him anyway, but the association firmly declined, citing rules that allow only first and second place finishers. Since becoming chairman, Wanpong stated he has prohibited ammunition trading, which violates law, and maintains administrative distance from athletes and parents, refusing to show favoritism or cause harm. He emphasized that parents should not interfere in competitions and training—these are coaching responsibilities. He rejected claims that selected athletes are "his people," noting such allegations are untrue. Wanpong concluded that score reports generated from equipment linked to the internationally recognized Sius program cannot be altered, making the complaint to the minister a clear discrediting process orchestrated by outside parties. He offered full information to the minister if needed.

On July 16, 2025, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul welcomed senior executives and representatives of the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC), the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC), and European business delegations to Government House to discuss trade, investment, and economic cooperation. The Prime Minister stated that European business leaders have confirmed their intention to expand investments in Thailand and praised the government's responsiveness to the business sector following multiple international meetings. Thailand reaffirmed its readiness in investment, tourism, and manufacturing and requested European business support in finalizing the Thailand-EU FTA negotiations, targeting completion by the end of 2025. The Prime Minister acknowledged delays in final-stage talks due to differing positions between both sides, particularly on raw materials and agriculture, which require careful resolution to benefit all parties. A successful FTA would dramatically increase bilateral trade value and allow Thai exporters to access European markets without tariff barriers. When asked about obstacles, the Prime Minister identified raw materials and agriculture as key issues requiring balanced solutions. Regarding OECD membership, he reported that this topic is discussed at every international forum and that several world leaders have confirmed support for Thailand's membership bid. The Prime Minister emphasized that OECD membership would create new opportunities for Thailand in trade, investment, and raising national standards, complementing FTA negotiations, investment attraction, and the Thailand Fast Pass program. When asked if he was confident Thailand could achieve OECD membership by 2026, he said the government would proceed with full effort while acknowledging that final decisions rest with the OECD committee, not the Thai government, and Thailand would prepare comprehensive documentation to meet all criteria.

Driver finds woman’s body in car after unknowing journeyLegacyA Thai driver discovered the body of an unidentified woman in the back seat of his car after arriving at his destination in Samut Prakan in the early hours of today, July 16. The driver, 61 year old Chanasin, contacted officers from Samrong Tai Police Station after finding the body in his black Nissan sedan, which was parked at the entrance to Chao Pho Thap Samrong Shrine on Thang Rotfai Sai Kao Road in Phra Pradaeng district. Police, forensic officers and rescuers from the Por Teck Tung Foundation attended the scene. They found the body of a woman believed to be between 60 and 70 years old seated in the back seat of the vehicle. Investigators said the woman was leaning against the back seat and was not carrying any identification documents. An initial examination found no visible injuries or signs of assault, and officers believe she had been dead for several hours. Photo via DailyNews According to police, Chanasin appeared shocked while giving his statement. He told investigators he had never met the woman and denied any involvement in her death. Chanasin said he runs a butcher’s stall at Samrong Market. After closing his business the previous afternoon, he drove home to his condominium in Soi Wat Dan and parked the car as usual. He explained that he was unable to lock the vehicle because its locking system was broken. The following morning, he drove to the market to prepare for work and noticed nothing unusual during the journey. As he reached for a bag on the front passenger seat shortly before arriving, he said he felt something touch his back. Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวสารเมืองปราการ When he turned around, he saw what appeared to be a human foot. After switching on the interior light, he discovered the woman’s body in the rear seat. He told police he immediately got out of the vehicle and contacted officers. Chanasin told investigators he believes the woman may have entered the unlocked car while it was parked, possibly to shelter from the weather or rest. He suggested she may have died from an underlying medical condition. Officers transferred the body to the Central Institute of Forensic Science for an autopsy. Police also collected evidence, including latent fingerprints, as part of efforts to identify the woman and determine the circumstances surrounding her death. Photo via DailyNews The story Driver finds woman’s body in car after unknowing journey as seen on Thaiger News.

Maha Sarakham—July 16, 2025. A solemn atmosphere filled the grounds of Ban Nong Khuean Chang Temple in Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province, as relatives, friends, and villagers gathered to pay respects after the family of Ladawalai Netsopha, known as "Nong Prae," age 20, received her remains. She was one of the victims of a fire at an entertainment venue in Bangkok's Ladprao area. The Po Tek Tung Foundation brought her body to Maha Sarakham in the early morning hours, and the family decided to hold a funeral service at the temple for convenience, since their home is located far from town.

Sukhanya Sena, village headman of Don Tal Village, stated that Nong Prae was a kind, diligent, and selfless young woman who served as a volunteer and youth leader in the community. She excelled in school and worked part-time jobs whenever she had free time to help support her family. Her household consisted of only four members—her father, grandfather, older sister, and herself. Despite her circumstances, Nong Prae demonstrated remarkable determination, once collecting milk containers at street intersections and reselling goods to earn income. She worked while completing secondary school and later enrolled at Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok while continuing to work, sending money home each month to care for her father and grandfather.

The village headman expressed deep sorrow, noting that Nong Prae was just beginning to build a promising future through both her studies and work. He called on authorities to provide comprehensive support to the family, as they had lost their primary breadwinner.

Nong Prae's older sister, Lakkhana Netsopha, known as "Nong Gaem," revealed that on the night of the incident, her sister had asked permission to go out with friends, saying she would visit a restaurant. Nong Gaem received a call from a friend alerting her to the fire. After viewing photos of victims at Phahol Yothin Police Station and identifying the young woman in a red dress and high heels as her sister, she traveled to the police hospital to provide a DNA sample for official identification.

Nong Gaem also recounted an unusual omen: she typically turned off her phone while sleeping, but that night she had inexplicably left it on with the volume up. She spoke through tears, saying that both she and her sister were the pillars of their family, contributing approximately 10,000 baht monthly to care for their father and grandfather. With her sister's death, she expressed uncertainty about how to move forward, as they had spent every day together. She called on the business operator to take responsibility and provide appropriate compensation to the bereaved family.

The funeral service for Nong Prae was held on July 16, 2025, at Ban Nong Khuean Chang Temple in Mueang District, amid the grief of family members, relatives, and villagers struggling to come to terms with the loss.

According to a new study released by the Pew Research Center, a non-partisan US-based think tank, 25 of 36 countries surveyed now view China more positively than the United States—marking the first time this finding has emerged since the organization began tracking global opinion in 2002, 24 years ago. The research shows that favorable views of China have reached historic highs in many countries, while perceptions of the United States have declined significantly. Over 42,000 respondents across 36 countries surveyed between February and May expressed low confidence in both US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, although Xi received higher confidence ratings than Trump. The survey found that the United States is still seen as more respectful of individual freedoms than China, but China is viewed as less likely to meddle in other nations' affairs than the US. The Pew Research Center noted that favorable views of the US had dropped sharply in the past, including in 2008 during the final years of President George W. Bush's administration and in 2017 at the beginning of Trump's first term, but Chinese favorability ratings had remained at similar or slightly lower levels during those periods. Among the countries with the most positive views of China are Spain, Indonesia, Italy, Greece, and Canada, while the six countries that still favor the United States are mostly strong US allies: Poland, the Philippines, South Korea, India, Japan, and Israel.

Luang Pho Thiang Pandito, the second abbot of Wat Tham Nimit in Mae Klong Subdistrict, Muang District, Samut Songkhram Province, was a renowned Buddhist scholar of the Mae Klong river basin with deep expertise, though limited biographical records survive. He was born in B.E. 2370 and ordained on May 15, B.E. 2392 at age 22 at Wat Tham Nimit under Phra Upachaya Bun, the temple's abbot, with Phra Ajarn Ma serving as preceptor in the ceremonial role. He then departed to pursue higher Buddhist studies at Rajpradithesat Temple in Bangkok for four monastic seasons.

During his fourth season, Phra Ajarn Ma passed away in B.E. 2396, prompting his return to Wat Tham Nimit. He temporarily managed the monastery before being formally invited to serve as abbot in B.E. 2403 with Phra Ajarn Sang assisting him. As abbot, he upheld strict monastic discipline, taught both monks and laypeople in both doctrine and morality, and earned such respect that devotees voluntarily contributed resources to develop the temple's buildings and sacred objects.

He died of old age on Friday, February 18, B.E. 2458, at age 83 with 61 monastic seasons. Phra Khemabhimukkha from Wat Pichayayadika Temple in Bangkok carried news of his death to the capital, informing Somdet Phra Mahasamana Chao Krom Phraya Wachirayana Worothes, who approved Phra Ajarn Thonwom to succeed him in B.E. 2458.

In B.E. 2459, the high prelate visited to order funeral preparations, personally presiding and donating a commemorative kutee (monastic dwelling). The cremation that year was conducted with the high prelate as principal, Phra Ajarn Thonwom as vice-principal, and prominent lay supporters attending. Though the ceremony was delayed due to the prelate's other duties, it eventually concluded with full dignity and ceremony.

Luang Pho Thiang's scholarly achievements remain celebrated to this day. The amulets and blessed objects he consecrated remain highly sought after. Most notably, the first-edition medal, cast in B.E. 2461 as a cremation memorial in brass only, remains popular among collectors, though the total number produced was never recorded.