BANGKOK — 13 July 2026, Thai youth have once again made their mark on the international stage after a 12-year-old Thai boy won gold and silver medals in computer programming at the International STEM Olympiad – Grand Final Round in Rome, Italy, following an online preliminary stage that attracted more than 10,000 participants from around the world.

Nipun Skyz Lua, a Year 7 student, competed in the Grand Final held from 2–8 July in Rome, where 714 participants from 54 countries took part. The competition's online preliminary stage attracted more than 10,000 participants from 150 countries.

Competing in two coding disciplines, Nipun secured medals in both events: • Gold medal — Code Combat • Silver medal — Code Mentum

Both competitions tested far more than coding proficiency, placing a strong emphasis on analytical thinking and problem-solving using the Python programming language under strict time limits.

In the Code Combat category, contestants were required to apply core programming concepts, including variables, conditional statements (if/else), loops and functions, to design efficient sets of instructions that enabled a computer to solve assigned challenges accurately and effectively.

The Code Mentum category presented even more advanced challenges, focusing on algorithm design and complex problem-solving. Competitors were required to develop the most accurate, efficient and fastest solutions to increasingly difficult programming tasks.

According to the competition's award system, gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to top-performing contestants based on their results in each category, rather than representing first, second and third place overall.

Nipun's achievement highlights that international coding competitions are designed not simply to assess how well students memorise programming languages, but to evaluate logical thinking, analytical ability and the capacity to translate ideas into instructions that computers can execute.

Winning one gold medal and one silver medal at the age of just 12 marks another significant achievement for Thailand and showcases the potential of Thai youth in science, technology and computer programming on the global stage.

PHUKET: A sea snake washed ashore on Kamala Beach on Saturday afternoon (July 11), prompting concern among tourists before lifeguards safely captured the animal and released it back into the sea.

On July 13, 2569, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister visited the scene of the Ladprao beer hall fire alongside Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. The PM reported that survivors were rescued and transferred to hospitals, with initial casualty figures at 34 injured. He assured families that medical treatment would be provided under state welfare law and existing regulations.

When asked about claims that fire exits were locked to prevent customers from leaving without paying, Anutin deferred to the National Police Office and forensic teams conducting the investigation. He stated he did not wish to prejudge the matter, though he personally observed multiple structural blind spots in the venue that would make escape difficult in the event of a fire. The establishment operated under a restaurant license permitting live music until midnight, with the fire occurring around 5 p.m.

The PM clarified that the venue was licensed as a restaurant rather than an entertainment venue, which is why it could operate in that location—outside designated entertainment zones. He acknowledged that similar establishments throughout Bangkok may be using food service licenses while operating as semi-bars, and suggested that police and local officials must investigate inspection records and compliance procedures going forward.

Regarding compensation, Anutin confirmed that injured and sick persons would receive full care, and that various government funds would assist bereaved families. The official death toll was updated to 27, with critical cases requiring intensive medical treatment.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is accepting public comment on four electricity rate scenarios for the September–December 2025 billing period, with average rates ranging from 3.95 to 4.73 baht per unit, from July 13–20, 2025. On July 13, 2025, ERC Secretary Poolpat Leesmatthaipibul announced that the meeting approved opening comment periods on variable electricity rates (FT charge) for four cases, with average rates (excluding VAT) between 3.95–4.73 baht per unit.

Case 1 applies the FT adjustment formula, reimbursing all of EGAT's accumulated cost burden, setting the FT retail rate at 94.82 satang per unit. This reflects September–December 2025 cost trends (FAC) of 46.27 satang per unit. EGAT's actual accumulated fuel and power purchase cost burden (AF) totals 31,268 million baht (48.55 satang per unit), which the utility absorbed during the energy price crisis. Full repayment is scheduled by December 2025 to restore normal financial status. Combined with the base rate of 3.78 baht per unit, Case 1 results in an average rate of 4.73 baht per unit—a 78-satang or 20% increase from the current 3.95 baht per unit.

Case 2 applies the period FAC (EGAT's proposal), with an FT retail rate of 46.27 satang per unit reflecting September–December 2025 cost trends. EGAT absorbs the accumulated AF burden of 31,268 million baht (48.55 satang per unit) on behalf of consumers. Combined with the 3.78 baht base rate, Case 2 yields 4.25 baht per unit—a 3-satang or 8% increase from the current rate.

Case 3 adjusts pool gas pricing per energy ministry policy. PTT and EGAT lower the spot LNG price to $17.6 per million BTU, reducing the average natural gas price estimate to 363.53 baht per million BTU (down 11.4 baht). The FT retail rate drops to 41.27 satang per unit, a 5-satang reduction from Case 2. EGAT again covers the 31,268 million baht accumulated AF. Case 3 results in 4.20 baht per unit—a 25-satang or 6% increase.

Case 4 combines gas price adjustment with use of claw-back funds to cushion consumer impact, reducing the FT retail rate to 16.23 satang per unit while maintaining the 41.27 satang cost-trend component. EGAT absorbs the accumulated AF burden on behalf of consumers.

Kasem Bundit University has made history as Thailand's first private university to serve as primary host of a world university sports championship. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation has appointed a committee to organize the FISU World University Championship Golf 2026 in preparation for Thailand to host the event.

The key highlight is that the global university sports federation has entrusted Thailand with hosting duties, assigning Kasem Bundit University as the primary host. This represents a historic milestone for Thai higher education, as it is the first time a Thai private institution has been given the main responsibility to host a world university sports championship in golf. The achievement reflects the capability of Thai universities in management, international competition organization, and sports standards.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanchhai Suksuwon, chairman of the committee promoting sports excellence under the Thai University Sports Association, stated: "Hosting this championship is a source of national pride and an important opportunity to demonstrate Thailand's capability in hosting world-class university sports events. We are prepared to work with all parties to ensure the competition's success."

The 2026 World University Golf Championship will be held from November 11-14, 2026, bringing together university-level golfers from many countries worldwide to compete in Thailand. The event will facilitate cultural exchange and friendship through sports while serving as a significant platform to promote Thailand's international image and boost tourism and economic activity during the competition period.