Thailand Develops AI Technology to Screen Stroke Risk

Thailand's public health sector is developing AI technology to screen stroke risk using advanced pulse and blood vessel sensors, aiming to identify at-risk patients early and reduce the country's high stroke mortality rates. The Department

21 Jul Khaosod

The Department of Medical Sciences under the Ministry of Public Health has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Office of the National Science, Research and Innovation Committee (NSRIC) and SKAI MED Co. Ltd. to drive a research and development project on artificial intelligence-based public stroke risk screening technology using new pulse and blood vessel analysis sensors. This collaboration integrates medical knowledge, research, and technological innovation, focusing on creating high-precision, easy-to-use screening tools with broad public accessibility that will serve as a key mechanism to reduce stroke incidence and complications in Thailand while supporting the real-world application of technology in the public health system for improved health outcomes.

Dr. Nattapong Vongwiwat, director-general of the Department of Medical Sciences, stated that this collaboration represents a significant step in applying artificial intelligence technology to the public health system to proactively address stroke, a leading cause of death and disability in Thailand. The focus is on pre-stroke screening to identify at-risk individuals before disease onset, using AI to enhance early-stage risk screening efficiency and enable faster, more accurate treatment access, ultimately reducing health, quality-of-life, and long-term economic losses.

The project's core objective is to build a reliable clinical database, with the Department of Medical Sciences taking the lead in clinical operations and coordinating Doppler Ultrasound assessments—the gold standard for blood vessel evaluation—while working with neurology specialists to create a Clinical Reference Dataset for training AI algorithms to achieve high accuracy tailored to the Thai population's physiological characteristics.

Beyond technical development, the Department of Medical Sciences emphasizes oversight and safety standards by closely coordinating with the Thai FDA to regulate AI software-based medical device standards and registration, ensuring this technology is applied safely and effectively within Thailand's public health system and sets new standards for future healthcare.

Professor Dr. Sompoung Khlaiyhaang, director of the Office of the National Science, Research and Innovation Committee (NSRC), discussed strategic support roles, noting that NSRC is ready to serve as a key mechanism for advancing the country's science, research, and innovation policies by focusing on connecting research networks, funding sources, and relevant agencies into a unified system. NSRC's key role in this collaboration includes...

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National

Court Committee Appoints Phaopanji Chobnam as New Justice Office Chief

Phaopanji Chobnam has been appointed secretary-general of the Office of the Court of Justice, taking over from Theerathay Charoenvorakul effective October 1, 2024. The appointment was approved by the Judicial Commission following a Supreme

21 Jul Khaosod

The Judicial Commission of the Court of Justice has approved the appointment of Phaopanji Chobnam, deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Court of Justice, as the new secretary-general, replacing Theerathay Charoenvorakul who is being transferred back to judicial service, effective October 1, 2024. On July 20, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., Adisak Tantiwongse, president of the Supreme Court, chaired the 19th meeting of the Judicial Commission of the Court of Justice. The meeting reviewed and approved personnel transfers effective October 1, 2024. Phaopanji holds a bachelor's degree in law with second-class honors from Thammasat University and a master's degree in law from the same institution, along with a Thai legal certificate. He has previously served as deputy secretary to the Court of Appeal, presiding judge of Buriram Provincial Court, presiding judge of Kanchanaburi Provincial Court, presiding judge of the Criminal Division, deputy secretary-general to the Supreme Court President, and deputy secretary-general of the Office of the Court of Justice. Phaopanji has completed several advanced training programs, including the 8th E-Government Course for Senior Executives, the 30th Advanced Justice Administration Course, the 12th Advanced Budget Administration Course, and the 2nd Cybersecurity Certificate Program for Senior Executives.

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Regional

PT Prachuap Lands Ex-England Star Townsend

PT Prachuap FC has signed 35-year-old former England international Andros Townsend, with club president Nai Keaw securing the deal in under a week. The experienced forward will join the provincial club's training camp by late July.

21 Jul Khaosod

Coach Teeya Sasom, head coach of PT Prachuap FC, has confirmed that the club has successfully signed Andros Townsend, the 35-year-old former English national team forward. Speaking to the B Bangpakong page, Coach Teeya described the deal as quite surprising, noting that PT Prachuap is not typically a major club that would attract a player of Townsend's caliber. He credited club president Nai Keaw Songkitti Limmarunaraks, whose negotiations with Townsend's agent resulted in the deal closing in less than a week.

"We believe that the arrival of this legendary former Thai Lion player will elevate our team's standard and generate excitement among football fans in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. His experience will greatly benefit our young players. From what we know, Andros is a true professional who always gives his all to his club. A player like that won't disappoint the fans no matter where he plays."

Regarding the contract details, Coach Teeya said he was not privy to those discussions, as they were handled entirely by the club president, though he believes the terms are reasonable given that Townsend is eager to continue playing in the Thai league. Townsend has just completed his duties as a commentator for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is scheduled to return to Thailand to join PT Prachuap's training camp by July 25.

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Local

Village Election Delayed Over One Year Amid Ghost Names in Registry

A village in Kham Khuean Kaew district has gone without a headman for over 15 months after election delays triggered by 37 ghost names discovered in the household registry, with authorities struggling to resolve the fraudulent registrations

21 Jul Khaosod

On July 21, 2026, a candidate for village headman submitted documents requesting that the Kham Khuean Kaew district chief accelerate efforts to install new village leadership in Moo 5, Song Phuea Subdistrict, which has operated without a headman for more than a year. Virat Klobklin, a resident of Kok Saaad Village, explained that the previous headman's term ended in early 2025, with a new election scheduled for April 30, 2025, attracting two candidates including himself. However, during verification, he discovered 37 ghost names—deceased or fictitious persons—had been added to the village household registry. He submitted a complaint to the district office requesting investigation, but received no response. On April 25, 2025, he led residents to the district office demanding updates, though the district chief delegated the matter to Deputy District Officer Ekaphop Medharm.

The deputy later informed Virat that 22 names had been removed from the rolls, leaving 15 unexplained. Virat said he had also filed a complaint with the Good Governance Center, which extended the investigation deadline by 60 days, but no progress materialized. Now, more than 15 months have passed with no election scheduled. Virat further noted that during the recent Tambon Song Phuea municipal election, the remaining ghost names were still active on voting rolls, and the winning margin was only a few votes. He urged the district and relevant agencies to resolve the ghost name issue and hold the village headman election without further delay.

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National

Military Education Program Lets Soldiers Advance One Degree Per Year

Thailand's military has launched a new education program allowing conscripted soldiers to earn at least one qualification annually while serving, combining flexible online and in-person learning with their military duties.

21 Jul Khaosod

Thailand's Department of Non-Formal Education partnered with the Royal Thai Army to launch the "One Year, One Qualification" program under a 2024 curriculum designed for conscripted soldiers without basic education qualifications. The initiative allows military personnel to advance at least one education level within one year while fulfilling their service obligations, using flexible learning formats—online, in-person, or hybrid—that align with military operations and schedules.

Deputy Education Minister Akkhranant Kannittinan emphasized that military service should not interrupt education but rather provide an opportunity for personal development alongside national service. The program aims to equip soldiers with credentials, discipline, responsibility, and skills applicable to further study or employment after discharge. Kannittinan stated that education and military service are not mutually exclusive and that this collaboration between the Education Ministry and Army represents an important step in improving soldiers' quality of life and future prospects.

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Police

Police Prepare Arrest Warrants for Two Higher-Ranking Officials

Police are preparing arrest warrants for two higher-ranking officials suspected in a local government examination fraud case, with a review committee meeting scheduled for July 22 to determine if evidence is sufficient for court approval.

21 Jul Khaosod

Police investigators are preparing additional arrest warrants for two suspects in a local government examination fraud case, who are believed to hold positions higher than the already-arrested Cha Phichit. As of July 21, the Central Investigation Police Bureau reported that investigators are carefully gathering evidence to present to a review committee, with plans for another meeting on July 22 to assess whether documentation is solid enough to request court-issued arrest warrants.

Of the original 11 suspects already implicated, all have cooperated fully with authorities and remain available for questioning. Their cases have been forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for investigation. However, police are pursuing a separate investigative track focusing on higher-ranking officials, currently targeting two individuals with positions superior to Cha Phichit. Whether arrests can proceed depends on building clear, connected evidence linking them to the scheme. If documentation is insufficient, the case file will be submitted to the NACC for consideration under its authority.

Prosecuting high-ranking officials requires particularly strong and comprehensive evidence to ensure proceedings follow proper judicial process.

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National

Phuket 9-Year-Old Wins International Coding Championship

A 9-year-old student from Phuket won two gold medals at the international Coding Olympiad in Rome, ranking first globally in his age group among competitors from over 150 countries.

21 Jul Khaosod

A 9-year-old student from True Coding School Phuket named Pace has achieved a remarkable feat at the Coding Olympiad 2026 international championship held in Rome, Italy. Competing against young talent from more than 150 countries, he secured two gold medals as a global champion and ranked first in the world for his age group based on final scores.

Pace's achievement represents more than individual success—supporters view it as proof that Thailand and Southeast Asia can excel in cutting-edge technology and international competition. The victory has generated widespread enthusiasm on social media, with many celebrating the young programmer as a role model for the next generation of Asian innovators. His accomplishment challenges conventional perceptions about Thailand's contributions to global science and technology.

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National

Thailand Develops AI Tool to Screen for Stroke Risk

Thailand's health authorities and a medical tech company are developing an AI tool to screen for stroke risk using innovative pulse and blood vessel sensors, aiming to improve early detection and reduce the disease's impact across the count

21 Jul Khaosod

The Department of Medical Services, the Office of the Committee for Promotion of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOST), and SKAI MED Co. Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance research and development of AI-based technology for public health screening of cerebrovascular disease risk, utilizing artificial intelligence and innovative pulse and blood vessel sensor technology. This collaboration integrates medical knowledge, research, and technological innovation with the goal of creating a highly accurate, easy-to-use screening tool with broad public accessibility that serves as a key mechanism for reducing stroke incidence and complications in Thailand. The initiative supports the practical application of technology within the public health system for better health outcomes, with Dr. Chitthiporn Thamjinda, Director of the Office of Biomedical Science and Innovation (Public Organization), witnessing the signing. The office plays a role in promoting research and development, supporting the commercialization of medical and health innovations, and facilitating international cooperation to strengthen the public health system and enhance the nation's economic capacity.

Dr. Natthapong Wongwiwat, Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, stated that this collaboration represents a significant step in applying artificial intelligence technology to the public health system to proactively address stroke, a leading cause of death and disability in Thailand. The focus is on pre-stroke screening using AI to improve the efficiency of risk assessment from the earliest stages, enabling faster and more accurate treatment access to reduce health, quality-of-life, and long-term economic costs. The project's core is building a reliable clinical database, with the Department of Medical Services taking the lead in clinical operations, coordinating Doppler Ultrasound examinations as the gold standard for blood vessel assessment, and working with neurology specialists to develop a Clinical Reference Dataset for training AI algorithms to achieve high accuracy tailored to the Thai population's physiological characteristics. Beyond technical development, the Department emphasizes oversight and safety standards by closely coordinating with the Food and Drug Administration to monitor and register AI software medical device products, ensuring the technology is applied efficiently and safely within Thailand's public health system and establishes new standards for future public health care.

Professor Dr. Sompoeng Khlai Nong Sawang, Director of the Office of the Committee for Promotion of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOST), outlined strategic support, noting that MOST is ready to serve as the primary mechanism for driving the country's science, technology, and innovation policies and systems, emphasizing the process of connecting research networks, funding sources, and relevant organizations into a unified whole. MOST's important role in this collaboration is to bridge research institutions, technological innovation, and public health applications.

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National

Widow Defends Husband's Case, Demands Respect for the Dead

A 31-year-old man died of blocked coronary arteries after a Ratchaburi hospital refused to perform an EKG despite his chest symptoms, prompting his widow to demand accountability and respect for the deceased.

21 Jul Khaosod

Kru Sai, 30, the widow of Foom who died unexpectedly at just 31 years old, has responded forcefully to allegations following his death at a private hospital in Ratchaburi. Foom sought treatment for chest tightness but the attending physician refused to order an EKG despite Kru Sai and Foom's willingness to pay in full. Kru Sai further claims the doctor made discouraging remarks, accusing Foom of relying too heavily on information from Google and AI before discharging him. Foom later went into shock and died; an autopsy confirmed two coronary arteries were blocked.

The Health Service Support Department (HSSD) under the Ministry of Public Health, together with Ratchaburi Provincial Health Office, subsequently investigated the private hospital. Dr. Phuwadet Surakote, HSSD director, revealed that the patient came on July 16, 2025, complaining of left ring finger pain and was screened by a nurse for further assessment. The nurse gathered additional history and learned the patient had previously sought treatment for high cholesterol, then bought and took medication himself about two months earlier due to dizziness, prompting him to request a cholesterol check. The nurse escalated the assessment to semi-urgent and referred him to an orthopedic surgeon, who diagnosed tendinitis. For the cholesterol concern, he was sent to a general practitioner who assessed that the symptoms did not match coronary artery disease and therefore did not order an EKG, instead scheduling a blood test for glucose and lipids the following day since the patient had not fasted.

The hospital later received word to retrieve the patient from home, where he was found unconscious. The medical team performed advanced life support for approximately three hours before resuscitation was discontinued and the family was informed of his death.

Regarding developments, Kru Sai posted on Facebook (Saii Z' Panpetch) stating that Foom came in with chest tightness, profuse sweating, and pain radiating from his fingers to his chest. The first doctor, an internist, did not see him because no blood work or cholesterol tests had been done yet. The second was the bone doctor, as the nurse asked if he wanted to see an orthopedic specialist since the pain might be related to his tendon issue. The third was the general practitioner, as already stated. She added a detail: the follow-up appointment the doctor mentioned was not actually scheduled for "the next day" as claimed—the doctor initially said to return in 70 days, but Foom's wife requested an earlier check. The doctor even questioned why she thought cholesterol had risen and reiterated that this pain was different from tendon pain.

Kru Sai posted further, saying: "The dead cannot speak, so is this how you report to the HSSD? But my husband's wife is still alive and can speak. Have you no shame? Or if you want silence, why not kill this person too—but then don't say anything like this. Show some respect for the dead. He deserves sympathy." She appealed for support, saying Kru Sai is exhausted. While it is true that the dead cannot speak, the living widow can and will continue to do so, because her time stopped on that day—every detail and every word remains clear in her memory.

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National

Thai Orchestra Bridges K-pop and Classical Music for Young Audiences

A Thai orchestra's successful performance of K-pop hits arranged for full symphony has shown promise for introducing younger audiences to classical music through familiar songs. Musicians involved say the project demonstrates how orchestral

21 Jul Khaosod

NAKHON PATHOM — The success of SM CLASSICS LIVE 2026, which reimagined K-pop hits through a full symphony orchestra, has highlighted the growing potential of Thailand's classical music scene to attract younger audiences through familiar songs.

That is the view of Nuttha Kuankajorn, known by her nickname "Mook", Principal Oboe, who performed in the concert. She believes the SM Classics project could encourage people who have never attended a classical performance to experience an orchestra for the first time.

Although the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO) has previously staged crossover concerts featuring film, video game and animation soundtracks, Mook said performing fully orchestrated K-pop music was a first for her and, she believes, for many of the musicians involved.

A longtime fan of SM Entertainment artists since 2004 and 2005, she admitted that despite knowing many of the songs by heart, performing them in orchestral form proved to be one of the most demanding projects of her career.

"I remember thinking how lucky I was to be in the audience instead of performing. In the end, I found myself on stage as part of the orchestra."

She said that while the ensemble's rehearsal schedule was similar to other productions, every musician had to spend considerable time practising individually before group rehearsals. The intricate arrangements and musical details typical of K-pop demanded precision so that dozens of performers could play as a single ensemble.

According to Mook, one of K-pop's strengths lies in its musical diversity, making it particularly well suited to orchestral adaptation while giving classical musicians the opportunity to explore a different musical world.

She stressed that the project's goal was not to turn every audience member into a classical music enthusiast overnight, but simply to encourage people to experience a live orchestra for the first time.

"We're not expecting everyone to become classical music fans after one concert. But if someone leaves inspired and wants to come back for another orchestral performance, then we've succeeded."

Mook also echoed the philosophy of conductor Thanapol Setabrahmana, who believes classical music has never disappeared from everyday life because it forms the emotional backbone of countless films, video games and other media.

"If a film didn't have an orchestra creating its emotional atmosphere, everything would feel completely different."

She said this shows that classical music is not as distant or inaccessible as many people assume, but is already woven into everyday life through different forms of media.

Mook also believes Thailand is moving in the right direction with crossover productions that blend orchestral music with contemporary culture, making classical performances more accessible to younger generations.

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Regional

Pattaya Cracks Down on Illegal Beach Chair Rentals

Pattaya authorities seized over 200 beach chairs and mats during a crackdown on illegal rentals along Pattaya Beach on July 21, warning vendors to stop unlicensed operations or face daily confiscations.

21 Jul Khaosod

Chonburi — Pattaya City authorities are intensifying enforcement against illegal beach chair and mat rentals along Pattaya Beach, seizing contraband items and warning operators to stop unlicensed rental operations.

On July 21, officers from the special affairs and order maintenance division, along with municipal enforcement teams, conducted a comprehensive crackdown on illegal chair and mat rentals throughout Pattaya Beach, from North Pattaya Beach to South Pattaya Beach in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district. This operation aligns with the city administration's public space management policy.

Inspections revealed vendors using various methods to evade confiscation: hiding equipment under tarps, stashing items on motorcycle sidecars parked along nearby roads, and loading them onto pickup trucks. Officers successfully seized over 200 chairs and numerous mats, which are now in storage at Pattaya City. Equipment owners may retrieve their items by contacting municipal authorities and following government procedures.

Pattaya City officials have issued a clear warning to vendors to cease all illegal rentals on public areas. Businesses wishing to operate must do so on private property in compliance with law and allow customers to self-serve equipment. Authorities vowed to conduct daily inspections and enforce regulations continuously, with daily confiscation for any violations, to restore order and ensure the public can enjoy beaches fairly.

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