Sleek Partners with ICBC to Ease EV Motorcycle Financing

Sleek and ICBC Leasing launch affordable financing for electric motorcycles, offering loans up to 86,900 baht with monthly payments starting at 3,362 baht to boost EV adoption among professional riders.

27 Jul Khaosod

Sleek has joined forces with ICBC Leasing (Thailand) to introduce the "SLEEK Green Loan" campaign, offering affordable financing for electric motorcycle ownership. Kantinun Tanveenung, CEO and co-founder of Sleek EV, announced that the program aims to improve access to financing and make it easier for professional riders to own electric motorcycles. The loan provides a maximum credit amount of 86,900 baht with repayment periods up to 36 months, with entry-level monthly payments of 3,362 baht or approximately 113 baht per day.

The campaign comes amid surging growth in electric vehicle and motorcycle adoption in the commercial transport sector. Demand for electric vehicles has climbed more than 35% compared to the same quarter last year, fueled by rising consumer environmental consciousness. Sleek developed the Green Loan initiative to support riders seeking commercial use of electric motorcycles, offering flexible ownership options and financial relief.

Customers can apply for the SLEEK Green Loan with any Sleek electric motorcycle model, including the SLEEK PLAY and TYPE-E. The program reduces upfront capital barriers while supporting long-term energy cost and maintenance management. The partnership reflects Sleek's commitment to building a comprehensive ecosystem that supports riders throughout their journey—not just through vehicle sales, but also energy services, after-sales support, and appropriate financing options. This enables riders to confidently start their careers, generate income, and enjoy improved quality of life through reduced costs, increased earning opportunities, and sustainable transportation.

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National

Bangkok Tightens Safety Standards for Entertainment Venues

Bangkok has upgraded safety inspections for 1,066 entertainment venues, requiring stricter fire prevention, building safety, and sanitation standards by September 30 through a new self-assessment system.

27 Jul Khaosod

Bangkok's deputy governor has upgraded inspection checklists to enforce stricter safety standards at service establishments and similar businesses across the capital, with particular emphasis on fire prevention. The enhanced checklist covers three key areas. Deputy Governor Pornprom Vikitsreth announced on July 27 that Bangkok had held a meeting on July 26 with business operators to discuss raising safety standards for both licensed service establishments and similar unlicensed businesses operating in the capital.

According to Vikitsreth, Bangkok has 147 licensed service establishments and 919 similar businesses—totaling 1,066 venues. Businesses classified as "similar" differ from licensed establishments in that they operate outside zoning restrictions but hold permits for food sales and entertainment, activities deemed health hazards. In response, Bangkok has elevated its inspection checklist from the original public health focus under the 1992 Public Health Act to add stringent building safety and fire prevention standards covering three inspection areas:

1. Building safety (ventilation systems, electrical systems, decorative materials, thermal and sound insulation) 2. Fire prevention (emergency exit signage, fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, fire extinguisher equipment, evacuation routes, emergency lighting, and related systems) 3. Sanitation standards (building design, noise control, ventilation, lighting, toilets, urinals, and hand-washing facilities)

Bangkok will also launch a Self-Check online system through the Digital Office allowing business operators to conduct self-assessments across five critical categories: fire safety systems; electrical, audio, and signal wiring; wall and ceiling decorative materials and insulation; floor plans showing maximum occupancy; and liability insurance coverage. Operators must attach photographs and certified engineer documentation before submitting data to Bangkok's system.

The system will be distributed to operators by July 28, with a deadline of September 30 for completing self-assessments and submitting data as part of Bangkok's broader effort to raise safety standards.

Suriyachai Raviwan, director of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, stated that his agency has established a three-phase safety management framework for all government units and business operators. The framework includes prevention readiness (appointing safety inspectors, conducting fire training and evacuation drills, running continuous safety campaigns), response readiness (clear decision trees and command roles during emergencies, trained containment and evacuation teams, operational alert systems), and recovery readiness (coordinating external agencies and assessing damage).

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Community

Actor Warns Parents After Son Scratched at Mall Playground

TV actor Auan Rangsit's young son was scratched by another child at a mall playground in Nonthaburi, prompting the actor to call for better parental supervision of children with behavioral issues.

27 Jul Khaosod

Actor and television personality Auan Rangsit Sirinananth has upset his fans by posting about an incident involving his young son Roha, who was scratched on the face by another child while playing at an amusement park inside a shopping mall. Auan questioned parental supervision and admitted he was unsure how he would have reacted if he had been there.

In his post, Auan shared a photo showing scratches on Roha's face and wrote: "If your child has behavioral or mental issues, you should supervise them closely rather than letting them become a social threat like this. The incident happened yesterday when my wife and son went to play at an amusement park in a mall in the Nonthaburi area (I wasn't with them). As Roha was walking into the trampoline area, a child who appeared to be at least 10 years old walked up and scratched his face for no reason, then followed and continued scratching him even though Roha did nothing and didn't fight back. Anyone who knows Roha knows he is a well-behaved child who would never initiate conflict or fight with anyone. After seeing the video, that's exactly how it happened. If I had been there, I'm not sure I could have controlled my emotions. My son shouldn't have to experience something like this. Finally, I want to thank the Klinique for providing first aid to Roha's wound." He added hashtags #WhatShouldIDo and #ChildWithMentalDisorder.

Fans have expressed concern and sympathy, with many commenting that the other child's parents should be held responsible, suggesting Roha was fortunate the injury wasn't more serious, and recommending that the mall's security footage be reviewed and warnings given to both the child and parents.

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Weather

Spectacular Waterspout Forms Off Phuket's Racha Island

A waterspout descended from clouds to sea off Racha Yai Island near Phuket on July 27, creating a dramatic spectacle visible to nearby tour boats with no reported damage.

27 Jul Khaosod

A waterspout formed in the sea off Racha Yai Island near Phuket, creating a spectacular sight for tourists and observers as it stretched visibly from cloud base to sea surface. On July 27, Phuket Times published images of the phenomenon occurring in Rawai subdistrict, Phuket City, where the rotating column of air descended clearly from the cloud base to the ocean before gradually dissipating. Several tour boats and passenger vessels were present in nearby waters at the time, though no damage or injuries were initially reported. Waterspouts are rotating wind phenomena that develop over open water, most commonly during thunderstorms and variable weather conditions. Although typically short-lived, they can threaten maritime safety if they occur along shipping routes. With the Andaman Sea continuing to experience monsoon influence bringing heavy rain and strong winds, boat operators, fishermen, and sea travelers should closely monitor official weather alerts and avoid approaching such phenomena to ensure their safety.

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National

Bangkok Reorganizes Areas to Build Royal Crematorium

Bangkok authorities are reorganizing the area around the Grand Palace to construct a royal crematorium for Queen Sirikit's funeral ceremony scheduled for July 27, 2026, with construction beginning in August.

27 Jul Khaosod

Bangkok's deputy governor coordinated all city agencies to reorganize the area layout and relocate service points to accommodate construction of the royal crematorium for the royal funeral ceremony of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, scheduled for July 27, 2026.

At a meeting of the Field Command Center in Pranakorn District, Deputy Governor Thaiwut Khankaew presided over the third meeting of the coordination body, with representatives from Bangkok municipal offices, the Fine Arts Department, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMA), and other relevant agencies in attendance.

Deputy Governor Thaiwut briefed the meeting on progress in site preparation and the layout plan for constructing the royal crematorium and its supporting structures for the royal funeral ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit Phra Borom Rajini Nath, the Queen Mother. The Fine Arts Department will extend temporary fencing on the western side to begin construction on August 1, 2026, necessitating the relocation of rest tents and royal food distribution points from that area.

The Public Works Office has been assigned to prepare a comprehensive area map that clearly designates each agency's work zones. Pranakorn District Office will coordinate with local police to manage access routes to pay respects and traffic flow to ensure safety and minimize impact on the public.

Regarding area management and public services, various service points such as royal food distribution and medical services will be relocated to the tunnel area in front of the Grand Palace, with the tunnel interior organized proportionally, neatly, and appropriately for service delivery.

Additionally, the Public Relations Office will relocate large LED screens from the rest tent and food distribution areas, beginning tonight until completion, with some screens to be installed at the royal kitchen area. Communications systems and supporting equipment will be checked to ensure readiness, along with public announcements about tent relocations and changes to the access routes for paying respects, so the public receives comprehensive information.

All agencies have been instructed to ensure orderliness and readiness for ongoing operations, including checking personnel preparedness and verifying opening and closing times for public communication. The Environment Office will be tasked with maintaining cleanliness, managing mobile public restrooms, and handling waste disposal continuously, while coordinating with relevant agencies to prepare for the royal ceremony and tribute exhibitions.

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National

Thailand Launches First Big Data Strategy Plan

Thailand's Cabinet approved its first Big Data strategy plan for 2025-2027, aiming to establish a data-driven economy and boost AI capabilities across government and business. The three-year initiative targets 35% annual economic growth fro

27 Jul Khaosod

The Cabinet has approved Thailand's first Big Data strategic plan for 2025-2027, marking a major step toward a data-driven economy and society. Deputy Government Spokesperson Lallida Perisawivat announced that the plan, submitted by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, will serve as the country's foundational framework for Big Data development and aims to strengthen economic and social foundations, improve policy decisions, enhance national competitiveness, and systematically promote artificial intelligence.

Developed by the Big Data Institute (Public Organization), the plan addresses critical Thai challenges including data scattered across multiple agencies, shortage of data and AI professionals, incomplete data connectivity, cybersecurity and personal data protection vulnerabilities, and legal and infrastructure gaps.

The strategy envisions "harnessing the power of data to drive economic growth and simultaneously improve quality of life." Major objectives include expanding Big Data use for policy decisions, fueling data-driven economic growth, and advancing data and AI-integrated services and innovations.

The plan sets ambitious targets: by 2027, economic value from Big Data should grow at least 35% annually, and Thailand should rank among the world's top 25 in digital competitiveness for Big Data capabilities.

The strategy comprises four key pillars: developing national data infrastructure such as Government Cloud and National Big Data Platform; promoting Big Data use to address challenges in health, tourism, environment, agriculture, and commerce; developing and applying AI to upgrade public, business, and industrial services while supporting Thai-language AI models and development datasets; and building human resources by training at least 160,000 personnel in Big Data and AI by 2027.

Spokesperson Lallida emphasized that the government views data and AI as essential tools for improving national management, public services, and private-sector competitiveness. The Big Data strategy will anchor Thailand's data-driven economy, enable public-private data sharing, and translate digital innovation into concrete benefits for citizens and the nation.

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Police

Thai Police Launch Long Holiday Safety Crackdown

Thai police nationwide will increase patrols, vehicle inspections, and crackdowns on crime during the July 28–30 extended holiday period marking the King's Birthday and Buddhist Lent Day. A 48-hour alcohol sales ban takes effect July 29–30,

27 Jul Khaosod

National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Pandhepechr has directed all police units nationwide to prepare comprehensive crime prevention and road safety operations for the extended holiday period from July 28–30, 2025, which includes the King's Birthday, Asahna Bucha Day, and Buddhist Lent Day. Police will increase patrols, vehicle inspections for weapons and illegal drugs, and crackdowns on property crimes at transportation hubs, hotels, and tourist sites, as well as reckless driving and street racing.

Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairongpipatthanaporn announced a nationwide ban on all alcohol sales—wholesale and retail—for 48 hours from midnight July 29 to midnight July 30, 2025, except at licensed venues. Violators face up to six months in jail and fines up to 10,000 baht. Police will also deploy traffic officers, highway patrol, and volunteers at key intersections, tourist attractions, religious sites, and transportation terminals from July 25 to August 2, 2025, to facilitate traffic flow, prevent accidents, manage parking, and assist with vehicle breakdowns or collisions.

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Tourism

Thailand Sports Authority Launches Tourism Festival in Chanthaburi

Thailand Sports Authority officially launched the SAT Sports Tourism Festival 2026 in Chanthaburi on July 24, combining sports competitions with cultural showcases to boost local tourism and economy through July 26.

27 Jul Khaosod

On July 24, Dr. Kongsakdi Yodmanee, Director-General of the Thailand Sports Authority (TSA), officially opened the SAT Sports Tourism Festival 2026 at Central Plaza in Chanthaburi. The event was attended by Thawatchai Namsomut, Chanthaburi Deputy Governor, and other senior TSA officials alongside representatives from government agencies, private sector partners, local authorities, sports associations, and athletes.

Dr. Kongsakdi stated that the festival aims to leverage sports as a driver for tourism, stimulate the economy, generate revenue for local communities, and sustainably improve quality of life. The event combines diverse sports competitions with a Sports Entertainment Expo that showcases Chanthaburi's natural resources, culture, and local identity to visitors and participants, creating memorable experiences that encourage future tourism.

The TSA believes this event exemplifies the integration of sports and tourism, creating value across economic, social, and community development sectors while inspiring youth to engage in sports and personal excellence. The festival runs from July 24-26, 2026, and is expected to drive tourism revenue for local businesses including accommodations, restaurants, transportation, and other enterprises, positioning Chanthaburi as a major sports and tourism destination in Thailand.

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National

Health Ministry Investigates Security Flaw in Medical Records App

Thailand's Health Ministry is investigating the Mor Prom health app after over 400 users reported unauthorized access to their medical records, with some finding hospital visits they never attended listed in their histories.

27 Jul Khaosod

Thailand's Health Ministry launched an investigation into security breaches affecting the 'Mor Prom' mobile application after receiving more than 400 complaints from users claiming their medical records were accessed and used without permission. Health Minister Pattana Prom-Pattana revealed the issue on July 27, explaining that some users discovered hospital visits recorded in their Mor Prom history that they never actually attended, including cases where they denied ever seeing doctors or receiving medication at those facilities.

The minister clarified that Mor Prom is a data aggregation platform designed to display health records from various healthcare providers rather than a direct service provider itself. Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, the app consolidates medical information from hospitals, health clinics, and other healthcare units to give citizens access to their own health data. The app has been expanded to allow appointment booking for medical consultations, vaccinations, and hospital services.

Pattana acknowledged possible sources of discrepancies, including data entry mistakes, misunderstandings, fraudulent claims, or cases where hospitals conducted off-site examinations that patients may not have realized. He emphasized that the app itself functions normally and recommended citizens report any inaccuracies directly through the application, allowing the backend system to investigate further while removing incorrect records from public view. The ministry expects to resolve the matter within two weeks and has invited all healthcare providers to connect their data systems with Mor Prom to enhance transparency and build comprehensive health databases for the nation.

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Police

Fried Banana Vendor Witnesses Rider Beaten at EV Charging Station

A delivery rider was punched in the face by an MG sedan driver at an EV charging station in Minburi on July 27, leaving him with injuries requiring six stitches; a fried banana vendor witnessed the altercation, which escalated from an argum

27 Jul Khaosod

On July 27, 2025, a fried banana vendor at a gas station opposite Minburi Prison witnessed a violent altercation between an MG sedan driver and a delivery rider at an EV charging bay. The vendor explained that the rider had parked in charging bay 2—which was unoccupied at the time—to pick up an order. After handing over the food, she continued working but soon heard raised voices and crude language. She watched as both men exited their vehicles, pushed each other, and exchanged challenges before the sedan driver punched the rider in the face, drawing blood. A nearby taxi driver intervened to stop the fight, and a woman from another vehicle began filming the scene. The vendor stated the situation resulted from an argument that escalated gradually, not a sudden unprovoked attack.

Security footage from the shop revealed the rider entered at 1:28:40 p.m. and left at 1:29:00 p.m., spending approximately 20 seconds at the shop. The rider has vowed to take the matter to its conclusion, claiming he suffered injuries requiring six stitches around his eye from the beating by the MG driver.

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National

Thai Cycling Federation Honors King on Royal Birthday

The Cycling Association of Thailand held a ceremony to honor King Maha Vajiralongkorn on his July 28 birthday, with association leadership praising the monarch's steadfast patronage and support for developing Thai cyclists to international

27 Jul Khaosod

General Decha Hemkrasri, chairman of the Cycling Association of Thailand under royal patronage, led administrators, coaches, staff, and athletes in a ceremony to pay respects and sign birthday wishes for His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn on July 28, 2569, at the association's Huamark velodrome headquarters in Bangkok's Bang Kapi district on July 27, 2569. The ceremony reflected the association's deep and boundless gratitude for the King's steadfast support of Thai cycling. After the ceremony, General Decha revealed that His Majesty graciously maintains the Cycling Association of Thailand under royal patronage, which represents supreme honor for the association, its athletes, and the entire Thai cycling community, helping to build the courage and determination needed to develop Thai cyclists to international levels.

General Decha stated that His Majesty has consistently shown favor to the Cycling Association of Thailand, having presented championship trophies and extended royal audiences to winning athletes, with members of the royal family attending competitions yearly. General Decha also noted that His Majesty has served as patron of the "Bike for Mom" cycling event honoring Queen Suthida on her 83rd birthday on August 12, 2558, and the "Bike for Dad" event honoring the late King Bhumibol on his 88th birthday on December 5, 2558. These initiatives reflect the King's dedication to encouraging loyalty to the monarchy and promoting physical fitness through cycling among Thai citizens.

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