Thailand Partners with UK University to Transform Thai Higher Education

Thailand is launching a new Chief Innovation Officer Exchange Programme with the UK's University of Strathclyde to train senior university leaders in commercializing research and forging industry partnerships, addressing a critical gap betw

5h ago Khaosod

Thailand's Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation is partnering with Mahidol University's Institute of Management Technology and Innovation (iNT) and the University of Strathclyde to launch the Chief Innovation Officer Exchange Programme (CIOX) 2026, positioning universities as engines of national competitiveness rather than mere research producers. The program addresses a critical challenge in Thai higher education: despite abundant research talent and output, mechanisms to convert intellectual property into concrete economic and social value remain weak. The initiative will develop 23 senior leaders from 21 Thai institutions into "Chief Innovation Officers" capable of forging industry partnerships, managing intellectual property, and commercializing technology. After four days of intensive domestic training to align with private sector needs, participants will attend strategic workshops at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow from May 18–22, 2026, where they will study successful university-industry collaboration models and witness how research ideas transform into million-pound industries. The program aims to create "change agents" and "bridge builders" who will shift Thailand's science, research and innovation system from publication-focused work to delivering practical, market-ready innovations through joint ventures and strategic asset management.

No. 01 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Drunk Customer Smashes Noodle Bowl, Scatters Condiments in Rage

A drunken customer twice smashed noodles and condiments onto the floor at a Khon Kaen porridge shop early July 17, scattering glass that injured a female customer after he misunderstood staff's polite request to wait for his order. The man

5h ago Khaosod

On July 17, a male customer became agitated at a porridge shop on Ban Kaset Road in Khon Kaen municipality and hurled a bowl of noodles before sweeping condiments and containers onto the floor, alarming the owner, staff, and other customers. Security footage revealed that after the man walked back to his car, he returned because he had left his car keys on the table, then swept more items to the ground a second time, sending glass shards that struck a female customer who had just entered—though she was not seriously injured. He then drove away.

Shop owner Wisawachit, 35, posted a warning saying the incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. when three men came to order food. One appeared intoxicated, repeatedly changing his mind about what to eat. Staff politely invited him to wait at a table while his food was prepared, but he misunderstood this as being thrown out and became angry, using foul language before causing the disturbance. The owner said he submitted CCTV footage to investigators at Khon Kaen City Police Station to proceed with charges due to concern for staff and customer safety.

Employee Thipsuda, 61, explained that the intoxicated customer stood at the counter for a long time, changing orders multiple times between noodle soup, noodle stir-fry, and instant ramen. Staff politely told him they understood his order and invited him to sit and wait while his food was prepared. The customer misunderstood this as being asked to leave and became upset, repeatedly complaining he was being kicked out despite the staff not responding. When the customer's companion paid the bill, he threw a 1,000-baht note at the employee's hand and said, "Take it, and don't treat other customers like this again." The man then lifted his food bowl and dumped it on the floor, swept containers and condiments across the ground, and walked back to his car.

Realizing he had left his keys at the table, he returned, grabbed them, and swept the remaining items onto the floor again before getting in his car, staring out the window briefly, and driving away. Staff believed he was intoxicated. Thipsuda added that all employees were shocked and frightened because they did not know if the man was armed. The second sweep of condiments sent glass fragments that hit an incoming female customer, who fortunately was not seriously hurt and did not press charges. The shop owner is handling the case with police. Staff remain fearful that the man might return, and believe he may be a past customer based on his statement.

No. 02 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Power Plant BLCP Balances Energy Security With Environmental Sustainability

Thailand's BLCP power plant exceeds national emission standards for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter while using advanced pollution-capture technologies and closed-loop cooling systems to balance energy security with

5h ago Khaosod

BLCP power plant addresses the challenge of maintaining Thailand's energy stability while advancing sustainable environmental practices amid global climate warnings. Data from Copernicus Marine Service shows that average global sea surface temperatures in June reached historic highs, with marine heat waves covering over 82% of oceans, and 2025 is projected to rank among the four hottest years on record. The ocean heat crisis impacts not only coastal ecosystems and coral bleaching but also raises critical questions for the energy industry: how to balance reliable electricity production with sustainable environmental protection.

BLCP, a major independent power producer operating continuously as a baseload power plant for over 20 years, has demonstrated success in meeting this global challenge by converting its mission into a tangible sustainability equation.

Stricter standards than the law requires BLCP's recognition in the industry stems from its philosophy of "prevention is better than cure." It has set air pollutant emission standards in its Environmental Impact Assessment that exceed Thailand's standards across all parameters:

– Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): BLCP limits emissions to 262 ppm, stricter than Thailand's 320 ppm standard – Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): BLCP limits emissions to 241 ppm, compared to Thailand's 350 ppm standard – Particulate Matter: BLCP limits emissions to 43 mg/m³, nearly three times stricter than Thailand's 120 mg/m³ standard

These rigorous standards reflect BLCP's concrete commitment to environmental and air quality protection.

Three key technologies capture pollution at the source To achieve its goals, BLCP integrates three international technologies into its production process:

– Low NOx Burner: Controls combustion and air flow to prevent nitrogen oxide formation at the start – ESP (Electrostatic Precipitator): Uses static electricity to capture particulate matter with up to 99.7% efficiency – FGD (Flue Gas Desulfurization): Uses seawater to capture sulfur dioxide gas

All pollutants are monitored continuously 24 hours through an automated system (CEMS) from a 200-meter stack, with data sent directly to government agencies. Additionally, four air quality monitoring stations (AQMS) around the plant provide real-time surveillance and transparent data sharing via signboards, website, and social media.

Three-tier cooling water system protects marine ecosystems In response to concerns about rising sea temperatures, BLCP uses a closed-loop cooling system, an international standard, where seawater undergoes multiple filtration stages before being returned to the marine ecosystem.

No. 03 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Thai Durian Prices Plunge as China Slows Imports

Southern Thailand's durian harvest surged 30% to 752,000 tons in 2025, but prices have plummeted due to China's reduced imports, quality issues with underripe fruit, and competition from other Thai regions. The Commerce Ministry is launchin

5h ago Khaosod

Witthayakorn Maninetr, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, revealed that southern Thailand's 2025 durian harvest reached approximately 752,000 tons, a 30% increase from the previous year. Currently, about 35% or 260,000 tons have reached market, leaving 490,000 tons to be managed in coming months.

Southern durian prices have fallen due to multiple factors: China's market slowdown, increased domestic fruit availability in China, competition from rival exporters, and durian shipments from other Thai growing regions like Uttaradit, Sisaket, and Nakhon Ratchasima. A critical issue is quality: some batches shipped to China proved underripe, causing Chinese buyers to pause orders. The ministry emphasizes quality control from orchard to export, particularly the starch content standard of 32%, noting that fruit harvested at 34-36% starch reaches consumers in better condition and commands higher prices. Major production areas in the south include Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Yala, with Chumphon alone producing over 300,000 tons.

The Commerce Ministry plans to manage and absorb approximately 300,000 tons of southern fruit including durian, mangosteen, rambutan, and longkong. Previous forward-purchase contracts covered over 3,700 tons, with live-commerce and promotional activities targeting 9,000 tons. Distribution will extend through fresh markets, wholesale centers, modern retail chains, and local shops nationwide, aiming to move over 200,000 tons. The ministry coordinated with Talad Morakot, a major wholesale market, to encourage mid-size and small retailers to buy durian directly.

For lower-quality fruit damaged by heavy rain, poor care, or surface defects, the ministry partnered with large cold-storage facilities and processing plants to absorb at least 15,000 tons of whole fruit or 5,000 tons of pulp. Externally blemished but internally sound durian will be promoted for consumption and processing, encouraging consumers to prioritize internal quality over appearance. The ministry is also organizing promotional events for southern durian targeting tourists and buyers from the Middle East and Central Asia, with visits planned to Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces for product trials.

No. 04 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Ex-Police General Disputes Buddha Amulet Valuation in TV Appearance

A retired police general disputes an amulet expert's televised valuation claims, pointing to contradictions with the expert's own published book on a rare imperial-series gold Buddha amulet. He's offering 100,000 baht to anyone who can prod

5h ago Khaosod

A retired police general and well-known amulet collector, who previously valued a solid gold Buddha amulet at 300 million baht, has expressed frustration with a prominent amulet expert over recent television statements about pricing and specifications. On July 17, 2025, Pol. Lt. Gen. Somsak Chai Amornsongjareun responded after the amulet expert appeared on a television program discussing a rare imperial-series gold Buddha amulet, claiming it must feature specific flower petal designs on the front and stamped garuda codes and the year 2411 on the back with embedded pins. The general argues that the expert's stated valuation conflicts with information in the expert's own published book, which valued the amulet at only 1 billion baht rather than the 3 billion mentioned on air.

Somsak Chai explained that he has long respected the expert and even allowed him to examine his own imperial-series amulet in January 2022, receiving praise and advice to preserve it carefully. He supported publication of the expert's recent book issued for the expert's birthday in October 2024 and is listed as a donor in it. However, he contends that the televised statements contradict the book's own text at pages 122–123, which acknowledges uncertainty about how many versions of the imperial-series amulet actually exist, creating confusion among followers.

Regarding pricing, Somsak Chai points out that page 128 of the expert's book itself states that a wealthy Japanese collector purchased an imperial-series gold amulet for 3 billion baht per unit, contradicting the expert's televised claim of 1 billion baht. To resolve the matter and locate other genuine specimens, Somsak Chai announced he will immediately pay 100,000 baht to anyone who can produce a gold amulet matching his own, subject to verification through X-ray fluorescence scanning, high-magnification imaging, and assessment by the PSDA Standard Institute or other recognized authorities—and provided the mass of the specimen does not vary by more than 10 percent from his own. He believes the amulet was genuinely produced but contends that the exact number of variants remains unknown and can only be determined through scientific material analysis and age verification of the ancient gold.

No. 05 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Film Fund Launches Documentary Series on Legendary Boxer Buakaw

A new documentary series launched in Thailand chronicles the life of legendary Muay Thai boxer Buakaw, showcasing his journey from childhood through becoming a world champion to inspire audiences globally about discipline and perseverance.

5h ago Khaosod

The Media Development Fund unveiled the semi-documentary short film "BUAKAW THE SERIES: Dust, Sweat And Glory" on July 17, 2025, at Rattana Bundit University, in partnership with the Banchamek Foundation, Thailand's Tourism Authority (TAT), the Thai Boxing Commission, the Thai Amateur Muay Thai Association, the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA), and the university. The film tells the life story of Lieutenant Colonel Samart Banchamek, known as Buakaw, one of the world's greatest Muay Thai boxers, aiming to inspire audiences by showcasing values of determination, discipline, perseverance, and self-development while promoting Muay Thai as Thailand's cultural heritage and international soft power.

Dr. Thanakorn Srisiksai, manager of the Media Development Fund, explained that the film uses creative media to transmit inspiration and convey lessons about discipline, determination, resilience, and never giving up through the real-life story of a role model, enabling youth and citizens to apply these principles in their own lives while raising awareness of Muay Thai's significance. Buakaw Banchamek himself participated in the project, sharing his experiences from childhood through training, overcoming obstacles, and becoming a world champion. He expressed excitement and gratitude for the filmmakers' efforts in capturing his personal journey, explaining that every step toward victory required immense patience and perseverance.

Buakaw noted that he also served as an assistant director and guide in conveying his authentic story, with the film drawing partly from his real experiences and partly from the director's creative interpretation. The production is not limited to Thai language; it has been translated into multiple languages to reach international audiences. Director Isara Nadi stated that the film will allow viewers to experience Buakaw's struggles, determination, and inspiration under the theme "Every success begins with small steps that never stop moving." The project comprises six episodes of 25 minutes each, documenting Buakaw's journey from his first steps in boxing to becoming a world champion.

No. 06 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Nakhon Ratchasima High-Speed Rail Project Stalled, Contractor Abandons Work

The Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed rail project is severely delayed and stalled, with a contractor abandoning work on a key 12-kilometer section that's only 18% complete. A local politician is now demanding parliamentary answers on wh

5h ago Khaosod

Nakhon Ratchasima — Following a meeting of the Provincial Land Transportation Management Subcommittee, a representative from the Department of Rail Transport reported that the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed rail project (Phase 1, 250.77 kilometers) is 55.272% complete as of June 2025, falling 32.93% behind schedule. In Nakhon Ratchasima province, seven contracts are active, with two completed and five under construction. Contract 3-5 (Khok Khuad-Nakhon Ratchasima, 12.38 kilometers) is particularly problematic, with only 18% progress and an 81.92% schedule delay.

The contractor's financial difficulties, labor shortages, material supply issues, and site access problems have caused delays. Additionally, a design change from ground-level to elevated track (Elevated) through community areas requires cabinet approval. The latest estimate suggests full operations will not begin until 2025.

Representative Chatthawan Suphattrawanit (Pheu Thai, District 1) conducted a site inspection after receiving public complaints via Facebook and Line. He found the work site abandoned for over two months, with temporary worker camps dismantled and equipment removed. The infrastructure—electrical, water, and utilities—has been stripped and cleared. Suphattawan announced he would file an interpellation in parliament's August session, demanding the Prime Minister or Transport Minister explain the repeated delays and provide a concrete timeline for when Nakhon Ratchasima residents can use the rail service. Contract 3-5, valued at 7.75 billion baht and running from January 26, 2021 to January 10, 2024, covers construction of ground-level track over 7.85 kilometers.

No. 07 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

GULF Installs Solar System at Mahidol Research Park

Gulf Development is installing a 3.6 million baht rooftop solar system at Mahidol University's medicinal plant research park, expected to generate clean energy starting February 2025 while reducing annual carbon emissions by approximately 6

5h ago Khaosod

Gulf Development Company is advancing its sustainability mission by partnering with Siriraj University Nature Park at Mahidol University to upgrade and install a 3.6 million baht rooftop solar power system (Solar Rooftop). The project promotes clean energy adoption at the park while elevating Thai medicinal plant research to industrial standards and creating learning opportunities for vulnerable children and the general public.

Anuporn Prakobpanpaikao, managing director of Gulf1 Limited and assistant CEO of Gulf Development, stated that the company is committed to leveraging solar expertise to create shared value for society, reducing inequality, and sustainably improving quality of life. The Solar Rooftop installation supports clean energy use in education and research on medicinal and rare plants, while expanding learning opportunities for vulnerable children through nature-based healing and therapeutic classroom activities. The initiative also connects clean energy to social networks, especially remote communities and educational institutions that lack reliable electricity access—which are crucial for developing human resources and driving economic growth.

The solar system will cover two main buildings: the Research and Plant Museum Building and the Seminar Building, with electricity generation beginning February 10, 2025. It is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 69 tons annually—equivalent to planting over 3,153 large trees per year—and reduce the park's annual energy costs by more than 550,000 baht. The hope is that this solar installation will support research operations and provide environmentally friendly energy while promoting nature-based learning for children, youth, and the public.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattaniya Toraksa, director of the Siriraj University Nature Park project at Mahidol University, noted that the park spans over 140 acres and houses Thailand's most valuable and rare medicinal plants—over 1,000 species. The park's mission is to advance medicinal plant potential and maximize natural ecosystem benefits to improve human health and promote bio-economy through interdisciplinary collaboration and research, education, and academic services.

Gulf's solar installation marks a significant turning point in developing the park into a 'Nature-based Innovation Lab' that will attract researchers and partners from diverse fields to experiment with and develop innovations using natural resources.

No. 08 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Narcotics Police Launch Safe Community Drive in Bangkok

Thai narcotics police launched a "Safe Community" operation on July 17 targeting drug dealers in Bangkok's Khlong Phra Khanong area, arresting three dealers and seizing methamphetamine as part of a nationwide initiative to strengthen commun

5h ago Khaosod

The Narcotics Suppression Command (NSC) launched operations on July 17, 2025, following government and National Police Office policy to seal off the community along Khlong Phra Khanong canal and arrest small-time drug dealers under the "Safe Community" initiative. Under national police leadership, including Police General Kittirat Panpetch, Deputy Police General Samran Nueamma, Police General Sompraseong Yenthuum, and Police Lt. Gen. Kritsada Kanchanalong, the operation designates drug problem resolution as a critical national priority requiring urgent action due to its impact on public suffering and safety.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Achayan Kraitong, commander of the Narcotics Suppression Command, recognized the importance of building strong community immunity and initiated the "Safe Community, Families Return" project aimed at making the public feel safe, reducing fear, and creating sustainability through a "people's state" mechanism. The NSC is driving this project to integrate drug prevention and suppression at the community level, emphasizing public participation in monitoring and preventing drug problems. The program develops civilian networks as a critical force for reporting drug dealers and monitoring at-risk individuals to prevent children and youth from becoming involved with drugs.

The NSC has coordinated with state agencies, network partners, and community leaders to improve the community environment through street lighting, closed-circuit television (CCTV) installation, and strengthened relationships between police and residents to enhance safety, reduce crime opportunities, and build public confidence. Since December 2024, the NSC has implemented the nationwide project in five communities covering 726 households, benefiting over 3,500 residents, installing 36 CCTV cameras and 40 streetlights, and arresting over 60 small-time dealers and users. Despite success in many areas, drug proliferation persists in some communities.

The NSC is therefore conducting proactive operations under the "Safe Community" project, coordinating with relevant agencies to implement encirclement measures, search drug-affected areas and drug caches, and work with community leaders and residents to prevent drug networks from re-entering the area, thus creating sustainable safety and improved quality of life. Today at 3:00 p.m., Pol. Lt. Gen. Achayan Kraitong and deputy commanders, together with police deputies and partner agencies including the Metropolitan Police, Department of Special Investigation (DSI), and Office of the Narcotics Control Board, announced the arrest of three drug dealers in the Khlong Phra Khanong community. Police seized 3.3 grams of crystal methamphetamine and conducted additional community searches. They also distributed essential supplies to 19 bedridden patients and elderly residents to relieve hardship and boost public morale. Pol. Lt. Gen. Achayan Kraitong stated that the "Safe Community" project is a continuation of efforts to secure neighborhoods.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

SRT Launches New Bangkok-Ayutthaya Commuter Rail Service

Thailand's State Railway launches a new daily air-conditioned commuter rail service between Bangkok and Ayutthaya starting August 1, with fares as low as 30 baht and six weekday trips to serve both commuters and tourists.

5h ago Khaosod

BANGKOK — 17 July 2026, The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will launch its new air-conditioned suburban rail service, SRT BANGKOK CONNEX (BNEX), linking Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and Ayutthaya from 1 August, with fares starting at 30 baht.

The service will operate daily (Monday to Sunday) and is intended to provide an affordable and convenient travel option for both commuters and tourists. The route has been extended to originate from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, allowing passengers to connect easily with Bangkok's suburban and urban rail networks.

Acting SRT Governor Anan Phonimdaeng said the launch of SRT BANGKOK CONNEX represents a significant expansion of the previous weekday-only Don Mueang–Ayutthaya service, aiming to better meet passenger demand. The trains use refurbished KIHA 40/48 diesel railcars imported from Japan, which have undergone extensive maintenance and interior refurbishment to provide air-conditioned carriages with more comfortable seating and spacious interiors.

On weekdays (Monday to Friday), the service will operate six trips a day (Nos. 9001–9006), with the first departure at 05:15 to accommodate commuters travelling to Bangkok and surrounding areas. On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), services will begin at 09:05, with four trips operating daily (Nos. 9003–9006), targeting both Thai and international tourists wishing to enjoy a leisurely visit to the historic city of Ayutthaya.

SRT is introducing a three-month promotional fare from 1 August to 31 October to help reduce passengers' travel costs. During the promotion, passengers travelling from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Don Mueang, Rangsit or Khlong Phutsa stations will pay a flat fare of 30 baht, while journeys to Bang Pa-in, Ban Pho and the terminus at Ayutthaya will cost no more than 50 baht. SRT said it remains committed to improving the safety and punctuality of Thailand's railway services.

No. 10 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Community

Japanese Fighter Takeru Visits Thailand, Eyes Rematch With Rodtang

Retired Japanese kickboxer Takeru Segawa has arrived in Thailand seeking a rematch with former rival Rodtang Jitmuangnon, just months after defeating him by split decision in April.

5h ago Khaosod

Japanese kickboxer Takeru Segawa, a former ONE Championship interim flyweight champion (125-135 lbs), has arrived in Thailand expressing his desire to meet former rival Rodtang Jitmuangnon. Takeru defeated Rodtang by split decision at ONE Samurai 1 on April 29, after which he announced his retirement from the sport. Rodtang has been out of action due to prior issues but is scheduled to return to competition on October 28. Takeru shared an Instagram story stating, "I'm in Thailand right now, and tonight I'm going to Lumpinee—I really want to see Rodtang." Rodtang responded by reposting the message and writing, "Someone's missing me—what should I do?"

No. 11 of ∞ Read at source → Next