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.

On July 15, 2026, the Army Region 2 Command invited the public, runners, and health enthusiasts to join the charitable walk-and-run event "RUN FOR HONOR 2026" under the theme "Every Step for the Honor of the Sacrificed." The event will take place on December 20, 2026, at Pra Sat Ta Khwai and Hill 350, bringing people together to remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who served to protect Thailand.

This is not merely a competitive race or fitness activity, but a run along a historic path where participants can experience the true meaning of honor, sacrifice, and remembrance through each step across a place of national pride. The route reflects the courage and selfless dedication of heroes who gave their lives for the country.

The Army Region 2 Command invites all sectors of society to participate in "RUN FOR HONOR 2026" on December 20, 2026, to commemorate this significant day and create another moment in history where every step of the run carries meaning to honor the fallen. This is where their stories of heroism begin, waiting for everyone to take part together.

Luang Pu Di Phutthachoti, the former abbot of Wat Henu (Wat Tevo Sangkharam) in Kanchanaburi, is deeply revered by local devotees, and his amulets and talismans are highly prized. His 2507 BE commemorative coin, commissioned by Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Sangkharat Krom Luang Wachirayan Warorot to mark two significant occasions in the abbot's life—his elevation to the rank of Thepchao and his 91st birthday—features a portrait in three-quarter profile, struck in alpaca by the Royal Mint. The reverse bears Khmer script and Thai inscriptions.

Luang Por Pring Intachoti of Wat Bang Prakot in Bangkok, an accomplished teacher, created his first-edition struck copper coin in 2483 BE. Cast in an oval form with joined loops, it depicts the monk in deep meditation on a pedestal, surrounded by Thai inscriptions of his name and date. Legend holds that soldiers who carried this amulet to the Indochinese War returned safely unharmed.

Luang Pu Tuang Thamachoto, former abbot of Wat Ban Yang in Maha Sarakham, had coins created eighteen years after his passing in 2512 BE. The oval coins feature his portrait and protective Khmer and Thai mantras, cast in dark copper and silver-plated versions, serving as rare local artifacts of Maha Sarakham.

In 2552 BE, Phra Pannyawutti Wimol, abbot of Wat Chonathip Chaloem, a royal temple in Satun, commissioned a second edition of the "Phutthapatimakorn Coin, B.E. 2483." Cast in both copper and alpaca, these 3,000 coins support a conservation fund for the temple's ancient principal Buddha image and the base of the temple's original chedi, honoring Luang Pu Tuad.

Reporter Ekapong Phutha from Khon Kaen News visited Ban Non Tun village in Muang district, Khon Kaen province, where residents hunt grasshoppers after sunset along roadsides, abandoned spaces, and densely grassed agricultural plots during the insects' active feeding and resting period.

The hunters use minimal equipment: a headlamp to search in darkness and a punctured plastic bottle fitted below rubber boots to collect captured grasshoppers, with the boots protecting against stepping on sharp debris. Once a grasshopper is spotted clinging to grass, hunters quickly hand-catch it and place it in the bottle.

Resident Attit Panthuchinakun, 37, noted that these are pa thang kha grasshoppers, most abundant during the rainy season when abundant young grass provides natural food, triggering breeding and nocturnal foraging.

After capture, the grasshoppers are cleaned and prepared by frying, salt-roasting, or making into traditional dishes like fried grasshoppers or bamboo shoot curry—popular folk foods valued for their flavor, crispiness, and high protein content.

During years with large harvests, residents sell surplus grasshoppers to neighbors at 40 baht per handful, providing supplementary income.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced his visit to China from July 16–20 at a government house press briefing on July 16, stating that the trip aims to participate in the 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai and open a Board of Investment (BOI) office in Chengdu. The Chinese government has formally invited him to Beijing for bilateral talks with Premier Li Qiang before further meetings at the ASEAN Summit and APEC gatherings.

Anutin emphasized that AI cooperation is a priority for the Thai government as it explores potential partnerships with the global community. The Shanghai event will be significant, featuring speeches and meetings with major AI entrepreneurs and technology firms. Thailand is positioning itself as a potential hub—whether as a data center or manufacturing base—for Chinese investors.

Anutin stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with him and his delegation in Shanghai on July 17. He described this as an opportunity to summarize discussions from the past year, including matters dating back to the King's visit to China, when China purchased Thai rice. Thailand will seek China's support across trade, investment, security, and law enforcement dimensions. When pressed on specific security cooperation examples, Anutin declined to elaborate, saying such sensitive matters must be discussed bilaterally. He stressed that all progress continues steadily and that China remains a great ally supporting Thailand consistently, whether requests are made or not, on issues ranging from sensitive matters and security to combating corruption and crime, as well as trade.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner General Siam Bunsomchai, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Division commander Sittichay Srisophachaiyarut, and deputy commander Sittisak Nakamad have commended Sergeant Major Suphraj Yodathul for his courageous and selfless response to the factory fire that occurred overnight on July 12-13, 2026.

Sergeant Major Suphraj and four colleagues rescued three people from the dangerous area: two men and one woman. They assisted two men who crawled out near the entrance and extinguished flames engulfing one of the women before facilitating rescue personnel to complete the evacuation and clear the surrounding area for efficient rescue operations.

Sergeant Major Suphraj is currently hospitalized and receiving oxygen treatment under medical observation. Initial blood tests and chest X-rays are normal, and his overall condition remains stable. The division expressed encouragement to all injured parties and commended the selflessness, bravery, and humanitarian spirit of Sergeant Major Suphraj Yodathul and all those who assisted in the rescue effort.