Premier Marketing Company Limited, producer of healthy snack brand Taro, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Srinakharinwirot University's Central Library to expand the successful "Taro Cares for the World Year 2" project. The initiative promotes environmental conservation and sustainable learning through systematic waste management partnerships.

Managing Director Piey Samutrokojon stated that the company is committed to creating shared sustainable success, ensuring employee stability, and generating social value. Last year, Taro partnered with allies to launch "Taro Cares for the World," inviting consumers to return Taro packaging for conversion through Waste-to-Energy processes, addressing plastic waste and systematic waste management to combat global warming.

Environmental challenges require cooperation across all sectors. Year 2 of the Taro Cares for the World project elevates its mission by expanding to the education sector through partnership with Srinakharinwirot University's Central Library. The initiative, framed as "Taro Cares for the World - World Rescue Box - Sort Snack Packaging - Transform Waste to Energy," uses creative activities to raise awareness and responsibility toward the environment. It invites students, university staff, and the general public to separate plastic waste at the source for proper conversion into clean energy.

The "Taro Cares for the World - World Rescue Box - Sort Multilayer Snack Packaging - Transform Waste to Energy" project emphasizes that proper waste separation and disposal is a simple starting point creating real environmental benefits. It promotes circular economy concepts that reduce new resource consumption and add value to waste materials, fostering daily practices and environmental consciousness among youth, driving Thai society toward long-term sustainable waste reduction.

This project builds on the successful 2025 "Taro Cares for the World Lucky Draw" campaign, which collected 3,079 kilograms of multilayer plastic packaging that was converted into fuel for electricity generation and coal replacement.

PHUKET: Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee has used a speech in Parliament to accuse authorities of merely pretending to tackle corruption in Phuket, arguing that repeated transfers of senior officials and high-profile investigations have failed to address entrenched problems on the island.

BEING 2026 returns as global wellness boom transforms Asia’s travel sectorLegacyWellness has become one of the most consequential forces shaping the travel and hospitality industry. Globally, this sector is predicted to be worth US$1.35 trillion by 2028* – more than double its value in 2022. Thailand is at the forefront of this growth, as wellness seekers are lured by a seamless blend of hospitality, wellness innovation and ancient wisdom. Against this backdrop, BEING 2026 – Southeast Asia’s only dedicated B2B wellness conference – returns to Angsana Laguna Phuket for its second edition on September 2, bringing together the operators, investors and entrepreneurs who are spearheading the growth of the wellness economy. Curated by C9 Hotelworks, Mrs B Group, and Delivering Asia, with support from the Phuket Hotels Association, BEING 2026 is a full-day, free-to-enter forum for travel, hospitality and wellness professionals. It draws on a speaker line-up of respected global and regional wellness leaders, who bring their expertise to the program. The format is not based on keynote speeches but on interactive sessions – conversations, workshops and debates designed to engage the audience and stimulate fresh ideas. The format is deliberately active because the subject demands it. Most conferences in this space treat wellness as a subject for observation. BEING treats it as something to be experienced. Thailand is one of the world’s great wellness destinations, and Phuket has the practitioners, clinics, retreats and resorts to prove it. Following the success of the inaugural BEING event in 2025, when 600 attendees gathered for our action-packed forum, we are excited to bring the wellness community together once again for another extraordinary day. A series of “Movement Sessions” will stimulate delegates’ bodies as well as their minds The day moves between three Conversations, covering topics from how wellness is redefining hospitality, driving destination demand, and shaping healthcare ecosystems; 12 Workshops that put ideas directly into practice, from AI and nutrition to longevity, recovery science, and brand building; and three Movement Sessions to give delegates the chance to experience the disciplines being discussed. Contributors span the spectrum of wellness, including ⁠Ingo Schweder, Founder & CEO of GOCO Hospitality and Managing Director of Horwath HTL, Matthew Brennan, Chief Financial Officer of Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary, Jael Fischer, Head of Development – Asia Pacific at Six Senses, Andrew Giles, Executive Director of Bumrungrad International Hospital Phuket, Helen Clarke, General Manager at Clinique La Prairie, Patcharavalai Ruangkritya, CEO & Executive Director of Mira Valley Phuket, Christian Noret, Managing Director of Blue Tree Phuket, Kosta Miachin, Founder of Vikasa, Rakesh Patel, CEO & Founder of Alta Capital, and Bobby Duchowny, Founder of Lemongrass House. “Wellness is no longer an add-on or an afterthought – it is becoming the primary travel motivation for a huge number of people. In our session ‘Wellness as Demand: The Destination Health Imperative.’ I will be talking to four industry leaders who have built their businesses around wellness and are now reaping the benefits. As more people travel specifically for health and wellbeing, specialist operators will create long-term benefits for their destination,” said Sumi Soorian, Founder of Mrs B Group and moderator at BEING 2026. The Wellness Exchange will see 27 B2B exhibitors from across the wellness supply chain showcase their products and services, creating a live marketplace alongside the program. For those seeking structured introductions, The BEING Table: Open Connections is a roundtable networking event that will put the right people in the same conversation. BEING 2026 will also showcase 27 exhibitors in a lively wellness marketplace BEING 2026 takes place at Angsana Laguna Phuket on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 (09:00 – 16:30 hrs). The event is free to enter, but places are limited and advanced registration is required. To register for this must-visit event, please click here. The story BEING 2026 returns as global wellness boom transforms Asia’s travel sector as seen on Thaiger News.

More than 30 representatives from poor community networks petitioned the governor of Ubon Ratchathani Province on July 10, 2569, requesting the opening of all spillway gates at Pak Mool Dam to allow migratory fish from the Mekong and Mun rivers to spawn and breed according to their natural cycles. The movement aligns with a cabinet resolution designed to provide relief and remedy to communities impacted by the dam's construction, received by Lieutenant Colonel Krakod Prasertvorig, the deputy governor.

The letter emphasizes that the onset of the monsoon season marks a critical period when multiple fish species naturally migrate upstream to spawn and breed, essential for maintaining aquatic ecosystem health and ensuring food security for local communities. Opening the dam gates during this season would follow existing cabinet directives aimed at reducing environmental damage, restoring fish migration, and enabling local fishermen to practice their livelihoods sustainably.

Community representatives argued that opening the spillway gates not only preserves the Mun River's biodiversity but also revitalizes the grassroots economy of communities dependent on fishing resources and riverine ecosystems. They called on the province to act urgently, considering the critical importance of the fish spawning season to avoid losing another year's opportunity to restore natural resources and community ways of life.

Deputy Governor Prasertvorig stated that after receiving the letter, the provincial Dharma Center would submit the matter to the Pak Mool Dam management subcommittee for joint consideration of next steps. He noted that current water levels remain stable, with the M7 station at approximately 107.5 meters and the dam area at about 98.6 meters. Any decision to open spillway gates requires consultation among all stakeholders, including the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), relevant agencies, and agricultural sectors, to balance farmers' water needs with ecosystem restoration.

"If all parties agree there is sufficient water for agriculture, there could be consideration of opening some spillway gates to allow fish migration and spawning. However, this decision must go through committee deliberation and cannot be made by any individual," the deputy governor said.

Somjai Srangsorok, coordinator of the public network monitoring floods and the Mekong River dam, noted that the Pak Mool Dam management subcommittee was established to implement the cabinet resolution on opening the spillway gates, not to decide whether to open them. While Ubon Ratchathani must consider flood conditions, opening the dam during the fish spawning season should follow the existing cabinet resolution.

"The gates should be opened according to the cabinet resolution," she stated. "This committee was created to manage the opening process in accordance with that resolution. However, Ubon Ratchathani also faces flood risks, so the province must consider both factors. Previously, the province opened gates at Khong Sapuea during tourist season, which generated significant income—nearly 300 million baht in a single month alone."

On July 10, 2025, Montri Dethaskulsom, chairman of the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS), along with BTS Governor Kajphachai Udomtammarakdi and Assistant Governor Kitti Ekwallop, visited the Purple Line South tunnel to monitor the situation. They confirmed that the area is actively addressing water and sand seepage problems using engineering techniques. The faster the seepage can be reduced, the sooner ground and road surface movement will stabilize. The Purple Line South underground railway construction is now over 70 percent complete, with contract 4 nearly finished and expected to conclude this month. Contract 3 remains, with the first boring machine currently at Samyod Station and the second at the Constitutional Court. The overall project is expected to be completed by October 2025. Earlier this week, water seepage was discovered inside the tunnel. Contractors attempted repairs, but the high water pressure of approximately 20 meters at the incident site prevented effective sealing, causing tunnel flooding. Staff currently pump water out at 50 cubic meters per hour to maintain water levels, as draining it completely would allow external water to surge inward. Continuous rainfall may be complicating work due to groundwater issues. BTS and the contractor coordinated with Bangkok authorities to provide temporary accommodation and cover expenses for affected residents. A coordination center has been established at the incident site to assist residents. The underground Samsen Station project, which faced earlier problems, is also expected to reopen by late 2025. BTS emphasized it strictly follows construction procedures and halts work to repair any seepage issues before proceeding. No quality construction problems have been reported previously, though the true cause of this incident requires further investigation.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo held a grand celebration for pygmy hippo Moo Deng's second birthday on July 10, 2025, with Bunyachob Suddhamanasswong, chairman of the Thailand Zoo Organization, officially opening the "Happy Moo Deng Day" event at the hippopotamus exhibit in Chachoengsao province. The beloved dwarf hippo, who has captured hearts across Thailand and among fans globally, was honored with official remarks from zoo director Narongvit Chadchoy and Thailand Zoo Organization director Jonglani Kaewsod.

During the opening ceremony, officials and tourists sang happy birthday to the two-year-old hippo and presented a cake decorated with fresh vegetables and fruits. The celebration featured photo galleries, mascot parades of Moo Deng's animal friends, and a booth where fans could write birthday wishes. Bunyachob highlighted how Moo Deng exemplifies Thailand's soft power, generating significant economic benefits for Chachoengsao province while supporting wildlife conservation efforts.

The zoo also unveiled the "Hippo Village" project, a 75-million-baht government-funded development set to begin construction in 2025. The project will upgrade and expand hippopotamus habitats using nature-based design principles that closely mimic natural environments, promoting animal welfare and allowing natural behaviors. The redesigned exhibit will serve as a new landmark, enhancing tourist experience while sustainably boosting Thailand's long-term tourism economy.