Bangkok, 13 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed the official opening on 10 July 2026 of the new road linking Sadao Customs House in Songkhla with the Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint in Kedah, Malaysia. The ceremony was jointly presided over by Thailand’s Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul and The Honourable Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, marking a major infrastructure milestone in strengthening travel, trade and tourism connectivity between the two countries.

The ceremony brought together senior representatives from both countries. Thailand’s delegation included Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport; Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports; Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor; and TAT executives, alongside senior Malaysian officials.

The connection supports the government’s Ease of Travelling policy and cooperation under the Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle framework. TAT views the road as tourism infrastructure that will enable faster, more seamless cross-border travel, expand overland tourism, strengthen southern Thailand as a gateway linking Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, and reinforce Thailand’s role as a regional travel hub.

Ms. Thapanee said, “The new Sadao road creates an opportunity to transform a border crossing into a regional tourism corridor. Connecting travellers more efficiently to Hat Yai and destinations across southern Thailand can encourage longer stays, wider travel and greater spending in local communities. This reflects TAT’s Value over Volume direction, under which stronger connectivity must deliver not only more journeys, but also greater economic value, safer travel and lasting benefits across destinations.”

The TAT Kuala Lumpur Office is expanding marketing activities around the new connection, combining overland and aviation promotions with scenic driving routes, private-vehicle journeys and cross-border tourism programmes. TAT will work with airlines, online travel platforms, travel agents, tourism operators, and Malaysian car, motorcycle and touring communities to extend travel from border areas to established and emerging destinations.

TAT is also preparing to launch the “New Hat Yai” project, inviting key Malaysian opinion leaders to present new perspectives on Hat Yai and to connect with journeys to Phatthalung, Trang, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Roadshows, joint marketing initiatives, familiarisation trips, influencer content, Muslim-friendly travel promotion, sporting events, incentive travel and business events will further support destination dispersal.

Alongside improved connectivity and market development, TAT reaffirmed its commitment to tourist safety and security when travelling through the border area. TAT will continue working with relevant authorities and partners to provide clear information, strengthen visitor assistance and support safe travel through the Sadao gateway and onward destinations.

Malaysia remains one of Thailand’s leading source markets, ranking second after China with 2,142,904 arrivals from 1 January to 8 July 2026, against a full-year target of 4,825,000 visitors. Demand is driven by independent and repeat travel, weekend breaks and family journeys, with strong interest in gastronomy, culture, wellness, beaches, nature, shopping and local experiences.

The new Sadao connection, together with expanding road, rail, maritime and air links, will improve access across southern Thailand and reinforce the country’s long-term role as an ASEAN tourism hub.

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On July 13 at the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Police Hospital, Ms. Kalyawadee (surname withheld), 34, a cousin of Sitthipong Chaiyod, 23, from Ubon Ratchathani province—one of the victims of the Ladprao beer bar fire—arrived to claim her cousin's body after authorities confirmed his death in the incident.

Ms. Kalyawadee explained that she is a cousin of the deceased. After his mother in Ubon Ratchathani learned of the tragedy, she rushed Ms. Kalyawadee to Bangkok to handle documentation first, with plans to arrive the next day to take the body back for religious rites at their hometown.

Sitthipong had been working as a server in Bangkok for only one month. Since yesterday was a day off, he likely visited the establishment for the first time. Though they did not live together, when Ms. Kalyawadee saw news of the incident and received a call from home, she rushed to investigate, only to learn the devastating news that her cousin was among the dead.

Ms. Kalyawadee expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and said the family's emotional state is dire. She questioned whether such an incident should ever occur and raised concerns about emergency exits. "If there had been more emergency exits, my brother could have escaped," she said. "While I may not be a nightlife person, this is a harsh lesson. It should not have happened. How will the establishment take responsibility? My brother was only 23 years old. The feelings are indescribable. As for their excuse about fearing drunk customers wouldn't pay—don't you have staff to watch that area? Shouldn't you have a contingency plan? No amount of money can bring my brother back to life."

The Central Land Consolidation Office of the Royal Irrigation Department is monitoring progress on a land consolidation project for agricultural development in the Huai Luang water supply and maintenance project area in Nong Bua Lamphu Province. The work aims to improve water and agricultural infrastructure, enhance land use efficiency, reduce production costs, and ensure stable livelihoods for farmers.

Kittiporn Chueasuk, director of the Central Land Consolidation Office, led management staff and officials to the project site to track implementation of the agricultural land consolidation work in the Huai Luang project area. The goal is to advance irrigation and agricultural infrastructure development to enable efficient farming and sustainably improve farmers' quality of life in the area.

During the field visit, the team reviewed progress, listened to reports on achievements, obstacles, and recommendations from field staff, and exchanged views with local farmers. This feedback will inform further project refinement and improvements to better match local conditions and community needs.

Land consolidation for agricultural development is a vital mechanism for the irrigation department to improve water management and land use efficiency. The program includes irrigation system development, agricultural road networks, and land plot restructuring that enable farmers to access water reliably, cut production costs, boost cultivation efficiency, and produce higher-quality yields.

The Royal Irrigation Department continues to advance land consolidation for agricultural development under Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives policy to strengthen water security, increase agricultural production capacity, and sustainably raise farmers' quality of life and prosperity.

The National Science Museum of Thailand (NSM) enhanced the country's international reputation by winning two awards at the GovMedia Conference & Awards 2026 on July 9, held at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore. The awards honored government agencies excelling in innovation, communication, and social benefit. NSM representatives, including Deputy Director Siriphat Seamvitthurorn and Dr. Wijitra Suriykul Na Ayutthaya, Head of the Museum's Academic Affairs Division, accepted the awards on behalf of the organization.

NSM received the Thailand Outreach Project of the Year – Science and Technology award for its Science Caravan initiative, recognized for its outstanding role in building public participation and expanding access to science, technology, and innovation knowledge for youth and citizens nationwide. The organization also won the Thailand Public-Private Partnership of the Year – Science and Technology award for the World Puppet Festival, reflecting the successful integration of government, private sector, and network partners in creating educational activities that foster innovation and tangible social benefit.

Both awards represent pride for NSM and Thailand, reflecting the organization's commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation education across all sectors of society through impactful programs and partnerships. The recognition underscores NSM's dedication to improving science communication, promoting lifelong learning, and driving Thailand's sustainable development through both domestic and international collaboration.

Speaking at Parliament on July 13, Sirikanya Tansukul, a Pheu Thai list MP and deputy party leader, commented on the DSI's preparation of an arrest warrant against fellow MP Bawuth Pongvitthayapanu in the Forex 3D case. She questioned the urgency of issuing an arrest warrant, noting that Bawuth had already cooperated by providing a statement as a witness and showed no intention to flee. Bawuth has signaled his readiness to surrender to the DSI promptly and present additional evidence to demonstrate his innocence.

When asked if she had discussed the matter with Bawuth following news of the warrant, Sirikanya confirmed they had spoken briefly about his next steps, with Bawuth planning to meet the DSI as soon as possible. She reiterated her suspicion about the timing and necessity of the arrest warrant, suggesting that a summons would have sufficed given his demonstrated willingness to cooperate.

Sirikanya also addressed concerns that the law might be weaponized for political purposes, particularly given Bawuth's recent exposure of alleged government-backed schemes. She expressed her support for Bawuth, urging him to fulfill his duties fully and noting that she believes the matter should not result in the loss of his parliamentary status. She expressed confidence that he would be granted bail if charged and that the process would not lead to his removal from office, while leaving further clarification to Bawuth himself.

As of 2 p.m. on July 13, 2026, the disaster relief coordination center reported that the death toll from the Ladprao beer hall fire remains at 27, with 16 victims now identified. Police at Phahon Yothin station noted that approximately 50 families have either arrived in person or telephoned to report missing relatives. An update from the Medical Examiner's Office at Police Hospital at 1:45 p.m. confirmed the death count at 27, with three additional identifications made: Sitthipong Chaiyo, Lance Corporal Pemika Onsri, and Phanitcha Singkhon. The identified victims comprise 6 men and 10 women. The identified deceased are: Nuthaikhao Satjalertsai, Aphinan Pengsri, Phisanu Tangsopha, Nipaporn Chamchang, Top Soropol, Aphinya Sukkthonla, Phonepaseut Poungppany (Laotian national), Atcharaporn Suthisin, Suwichcha Sirisolung, Knoktip Srisuk, Ldawon Notrosopha, Namthip Thubsuk, Kotchakon Soththarat, Sitthipong Chaiyo, Lance Corporal Pemika Onsri, and Phanitcha Singkhon. The number of injured remains at 71, while 45 people are still missing.