BANGKOK: The Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG) is preparing to provide credit guarantees for nanofinance loans to help small entrepreneurs gain greater access to formal financing.
BANGKOK: The Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation (TCG) is preparing to provide credit guarantees for nanofinance loans to help small entrepreneurs gain greater access to formal financing.
A 14-year-old schoolgirl was killed when a pickup truck driven by a drunk 63-year-old former school director hit her motorcycle in Lampang on July 20. The driver tested with a blood alcohol level of 171 milligrams percent and faces charges
14 year old girl killed by alleged drunk driver in LampangLegacyA 14 year old schoolgirl died after a pickup truck allegedly driven by a drunk former school director collided with her motorcycle in Lampang on the evening of July 20. Police were called to the scene at about 8.30pm outside a petrol station in Na Khrua subdistrict, Mae Tha district. Medical staff from Mae Tha Hospital and rescue workers also attended. Officers found a grey pickup parked on the roadside with severe damage to the front left side. The front bumper and headlight assembly had detached, while the windscreen was cracked from the impact. A white motorcycle was found overturned nearby and was extensively damaged, with debris scattered across the road. Photo via Mae Tha Rescue Association Photo via Mae Tha Rescue Association The rider, identified only as 14 year old A, a student in the area, was found dead at the scene. Police carried out an initial examination before transferring her body to the forensic department at Lampang Hospital for a detailed post-mortem examination. Police closed the road while officers documented the scene and recorded evidence as part of their investigation. Officers then questioned the pickup driver, a 63 year old former school director. A breath test allegedly found a blood alcohol level of 171 milligrams %. The accused was charged with drink driving and reckless driving causing death. Investigators are continuing to collect evidence from the scene before proceeding with legal action. Photo via Mae Tha Rescue Association Elsewhere, a local election candidate in Phetchabun province found himself at the centre of a scandal after allegedly being involved in a five-vehicle collision while intoxicated. The man was found with his blood alcohol content (BAC) measured at 341 milligrammes per cent, well above the legal limit. As a result, he was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. The story 14 year old girl killed by alleged drunk driver in Lampang as seen on Thaiger News.
The Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Fund is recruiting board members from government and private sectors to help shape agricultural assistance policies nationwide. Applications are open through July 26 for candidates with expert
On July 20, 2025, Wannee Mahaneeranont, secretary-general of the Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Fund (ARDF), announced that the organization is now accepting applications to recruit qualified individuals as board members from both government and private sector backgrounds. The recruitment opens an opportunity for knowledgeable and experienced professionals to participate in formulating policies and operational guidelines for agricultural assistance and development programs nationwide.
Deputy Prime Minister Yasachon Wongsawasdi, in his capacity as ARDF board chairman and recruitment committee chair, signed the recruitment announcement dated July 17, 2025. Qualified candidates will be recommended to the board chairman before Cabinet consideration for formal appointment under the 1999 Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Fund Act.
Areas of Expertise Sought: Candidates from both government and private sectors must demonstrate knowledge, expertise, achievements, and experience in one of the following fields: • Financial management or banking • Local economic rehabilitation and development • Community-based industries • Agricultural technology • Water resource development • Conservation and restoration of natural resources and the environment
Qualifications for Private Sector Applicants: Private sector candidates must have no legal disqualifications, including: • Not holding political office, political party positions, or local government roles • Not serving as a political party board member, advisor, or officer • Not currently employed as a civil servant or state enterprise official with permanent status • No history of dismissal from state or state enterprise positions due to misconduct
Government sector applicants must obtain written approval or endorsement from their respective agency heads before nomination.
Required Documents: • Two passport-style photographs (2 inches) • Copy of national ID card or government employee card (1 copy) • Copy of house registration document (1 copy) • Copy of educational credentials or work achievement certification from organization (if available)
Application Period and Locations: Interested candidates may submit applications in person between July 21–26, 2025 (including public holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Bangkok Headquarters: Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Fund Office, CEC Building No. 68/12, Floors 3–5, Kamphaengphet 6 Road, Ladyao Subdistrict, Chatuchak District, Bangkok 10900
Regional Branches: Applications also accepted at ARDF provincial branch offices nationwide
For more information, contact the ARDF head office at 080-0702991 or 080-070-2334.
A 27-year-old man was arrested in Bangkok hours after robbing a convenience store of 2,370 baht at gunpoint early July 21, caught while attempting to remove his motorcycle's license plate.
On July 21, 2569, officers from Khlong Tan Police Station arrested a 27-year-old man named Kaeng in the Sukhuvit Soi area of Bangna, Bangkok, along with evidence including a black helmet, a motorcycle, and clothing worn during the crime.
The incident occurred at 4:21 a.m. on July 21 when police received a report of an armed robbery at a convenience store in the Sukhuvit Soi 67 area. The suspect fled the scene on a motorcycle after stealing 2,370 baht in cash.
Following the report, Khlong Tan Police Station investigators immediately mobilized to search CCTV footage along the escape route and conducted ground inquiries. They quickly identified the suspect and planned an apprehension operation.
At 5:10 p.m. that same day, officers arrested Kaeng in the Sukhuvit Soi 70 area as he was removing the license plate from the motorcycle used in the robbery to conceal evidence and evade police tracking.
Police seized a black safety helmet, a gray motorcycle registered in Bangkok, and the clothing and shoes worn during the robbery. The suspect was charged with nighttime robbery using disguise or concealment, using a vehicle to facilitate the crime, and transporting stolen property to escape arrest.
During interrogation, Kaeng confessed to all charges, admitting he committed the robbery due to overwhelming debt with no way out and a momentary emotional impulse to obtain money. He was handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings.
Thailand's Election Commission chief said the ongoing fraud probe into the national election is progressing on schedule, dismissing calls from political parties to refer all cases to court and insisting decisions are based on evidence alone
On July 22, 2025, Election Commission Chairman Nrong Klunvarin addressed the progress of fraud investigations into the national election day, stating that the review is proceeding on schedule with four more rounds of consideration remaining and more than half the work already completed. When asked whether any political figures identified by the Thai Raksa Chart Party and iLaw in their disclosure of Surat Thani provincial election data are included in the commission's investigations, Nrong said he did not know what information they had released but assured the public that the commission is reviewing all cases based on evidence and on schedule, with nothing to worry about. Regarding criticism and pressure from political parties and civil society groups calling for all cases to be referred to court, Nrong emphasized that the commission considers cases based on evidence alone and does not view such pressure as interference, stating the commission is simply fulfilling its duty and will do so to the best of its ability. On the matter of the performance evaluation of Election Commission Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee for 2024, the chairman laughed and said to ask the secretary-general directly, while Sawaeng declined to comment.
Thailand's PRD and Xinhua Deepen Media & AI Cooperation Just one day after signing a landmark MOU witnessed by the Prime Ministers of Thailand and China, officials are already turning the agreeme...
Thailand's PRD and Xinhua Deepen Media & AI Cooperation Just one day after signing a landmark MOU witnessed by the Prime Ministers of Thailand and China, officials are already turning the agreeme...
A fire at a Bangkok pub on July 22 killed a 35th victim, while 12 injured survivors remain in critical condition and 48 others have been discharged from hospitals.
The death toll from the Roong Beer Tha Ladprao fire in Bangkok has risen to 35, with another victim confirmed on July 22, 2025. Ms. Titichaya Krutwich, 23, died at 2:20 a.m. at Siriraj Hospital. Among those injured, 12 remain in critical condition in ICU, 21 are still hospitalized at various facilities, and 48 have recovered enough to return home.
Major Cineplex Group and the Tourism Authority of Thailand have launched a campaign to promote domestic tourism by highlighting Thai films. The initiative encourages travelers to visit filming locatio...
Major Cineplex Group and the Tourism Authority of Thailand have launched a campaign to promote domestic tourism by highlighting Thai films. The initiative encourages travelers to visit filming locatio...
Trat's 67-year-old BKBS bus service to Bangkok closes at month's end due to low ridership and rising costs, leaving elderly residents and welfare cardholders without affordable transport options.
Trat province will lose a key public transport link when the Transport Company Limited (BKBS) Trat-Bangkok (Mochit) route shuts down by month's end, closing a legendary 67-year-old service. The closure has created unavoidable concerns among residents regarding daily life and community economics, though other BKBS minibus services like Chiang Chai will continue operating.
BKBS Trat ticket seller Nonghlak revealed the current service departs Bangkok's Mochit station at 7:30 a.m. and leaves Trat at 9:30 a.m., with a nighttime departure at 10:30 p.m. previously canceled during the COVID-19 period. The final run will operate on July 31, 2025.
The route closure stems from unsustainable economics, with ridership averaging only 10 passengers from the originating point and 4-5 additional pickups at Saen Tung station, against fixed daily operating costs of 5,000 baht per trip. The suspension will particularly impact elderly residents using state welfare benefits and passengers with heavy luggage who find minibuses inconvenient.
Nonghlak, who has worked at the station for 10 years, said she faces relocation challenges if transferred to Bangkok or Chiang Buri headquarters. Local songthaew driver Yongyut noted the route's closure means losing a customer base and expressed concern for elderly passengers aged 70-80 who will struggle with minibus travel, especially since tour operator Chiang Chai runs only one daily service.
Passenger Naresil countered that the service is a basic public welfare that should not be eliminated. Despite many choosing faster minibuses, the BKBS route is essential for welfare card holders and seniors who receive half-price fares—a crucial benefit allowing limited budgets to stretch further. Even if the service loses money, maintaining at least one vehicle would help those unable to afford full fares. Minibus operator Suranpong acknowledged increased ridership if BKBS closes but personally hopes the service continues, providing travel options for tourists and Trat residents.
Deputy PM Somkid Jatusripitak denied involvement in a parliamentary vote-buying scandal on July 22, saying he will pursue legal action if he can prove harm from the allegations. He acknowledged that while political criticism is routine, any
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak gave an interview on July 22, 2025 at Government House regarding the vote-buying case investigation, which identified nine individuals connected to the scandal, including himself. He stated that when his name was linked to parliamentary vote-buying allegations—which he understands to be unlawful—he will pursue legal processes to defend his rights and seek damages if he has been harmed. When asked whether publicly naming him constituted a political attack, Somkid said he did not wish to characterize it that way, but acknowledged that those who disclosed the names should exercise clarity when making allegations without confirmed facts. He noted that political criticism of public figures is routine, but when actual harm results, legal recourse is necessary to vindicate legitimate rights. He stated that Bhumjaithai Party's legal team is already pursuing the matter. When asked whether he would file a personal complaint or leave it to the party's legal team, Somkid explained that since multiple government ministers were named, he needs to consult with them, as most of those implicated hold ministerial positions. He emphasized that as a politician and public figure, he accepts being subject to criticism, but any legal action must first establish clear evidence of how the allegations harmed him, including the method and capacity in which they were made, and whether the legal elements of a lawsuit are present.
The Po Teck Tung Foundation distributed vocational equipment worth 667,800 baht to 34 disadvantaged residents in Phisanulok, along with wheelchairs and bicycles, as part of its effort to reduce social inequality and create sustainable livel
The Po Teck Tung Foundation is reducing social inequality and creating equal livelihood opportunities for Phisanulok residents by distributing vocational equipment to the poor, providing wheelchairs to people with disabilities, and deploying mobile medical units for free community services. Led by Supharat Sambatyjarunthai, Naowarat Wansiree, and Pithakphand Tugchit, foundation teams delivered vocational equipment worth 667,800 baht to 34 individuals—women, men, single fathers, and LGBTQ+ people—lacking resources to start businesses. The foundation also distributed 10 wheelchairs valued at 30,000 baht and 20 student bicycles worth 25,800 baht, bringing total assistance to 726,300 baht.
Additionally, the foundation deployed community health units with volunteer doctors, paramedics, rescue teams, and volunteers to provide free eyeglasses, haircuts, and youth entertainment activities. The ceremony took place at Wat Phothitong in Bang Rakam District, Phisanulok Province, with participation from local officials and community leaders.
Supharat Sambatyjarunthai revealed that the Women and Family Employment Promotion Project aims to equip economically disadvantaged individuals with vocational tools and skills. The foundation coordinated with 12 women and family development learning centers across Thailand—Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, Suratthani, Sisaket, Khon Kaen, Lamphun, Lampang, Chiang Rai, and Phisanulok—to identify and support beneficiaries. The foundation hopes this initiative will reduce social inequality, create sustainable income, and support families long-term.
Over 116 years, Po Teck Tung Foundation has expanded programs to improve quality of life across communities regardless of race or religion, serving as a comprehensive charitable organization dedicated to its mission: "Save lives, preserve lives, build lives."