On July 29, 2569 (2026), Karee Leiaopairoj, Democrat Party list MP and deputy party leader, posted on Facebook requesting the public to sign a petition under a campaign to halt the TH-AI Passport project, which carries a budget of over 1,600 million baht but is inferior to free alternatives. She stated that "systematic corruption is something that cannot be tolerated" and thanked supporters for their participation and encouragement. Karee further promoted the campaign, saying "Support and encourage MP Karee Leiaopairoj, who has stood up to question and examine the TH-AI Passport project to protect over 1,621 million baht in taxpayer funds, ensuring it is used transparently, efficiently, and for genuine public benefit. She now stands alone in holding fast to this issue. Every baht of taxpayer money must be accountable. Add your voice and sign at Stopaipass website," while using hashtags such as #TransparentAudit and #StopWastedBudgets. According to reporting, the campaign was initiated by a group of Thai technology sector workers, independent of any political party and unfunded by any corporation or agency. The campaign website states its position: it will not accept systematic corruption as a national standard. While every step of the project may be procedurally correct, with proper announcements, complete documentation, and legitimate bidders, this is precisely the concern. The real problem is not procedural violation but using procedures as a shield, because there are no performance metrics and no answers to what the country gains in return. Being procedurally correct is not the same as being right, and it is not the same as being cost-effective. "We are not asking for one project to be reconsidered," Karee stated. "We reject the standard that allows billion-baht taxpayer funds to move without answering basic questions about who benefits, how results are measured, and whether scrutiny is possible. We will not accept billion-baht approvals without pre-announced performance indicators. We will not accept undefined departmental spending. We will not accept 'procedurally correct' as the final answer for public fund use. We invite the public to sign in order to send this demand to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to terminate this project," she concluded.

The global wellness trend driven by natural health practices is pushing innovation in Thai herbal products, leveraging Thailand's biodiversity and rich traditional medicine heritage. Nanthapon Jiralertpong, director of the Commerce Ministry's Policy and Trade Strategy Office, explained that worldwide demand for plant-based and natural health care products is skyrocketing, transforming herbal medicine into a booming industry encompassing supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and wellness products. Global media coverage and consumer-focused research are accelerating this expansion, positioning herbal products as a major health care option.

The Herbal Supplements Market report estimates the global herbal product market at approximately $45.65 billion in 2025, with potential growth to $90.24 billion by 2033, representing an average annual growth rate of 8.89 percent. The FAO's 2025 Global Trade of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants report confirms that medicinal and aromatic plants are crucial natural resources used across the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, and pesticide industries, with consumer demand for natural products driving significant market expansion. Major importing nations include Germany, the United States, and Japan, while China and India lead in exports.

Global medicinal and aromatic plant trade data from 2015 to 2025 shows exports and imports increased by 67.4 and 65.9 percent respectively. In 2025, global herbal product exports reached approximately $5.257 billion, with the top five exporters being China (17.5 percent), Canada (10.8 percent), India (9.0 percent), Germany (5.3 percent), and Egypt (4.4 percent), while Thailand ranks 12th globally at 1.6 percent. Global imports totaled $5.108 billion, with Germany (15.4 percent), the United States (10.0 percent), Japan (6.7 percent), China (6.5 percent), and India (3.6 percent) as leading importers.

Thailand classifies herbal products as strategic bioagricultural commodities, benefiting from over 1,800 native herb species, many internationally recognized. This aligns with the National Herbal Action Plan 2023–2027, which aims to position Thailand as the region's herbal hub and promote "Herbal Champions" such as turmeric, andrographis, and black cardamom. Thai herbal product exports surged 375.3 percent in 2025, while herbal extracts and essential oils also performed strongly, expanding 29.4 and 14.7 percent respectively. Thailand's strengths extend beyond biodiversity to include favorable climate and climate conditions.

At 2:30 a.m. on July 29, 2025, police in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province responded to a collision between a Bangkok-registered sedan and a Ratchaburi-registered tour bus on Mittraphap Road at kilometer 40. Both vehicles ended up in the roadside ditch, with approximately seven passengers from the tour bus sustaining injuries and transported to Pak Chong Hospital.

Investigators questioned sedan driver Chakkraphat, who stated he was attempting to pass the tour bus during heavy rainfall when he tapped the brakes, causing his vehicle to lose control, spin, and strike the tour bus. This impact caused both vehicles to veer into the ditch.

Tour bus driver Pinpong reported he was carrying 41 passengers from Samut Songkhram traveling to the Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani when he felt a heavy impact. The collision caused his bus to lose control and skid into the roadside ditch, resulting in multiple injuries among passengers. Police have recovered both vehicles for inspection and will proceed with legal proceedings.

Thailand's first-ever Tom pageant, "THE TOM THAILAND 2026," has concluded a rigorous audition round, selecting 55 finalists from more than 200 competitors across the country to compete in the next stage. The auditions were held on July 25–26, 2025, at Calypso Cabaret, Asia Tique The Riverfront, with license holder Bunchada Tiptyabat (Khun Lek) welcoming media and fans warmly throughout both days. The event featured expert judging panels led by makeup artist Vinit Boonchai (Pom) and performer Tachay Prathum (Keng), alongside a coaching team including Patinyo Khwantragul (Uncle Bob), Sumunrat (New Year), and Piyanun Chuentako (View), as well as special commentators DJ Man, Sani, In Budogan, and Nicole Terrio. Competitors showcased their confidence, wit, and charisma over the two intense days, with judges working rigorously to select the final 55 who will undergo further training and skill development. Following the auditions, participants, judges, and organizers celebrated at an after-party at the Two Days Three Nights venue in Bangkok, creating a warm and unified atmosphere among the pageant community. The pageant is supported by numerous sponsors including Phuenglab, Q Plam, and various other local businesses and studios.

It was an occasion of great celebration recently as the Phuket chapter of the Association of Filipinos in Thailand (AFT) joined colleagues in Bangkok to mark the auspicious date of the 128th Philippine Independence Day.

PHUKET: A chlorine storage tank exploded at the Phuket City Municipality Waterworks in Phuket Town yesterday morning (July 28), prompting an emergency response and temporary road closures as authorities worked to prevent any chemical leak from spreading.