The Rajasima Wittayalai School marching band (RS Band 2026), representing Nakhon Ratchasima province and Thailand, has claimed the Marching championship at the World Music Contest (WMC) 2026 held in Kerkrade, Netherlands, with a remarkable score of 95.750 points. The ensemble earned the Gold Medal of Honor, Day Prize for the highest daily score, and Best Wind ensemble award at one of the world's most prestigious and largest musical competitions.

The WMC, recognized as the "Olympics of bands and wind orchestras," is held only once every four years and brings together leading ensembles from around the world to compete under the strictest judging standards. The 2026 competition marked the contest's 75th anniversary, with over 20,000 musicians from 28 countries competing. Judges evaluated every detail including sound quality, musical accuracy, performance technique, and visual presentation.

RS Band's score of 95.750 reflects excellence across all dimensions—technical skill, creativity, coordination, and expressive performance—enabling them to surpass competitors from nations worldwide. The success came from months of intense training, the sacrifice of all students, and the dedication of coaches, parents, and supporters. This achievement is a source of pride not only for the school but for all of Nakhon Ratchasima and Thailand, proving that "Khorat youth are second to none" when given opportunity, support, and full commitment.

Deputy Interior Minister Arsit Saengphatthanathorn announced on July 13 that the Central Committee for Local Government Employee Examinations will hold a crucial meeting on July 15 to determine the outcome of an investigation into exam fraud involving already-hired local government employees. The announcement came after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister convened relevant agencies on July 11 to discuss the scandal.

A disciplinary committee will investigate five individuals who were previously removed from their positions, while the Department of Local Administration has discovered discrepancies between raw exam scores and published results. Once the committee reviews the evidence, findings will be submitted to the Central Committee for Civil and Local Government Officials, which will then instruct provincial governors to revoke hiring orders for affected employees.

Arsit stated the July 15 meeting aims to expedite the process so results can be sent to provinces quickly. He acknowledged that while the Interior Ministry has completed its portion, other agencies including the National Anti-Corruption Commission and police must continue investigations into potential financial misconduct and file criminal charges where warranted. When asked if different agencies might reach conflicting conclusions, Arsit emphasized that decisions must be based on facts and evidence, and he remains confident all matters will be resolved transparently and swiftly for public clarity.

A female vocalist and girlfriend of the lead singer of the Thot Kanthot band has died following a fire at a beer hall in the Lad Phrao area of Bangkok. A male band member remains missing, with the latest update on band members provided on July 13, 2025.

The fire at the beer hall in the Lad Phrao district of Bangkok caused numerous deaths and injuries, including members of the Thot Kanthot band.

The band leader, Thot Kanthot, posted an update on Facebook regarding his band members' status following the entertainment venue fire in the Lad Phrao area. He confirmed that Brice, the band's vocalist and his girlfriend, has died.

Another male vocalist remains uncontactable and his location is unknown. Keyboard player Guang has not responded to contact attempts, while drummer Biew is currently in critical condition and under observation.

The band leader appealed for public cooperation to stop sharing unverified information, as it may cause confusion. He expressed gratitude for all the support and concern received.

Meanwhile, relatives of multiple missing persons have posted on social media to search for family members who may have been at the fire scene.

A former civil servant teacher was killed after riding his motorcycle against traffic up an overpass and being struck head-on by a pickup truck that couldn't brake in time during a curved section. The collision occurred at 3:00 a.m. on July 13, 2025, on the Bang Phra overpass heading toward Bang Khla district in Chachoengsao province. Deputy Superintendent Traidet Tojornjern of Muang Chachoengsao Police Station reported that medical staff from Buddhaso Hospital and Chachoengsao rescue workers responded to the scene.

The victim, Mr. Payap (surname withheld), approximately 65 years old and a retired government school teacher, was found with both legs broken, fractured ribs, and a large laceration under his chin. His brown Yamaha Fino motorcycle, registered in Chachoengsao, was found overturned in the middle of the road with its front completely crushed. An Isuzu pickup truck registered in Phatthalung was at the scene with damage to its white front bumper. The driver, Mr. Atthawut (surname withheld), 29 years old, stated that he was heading to work in Prachuap Khiri Khan province when the motorcyclist suddenly appeared riding against traffic in the far right lane at high speed on the curved section of the overpass. He was unable to brake in time and struck the motorcycle with full force.

Police found beer bottles scattered across the road at the scene, suggesting the victim may have recently left a bar or purchased alcohol. Authorities ordered a blood test to determine the presence of alcohol and to establish the full cause of the accident.

A female influencer named Ritaa posted about a late-night beer bar fire in the Lad Prao area, where a friend survived the incident. She shared video of her friend escaping the smoke-filled venue as the fire spread rapidly. Ritaa expressed relief that her friend survived and offered condolences to those who died.

On July 13, 2026, Ritaa posted a follow-up video featuring her friend recounting her experience. The friend explained that she arrived at the bar around 5 p.m. and chose a seat away from the main entrance without realizing there was a second emergency exit nearby. Within five minutes of ordering, smoke suddenly poured out. Initially, she thought it was dry ice, but within 30 seconds, people began running for exits. She followed them and barely made it through an alternative exit when intense flames burst out. She witnessed someone being engulfed by fire and saw others sustaining burns.

The survivor expressed deep shock and trauma, stating she is troubled by what happened and now questions why the bar lacked proper safety measures or fire suppression systems. She emphasized that proper emergency preparedness could have prevented such a tragedy and expressed concern about recovery and mental health support for those affected.

Gold prices fell steeply on July 13, 2569, according to the Thai Gold Merchants Association. Ornamental gold is trading at 65,200 baht per baht weight, down 600 baht from yesterday's close. Gold bars are trading at 64,200 baht per baht weight for purchase and 64,400 baht for sale, while ornamental gold (96.5% purity) is being purchased at 62,914 baht and sold at 65,200 baht per baht weight. Global gold spot prices stand at 4,073 US dollars per ounce.