On August 9, 2024, Veera Kanjchuchatro, a Pheu Thai party-list MP and deputy party leader, posted a Facebook response after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul posted a message saying "running headfirst into a wall every day, but the wall just gets taller and thicker. If we keep running into it, it will only hurt more."

Veraa argued that the wall Thais face daily is corruption, election fraud, fuel hoarding schemes, civil service exam cheating, and parliamentary wheeling and dealing—all issues the government is normalizing and turning into part of Thai society itself.

"Anutin's strength is his fearlessness about political circumstances and his indifference to public opinion," Veera stated. "Whenever the country faces problems, Anutin simply runs to the top, and his subordinates scramble to deflect and shift the political narrative, which has apparently worked well consistently."

Veraa added that the government also allows favored technocrats to queue for power within the system, taking the stage to showcase visions of economic transformation—AI data centers, medical hubs—designed to make people forget the intensifying corruption that has become entrenched in the system. This, he concluded, means the wall will only grow ever higher without end.

Bangkok, 9 August 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) highlighted the enduring ties and expanding cultural exchange between Thailand and China at Weibo Gala 2026: Weibo Cultural Communication Night. Held on 8 August at Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, the gala brought together Thai and Chinese artists, creators, media, brands and audiences across culture, entertainment, fashion, lifestyle and tourism, reinforcing Chinese travellers’ confidence in Thailand and the country’s role as a regional hub for culture, entertainment and soft power.

Organised by Weibo and Hydroindus, with Be On Cloud serving as the official Thailand host, the programme featured sponsor activations, a red-carpet ceremony with participating artists and celebrities, an awards presentation across nine segments, and an after-party. The gala recognised individuals and organisations whose work in entertainment, culture and communications strengthens connections between Thailand and China, with appearances by Chinese actors He Changxi and He Yanzhao, Thai actor Apo Nattawin and Butterbear.

Among the gala’s headline honours, Thailand received the Weibo Thailand Best Travel Destination Country award, accepted by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor. The recognition reinforces Chinese travellers’ trust in Thailand and reflects the tourism sector’s collective commitment to raising standards and welcoming visitors from around the world to experience Amazing Thailand.

Ms. Thapanee said, “This award affirms the confidence Chinese travellers continue to place in Thailand and represents a shared achievement for our tourism sector and communities nationwide. TAT will build on this trust by connecting Chinese audiences with the diversity of Amazing Thailand, from culture and cuisine to nature, wellness, sport and festivals. We thank Weibo for extending Thailand’s reach through digital platforms and inspiring more travellers to experience the country.”

The collaboration extends beyond the gala through reciprocal Vlog filming in Thailand and China. He Changxi and He Yanzhao will experience Ko Samet in Rayong and the Song Wat–Talat Noi neighbourhoods in Bangkok, while Apo Nattawin and Butterbear will travel to China for filming. The content will present the culture, cuisine, ways of life and destinations of both countries through Weibo and the social reach of participating artists, strengthening people-to-people connections and stimulating travel among Chinese visitors, artist fan communities, influencers and Weibo users.

Across the gala and related digital programme, TAT is combining entertainment, artist-led storytelling and digital media to broaden Thailand’s visibility in China and convert audience interest into travel demand. Distribution through Weibo, official event channels, participating artists, influencers, media and partners is projected to generate at least 20 million impressions across event-related topics and content.

The initiative complements marketing by TAT’s five offices in China under Amazing Thailand, The Journey Your Heart Leads, and the “Zhong Tai Yi Jia Qin” – China and Thailand are one family framework, supporting confidence, long-term affinity and travel demand among quality Chinese travellers.

The post TAT highlights Thailand-China cultural ties at Weibo Gala 2026 appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

Cutting Fat Through Boiled Food Diets Risks Gallbladder Problems, Warns Specialist

Many people pursuing weight loss have turned to restrictive diets centered on simple foods like boiled chicken breast, steamed vegetables, and egg whites—with no oil or sauces added. However, this approach is raising concerns among gastroenterologists and liver specialists. Dr. Zhao Weirou notes that while people may feel they are eating "clean," such extremely low-fat regimens can prevent the gallbladder from functioning or contracting normally over extended periods, increasing the risk of bile sludge and gallstone formation.

Dr. Zhao explains a common misconception about fat reduction: the gallbladder is not a useless organ but rather stores bile. When dietary fat is consumed, the body signals the gallbladder to contract and release bile to aid digestion. The gallbladder does not need to avoid fat entirely; instead, it needs to contract and release bile regularly. Prolonged very-low-fat dieting combined with severe calorie restriction reduces gallbladder contractions, allowing bile to accumulate internally. Rapid weight loss over a short period can alter bile composition and further increase the risk of sludge and stones.

Not an Excuse to Eat Fried Foods

Dr. Zhao emphasizes that this advice does not mean weight-loss dieters should switch to fried chicken or greasy foods. The key to healthy fat reduction is not eliminating fat to zero but choosing appropriate fats in proper portions. Sustainable long-term weight loss should not consist solely of dry boiled chicken breast. A balanced lunch should include vegetables, protein, natural carbohydrates, and small amounts of healthy fat—for example, chicken with vegetables and sweet potato drizzled with a little olive oil, or salmon with steamed vegetables and brown rice. Tofu, eggs, and vegetables supplemented with small portions of nuts is another option.

Five Warning Signs During Weight Loss That Warrant Gallbladder Screening

Dr. Zhao warns that if these symptoms appear during weight loss, do not assume they are only stomach or intestinal issues; consider getting a gallbladder ultrasound:

• Pain or tightness in the upper right abdomen • Discomfort or worsening symptoms after eating fatty food • Nausea and bloating • Sharp pain radiating to the right shoulder or back • Rapid weight loss over a short period

Finally, Dr. Zhao stresses that boiled or low-fat foods are not inherently harmful. What may damage health is prolonged consumption of very-low-fat foods, excessive calorie restriction, and rapid weight loss. Adequate fat intake stimulates normal gallbladder contractions and bile release. Healthy fat reduction should accompany normal gallbladder and digestive system function, not eliminate dietary fat entirely.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation has issued an official statement clarifying facts surrounding the death of Sakdikrin Wichajaroen, which has generated questions and speculation on social media about animal traces, wildlife behavior, and whether the victim was actually attacked by a wild animal.

Regarding the drag marks that some questioned as inconsistent with tiger behavior, tiger researchers found that the marks matched those produced when tigers drag prey across the ground, confirming they are consistent with tiger behavior rather than evidence against animal involvement.

On the absence of struggle marks and blood droplets at the death site, researchers noted that tigers typically hunt by ambushing and pouncing on prey, which would show signs of struggle. However, tigers also exhibit behavior of stealing or quickly grabbing and dragging away medium or small-sized carcasses. In Wichajaroen's case, the evidence aligns with this possibility, with researchers hypothesizing that if the victim was in deep sleep and unaware when the tiger attacked, no struggle would have occurred and no blood traces would be expected at the sleeping location.

Regarding suspicions that Wichajaroen may not have been attacked by wildlife, the department cited forensic evidence and official documents. The hospital autopsy listed the cause of death as cervical spine fracture and animal bite. A police exhumation also confirmed death resulted from wild animal attack. The death certificate states the cause was cervical spine fracture from animal attack.

The department urged the public to consider the information based on forensic evidence, official investigations, and academic data on tiger behavior, emphasizing that the clarification aims to ensure accurate understanding and reduce misinformation spread on social media.

The National Research Council (NRC) and Chulalongkorn University have joined Nan Provincial Administration to launch the "Nan Water Plan," a data-driven innovation platform designed to strengthen flood response and water management across the region. On August 9, 2026, NRC Director Dr. Vibharat Deeaung led a fact-finding visit to the provincial offices alongside academics, government officials, and local researchers to review the implementation of the water management system.

Dr. Vibharat emphasized that the NRC prioritizes translating research into practical benefits for communities, and that effective water management and disaster response require collaboration between research institutions and local agencies. By linking data from provincial down to community level, residents gain access to information and can participate in protecting their own areas, supported by knowledge and technology for systematic flood preparedness.

Associate Professor Dr. Suchrit Koonthanakulwongse noted that water management research must integrate knowledge, technology, and data from multiple agencies to create decision-support systems applicable on the ground. The "Nan Water Plan" represents a key approach to applying research with local and relevant agencies, improving planning and response to both flooding and drought.

Nan Provincial Administration head Thipawan Wongdee confirmed that flood and drought management are critical mandates, carried out through collaboration with research units to analyze water sources, develop community water plans, and assess water balance. The province is coordinating to ensure research data feeds into provincial water management planning.

Developed by Associate Professor Chuchooke Aiyupong from Chiang Mai University, the "Nan Water Plan" aligns water data with local context for planning, monitoring, and response. The province is also developing flood maps and using "Flood Eye" technology to measure soil moisture and rainfall, enabling early forecasting and giving residents more time to prepare or evacuate.

Nan Province is establishing a provincial water data center to consolidate and link information from multiple agencies using GIS systems to store disaster-response resources such as boats and pumps, with screening and alert mechanisms to ensure residents receive accurate, coordinated information. This visit reflects the NRC's commitment to bringing research innovations to practical use in communities.