On July 3, 2025, at 11:40 a.m. in Ayutthaya Province, Artis Samphantharat, Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, discussed the progress of establishing a disciplinary committee to investigate five civil servants from the Department of Local Administration following the discovery of suspected corruption in a local government civil service competitive examination.

He stated that the order establishing the severe disciplinary committee would be signed shortly and is currently under review, with the appointment of both a committee chair and members expected to proceed as quickly as possible.

Artis said the Interior Ministry will fully handle its responsibilities and any individuals involved—including employers, private sector entities, or those connected to the system—will be prosecuted according to the Prime Minister's directives. He emphasized that although the Interior Ministry has many departments, when problems occur at the Department of Local Administration, they must be resolved according to the Prime Minister's orders.

He added that anyone found to be involved will face individual disciplinary proceedings, with timelines reviewed by a new committee. He confirmed that action will be thorough and those responsible will be held accountable for their actions. "Everyone reaps what they sow," he stated.

When asked whether previously delayed committee actions disrespected ministerial authority, Artis said the Interior Ministry committee voted to suspend proceedings, while other agencies voted to allow passed candidates to report for duty, requiring compliance with the meeting's resolution.

When asked if those already appointed can be recalled if wrongdoing is discovered later, Artis confirmed that those who committed fraud but were already appointed must be called back. He acknowledged that some appointees were involved in the corruption process, meaning they are culpable even if they resigned beforehand, as the fraudulent process is not concluded.

On July 3, 2025, officers from the Anti-Corruption Division and the Office of the Ombudsman conducted a raid at a district office in Saraburi province, arresting a 43-year-old deputy district chief named Mr. Prin (surname withheld) on charges of demanding and accepting improper payments as a government official. The arrest took place at the district office.

The case stems from January 2025, when the victim sought to transfer two inherited firearms registered to his late mother at the district office. During the process, the deputy district chief demanded 10,000 baht in alleged processing fees, later reducing it to 5,000 baht while claiming an additional 1,000 baht was needed for a license fee under law.

The victim questioned whether the charges were legitimate and filed a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman, offering full cooperation with authorities. On May 26, 2025, undercover officers recorded a conversation and monitored a transaction in which the victim handed over 6,000 baht to the suspect. The evidence was subsequently submitted to investigators.

After reviewing the evidence, investigators determined there were sufficient grounds to believe the suspect had committed the offense and issued an arrest warrant due to concerns he might tamper with evidence or obstruct the investigation.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also Interior Minister, dismissed claims that the local government exam fraud scandal is connected to blue-faction political infighting on July 3 in Ayutthaya. Responding to allegations involving Natthapong Rueangpanya, a People's Party list MP and party deputy leader, Anutin insisted the corruption case stems from administrative systems, not political rivalry. He said seven agencies have launched investigations that go beyond fact-finding to trace financial flows of the wrongdoers and accomplices, as well as to prosecute officials who misused their authority—actions that amount to breaking the law with no political dimension whatsoever.

Anutin noted that the system being probed was already abolished three years ago, and current inspections use the new TOR (Terms of Reference), which makes fraud harder to commit. However, he said someone brazenly altered computer files, comparing the perpetrators to drowning people who lash out desperately. He emphasized that seven agencies have been tasked with this work under an MOU, and accountability will be pursued regardless of political affiliation.

When asked how the Interior Ministry will rebuild public trust, Anutin stressed the need to speed up investigations while adhering to proper procedures. He noted that the original exam papers are now secured and digitized, making tampering obvious. The discrepancy between original scores and computer records proves the files were altered dishonestly. Anutin expressed confidence that the government will eradicate such wrongdoing, especially within the civil service structure, stating that anyone who sells positions or promotes corruption from day one deserves consequences, not decades of tolerance. He rejected suggestions that the scandal reflects blue-faction disputes, insisting it is purely a civil service matter with no politics involved, and that wrongdoers will face accountability regardless of connections.

Chiang Mai — Royal Thai Army Border Patrol forces under Maj. Gen. Sadet Waiyanon, commander of the BPO's drug suppression operations center, reported a border drug interdiction operation in Chiang Mai that resulted in a five-minute firefight with a cross-border drug trafficking gang. Four suspects were killed, and authorities seized approximately 760,000 methamphetamine tablets along with significant quantities of heroin and raw opium. All military personnel were unharmed.

The operation stemmed from intelligence received on June 20, 2026, indicating that a smuggling gang planned to cross from a neighboring country into Thailand via the natural mountain pass at Doi Phamomcak in Tambon Maesao, Amphoe Maeyai, Chiang Mai Province.

On June 25, 2026, the BPO's special task unit mobilized two operational teams, including Rangers Company 3207 and cavalry forces, to conduct intensive patrols along natural routes near the Namauean channel in Maesao subdistrict to intercept illegal activity.

On July 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., officers spotted approximately 10-15 armed suspects moving through the terrain. When officials signaled for inspection, the group opened fire with unknown weapons, triggering a fierce five-minute gunfight.

After the shooting ceased, officers discovered four bodies from the smuggling group, while others escaped. All military personnel were safe.

A detailed search of the area recovered significant contraband: 11 modified backpacks containing approximately 760,000 methamphetamine pills, 11 bars of heroin (totaling 3.85 kilograms at 350 grams each), and 16 blocks of raw opium (totaling 25.6 kilograms at 1.6 kilograms each).

Authorities are conducting investigations and pursuing remaining gang members for legal prosecution.

After letting fans speculate for months, the identity of actress Diew Arissara Thongbrisut's new boyfriend has finally been revealed: Woody Lamsum, an heir from a prominent family with an equally impressive profile. Unlike earlier rumors linking her to a wealthy businessman, her actual partner is Woody, whose own standing is noteworthy. Previously, Diew had posted photos clinking glasses and holding hands with the mysterious young man on Instagram, and confirmed to media that their relationship is "private but not secret," meaning they value their privacy while being open about their relationship.

Speculation had previously pointed toward high-society figure Eric Seah, even prompting Diew's close friends to deny the connection. The revelation that her boyfriend is Woody Lamsum was later confirmed, with Diew following him on Instagram as well.

Further confirmation came from online users sharing the young man's Instagram stories, which featured Diew standing on a balcony overlooking the city—the same location where she had previously posted a photo holding coffee cups as a couple. Diew responded to one of his posts with a heart emoji, and he replied with the message "Happy Birthday tee rak" accompanied by red heart emojis, cementing the couple's sweet connection.

At 12:25 p.m. on July 3, 2025, JS100 Radio reported a construction crane collapse on Charoen Krung Soi 36 in Bang Rak district, Bangkok, startling local residents and commuters. Relevant authorities were immediately notified to investigate and provide emergency assistance.

One person was reported injured at the scene. Rescue teams and ambulances were coordinated to provide first aid before transporting the victim to hospital while assessing the surrounding area.

Authorities subsequently cordoned off part of the accident site to facilitate rescue operations and prevent the public from entering dangerous zones. The cause of the crane collapse remains under investigation, with no details released yet. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available from relevant agencies.