Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul took the stage at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2026 in Shanghai, China, delivering a keynote address under the theme "AI Partnership for...
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul took the stage at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2026 in Shanghai, China, delivering a keynote address under the theme "AI Partnership for...
An Indian fortune teller was arrested in Pattaya for operating without a work permit and allegedly scamming tourists with fake palm readings and overpriced spiritual rituals costing thousands of baht.
Indian fortune teller arrested over illegal work in PattayaLegacyAn Indian fortune teller in Pattaya was arrested yesterday, July 16, after Tourist Police accused him of working without a permit and allegedly charging tourists for fortune-telling and spiritual rituals. Following complaints from residents and tourists, Tourist Police investigated reports that a group of South Asian men, particularly Indian nationals, dressed in religious-style clothing, were approaching visitors across Pattaya. According to police, the men allegedly told tourists they were experiencing misfortune or bad luck before offering fortune-telling sessions and blessing rituals in exchange for payment. The group typically handed victims items such as red strings, sacred cloths or paper bearing lucky numbers to build credibility before requesting a “teacher’s fee” starting at 199 baht. Customers were then allegedly encouraged to pay several thousand baht for additional rituals intended to remove bad karma. Some people, police added, reported being pressured or intimidated into paying after initially refusing the offers. Photo via Amarin TV At about 1.20pm yesterday, officers inspected a coffee shop in Pattaya and found 36 year old Singh, an Indian national, allegedly providing palm readings, face readings and fortune-telling services to tourists. After gathering evidence, officers identified themselves and inspected Singh’s passport and work permit, which revealed he did not hold a valid work permit. Two tourists told officers that Singh approached them, claiming they were suffering from bad luck before offering fortune-telling services and requesting a 199 baht teacher’s fee. Both said they transferred 200 baht before Singh allegedly offered a further cleansing ritual for 1,900 baht, which they declined because they did not have enough money. Photo via Amarin TV Singh was taken into custody and charged with working in Thailand without authorisation and working without a valid work permit. He was handed over to investigators at Pattaya City Police Station for legal proceedings. Amarin TV reported that Singh admitted he had been working as a fortune teller, police said. Tourist Police urged residents and visitors to be cautious if approached by strangers claiming they are suffering from bad luck, inviting them to participate in blessing or karma-cleansing ceremonies, or requesting money for spiritual services. Anyone with information can contact the Tourist Police hotline on 1155, available 24 hours a day. The story Indian fortune teller arrested over illegal work in Pattaya as seen on Thaiger News.
A man climbed onto a moving pickup truck and smashed the windscreen during a road rage incident on a Nonthaburi road, ignoring the driver's apology and repeated pleas to get down.
Thai driver says apology fails to stop road rage suspect from damaging carLegacyA Thai driver reported a road rage incident on Nonthaburi road to police after a man climbed onto the bonnet of his pickup truck, damaged the windscreen and remained on the moving vehicle following a dispute. The 28 year old complainant, Pornchai Praphai, filed a report with Sai Noi Police Station yesterday, July 16, after the incident, which he said occurred at about 3pm while he was travelling to Bang Bua Thong district for work. Pornchai submitted the footage of the incident to police, and the video has since circulated widely on Thai social media. The video shows a man wearing dark blue shorts lying across the pickup’s windscreen while the vehicle is moving. The windscreen was badly damaged, with a large hole visible in the glass. Pornchai can be heard repeatedly asking the man to stop and saying he had already apologised for the earlier road dispute. Photo via ThaiRath Speaking to Channel 7, Pornchai said the confrontation began after he changed into the left lane in front of the other vehicle. He insisted there was sufficient distance between the two vehicles and that no collision occurred. According to Pornchai, the other driver became angry, followed him and then pulled in front of his pickup, forcing him to stop. He said he lowered his window and apologised in an attempt to end the dispute peacefully. Pornchai said that as he prepared to continue his journey, the man got out of his vehicle, jumped onto the pickup and allegedly struck the windscreen. Photo via ThaiRath He told Channel 7 that he then drove away slowly, believing the man would climb down. Instead, the man remained on the bonnet and accused Pornchai of trying to hit him with the vehicle. Pornchai said he repeatedly denied any intention of causing harm and asked the man to get down. According to Pornchai, he drove about one kilometre to a nearby petrol station. After the man climbed off the pickup, Pornchai said he immediately left the station and drove to Sai Noi Police Station to report the incident. Police have not yet identified the suspect. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and other available evidence as they work to identify and question the man.
The story Thai driver says apology fails to stop road rage suspect from damaging car as seen on Thaiger News.
The Public Health Ministry clarified that hiring 7,256 community nurses will support rather than replace professional nursing staff, while accelerating permanent positions for over 5,800 medical and nursing personnel by 2026.
The Public Health Ministry has moved to clear the air over its hiring of community nurses (ASP), reaffirming that the role is meant to support, not replace, professional nursing staff. The controversy erupted when the ministry announced plans to recruit 7,256 community nurses for training, while approximately 7,000 professional nurses in the system remain temporary employees.
Health Minister Pattana Prom-Pattana stated that hiring community nurses does not aim to substitute for professional nurses but rather to strengthen the health team's capacity to deliver continuous essential care to communities. The two roles cannot be compared directly, he said.
Community nurses will focus on four key patient groups: homebound and dependent patients, those with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mothers and children, and patients with mental health and substance abuse issues. This creates a systematic, rapid-response community care model.
Selection criteria vary by educational background: general bachelor's degree holders (up to age 65) undergo 240 hours of training; health science graduates (up to 65) complete 120 hours; and licensed health professionals such as nurses, doctors, or community health workers (up to 70) undertake 30 hours. Provincial selection committees with representatives from various sectors will review qualifications, and performance is evaluated annually. Top performers (top 10%) gain benefits like nursing degree study opportunities, while the bottom 10% receive warnings and their contracts end after two years.
Addressing concerns about professional nurses still awaiting permanent positions, Dr. Suphachoke Wetchaphanit, head of the Public Health Ministry's inspection team, confirmed the ministry has implemented systematic multi-faceted solutions. The ministry is accelerating the permanent hiring of over 5,842 medical and nursing personnel to ensure job security and reduce temporary and daily-wage nursing positions.
Of this total, 4,525 professional nurse positions are being filled, with completion targeted for September 2569 (2026). Many units have already processed over 40% of appointments. Additionally, the ministry is requesting allocation of 8,642 new civil service positions in ongoing discussions with the Civil Service Commission (CSC). The CSC has requested supplementary data from the Public Health Ministry, including distribution of professional nursing positions across health zones, five-year production and attrition statistics for nurses, and proposed improvements to job classification and senior-level nursing positions.
With three days left to register, the Social Security Office has received 195 board candidates and over 1.3 million voters ahead of the September 27 election, with registration closing July 20 at SSO offices nationwide.
As of 9:00 a.m. on July 17, 2024, the Social Security Office (SSO) reported 195 candidates have registered for the board election: 85 from the employer side and 110 from the insured workers side. A total of 1,314,337 people have registered to vote, up from 1,229,751 the previous day, with employer-side voters rising from 12,822 to 13,345 and insured worker-side voters increasing from 1,216,929 to 1,300,992.
Registration for candidates and voters continues from July 1–20, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at SSO offices nationwide, including in Bangkok and provincial branches. Insured worker candidates must be Thai nationals at least 18 years old, registered with the SSO for at least three months of contributions within six months before the election, and must not have disqualifying convictions or restrictions. Employer-side candidates must be registered employers or authorized representatives meeting similar qualification criteria.
Voters on the insured workers side must be Thai nationals registered with the SSO for at least six continuous months with at least three months of contributions in the six months before the election announcement. Employer-side voters must be registered employers meeting the same duration and contribution requirements, or authorized representatives. Both groups must register by July 20, 2024, to participate in the election scheduled for September 27, 2024. The SSO has announced extensions to the registration deadline, change-of-venue deadline, and status modification deadline.
Refrigerated foods stored beyond one week risk dangerous bacterial growth and aflatoxin, a heat-resistant carcinogen linked to liver cancer. Pickled vegetables, leafy greens, tropical fruits, and noodles are particularly vulnerable to mold
Although refrigerators help preserve food and add convenience to daily life, storing both raw and cooked foods together for more than seven days risks bacterial contamination and the development of aflatoxin—a toxic mold-derived substance that damages health. Aflatoxin, produced naturally by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus molds, is classified by the WHO as a Group 1 carcinogen with clear evidence of causing cancer in humans. The toxin is heat-resistant and survives cooking at around 100 degrees Celsius, directly attacking liver cells and potentially leading to cirrhosis, acute liver failure, and significantly increased liver cancer risk. The humid, poorly ventilated environment inside refrigerators actually promotes mold growth in stored food.
Five high-risk foods include pickled vegetables, which accumulate nitrite over time—converting to the carcinogenic nitrosamine—and are further threatened by mold-induced aflatoxin. Leafy greens like kale, water spinach, and lettuce bruise easily and deteriorate within days at low temperatures as natural enzymes and microorganisms break them down, potentially producing harmful substances. Tropical fruits such as bananas, mangoes, papayas, and dragon fruit lose their quality and flavor when stored too long, darkening and softening, making them vulnerable to mold penetration and aflatoxin formation. Noodles and rice noodles also present risks when refrigerated extended periods. Nutrition experts recommend buying leafy greens in appropriate quantities and consuming them within one or two days, stored in a dry place away from direct sunlight rather than prolonged refrigeration.
Thai military chief rejects Cambodia's explanation for gunfire incident near the border, stating the shots were deliberate rather than accidental and vowing stronger responses if such violations of the bilateral agreement continue.
On July 17, 2025, at Parliament, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Chaiyapruet Duangprathuang addressed the latest Thai-Cambodian border incident in which three shots were fired from the Cambodian side near a Thai military base. He stated that Thai forces returned fire in accordance with established protocols, and that Cambodian commanders later contacted their Thai counterparts to discuss the matter. "We lodged a strong protest," the general said, "emphasizing that such incidents must not happen again. If they do, both sides must comply with the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Declaration. If Cambodia continues to violate the agreement, we will take appropriate action." When asked whether Cambodia provided an explanation for the three shots, Gen. Chaiyapruet flatly rejected their account, saying he does not believe claims that the gunfire resulted from undisciplined soldiers or other excuses. He stressed that Thailand views the incident as a deliberate action that warranted a response. Regarding 19 explosions reported along the border since April 2025, the general said Thailand has lodged formal complaints with Cambodia, as these incidents affect Thai civilians and troops and should not occur. He urged Cambodian forces to exercise restraint. On the Huay Tamaria Dam project in Sisaket province, Gen. Chaiyapruet confirmed that after discussions with the Irrigation Department, he briefed the Prime Minister, who approved proceeding with construction. The general stated the military is ready to support the project from whatever budget source—whether from the Irrigation Department, central budget, or military funds—as long as it serves national interests. The Irrigation Department is coordinating closely with Thailand's Second Army Region.
Thailand's Agriculture Ministry aims to increase farmer incomes by at least 5% within a year through innovation programs, improved water management, and expanded export markets, while addressing climate challenges and reducing production co
Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives' 99-day performance report and outlined goals to boost Thai farmer incomes by at least 5 percent within one year. Joined by Deputy Agriculture Ministers Watcharapol Khaokhom and Piyarat Tiyapairat, Suriya outlined efforts to help farmers face climate crises from the super El Niño phenomenon, low crop prices, high production costs, illegal agricultural imports, and global trade barriers.
Over the past 99 days, the ministry has promoted upgrading Thai rice through innovation and sustainability by distributing high-yield rice varieties to farmers and encouraging alternating wet-dry farming methods to cut costs and water use. A low-carbon rice pilot program across 25 provinces covering 100,000 rai has reduced production costs by 24 percent and increased yields by 10 percent, with plans to expand to 500,000 rai by 2027.
The ministry has also integrated water management efforts across irrigation, land development, and royal rainmaking departments, opening 12 royal rainmaking operations covering 59 provinces to mitigate flooding and drought affecting over 2.5 million rai of agricultural land. A central command center has pursued 146 legal cases against illegal agricultural goods, seizing over 26 tons of frozen meat, while fresh durian exports exceeded 100,000 million baht in the first half of the year. The ministry is expanding fresh fruit markets in New Zealand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, and China, and is negotiating with Malaysia to resume Thai shrimp exports within 30 days.
The ministry has also streamlined regulations by amending nine outdated rules and reducing approval time from 14 days to one day. It is upgrading land rights documents into agricultural titles for use as collateral, partnering with the Agricultural Bank to suspend debt for 8,858 farmers totaling 940 million baht, and reducing cooperative member debt by over 9,300 million baht. Minister Suriya emphasized that global food security must begin with the security of Thai farmers, stating that the past 99 days mark only the beginning of change as the ministry commits to improving farmer quality of life, boosting agricultural competitiveness, and ensuring long-term food security for Thailand.
Parliament's secretariat defended its 2.5 million baht car-rental budget for the House Speaker, explaining that four aging government vehicles reach their service limits in 2570 and must be replaced under regulations.
At 11:50 a.m. on July 17, 2569, Sirojn Patthayphon, secretary-general of the House of Representatives, addressed criticism from Bangkok MP Phanthip Nuamjim of the Pheu Thai Party regarding the 2570 budget allocation for the Speaker's official vehicle. The House secretariat explained that the four parliamentary vehicles—the Speaker's car purchased on January 10, 2564, and the two deputy speakers' and opposition leader's cars purchased on April 16, 2564—were acquired during former Speaker Chuan Leekpai's tenure. All four vehicles will reach their six-year service limit on January 5, 2570, and April 16, 2570, during current Speaker Sophon Sarumitr's term.
Sirojn stated that since taking office, Sophon has informed the secretariat that he prefers to use his personal vehicle to save on fuel and maintenance costs, rather than using the government car. The two deputy speakers and opposition leader, however, indicated they would use their official vehicles.
When the four vehicles reached their six-year service limit, the secretariat determined it necessary to request a budget to procure replacement vehicles, in accordance with the 2523 Prime Minister's Office regulations governing government vehicles. The request to lease rather than purchase was made to reduce long-term maintenance and repair burdens, a practice adopted by many government agencies. The proposed rental budget of 5,421,600 baht for the Speaker's vehicle in 2570 conforms to Finance Ministry guidelines and equals the allocation for the opposition leader's vehicle.
Lt. Gen. Vichaisoong Sangpraipaip, an advisor to the Speaker, urged critics to verify facts before commenting, noting that Sophon has never used the government car during his tenure and has never claimed fuel expenses—a genuine saving of state funds.
A clever cat on Phi Phi Island in Krabi has gone viral after leading tourists into a convenience store and persuading them to buy cat treats, with the feline now earning playful nicknames like "the Phi Phi scammer" for its charming tactics.
KRABI — 15 July 2026, "The scammer cat of Phi Phi Island" has become an internet sensation after leading South Korean tourists into a convenience store and persuading them to buy it cat treats in a viral video viewed millions of times online. Netizens have jokingly dubbed the feline a "professional shakedown artist."
The clip, filmed by South Korean visitors travelling on Phi Phi Island in Krabi province, has brought smiles to social media. Using pleading eyes and adorable meows, the feline successfully melted the tourists' hearts into buying it creamy cat treats. The video has since gone viral, attracting more than 270,000 likes and millions of views across social media platforms.
In the video, the cat walks ahead of the tourists into the pet food section of a convenience store before stopping in front of the wet food shelf. When one of the women asks whether it wants a particular item, the cat turns around to look at her, picks up a packet of creamy cat treats in its mouth as if hand-picking its preferred snack, and meows in response, prompting the pair to laugh before buying the treat and feeding it outside the store.
The video's creator described the cat as surprisingly intelligent, saying it knew exactly how to lead people to the shelf and even appeared to deliberately choose the specific treat it wanted. They jokingly added that, in the end, the kitty successfully sweet-talked its way into getting exactly what it wanted.
Following the video's viral success, the clip attracted numerous humorous reactions online, with many social media users claiming the cat was no amateur but a regular at the convenience store that had perfected the same tactic on countless tourists. Several users pointed to an earlier post by a Hong Kong tourist, who shared a similar experience after being led into a convenience store by what appeared to be the same cat. The tourist jokingly captioned the post, "I got scammed in Thailand," before revealing that the culprit was the feline. The visitor initially believed it was a stray but later noticed it was wearing a collar, suggesting it had an owner.
Additionally, several Western travellers have also shared similar videos showing the cat regularly relying on the same tactic. The cat has since earned playful nicknames from internet users, including "the Phi Phi scammer" and "the four-legged con artist," in reference to its ability to weaponise cuteness and effortlessly charm tourists into buying treats.
The viral videos have sparked discussions among both Thai and South Korean social media users, with some joking that the cat appeared to understand Korean, while others speculated it belonged to the store staff or a local resident because of its apparent familiarity with tourists and its knowledge of the layout of the cat food aisle. Although many affectionately refer to the kitty as a swindler or scammer, most commenters agreed that its polite behaviour and apparent intelligence were precisely why so many visitors were charmed by it.
Thai lawmaker Wasawat Phuangpornphisai urged the Prime Minister to pressure China into halting tank sales to Cambodia, while criticizing the Defense Ministry's budget priorities that favor office upgrades over frontline soldiers earning min
Speaking at parliament on July 17, 2569, at 11:40 a.m., Wasawat Phuangpornphisai, a list-based MP and leader of Thai Ruam Phalang Party serving as a special budget committee member, criticized irregularities in the Defense Ministry's equipment and armament procurement budget for fiscal 2570. He objected to spending on air-conditioned office improvements such as guest gifts, electrical charging equipment, and solar panels on office buildings when such upgrades are not urgent. He urged redirecting those funds to border soldiers instead.
Wasawat noted that even allocated border budgets are insufficient. Frontline troop strength has dropped dramatically—in some areas from 20 soldiers to just 4—and infrastructure like roads remain incomplete. While the military requested some 600 million baht from the central budget for 2568–2569 to develop border roads, water, and electricity, the Suranari Task Force received only around 100 million baht despite being the main force on the frontline.
"I work in Ubon Ratchathani province and have witnessed these problems firsthand," Wasawat said. "Instead of spending on phone chargers and foreign guest gifts, wouldn't it be better to help these frontline soldiers earning only 240 baht in allowances? We even have phantom soldiers—names on the roster but not actually on duty." He also raised concerns about the navy's 2,686 million baht submarine purchase from China as part of a total 13,000 million baht submarine acquisition, while China simultaneously supplies 40 T-59D tanks to Cambodia.
Wasawat called this an opportune moment for the Prime Minister and Deputy PM Phumtham to pressure Chinese President Xi Jinping to suspend tank deliveries to Cambodia during the PM's current China visit. He urged creative diplomacy rather than passive acceptance, noting that Cambodia lacks naval capabilities comparable to ground forces. He recommended the committee suspend the submarine budget pending review, and criticized the Defense Ministry for cutting all units' budgets while paradoxically increasing AI funding—a move he called misaligned with border security needs. Wasawat emphasized he speaks from firsthand observation, not for attention, citing instances where Thai soldiers still repair bunkers with rubber sheets while Cambodian troops probe the border.