Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Thai delegation are undertaking an official visit to China from July 16-20 to deepen bilateral ties, boost technology cooperation, drive investment, and enhance tourism partnerships in three major cities: Shanghai, Chengdu, and Beijing. A key objective is to negotiate with major Chinese businesses to position Thailand as a hub for advanced technology manufacturing, including data centers and component production facilities.

The itinerary begins on July 16 with departure to Shanghai, followed by July 17 activities including participation in the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, bilateral meetings with Kazakhstan's president, and a tour of AI innovation and humanoid robotics at AgiBot's headquarters. On July 18, the delegation moves to Chengdu, Sichuan Province, to hold one-on-one discussions with executives from six major Chinese corporations—Xiaomi, Changan Automobile, InnoLight Technology, Eoptolink Technology, China Sichuan Airlines, and Meituan—and will open an investment office at the consulate general.

On July 19, the delegation travels to Beijing for meetings with Huawei Technology executives, and on July 20 conducts state-level ceremonies including meetings with China's National People's Congress chairman and Premier. Both prime ministers will witness the signing of six memoranda of understanding covering industrial chain cooperation, digital economy, electric vehicles, green industry, intellectual property enforcement, and metrology collaboration standards.

Yala is establishing itself as a new cultural powerhouse, where communities rich in natural forests nurture young entrepreneurs who reclaim local materials and cultural roots to craft premium goods. The Yala Municipality has assembled 15 quality brands brimming with story and design at Grand Halal Bangkok 2026 (BITEC Bangnha, through July 17, 2026), bringing southern creativity to the capital. Whether you love Thai textile fashion or wellness, Yala's border-region innovation will captivate you.

The region showcases refined craft fashion with international-standard design. This marks a new era for halal fashion, with the Yala Municipality promoting local textiles to global standards while advancing Thai fashion on the world stage. Young designers channel inspiration from nature, multiculturalism, and daily life into elegant, contemporary garments.

Adeunan Batik reimagines traditional batik through hand-drawn artistry by artist Adeunan Kapa, incorporating local signatures like marble patterns from Khao Kampan, Khao Chawa birdcage art, and pikul flowers into modern abstract designs—unique pieces suited to both fashion and home décor.

AN NUR revitalizes batik with ready-to-wear shirts, trousers, and skirts using premium natural cotton in nearly 100% handmade pieces from community women's OTOP groups. Breathable, moisture-wicking designs suit all genders, ages, and faiths at affordable prices.

BANATEE, a children's Muslim clothing brand (newborn to 12 years) born from a Yala mother's love, crafts fashion sets, children's hijabs, and mini prayer outfits emphasizing softness and comfort—a trusted favorite among children and mothers nationwide.

PAKA celebrates Yala's multicultural identity by drawing on local architecture reflecting harmony among Thai Buddhist, Muslim, and Chinese communities, transforming these unique patterns into wearable contemporary fashion that tells the southern story.

SAKIYA elevates impressionist paintings by renowned Thai artist Prof. Nikolaus Radine Ahmad onto luxury fashion—bags, headscarves, and premium designs—crafted meticulously by vulnerable groups and single mothers, sustaining livelihoods in the community.

Sri Putri, a high-end craft collective of women entrepreneurs, raises women's headscarves and Muslim apparel to international elegance standards.

Bangkok — A rocket engineering team from Chulalongkorn University has earned third place in the world at the 19th Annual International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC) 2026, bringing international recognition to Thailand.

The CUHAR (Chulalongkorn University High Altitude Research Club) team, or Team 213, from the Faculty of Engineering secured third place in the 30k COTS category at the competition, held in Midland, Texas, from 15-20 June 2026. Organized by the Experimental Sounding Rocket Association (ESRA), the event brought together more than 140 university teams from around the world to design, build and launch high-powered rockets.

CUHAR's CURSR-V rocket successfully reached an altitude of 30,683 feet, exceeding its target altitude of 30,000 feet, while reaching a top speed of Mach 1.93. The team also achieved full recovery marks after retrieving the rocket without damage, completing the mission successfully from launch to recovery.

According to the official results, CUHAR finished third in the 30k COTS category and 14th overall among 141 competing teams from around the world.

The team said the achievement was the result of months of preparation, the dedication of all team members, and support from academic advisers, sponsors, alumni and other contributors. Before the competition, the team traveled to Midland to complete the mandatory rocket inspection process and exchanged technical knowledge and experience with teams from other countries.

CUHAR said its members were proud to represent Chulalongkorn University and Thailand on the international stage, thanking everyone who contributed to the development and testing of the CURSR-V rocket. The team also expressed gratitude to its sponsors, including the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University, Onshape, Three Bees, Lenso, RUD, Truscorp, BRP Carbon, Thai Sky Vision, AerCap Ireland Limited and other supporting organizations for helping make the project possible.

The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with True Corporation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, and Thai Radio Navigation Corporation (AEROTHAI), has launched a medical drone operation program to honor the King and introduced True SkyBridge, Thailand's first automated air logistics management platform for healthcare.

Operations begin in Pua District, Nan Province under the "Pua Model," using drones to transport medications, medical supplies, and medical samples to mountainous and disaster-prone areas. The system reduces distance and time limitations, enabling faster public access to medical services. The program plans to expand to 10 additional remote locations nationwide, including Thepratana Wetchaanukul Hospital in Mae Chaem District, Chiang Mai. Narindr Kallyanamitra, adviser to the Minister of Public Health, stated that the program aligns with policies to develop healthcare services accessible to all, especially in remote areas, while improving emergency response and disaster management through drone technology in the health system.

True Corporation launched True SkyBridge, an automated air logistics platform developed by its research and innovation center that supports multiple drone brands. The system uses AI for route planning, flight control, and real-time mission tracking, with safety protocols and audit trails to enhance Thailand's public health logistics infrastructure. The initial demonstration featured two missions: delivering chronic disease medications over a 4-kilometer round trip in 3.5 minutes—50% faster than ground transport—and delivering emergency medications over 46 kilometers in 35 minutes, reducing transport time by 70% compared to the previous 2-hour ground route. The initiative aims to integrate medical drones into the nationwide healthcare system for both routine and emergency services.

Natural Resources Minister Suchart Chomklin has tasked National Parks Director Arthapol Charoenchunsa with presenting to parliament's Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee on July 16, 2026, regarding progress on adjusting the boundaries of Thap Lan National Park. The briefing outlined five area groupings designed primarily to assist residents who lived and farmed in the area before the park was declared, while strictly protecting forest conservation zones.

The ministry has appointed a committee to oversee, monitor, and inspect community land-use areas within the park, comprising representatives from multiple agencies to fairly verify and screen residents with prior settlement rights. Simultaneously, the ministry will strictly enforce the law against illegal forest encroachers. Complainant groups have requested the park boundaries revert to a 2000 survey and proposed exclusion of Group 4 residents; the committee suggested further discussion with the National Parks Committee to find resolution.

The Natural Resources Ministry affirmed it will advance solutions based on rule of law, fairness, and empirical evidence, protecting eligible residents while conserving the nation's forests. This aligns with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's policy prioritizing fair resolution of land and livelihood issues for those who settled before forest protection designations, balanced with sustainable natural resource conservation.

After a complete casting announcement that generated considerable excitement, the year's major musical production Muang Maraya has reassembled its cast for full rehearsals. Director Boy Thaklapkaiyat Veeravarn opened the R Ditorium at Muang Thai Ratchadamri Theater, bringing together stars including Pat Suthasinee, Amanda Obdam, James Mar, Ying Ratchana, Chai Chatchayoddom, Nont Inthanon, Tawan Panwa, Kaownah Kittipat, and Paw Pawrada, along with ensemble performers. They showcased hot scenes exclusively for attending press and influencers, with the atmosphere electric as this is among the most eagerly awaited theatrical events of the year. Director Boy explained the origins of Muang Maraya Musical, which blends two famous 1990s television dramas: Maraya Risaya and Muang Maya, telling the story of Piang Dao, a high-standard star actress branded as selfish, and Dini, a fresh young talent hiding ambitious schemes to dethrone Piang Dao from the entertainment kingdom.

The opening scene features a moving opening number recounting Piang Dao's fame and positioning that keeps her atop the entertainment throne, performed by musical lead Pat Suthasinee, who despite a seven-year absence from the stage retains her distinctive voice and powerful stage presence. The production also features numerous significant characters who bring vibrant energy and dramatic intensity, led by seasoned veteran actors Chai Chatchayoddom, Ying Ratchana, and Nont Inthanon, alongside rising young talents Tawan Panwa, Kaownah Kittipat, and Paw Pawrada. The "social current" scene depicts Piang Dao's decline and the arrival of the hottest new wave, Dini, portrayed by Amanda, whose sharp and malicious energy pierces through, leaving audiences biting their nails over her performance talent. This is merely a taste—imagine how intense the actual stage performance will be. The finale features an explosive scene where Piang Dao and Dini share the frame, with Om as the photographer played by young lead James Mar. This scene is absolutely scorching, showcasing the dynamic rivalry between Pat and Amanda, with every bit of dialogue cutting back and forth satisfyingly. The musical also serves up entirely new elements, featuring visuals and performances audiences have never seen before.

Those curious about the entertainment world amid schemes and betrayals will not want to miss the thrilling musical Muang Maraya. The production opens August 17 at Muang Thai Ratchadamri Theater. Tickets, starting at 800 baht, are now on sale through Thai Ticketmaster.