On July 18, Prime Minister Anuthol Chaoyaviriyakul and the Interior Minister held one-on-one discussions with leading Chinese private companies including Xiaomi Corporation, ChangAn Automobile, Innolight Technology, and Eoptolink Technology at the Tianfu International Convention in Chengdu, China.

According to government spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek, the Chinese companies expressed strong interest in expanding their investments in Thailand, recognizing the country's competitive advantages. The Prime Minister noted that Thailand's appeal lies in its geographic location as ASEAN's central hub, robust infrastructure, clean energy systems, skilled workforce, and government facilitation through programs like Thailand FastPass and BOI incentives. Several companies already operating in Thailand plan to expand further, while others looking to diversify outside China have shown interest in Thai investments.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of research and development, technology transfer, and human resource development. All companies agreed that investment extends beyond factory establishment to include R&D and skill-building initiatives. This aligns with IMF findings that Thailand ranks among the world's top four manufacturing bases for AI industries and participates in global supply chains.

Xiaomi Corporation, represented by Vice President and CFO LAM Alain, produces smart devices, IoT products, and electric vehicles, with plans to establish an R&D center for EV design serving the ASEAN region from Thailand. ChangAn Automobile, one of China's four largest automakers, has selected Thailand's Rayong province as its first overseas EV manufacturing base to produce right-hand-drive vehicles for ASEAN and global markets, and is establishing a regional business office.

PHUKET — A man has been widely praised after rescuing a sea turtle trapped in a discarded fishing net at Layan Beach in Phuket, before safely releasing the animal back into the sea. The heartwarming rescue was shared on 18 July 2026 by the local Facebook page, which posted photos showing the man carefully removing the tangled net from the turtle's body and flippers. The turtle had become entangled in the debris and was unable to move normally after washing ashore at Layan Beach in Choeng Thale subdistrict, Thalang district.

Witnesses watched as the man patiently worked for an extended period to untangle the net without injuring the animal. Once the net had been completely removed, he carried the turtle back to the shoreline and released it into the sea. According to the Facebook post, the turtle appeared to respond to the rescue before quickly making its way back into the water, leaving onlookers impressed by the emotional moment.

The rescue has drawn widespread praise on social media, with many users calling for greater efforts to reduce marine litter and prevent discarded fishing gear from entering the ocean. Environmental advocates have long warned that abandoned nets and ropes pose a serious threat to endangered sea turtles and other marine life, which can become trapped, injured or killed after becoming entangled in the debris.

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has outlined its approach to the local government exam fraud case, which will result in criminal charges against 5,924 test-takers with anomalous scores. CIB commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Natthashak Chaowasnasai revealed that the bureau received direct orders from Prime Minister Anuwit Chanyaveerrakul and the Interior Ministry to conduct a rigorous investigation, coordinating with the National Police Office, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC).

Currently, the CIB has preliminary databases on suspects with activity detected in the Southern and Central regions. For the critical issue of 5,924 candidates with abnormal scores, Chaowasnasai stated that police possess initial data from an inspection team but must await formal administrative measures from the Interior Ministry revoking their eligibility before proceeding with criminal action.

Regarding prosecution strategy, some disqualified candidates may choose to provide direct testimony to the NACC. Those who provide useful information could be retained as witnesses, while those with solid evidence of intentionally paying bribes will face criminal charges as suspects. Since most offenders involve government officials, the primary case falls under NACC jurisdiction. The CIB has assigned experienced officers to assist NACC investigators formally. By late July, the CIB expects to submit a comprehensive progress report, and if evidence gathering is complete, investigators will expand the case to target masterminds.

Kru Sai recounted the events that began on the morning of July 16. While her husband was working, he suddenly experienced stabbing pain in his fingertips that spread to his shoulder and chest, with chest tightness and continuous sweating. A coworker saw the unusual symptoms and took him to a hospital under social security coverage. Upon arrival, when the medical history was taken, he mentioned a previous wrist surgery but insisted this pain was different because of the accompanying chest tightness. The nurse asked about existing illnesses—he had high cholesterol and high blood lipids—and referred him to the internal medicine department.

However, the internist returned his file saying they could not treat him without blood test results and cholesterol levels, but the patient could not be tested because he had just eaten bread in the morning. He was then sent to an orthopedic doctor, with the explanation that the condition might be bone-related and they needed to rule that out first. But the orthopedic doctor said that based on the diagnosis of chest tightness, it was not related to bones or bone conditions, and suggested he return to the internist.

When he returned to the internist, the doctor conducted no further examination, not even a stethoscope check. Kru Sai explained that she researched her husband's symptoms and consulted with relatives, leading her to suspect a heart condition. She asked the doctor to perform an electrocardiogram, but the doctor refused and accused her of being "anxious" for requesting additional tests.

She asked what would happen if he had a medical emergency at home, but the doctor replied the likelihood was very low. The doctor then pointed at her husband and said, "Go home and stay in separate rooms because your wife is anxious. When you stay apart, it will go away." He attributed the sweating to hot weather and all symptoms to anxiety, then prescribed painkillers and discharged him.

At home, she intended to take her husband for a second opinion at another hospital in the evening. While resting, she woke him around 3 p.m. to pick up their child. When he returned home, he went into shock and died shortly after. She filed a complaint to investigate the cause of death. The autopsy revealed two blocked coronary arteries. After receiving the autopsy results, the doctor admitted to the misdiagnosis. She has decided to return the painkillers.

She questioned whether the doctor realized his error or only became aware after public backlash, especially since she had requested an electrocardiogram on the day of the incident but was accused of being anxious instead.

Pathum Thani police have apprehended a 33-year-old man identified as Viswakorn from Wang Nam Yen district, Saraburi province, in connection with a call center scam targeting two prestigious university students. The suspect was arrested on a beach-parallel road in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri, following a warrant from Thanburi Provincial Court dated July 17, 2026.

Investigations revealed that Viswakorn owned the bank account used by the call center gang to receive fraudulent transfers from victims on multiple occasions. However, the suspect denies any connection to the scam, claiming that a woman named Lin, whom he met at a Chon Buri resort, borrowed his account credentials for gaming and online gambling purposes without his knowledge. He stated he only discovered the account's involvement in the fraud after police arrived.

Police initially brought the suspect to Prat Nam Chula Longkorn Police Station in Pathum Thani for further investigation and evidence expansion before proceeding with legal charges.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt visited the scene of a fatal house fire in Soi Somdet Phra Chao Taksin 11 on July 18, 2026, announcing that 17 cats rescued from the blaze will be transferred to a Bangkok animal shelter while authorities seek new homes for them.

Chadchart inspected the scene alongside officials from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Thon Buri District Office and other agencies.

The fire was reported at 05:59 hrs, with firefighters arriving at 06:05 hrs and bringing the blaze under control by 06:14 hrs.

Two elderly residents, a man and a woman who were living on the second floor of one of the houses, died in the fire. Authorities believe they succumbed to smoke inhalation.

Chadchart said firefighters were able to rescue all occupants from the neighbouring house, but the flames had already spread rapidly by the time emergency crews arrived.

The governor said the deceased couple were known for caring for a large number of cats, estimating that they had been looking after around 100 animals.

Following the fire, officials found 73 cats had died.

A total of 19 cats survived. Two were taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment, while the remaining 17 cats were temporarily placed under the care of the Thon Buri District Office before being transferred at 12:00 hrs on July 18 to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Dog Control Centre (Prawet), also known as the Prawet Dog and Cat Shelter, where they will await adoption.

"Although firefighters arrived quickly, it is not always possible to save lives because of factors such as smoke inhalation and the speed at which a fire spreads," Chadchart said, offering condolences to the victims' family.

He also urged the public to remain vigilant about fire hazards to help prevent similar tragedies.

People interested in adopting the rescued cats can contact the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Dog Control Centre (Prawet) on weekdays between 08:00 hrs and 15:00 hrs, call 02-328-7460, or visit the BKK Adopter Facebook page for more information.