Thai PM Receives 16-Year-Old Rockstar Nene at Government House

The Prime Minister honored 16-year-old guitarist Nene at Government House after her viral success on America's Got Talent, pledging government support for her international music career.

1h ago Khaosod

Sixteen-year-old Thai guitarist Nene, who rose to fame busking in Phuket's night markets, was invited to Government House in Bangkok where she performed an electric guitar solo of "Zombie" before Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and cabinet members. The Prime Minister personally presented her with the "Amazing Thailand" national honor badge and pledged full government backing for her career, calling her a role model for Thailand's youth on the global stage. The visit marked a major milestone for the self-taught musician, who recently achieved over 106 million views on America's Got Talent.

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Police

Woman Fund Officer Held Over 60M Baht Embezzlement

A 35-year-old village fund officer in Chiang Mai has been arrested for allegedly embezzling over 60 million baht from residents across four subdistricts, with police opposing her release due to the scale of victims and ongoing financial inv

1h ago Khaosod

A 35-year-old woman serving as a village fund officer has been arrested on suspicion of embezzling over tens of millions of baht from residents in Doi Luang District, Chiang Mai. Police secured her custody and have opposed her release. She was apprehended in Phayao District, Nakhon Sawan, before being brought into the justice system.

On the morning of July 16, 2025, investigators from Doi Luang Police Station presented the suspect before Chiang Mai Provincial Court and filed an objection to temporary release at both the investigation and prosecution levels. Senior Police Captain Damoen Kan-ong, a national police expert serving as case controller, visited the area to meet with affected residents at the Doi Luang police station to gather information, expedite evidence collection, and track financial flows comprehensively.

Police Captain Prathueang Pattanakosit, superintendent of Doi Luang Police Station, stated that bail opposition was necessary due to the large number of victims, significant damages, and the need for additional evidence gathering and detailed financial tracking before submission to prosecutors.

The case began on July 3, 2025, when Police Major General Yutthana Kaenchan, commander of Chiang Mai Provincial Police, received a complaint from Suphaknan Thaokhao, representing the victims, requesting acceleration of fraud and embezzlement charges totaling over 60 million baht in damages.

Commander Yutthana then ordered Senior Police Captain Damoen Kan-ong and Chiang Mai Provincial Police investigation units to coordinate with Doi Luang station to expedite case resolution and locate the suspect.

On July 1, 2025, nearly 50 victims from 54 villages across four subdistricts—Doi Luang, Santi Suk, Yang Khram, and Song Kaew—filed complaints with Doi Luang station and submitted bank transfer slips and payment documents to investigate the financial trail.

Victims reported severe hardship, with many families burdened by debt and awaiting recovery of their money. One victim and witness provided credible evidence suggesting some funds were used to purchase houses, luxury vehicles, and valuable assets, with all information submitted to investigators for verification. However, these matters remain under investigation and evidence collection according to legal procedures.

Police continue accepting additional information from victims and are pursuing financial tracking, expanding the investigation to potentially implicated parties, and pursuing asset recovery efforts.

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Tourism

Thong National Park Unveils 'Navel of Heaven' Attraction

Thong National Park in Chaiyaphum Province has unveiled a new lotus-shaped sculpture called the "Navel of Heaven" where visitors can make wishes and view blooming Crinum flowers amid misty mornings.

1h ago Khaosod

Thong National Park in Chaiyaphum Province has unveiled a new checkpoint attraction called the "Navel of Heaven" in 2025, inviting travelers to step on the sculpture while enjoying views of blooming Crinum flowers. The Navel of Heaven is a terracotta sculpture shaped like a heavenly lotus, created by students from the "Borderless Classroom Returning Home" program, inspired by the beauty of misty mornings and vibrant Crinum flowers blooming across the landscape. Visitors can participate in a simple ritual: place your footprints on the Navel of Heaven and toss a coin while making a wish, with the belief that those who do so will experience happiness and fulfillment in life. This act is said to be a promise from nature that one day you will return to enjoy the misty beauty and heavenly lotus fields again. In addition to this new highlight, Thong National Park welcomes tourists to view the stunning Crinum flower fields, also known as heavenly lotus flowers, which are currently blooming magnificently amid white mist and lush forest.

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National

Sukhothai Hosts Candlelit Asalha Puja Procession

Candlelight Procession with Traditional Clay Lamps (Wian Thian Takan) at the Ancient CityThis Asalha Puja Day, experience a sacred and beautiful tradition in Sukhothai. You are cordially invited to j...

1h ago Thailand.go.th Events

Candlelight Procession with Traditional Clay Lamps (Wian Thian Takan) at the Ancient CityThis Asalha Puja Day, experience a sacred and beautiful tradition in Sukhothai. You are cordially invited to j...

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National

Lawmaker Demands Crackdown on Cannabis Smuggling Networks

A Democrat lawmaker says Thailand needs urgent cannabis control legislation to combat massive smuggling operations that have seized 56 tons this year and damaged the nation's international reputation. The House Public Health Committee will

1h ago Khaosod

On July 16, 2025, Sakon Thawee Phattiyakul, a Democrat MP serving as chair of the House Public Health Committee, announced findings on large-scale cannabis smuggling operations over the past six months. He stated that major drug seizures occurring both domestically and internationally have damaged Thailand's reputation, earning it the label of an illegal cannabis hub. The problem has worsened because Thailand currently lacks direct and comprehensive cannabis control legislation—only a Public Health Ministry announcement is available. Enforcement inconsistency has resulted, and responsibility cannot fairly be assigned to operators or agencies.

Sakon Thawee noted that the Public Health Ministry has drafted a Cannabis Act currently undergoing public comment, expected to be finalized this month before legislative review, with implementation anticipated in January 2026. This leaves a six-month regulatory gap. The House committee will establish a subcommittee to prioritize cannabis legislation, incorporating input from the ministry draft and relevant agencies.

Statistics for 2025 show over 6,000 cannabis cases with approximately 56 tons (56,000 kilograms) seized. The largest single bust involved 21 tons transported as airline baggage, cargo hold loads, shipping containers, and postal parcels destined mainly to the United Kingdom (22 tons) and the Netherlands (5 tons). Domestic wholesale prices are 10,000 baht per kilogram, but the same quantity sells for 10,000 pounds sterling in the UK—a 40-fold markup. Compared to Thailand's light penalties, smuggling remains profitable.

Although Customs has increased fines from negligible amounts to 30,000 baht per kilogram and now confiscates all goods, this fine pales against the 10,000-pound-per-kilogram UK price. Sakon Thawee warned that seized cases are simply fined and closed without further investigation. Because cannabis is not classified as a narcotic, related agencies deprioritize prosecution. Large cases result only in fines or asset seizures; authorities do not investigate who the individuals are, which shipping companies are involved, what legal entities operate, or who holds board positions. This loophole means an operator caught ten times but escaping once can continue operations, creating an ongoing reputational crisis.

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Tourism

Taste The Local Festival Returns to Phitsanulok Palace

Taste The Local at PhitsanulokWherever others are planning their picnics, we want to invite you to have a picnic inside a royal palace together at Taste The Local at Phitsanulok. Come relax and unwin...

1h ago Thailand.go.th Events

Taste The Local at PhitsanulokWherever others are planning their picnics, we want to invite you to have a picnic inside a royal palace together at Taste The Local at Phitsanulok. Come relax and unwin...

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National

Thai Deputy Foreign Minister Visits Qatar, Studies Development Approaches

Thailand's deputy foreign minister visited Qatar to study development approaches and strengthen bilateral ties, touring Education City Mosque and meeting with embassy staff to discuss consular services for Thai nationals abroad.

1h ago Khaosod

Deputy Foreign Minister Jaejsarit Thaiserit and his delegation visited Qatar Education City Mosque in Al Rayyan on July 16, viewing a contemporary architectural landmark that integrates religious identity with modern innovation, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of faith, education, and development. The visit provided a platform for exchanging views on social development, education, and intercultural understanding—key foundations for future Thailand-Qatar cooperation.

The delegation also visited the Thai Embassy in Doha, where Chargé d'Affaires Kittitep Tephatsadin Na Ayuthaya briefed them on the embassy's consular services, protection, and assistance for Thai nationals residing and working in Qatar.

The deputy minister praised the embassy staff's dedication in serving the nation's interests and providing comfort to Thais abroad. He stressed the importance of integrating cooperation among government agencies—both domestic and international—to enhance public services and respond swiftly to rapid global changes. The mission reflects the Foreign Ministry's commitment to acquiring knowledge from international sources, strengthening bilateral relations, and prioritizing care for Thai nationals overseas, ultimately elevating the quality of public services and benefiting the people.

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Tourism

ONSENS Targets 10-15% Growth in H2 2025 During High Season

ONSENS projects 10-15% growth in the second half of 2025 driven by Thailand's tourism high season and expanding wellness services, including a new 400-million-baht hotel opening in Bangkok next year. The company is renovating existing branc

1h ago Khaosod

ONSENS forecasts better second-half 2025 earnings than the first half, buoyed by the tourism high season and wellness tourism momentum. The company is renovating branches, launching new services, and preparing a 400-million-baht urban wellness hotel in Thonglor for Q2 2026. CEO Somit Mekhaarunkamal said second-half performance should exceed the first half, with increased domestic and foreign visitors particularly to Pattaya, which attracts families, friend groups, and international tourists. The company has adjusted service formats to match changing consumer behaviors and believes wellness tourism will position Thailand as a regional wellness hub.

ONSENS is executing a growth strategy under a "3P" framework: Performance aims to boost revenue from existing branches by expanding customer bases, increasing per-visit spending through new packages and services, and extending customer dwell time through new food and wellness offerings. People focuses on staff development and AI integration to improve productivity and profit margins without proportional headcount increases. Profit Sustainability emphasizes cash flow management and investment in new services and business models aligned with consumer trends.

The company is developing community wellness services, particularly fitness programs paired with hot-spring bathing for comprehensive health experiences. At the Sathorn branch, it launched Yunomori MOVE, a movement and recovery studio. The Pattaya branch introduced mixed-gender onsen zones—a first in Thailand—to serve foreign tourists, families, and friend groups, targeting 15% growth in H2. ONSENS maintains its 2025 target of 10-15% revenue and profit growth, with tourism and consumer spending as key drivers, while monitoring economic, geopolitical, energy, and inflation risks. The company is investing around 4 million baht for Pattaya renovations and 3 million baht for Sathorn's new services.

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Community

Roi Raeng FEST Brings Food and Local Culture by Sea

Roi Raeng FESTDelicious food by the sea, delightful times for the heart! You cannot miss Roi Raeng FEST. This July 25–26, come experience the best tastes, talented people, and local charms at Bawon...

1h ago Thailand.go.th Events

Roi Raeng FESTDelicious food by the sea, delightful times for the heart! You cannot miss Roi Raeng FEST. This July 25–26, come experience the best tastes, talented people, and local charms at Bawon...

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National

Scrutiny Over NBTC Chairman Candidate's State Employee Status

The screening committee is examining whether an NBTC chairman nominee's previous work as a fee-per-hour physician at a state hospital constitutes prohibited state employment under broadcasting law. Legal experts argue the actual working rel

2h ago Khaosod

The screening committee's review of the NBTC chairman nominee continues to draw scrutiny, particularly regarding his former employment status as a physician at Ramathibodi Hospital before his royal appointment to the commission. The central question is whether his work as a fee-per-hour doctor (Doctor Fee) constitutes employment as a state agency worker as defined by law.

Medical sources have stated that physicians working under fee-per-hour arrangements at Ramathibodi Hospital's medical faculty—whether as salaried employees or under service contracts—must sign contracts with the faculty before beginning work. Because Ramathibodi Hospital operates as part of Mahidol University, it maintains clear legal ties to a state institution.

These sources note that classifying Doctor Fee compensation as independent professional income under tax code Section 40(6) is merely a tax classification and does not establish employment status. The true test should examine the actual working relationship between the physician and the state agency, applying the legal principle of "substance over form" commonly used in employment status determinations.

Working as a Doctor Fee physician in a state hospital differs fundamentally from private practice because the work occurs under state liability law and often involves compensation connected to government budgets, creating a different relationship with state agencies than typical independent professional practice.

Under Section 8 of the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Act, NBTC commissioners must not be state agency employees to preserve the organization's independence and prevent conflicts of interest. Whether fee-per-hour physician work qualifies as state employment remains a legal question requiring careful examination of facts and evidence in each case. The screening committee bears responsibility for thoroughly investigating the nominee's qualifications before submitting the name for royal appointment, a process critical to legal correctness and the credibility of the independent constitutional agency.

However, Mahidol University's rector's office previously stated there are no qualification problems with the nominee's appointment as NBTC chairman and presented investigation results from Ramathibodi Hospital's medical faculty showing that the nominee performed physician duties treating patients during the period from December 20, 2021, to January 7, 2022.

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Regional

Nine-Year-Old Phuket Boy Wins Two World Coding Titles

A nine-year-old Phuket boy claimed two world coding championship titles and World No. 1 rankings at the International STEM Olympiad in Rome, competing against students up to Grade 11.

2h ago Khaosod

PHUKET — 16 July 2026, A nine-year-old boy from Phuket has brought international recognition to Thailand after winning two world championship titles in coding and achieving the World No. 1 ranking at the International STEM Olympiad & Coding Olympiad – Grand Final 2026 in Rome, Italy.

Pavin Pattanavekin, known as Pace, who is currently in Grade 3, claimed the Global Champion – 1st Place title and the World No. 1 ranking in two major categories: the Codementum Grand Final (Grades 3–11) and the Codementum International Final, according to True Coding School Phuket.

The Grade 3 pupil competed against students from Grades 3 to 11 to secure both titles. Pace also received a Global Top 3 Gold Award in the Online Coding Exam Worldwide Winners competition, bringing his coding achievements this year to two Global Champion titles (World No. 1), two Global Top 3 Gold Awards and one gold medal.

In the STEM competitions, he won another Global Top 3 Gold Award in the Mathematics Olympiad (Grades 3–5) Grand Final, as well as a gold medal in the Science Olympiad (Grades 3–5) Grand Final.

The International STEM Olympiad & Coding Olympiad – Grand Final 2026 is a global platform that brings together young participants from around the world. Organisers said the event attracted participants from more than 153 countries, representing 1,700 schools, more than 2,100 teachers and over 38,000 students.

This achievement builds on Pace's success in 2025, when he won three gold medals at the Coding Olympiad Grand Final in New York City, including a first-place finish in one of the competitions, before going on to claim two world championship titles in 2026.

True Coding School Phuket said Pace's achievements reflected his strengths in computational thinking, coding, logical reasoning and problem-solving, as well as his determination to develop his skills and challenge himself on the international stage while once again bringing recognition to Thailand.

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