The Department of Cultural Promotion and Ban Tukka-toon Thai Shadow Puppet Theater unveiled a traveling puppet drama project honoring Queen Suthida to celebrate her 60th birthday on June 3, 2026. The inaugural performance at Pichaya School in Nonthaburi featured the classic tale "Painting Gold on Buddha's Back" presented as a modern musical puppet show, blending traditional puppet artistry with contemporary lighting, music, and sound design to captivate more than 200 attending teachers and students. Department director Yuthika Isranagul Na Ayudhya explained that the project aims to demonstrate loyalty to the Queen while promoting, publicizing, and preserving Thai cultural heritage through the art of traditional shadow puppetry.

Dr. Niwet Waewsamana, founder of Ban Tukka-toon, noted that the production adapts ancient Thai puppet traditions with modern design, engaging scripts, and contemporary technical elements to make Thai arts and culture more accessible to younger generations. School principal Dr. Sunongnart Sutabut added that bringing national-level cultural arts directly to students not only brings joy but also instills beauty and loyalty in young people's hearts.

The main initiative features the traveling puppet theater exhibition alongside an "Exhibition Honoring the Queen" containing information about her royal history and royal works. The program will tour all four regions of Thailand. More details are available at www.culture.go.th and the Department of Cultural Promotion's Facebook page, or by calling 0-2247-0013 ext. 4113 or 4115.

Thailand's men's volleyball team defeated Vietnam 3-1 to secure three points in their opening match of the SEA V Cup 2026 first round, Group B, at Candone City Arena in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines on July 15, 2026. The match featured Thailand's starting lineup including Phadej Pinidee, Anuchit Pakdeekeaw, Anurak Punthuramya, Chaiwat Thungkham, Thanawat Taveeratan, and Nongrit Janpiromya, with Nattapong Chachamnyan as the libero delivering an excellent performance. Thailand dominated the match, winning with set scores of 33-31, 18-25, 25-19, and 25-16. Thailand's next match will be against Myanmar on July 16, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

On July 15, Rangsiman Rom, a Pheu Thai list MP and chair of the House Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights, briefed lawmakers on the committee's investigation into local government recruitment for 2567-2569. Several agencies provided testimony, including the TOR (Terms of Reference) drafting committee and the Interior Ministry's deputy secretary general. However, some agencies failed to cooperate fully. The National Anti-Corruption Commission initially confirmed attendance but later submitted only a written statement without explanation, as did the Public Administration Department, citing other urgent commitments.

Rangsiman highlighted three key findings. First, the TOR lacks adequate anti-fraud safeguards—there is no mechanism to verify if Excel files or score data have been altered after upload. Of approximately 15,000 preliminary vetted names, about 6,000 show signs of modification, with some cases already under NACC review. Second, announced candidate lists do not match score records in system files, suggesting either the announcements are incorrect or the data has been tampered with. Responsibility rests with the Central Local Official Recruitment Committee and the Interior Ministry permanent secretary. Third, while five officials were reportedly placed under severe disciplinary investigation, no formal complaints or accusations have been filed against any individuals by the ministry.

Rangsiman questioned whether these safeguard failures were deliberate or accidental and called for further investigation into the circumstances and those responsible.

On July 15, 2025, at the Cyber Crime Police Division headquarters in Muang Thonburi, Songkan Ajchariyadej, a former justice reform commissioner and legal advisor authorized by Defense Minister Adulyadej Buntharm, filed a formal complaint with cyber crime investigators. The complaint targets a Facebook page called "Phee Saep Sanan Phatoep," which has allegedly spread images, videos, and text containing false or distorted information about the Defense Ministry, including claims that the ministry has financial interests in Cambodia and has therefore refused to cut ties with the Cambodian government.

Songkan stated that the false information has caused widespread public confusion, with approximately 5,700 comments criticizing the Defense Minister and nearly 300,000 views. He emphasized that the posts have damaged the ministry's reputation and compromised national security. Evidence and screenshots have been collected and submitted to the Cyber Crime Police Division for prosecution and page removal.

Deputy Commander Chatchaphan Khlaikhlueang confirmed receipt of the complaint and stated that the Cyber Crime Police Division 1, which covers Bangkok, will investigate whether the posts violate Section 14(2) of the Computer Crime Act, which prohibits uploading false or distorted information that may harm national security, public safety, economic stability, or cause public panic. Investigators will examine the page in detail and determine whether the account holder is a real person or using a fake account. If the perpetrator is identified, legal action will be pursued; if the account is fake, Meta will be contacted for user information to track down the offender before the page is shut down.

Commander Sirivatth Deepho added that preliminary findings indicate the content consists of live streams or videos making direct allegations against the Defense Ministry. Investigators have been assigned to determine whether the content constitutes false information and whether it impacts national security. If both elements are established, the case will fall under the Computer Crime Act.

The Interior Ministry is preparing to modernize Thailand's entertainment venue law and establish zoning restrictions. Permanent Secretary Arthit Sampantarattana said the prime minister recognizes that existing laws have become outdated as circumstances change. Zoning designations in Bangkok will be determined by the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Commissioner, while provincial authorities will handle their respective regions, with the prime minister directing agencies to accelerate the process.

When asked whether enforcement would intensify given widespread violations, Arthit explained that many establishments register as restaurants but operate as entertainment venues by selling alcohol and allowing dancing, which constitutes illegal operation without proper licensing. The ministry intends to review whether current laws and measures adequately address the situation. He emphasized that the core problem stems not from business operations themselves but from inadequate safety standards, leaving venues unable to properly respond to or care for patrons during emergencies.

Regarding jurisdiction between the Interior Ministry and police, Arthit noted that the Ladphrao beer hall obtained permission to operate as a restaurant through a district office, while the Interior Ministry will oversee legal compliance. A urgent meeting is being arranged by a deputy permanent secretary to coordinate efforts, expected to take place soon.

RAYONG: Police have arrested the supervisor of a Muay Thai boxing camp in Rayong province for allegedly procuring teenage boxers for a foreign sponsor and other pedophiles.