Chiang Mai University celebrated the achievement of Thai Nichi Industry on July 25, reaffirming its role in translating research and innovation into industrial benefits. The company, supported by the university's Food Innovation and Packaging Center (FIN CMU) under the Faculty of Agro-Industry, won first runner-up in the Economic Impact category at the 7Innovation Awards 2026, held at the PIM Convention Hall during the THAILAND SYNERGY event for Thai SMEs transitioning to Innovation Driven Enterprises in 2026.

The company's success stems from upgrading Thai rice—a key national commodity—into Japanese-style rice crackers through technology and production process development tailored to global market demands. This innovation has generated over 600 million baht in revenue, expanded export markets, and exemplifies how science, technology, and innovation can strengthen Thai business competitiveness and elevate agricultural products to international standards.

Behind the scenes, FIN CMU served as the company's innovation partner, providing research and development support, knowledge transfer in food technology, product development guidance, and strategic business consulting to help drive the enterprise toward becoming a true innovation-driven business. This effort reflects Chiang Mai University's mission to bridge academic knowledge with industry through collaboration that develops market-responsive innovations, adds value to national resources, and enhances Thailand's long-term economic competitiveness.

Thai Nichi Industry's success at the 7Innovation Awards 2026 exemplifies how university knowledge creates tangible economic and social impact, underscoring Chiang Mai University's commitment as a higher education institution dedicated to translating research and innovation into practical application for sustainable growth among entrepreneurs and the nation.

On July 25, 2569 (2026), police from Sanam Chai Khet Station took 41-year-old former soldier Ranakrit into custody for murder and corpse concealment. He was escorted to crime sites to reconstruct events under tight security and the watch of the victim's family.

The case began on July 21 when the daughter of 51-year-old Boonlertsak from Ubon Ratchathani reported him missing at Plaeng Yao Station. On July 23, residents discovered human remains in Wang Yen subdistrict, Plaeng Yao district, Chachoengsao province, prompting authorities to launch an investigation.

On July 24, Chachoengsao provincial police and Region 2 officers arrested the suspect in Bang Teen Ped subdistrict, Muang Chachoengsao. They seized a sidecar motorcycle and a wooden-handled machete believed to be the weapon used.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to quarreling with the victim before striking him with wood, causing his death. He then transported the body to a eucalyptus plantation in Sanam Chai Khet subdistrict, dismembered it, and discarded the pieces at various locations.

During the reconstruction, the victim's brother arrived from Ubon Ratchathani and tearfully confronted the suspect, shouting "Why did you kill my brother?" The suspect replied only that "he came to me," before officers continued the reconstruction amid the family's grief.

The victim's daughter watched the process with sorrow, struggling to come to terms with her father's loss, supported by relatives. Authorities have sent identified remains to the Police Hospital's forensic institute and are still searching for two legs and one arm. Preliminary urine testing revealed the suspect had drugs in his system.

After the reconstruction, the suspect was remanded in custody and charged with intentional assault causing death and concealing, moving, or destroying a corpse to conceal the manner or fact of death.

Police arrested Asda, alias 'Hngad Tha Bo,' a 45-year-old man ranked 84th on the national wanted list, on July 25, 2025. He was apprehended at the parking area of Chantraram Temple (Dong Somboon Temple) in Sang Khwaeng subdistrict, Mueang district, Sakon Nakhon province, under a warrant from Nakhon Phanom Provincial Court dated September 11, 2552 (2009) on charges of intentional murder.

According to the investigation, in August 2552 (2009), while working as his employer's driver, Asda lured his intoxicated boss into the vehicle en route to Wang Yang district, Nakhon Phanom. At a curve, he shot the employer in the head and dumped the body into the Kam River near the bridge between Din Dam Mak Fueang and Nong Kaen in Yot Chad subdistrict, Wang Yang district. He then fled in the employer's vehicle.

Police believe the motive stemmed from anger over frequent scolding by his boss, combined with knowledge that the employer regularly carried large amounts of cash. For 17 years, Asda evaded capture by living hand-to-mouth, taking odd jobs, and staying in temples and worker camps. He was eventually apprehended while working as a driver for the abbot of Thung Rung Thong Temple in Sakon Nakhon.

During initial questioning, Asda denied being the shooter, claiming his employer was killed by business rivals in the timber trade and that he panicked and fled. Police remain skeptical and have transferred him to Wang Yang police station for further legal proceedings.

On July 25, 2025, police from Chana Songkhram Station presented Chanvesna Touch, 24, and Rathana Las, 22, both Cambodian nationals, before Ratchadaphisek Criminal Court for remand. They are charged with jointly breaking into a residence at night and causing fear to others.

The incident occurred on the night of July 21 when a 31-year-old woman was walking home at approximately 11:40 p.m. in the Suthep Alley area of Phranakorn District's Chana Songkhram subdistrict. She encountered two Cambodian men following her into the soi, which frightened her. She quickly ran into her house and locked the front gate.

The suspects were accused of attempting to open the gate to enter the house, but were unable to do so before leaving the scene. The incident was recorded on CCTV.

When presented at Ratchadaphisek Criminal Court, both suspects apologized to the victim and insisted they had no intention of harming her or grabbing her. They claimed that when they saw the woman was startled, they followed her to apologize, but decided to leave when confronted.

Investigators brought the two suspects for remand according to legal procedures with no objection to their detention. The facts presented during their interview will be considered in the ongoing legal proceedings.

The woman described the frightening moment when the two Khmer men chased her to her front door and attempted to pry open the gate, before neighbors helped apprehend them.

National Police Office orders immediate investigation and suspension of Khlong Luang station commander following emergence of audio recording allegedly showing him soliciting payments from restaurant operators in Pathum Thani province. Deputy National Police Commissioner Trairong Phiwphan and National Police Office spokesman announced on July 25, 2026, that the matter is under urgent review and instructed provincial commanders to investigate with transparency and speed. According to the latest report from Pathum Thani Provincial Police, preliminary findings indicate the voice in the recording belongs to Khlong Luang station commander, who has been ordered to report to provincial police headquarters pending a formal fact-finding investigation. Police have committed to pursuing both disciplinary and criminal charges without exception if the investigation confirms extortion or other violations, regardless of the accused's rank or position. The National Police Office reaffirmed its commitment to handle all cases based on facts, evidence, transparency, and justice to maintain public confidence, with further updates to follow.

Representatives of an Italian youth group apologized to Thai people for their actions, saying what they did on the BTS was wrong and expressing sincere remorse. They acknowledged that money cannot buy respect. On July 25, 2025, the Embassy of Italy in Bangkok issued a statement condemning the inappropriate behavior of Italian tourists—school-age youth on an educational trip—whose actions appeared in a viral social media video. The embassy offered sincere apologies to all Thai citizens and anyone upset or concerned by the incident.

The embassy emphasized that Italians deeply respect and admire Thai society's values of respect for others, courtesy, and harmonious coexistence—values Italy shares equally. The embassy stressed that the youths' inappropriate behavior does not represent the Italian people as a whole and cannot be taken as reflecting the values of mutual respect, friendship, and humble courtesy that form the foundation of long-standing Thailand-Italy relations.

The embassy released a video apology from four Italian representatives. A man in a white shirt stated: "We are representatives of the Italian group that went viral on the internet. We made this video to apologize to Thai people and Thai culture. We intended to speak yesterday but delayed due to anxiety and fear, which we now recognize was a serious mistake. We sincerely apologize to all Thai people and Thailand for what we did."

A woman in a red shirt said: "I feel deeply sorry for what happened. I understand that money cannot buy respect. I am truly sorry for everyone affected, including disrespect to Thai culture and all Thai people."

A young man in black apologized profusely to all Thai people, saying what they did on the BTS was wrong and asking forgiveness for his and their actions. A woman in white stated: "We do not support these students' behaviors. Those involved will return to Italy as soon as possible, and we will educate our group to strictly respect culture again. Thank you for welcoming us, and we ask for your forgiveness."