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National

Thai Teen Shutouts Filipino Foe at Asian U-14 Tennis

Thai player Pinmukda Somsri dominated the Asian U-14 Tennis Championship, shutting out Philippines opponent Daphinah Sinsuwat 6-0, 6-0 in the opening round at Muang Thong Thani.

Thai Teen Shutouts Filipino Foe at Asian U-14 Tennis
27 Jul Khaosod

The Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) and the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, under Royal Patronage, are hosting the "LTA ATF Asian Fourteen & Under 2026" youth tennis championship for players aged 14 and under across four courts at the National Tennis Development Center in Muang Thong Thani. On July 27, the main draw began with Thai player Pinmukda Somsri delivering an impressive performance in the women's singles first round, defeating Philippines' Daphinah Sinsuwat without losing a single game, 6-0 and 6-0, to advance to the round-of-16 quarterfinals against Hong Kong's Cho Yau Leung, the tournament's second seed.

Thai tennis player Thirawat Pattanaphudung also advanced from the men's singles first round, defeating Hong Kong's Owen Cheng 6-4, 6-1 in straight sets.

Other opening-round results in the women's singles main draw included: Nichawan Ploykaetsuk (seeded 1) defeated Hong Kong's Amber Chow 6-0, 6-0; Chantaratorn Thranisorn beat Japan's Ayame Itsuka 6-1, 6-0; Rinrada Changpinij defeated Japan's Mao Nakamura 6-0, 6-1; Chanyya Nimvachirasonthon beat Hong Kong's Soho Amber Kwon 6-3, 6-7(6-8), 6-3; and Arphananth Sophia Sangsuchart (seeded 3) defeated Hong Kong's Georgia Maynard 6-1, 6-1.

In the men's singles main draw, Ananthanate Pongsirilerr defeated Malaysia's Mason Gyrus Ho 6-2, 4-6, 2-0 (ret.); Kongphop Saeliim beat Hong Kong's Oliver Lau 6-0, 6-0; Prattakorn Pachari defeated Sri Lanka's Nilesh Brahman 6-4, 6-3; Pitchpong Cheenapun (seeded 6) defeated Japan's Airu Nagatah 6-3, 6-3; and Kanchannares Krusakyawong beat China's Song Zhuo Rui 6-0, 6-1.

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Police

Gang of 10 Steals Vintage Clothes in Chiang Mai, Only 3 Arrested

A gang of over 10 thieves ransacked vintage clothing shops across Chiang Mai's Nimmana district starting July 21, with police arresting only three juvenile suspects while the majority remain at large.

Gang of 10 Steals Vintage Clothes in Chiang Mai, Only 3 Arrested
27 Jul Khaosod

Shop owners in the popular Nimmana district of Chiang Mai have filed multiple theft reports after a group of young offenders climbed fences and stole items from vintage and secondhand clothing stores beginning the night of July 21. Visnu, 32, reported the theft of two secondhand shirts worth 3,000 baht each from his shop after reopening on July 22. Another shop owner, Kanchaporn, 21, reported missing gold watches and a football shirt worth a total of 1,190 baht.

After reviewing security footage, victims estimate the theft gang had more than 10 members, but police managed to apprehend only 3 suspects—all juveniles. The minors were processed and released according to juvenile justice procedures, with parental notification sent. Police have not expanded their investigation to pursue the remaining suspects.

Victims have expressed concern that the light handling of the juvenile offenders will not deter future crimes and fear the escapees may return to steal again. Approximately 10 victims have been affected, though only 6 or 7 have filed formal reports. Authorities are continuing to gather additional evidence and documentation.

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Weather

Thailand Weather Bureau Issues Ninth Severe Rain Warning

Thailand's Meteorological Department issued its ninth severe rain warning for July 27–30, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall across northern, northeastern, and southern regions due to monsoon activity. Flash floods and rough seas with

Thailand Weather Bureau Issues Ninth Severe Rain Warning
27 Jul Khaosod

The Meteorological Department issued warning number 9 (136/2569) on July 27, 2026, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall across multiple areas of Thailand from July 27–30. The rain is driven by a monsoon trough affecting the northern and upper northeastern regions, combined with a strengthening southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand.

Public safety authorities warn of dangers from heavy accumulated rainfall that could trigger sudden flash floods and forest runoff, particularly in hillside areas and low-lying zones near waterways. Seas are expected to be rough, with waves 2–3 meters high in the upper Andaman, increasing to over 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. The upper Gulf of Thailand and lower Andaman will see waves around 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorms.

Fishermen in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are advised to exercise caution and avoid sailing in thunderstorm areas. Small boats in the upper Andaman should stay ashore during this period. The public is urged to plan activities and travel carefully and monitor updates from the Meteorological Department at www.tmd.go.th, by phone at 0-2399-4012-13, or at 1182, available 24 hours daily. The next warning will be issued on July 28, 2026, at 05:00 a.m.

Affected provinces include: very heavy rain in Trat (July 27) and widespread heavy rainfall across the North (Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Nan, Tak, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun), Northeast (Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani), Central (Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi), East (Chanthaburi), and South (Ranong, Phang Nga) on July 27–29.

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Police

Retired Air Force Officer Found Dead in Car with Pets

A 68-year-old retired air force officer was found dead in her car at a Pathum Thani market parking lot on July 27, with her two pets beside her; authorities suspect she had been deceased for two to three days.

Retired Air Force Officer Found Dead in Car with Pets
27 Jul Khaosod

Police and medical personnel from Khu Khot Station in Pathum Thani responded to a report of a death inside a vehicle at a busy market parking lot on July 27, 2025. Upon arrival, officers found a bronze sedan with the body of a 68-year-old former female air force officer in the driver's seat, which had been reclined flat. She was wearing a crew-neck t-shirt and cream-colored shorts. A deceased poodle was found cradled against her chest, and a dead Persian cat was discovered in a pet carrier on the back seat. A portable stove was also present in the vehicle. The preliminary medical assessment indicated she had been dead for two to three days.

A motorcycle taxi driver in the area reported that an anxious relative had approached him asking for help after finding someone dead in a car, prompting the police call. The victim's family explained that she had left home on July 25 around 4 p.m., saying she would take her pets to a veterinarian. She had a history of depression, thyroid problems, and had recently been diagnosed with fatty liver disease, which may have caused her stress. Security camera footage revealed the vehicle arrived at the parking lot around late afternoon on July 26, and no one was seen exiting the car. Police have documented the scene as evidence and are reviewing surveillance recordings. The deceased has been transferred to Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital for autopsy to determine the precise cause of death.

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National

TCP Identifies Three Blind Spots Threatening Thai SME Growth

Thai SMEs face three hidden threats to growth: making decisions based on gut feeling rather than data, building teams dependent on owners, and confusing sales shipments with actual consumer purchases. Business advisory group TCP warns that

TCP Identifies Three Blind Spots Threatening Thai SME Growth
27 Jul Khaosod

While rising costs, weak purchasing power, and intense competition across online and offline channels squeeze Thai businesses, some SMEs report growing sales and steady orders. Yet their owners work harder, teams can't act independently, and cash flow lags behind revenue—a sign of illusory survival. TCP's business group chief, Saravut Yuwittaya, identifies three overlooked vulnerabilities: decision-making based on feeling rather than data, teams that execute but cannot replace the owner, and sales growth that doesn't match cash flow.

One common illusion is mistaking large purchase orders for booming sales. Some inventory may still sit on shelves or lie unsold in distributor stock. The difference between sell-in (goods shipped to retailers) and sell-out (goods actually bought by consumers) reveals true business health better than warehouse shipments alone. Products filling shelves may simply mean cash drowning on display racks, invisible to the eye.

"Not every business needs complex systems," Yuwittaya said. "What matters is knowing which data matters for decisions. Businesses that survive don't wait for data—they use it to decide faster and more accurately."

This principle is especially vital when selling across multiple channels at once. For online ventures, site visits, clicks, or social media buzz don't automatically translate to sales or profit. TCP tested this approach with Bestural, a collagen gummy product developed with Japan's DHC and sold mainly online, analyzing everything from visitor numbers and purchase behavior to product-level profitability. This separates activities that merely attract interest from those that drive real results.

Data does more than solve daily problems—it reveals new opportunities. For example, analyzing consumer data for a beverage brand in China revealed growing demand for ready-to-drink products in portable, resealable packaging. This insight led to Red Bull's first PET bottle launch in that market, a historic first for the brand.

The real lesson isn't just "get data." It's that entrepreneurs must know what questions to ask of the data they have.

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Police

Teacher Shot Dead by Ex-Girlfriend in Khon Kaen

A 34-year-old teacher in Khon Kaen was shot dead by his ex-girlfriend early July 27, who then forced his friend at gunpoint to drive her car before fleeing; police are searching for the suspect.

Teacher Shot Dead by Ex-Girlfriend in Khon Kaen
27 Jul Khaosod

A close friend recounted the shocking moment when an ex-girlfriend burst in and fatally shot a young teacher in front of her, then forced her into a car at gunpoint. She vowed there would be no forgiveness. The deceased teacher, she revealed, had taken over 20 competitive exams to enter civil service, hoping to improve his parents' lives.

On July 27, 2026, authorities reported the death of Mr. A (pseudonym), 34, a teacher at a learning promotion center, who was shot in the head and died in his bedroom in Muang District, Khon Kaen Province, around 1:30 a.m.

Police identified the suspect as Ms. Song, 33, the victim's ex-girlfriend, who fled by car. Officers are pursuing her to press charges.

Ms. B (pseudonym), present during the incident and devastated over losing her close friend from secondary school, explained that she and the victim had been best friends since their school days and were close to his family from Kamphaeng Phet Province. She normally worked in Chachoengsao and had traveled to Khon Kaen to visit the victim about 4-5 days before the incident.

The victim had sought treatment for a knee injury that required surgery, leaving him unable to care for himself. Ms. B came to look after him as a close friend. The victim lived alone in the house after recently passing the civil service exam to become a community education teacher in late 2025 and had taken out a bank loan to buy the house less than five months earlier.

During her stay, nothing unusual had occurred until Ms. B learned the victim had been in contact with a woman nicknamed "Song." However, the victim had distanced himself from Ms. Song about a month before the incident due to incompatibility, as she had a volatile temperament and often used inappropriate language toward him.

When the incident occurred, both Ms. B and the victim were already asleep when they suddenly heard a loud bang in the hallway. Ms. B initially thought it was a transformer exploding and woke the victim to ask if he had charged anything. She then got up to open the bedroom door to investigate. When she opened the door, she immediately recognized Ms. Song standing in front of the room, but before she could react, Ms. Song pushed the door open, and a gunshot rang out. Ms. B immediately knew it was a gunshot. Ms. Song then turned on the bedroom light, and when Ms. B turned toward where the victim was lying, she saw blood pouring out.

Ms. B was deeply shocked but did not have time to react before Ms. Song pointed a gun at her and ordered her to go check if the victim was still alive. Ms. B saw blood spurting from the victim's head but could not help. Ms. Song then grabbed Ms. B's hair and pressed the gun against her body, forcing her to go to Ms. Song's car and ordering her to drive it. Ms. Song sat in the passenger seat with the gun pointed at Ms. B throughout. Ms. Song then ordered Ms. B to drive to Khon Kaen Bus Terminal No. 3, but Ms. B was panicked and had no sense of direction, driving aimlessly because she did not know where the terminal was located, as she was not a local.

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Tourism

National Parks Offer Free Entry Tomorrow for King's Birthday

Thailand's national parks offer free entry to all citizens on July 28, 2026, for the King's birthday celebration, though visitors should check facility status ahead of time.

National Parks Offer Free Entry Tomorrow for King's Birthday
27 Jul Khaosod

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is inviting Thai citizens to visit protected forests nationwide free of charge on July 28, 2026, in celebration of His Majesty the King's birthday. All Thai nationals and all types of vehicles will be exempt from entrance fees at national parks and wildlife sanctuaries throughout the country. Visitors are advised to check the status of park facilities beforehand on each park's official page, as some may be closed annually for environmental restoration. The department urges everyone to follow park regulations, avoid bringing single-use foam and plastic containers, and refrain from bringing pets into national park areas to ensure the safety of wildlife and the environment.

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Police

Mother Demands Hospital Investigation After Newborn Dies at 5 Days

A mother is demanding investigation after her newborn died five days post-delivery, claiming hospital staff neglected care and were distracted during the critical day before the infant's death on July 21.

Mother Demands Hospital Investigation After Newborn Dies at 5 Days
27 Jul Khaosod

On July 27, a mother of a newborn who died five days after delivery spoke emotionally about the circumstances surrounding her infant's death, asserting that her child's condition had worsened since July 20, yet the hospital did not call to inform her until July 21 at approximately 9:00 a.m. Upon arriving at the hospital, she found approximately six nurses sitting together but no one attending to or allowing her into the ICU to see her child, forcing her to request access before being permitted inside.

The mother stated that had staff shown greater attention to her child that day, the infant might have survived, as the child was still treatable before dying the following day. She remains troubled by whether anything unusual occurred that led to her child's death.

Regarding CCTV footage, the mother requested a clear review of images, particularly those showing nurses opening the door to bring out wooden items and flowers before returning inside, to confirm that approximately six people were present inside eating food. She emphasized that neither she nor the child's father intended to accuse anyone but simply wanted the facts investigated, as the family believes what they have witnessed is true.

The mother also requested clear verification that persons appearing in the footage are the same individuals who accepted flowers and participated in the activities, without intending to harm anyone. She simply wants a straightforward factual investigation.

The mother expressed that she does not want other children to face the same situation her family experienced, calling for adults and relevant authorities to investigate and work to improve the system so such conduct does not occur again.

When asked about reports that the hospital may have held similar gatherings before, the mother said she would welcome the opportunity to speak with those involved to investigate what happened and who was responsible. She reiterated that she had no intent to accuse anyone and would not discuss matters that were untrue.

The mother also revealed that before delivery, during pregnancy she had undergone routine ultrasound examinations without finding any abnormalities reported by doctors, only issues with diabetes management. The doctor did not initially want the child to deliver prematurely. When she experienced abdominal pain, the hospital observed her condition, but when her amniotic fluid broke, delivery became necessary. The doctor had forewarned that the infant might be weak and would likely require ICU care.

On July 20 at approximately 11:00 a.m., the mother visited the hospital to check on her child's condition. The doctor and nurses reported that the infant was improving, could have medications adjusted, and breathing support reduced, which delighted the mother. She discussed with the child's father the possibility of transferring to a Bangkok hospital for continued treatment and a chance at recovery, both speaking of finally being able to feed their child.

After this, nursing staff informed the mother that the infant's supplies had run out and asked her to purchase items. The mother told the child's father to go shopping, fearing they would miss the afternoon 2 o'clock visiting hours. The mother returned to the hospital around 1:30 p.m. with the supplies.

However, upon entering the hospital, the mother said she detected the smell of food, and as she approached her child's bed, she witnessed staff members taking selfies and receiving flowers, with a dining table where people were eating positioned near the infant's bed.

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National

Thailand Launches One Map Initiative to Standardize Land Data

Thailand's new One Map initiative creates a standardized national land boundary database to replace conflicting data from multiple agencies, with Phase 2 advancing across 77 provinces to improve land management and resolve jurisdictional di

Thailand Launches One Map Initiative to Standardize Land Data
27 Jul Khaosod

One Map represents more than a new map—it is the foundation for making state land transparent, accurate, and universally understood. Land issues touch nearly every aspect of life, from farming and housing to urban development, resource conservation, and national planning. Past government land management has been hampered by conflicting boundary data from different agencies, with some areas showing overlapping or inaccurate lines, causing misalignment across departments and confusion between officials and local residents. The One Map initiative—an integrated state land boundary mapping project at 1:4000 scale—aims to give the country accurate, clear, and uniform land boundary data under the principle of "one area, one responsible agency." In essence, One Map ensures all government agencies use the same map data, see identical boundaries, and understand which areas fall under whose jurisdiction, reducing duplication, resolving conflicts, and enabling systematic solutions to land problems at the local level. On July 16, 2025, the National Land Policy Committee Office (NLPCO) held a seminar on promoting understanding and advancing Phase 2 of the One Map project at the Asvapura Grand Convention Hotel. Deputy Prime Minister Thongsak Thongsri presided over the event, which brought together government officials, relevant stakeholders, and media to discuss the initiative's direction and explore practical applications of state land boundary data. The seminar featured presentations on the land boundary mapping operations and a panel discussion including Royal Thai Survey Department Director General Chakr Bunyapakdi, Institute of Political Science and Policy Analysis Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanaporn Sriyakul, and Commissioner Poonsakdi Chanchapi on natural resources and environment to share lessons, challenges, and collaboration strategies going forward. Deputy PM Thongsak emphasized that the government prioritizes balanced natural resource use alongside agricultural land allocation, basic infrastructure development, livelihood promotion, and improved quality of life, with One Map serving as a crucial mechanism to clarify land boundaries fairly and enable effective area management. Currently, One Map covers seven provincial groups, with four groups totaling 44 provinces already approved by the cabinet, while groups 5, 6, and 7 covering 33 provinces have completed boundary mapping and await cabinet consideration. The heart of One Map lies not merely in a new map but in creating "central reference data" that all parties—government agencies, local officials, and citizens—trust and use together, enabling more effective state land management.

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National

Health Ministry: Ang Thong Hospital Care Met Standards, Meal Held Near ICU Inappropriate

Health Ministry officials confirmed that medical care at Ang Thong Hospital's neonatal ICU met standards, but deemed a meal function held in the ward itself inappropriate and in violation of infection-control protocols.

Health Ministry: Ang Thong Hospital Care Met Standards, Meal Held Near ICU Inappropriate
27 Jul Khaosod

On July 27, 2569, at the Ministry of Public Health, Permanent Secretary Dr. Somruks Jungsaman provided updates on the investigation into a meal function held near the neonatal ICU at Ang Thong Hospital. The ministry ordered provincial health officials to examine the matter, with the provincial health office establishing an investigation committee the previous week after the incident came to light. The case has been divided into two parts: medical treatment and the meal arrangement held in the ward.

Dr. Somruks explained that a committee was formed to review the medical treatment aspect. As a pediatrician himself, he confirmed that the infant's care—from diagnosis through death—followed standard medical protocols. Neonatal ICU patients are kept in incubators, and any interaction with them requires staff to wash hands, wear gloves, open the incubator, perform the procedure, and then close it again; these are standard infection-control measures.

"The room is a neonatal ICU, but a meal function was held there," Dr. Somruks said. "Standard practice at all inpatient facilities—whether general or ICU wards—is to have staff eat meals outside the patient care area so they can closely monitor patients." He noted that the meal was apparently organized to mark the transfer of outgoing and incoming pediatricians, which resulted in activities outside the designated area. While details remain unclear, he described the arrangement as inappropriate and warranting an investigation expected to conclude by Friday, July 31.

When asked about potential penalties, Dr. Somruks said he preferred to await the investigation results before speculating. The meal event involved the entire pediatrics department—typically comprising two to three doctors and ten to fifteen nurses—and he emphasized that ICU wards have strict operational standards designed for patient safety and infection control. "This likely will not result in revocation of professional licenses, but holding a meal function in an ICU is inappropriate. We need to see the specific details of how it was conducted," he concluded.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Exempts 923 Fishing Boats From 167 Million Baht Tax

Thailand's Cabinet has approved tax exemptions totaling 167 million baht for 923 fishing boat owners participating in an unlicensed vessel removal program, allowing them to retain full compensation as capital for new livelihoods.

Thailand Exempts 923 Fishing Boats From 167 Million Baht Tax
27 Jul Khaosod

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perisivivattana announced that the Cabinet has approved a draft royal decree to exempt personal and corporate income tax on compensation payments from the Department of Fisheries to fishing boat owners participating in the unlicensed vessel removal program for sustainable marine resource management in 2025 and 2026. The tax exemption totaling 167 million baht—comprising 160 million in personal income tax and 7 million in corporate income tax—will allow affected fishers to use the full compensation as capital for new livelihoods and improved living standards without tax deductions at year-end. The Cabinet approved the latest phase of the boat removal program on March 3, 2025, allocating 1,622.6 million baht in compensation for 923 vessels: 877 boats to be dismantled, 1 vessel to be repurposed as a café, hotel, or library, and 45 boats to be converted for other commercial uses, with payments distributed in two installments through 2026. The measure follows the same tax principles applied to previous government boat removal phases and is intended to balance support for affected fishing communities with marine conservation and sustainable fishing promotion, with relevant agencies tasked to monitor outcomes continuously.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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