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National

Chiang Mai Temple's Women Ban Ignites Global Equality Row

A Chiang Mai temple's ban on women entering its main shrine while charging them equal admission fees has sparked global backlash online, with critics questioning the fairness and demanding better explanation of the tradition rooted in local

Chiang Mai Temple's Women Ban Ignites Global Equality Row
24 Jul Khaosod

Wat Sri Suphan, also known as the Silver Temple in Chiang Mai, has sparked widespread online debate after a foreign tourist shared a photo of a sign outside its Silver Ubosot stating that while both men and women are required to purchase entry tickets, only men are permitted to enter the Ubosot. Women are restricted to walking around the exterior and viewing the interior through their mobile phones instead.

The post, shared on X, has received more than 4.5 million views, triggering criticism from internet users worldwide, with many questioning gender equalities and why women are charged the same entrance fee as men while being denied access to the same areas. The English-language sign also drew heavy criticism for containing the phrase "Think you for your donation and respectation" instead of "Thank you for your donation," with many users saying such errors should not appear at a tourist attraction that welcomes international visitors.

Many Thai social media users explained that the restriction stems not from Buddhist teaching but from local beliefs dating back to the Lanna Kingdom, rooted in animist beliefs and spirit worship. According to traditional belief, women—particularly those menstruating—were considered capable of rendering sacred spaces ritually impure. Many Thai users stressed that such restrictions are not practised across Buddhist temples throughout the country and apply only to some temples in northern Thailand.

Many Thai women have said the issue has been debated within Thai society for years with little change. Some suggested that if access restrictions remain, admission fees should be adjusted accordingly, or visitors should be clearly informed of conditions before purchasing tickets. Others pointed out that if this is a specific temple custom, its historical background should be explained comprehensively so international visitors do not mistakenly assume it represents Buddhist doctrine as a whole.

The debate has highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing respect for local beliefs and traditions with gender equality—an issue of growing global significance. Both Thais and foreigners have questioned the fairness of charging equal admission fees while providing unequal access to visitors.

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National

Gas Station Owner Pleads for Aid, One Year After Rocket Strike

A gas station owner in Sisaket Province pleaded for government compensation a year after a rocket strike during a Thailand-Cambodia border clash damaged her business and injured customers, with no official aid received despite promises from

Gas Station Owner Pleads for Aid, One Year After Rocket Strike
24 Jul Khaosod

At 1 p.m. on July 24, 2025, at Parliament, MP Vasavat Phuangponsai of the Thai United Party received a letter from Kamonrat, owner of the PTT gas station at Ban Phuea (Ban Nam Yen) in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province. The station was damaged when a BM-21 rocket struck during a Thailand-Cambodia border clash on July 24, 2024, but she has received no compensation to date.

Vasavat said he has been tracking the case through parliamentary channels and during review of the 2570 fiscal-year budget bill, which should include allocations from the Interior, Defense, and Justice ministries to compensate all affected parties. He also mentioned the case of a person killed by the rocket, who has received no proper compensation after one year. He said he had coordinated with MP Phatrapong Leelapat of Chiang Mai, chair of the House committee on natural disaster and public health emergency prevention and mitigation.

Kamonrat stated that one year has passed since the incident with no progress on the gas station's compensation. She said the matter reached the Prime Minister's Office but no official response has returned to her. Tenants who closed for three months also received no damages. Separately, a customer injured by shrapnel at the 7-11 convenience store inside the station, though later assisted, became disabled, while a 7-11 employee similarly hit by shrapnel has received nothing.

With a trembling voice and tears, Kamonrat appealed: "A year has passed. I beg the government to have compassion. We are using our own money, our children's tuition fees as overdraft payments. We have a business and suffer too. Our children must attend school; we cannot move them to another one. But we must use their tuition to avoid paying interest. It is not that we have money; we suffer equally. The shopkeepers also suffer—they run businesses to support their families. Please help us in this regard."

When asked what compensation she had received in the past year, Kamonrat said she received money from the private sector, and during the initial aftermath, former Interior Ministry official Theerathorn Samretwanit promised that the state would cover the gap between private aid and full compensation. She has submitted documents to claim this, but has received nothing from the government so far. The provincial governor visited only in the early stages and asked her to coordinate with the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office.

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Police

Man Dies in Bicycle Crash on First Day of Work

A 66-year-old man died in a bicycle crash on his first day of work in Trat Province when his improvised brakes failed on a steep downhill slope. The accident left his elderly grandmother without support, forcing his grandson to take over fa

Man Dies in Bicycle Crash on First Day of Work
24 Jul Khaosod

A 66-year-old man died in a bicycle accident while heading to work on his first day, hoping to earn money to support his family. His heartbroken grandson revealed he would now take over caring for their grandmother. On July 24, rescue workers responded to a call at Wat Buppharam temple in Muang District, Trat Province, finding the man lying unconscious with a head injury beside his bicycle. Rescue volunteers performed initial CPR before coordinating with the hospital ambulance. Hospital staff later confirmed his death and police launched an investigation.

Inspection of the bicycle revealed it was an old model without functioning front or rear brakes. The man had improvised a front brake using an old flip-flop attached with nylon rope to the handlebars and controlled with a latch. However, the steep entrance to the work site proved fatal—when he attempted to brake while cycling downhill, the nylon rope snapped, causing the bicycle to accelerate before he crashed and struck his head.

A construction worker stated the man had applied for the job the previous day but couldn't start due to rain. He arrived early on his first day, before the 8 a.m. shift, when no one else was present. Other workers discovered him unconscious with his bicycle and called for emergency assistance.

His 27-year-old grandson revealed that the man had raised him since birth and previously worked odd jobs to support the family. A week earlier he became unemployed but recently secured this construction job because his grandmother's small shop sales were insufficient to cover rent and household expenses. The grandson said he would now assume responsibility for caring for his grandmother. Police documented the scene, took statements, and had the body transported to the hospital for the family to arrange traditional funeral rites.

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National

Thai Badminton Pair Bass-Fame Reaches China Open Semifinals

Thai mixed doubles pair Bass-Fame defeated Japan's Watanabe-Takuchi 2-1 to advance to the China Open semifinals on July 24, setting up a matchup against top Chinese teams.

Thai Badminton Pair Bass-Fame Reaches China Open Semifinals
24 Jul Khaosod

Bass-Fame showcased excellent form to decisively defeat the Japanese pair and advance to the semifinals of the Victor China Open 2026, a World Tour Super 1000 badminton tournament held in China on July 24, 2025. The Thai mixed doubles pair Bas Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Fame Supissara Paewsampran, ranked fourth globally, faced Japan's Yuta Watanabe and Maya Takuchi, ranked 26th, in a quarterfinal encounter.

Bass-Fame dominated the quarterfinal match with a convincing 2-1 victory over their Japanese opponents. The Thai pair won with set scores of 21-11, 19-21, and 21-19 in one hour and three minutes, securing their place in the semifinals against China's top-ranked mixed doubles pair of Jiang Zheng Pang and Wei Ya Xin (ranked 2nd) and Gao Xin Hua and Chen Fang Hui (ranked 6th).

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Police

Thailand Returns 67 Online Gambling Admins Deported by Laos

Thailand received 67 nationals deported by Laos on July 24 after they operated illegal online gambling sites from Vientiane; they face penalties under immigration and labor laws.

Thailand Returns 67 Online Gambling Admins Deported by Laos
24 Jul Khaosod

At 10:30 a.m. on July 24, 2025, at the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge border checkpoint in Nong Khai district, immigration police coordinated with local security and relevant agencies to receive 67 Thai nationals—both men and women—deported by Lao authorities. The individuals were processed through immigration screening and interviewed by multidisciplinary teams; preliminary investigation found no victims of human trafficking or persons subject to arrest warrants.

Investigation revealed that all 67 had worked as online gambling administrators in Cambodia until clashes erupted along the Thai-Cambodian border. They then traveled back to Thailand before being persuaded to move to Vientiane, Laos, where they rented dormitories in Ponphanao and Donhoun districts as bases for operating illegal 24-hour online gambling sites across three work shifts.

On July 21, 2025, Lao authorities conducted a major crackdown targeting illegal gambling networks and human trafficking, including scam operations. After completing legal procedures, they coordinated the deportation of all 67 individuals back to Thailand.

Deputy Immigration Commander Thiyachaphat Rangsiprahmankul stated that individuals deported following Laos's ongoing sweeps against scam and online gambling networks face penalties under immigration and labor laws, plus consular care fees incurred during detention abroad. Immigration authorities will place deportees on a watchlist to prevent illegal border crossing and further criminal activity, short of a full blacklist designation.

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National

Hospital Probe Into Newborn Death After NICU Feast

Parents of a five-day-old boy who died at an Ang Thong hospital are demanding an investigation after discovering staff dining inside the neonatal intensive care unit, raising concerns about contamination in the controlled environment where

24 Jul The Thaiger Crime

Feast within ICU for infant suspected in death of five day old baby boyLegacyThe parents of a newborn boy who died at a hospital in Ang Thong requested an investigation into his death, raising concerns about a feast held inside the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The couple sought assistance from the Paveena Foundation for Children and Women. They also requested a forensic examination of their son’s body, which was transferred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Police General Hospital for an autopsy. According to the parents, their son was born prematurely on July 17 at eight months’ gestation. He was admitted to the NICU and placed in an incubator for close monitoring after birth. The father said a doctor met him shortly after midnight on the day the baby was born and explained that the infant was breathing more rapidly than normal, which could lead to fatigue. The doctor recommended inserting a breathing tube, and the father signed a consent form for the procedure. Photo by Sergey Novikov via Canva The couple said medical staff later informed them that their son’s condition had stabilised and they visited him on July 20 at about 1.30pm. According to the parents, they found five dining tables set up inside the NICU, with doctors, nurses and other staff eating meals in the unit. They claimed one table was positioned only a short distance from their son’s incubator. The couple said a nurse asked them to leave because staff were having a meal. They questioned whether dining inside the NICU was appropriate given the controlled environment required for newborn patients. According to the parents, they raised their concerns with medical staff but were told the gathering would not affect the babies receiving treatment. They also alleged that catering staff entered the unit to serve food without wearing face masks or other protective equipment. Photo via Nation The following day, July 21, the hospital contacted the couple to inform that their son’s condition had worsened overnight. When they arrived at the hospital at about 10am, doctors informed them that the baby had died. According to the parents, doctors said the infant may have developed a bloodstream infection, while the medical documentation listed pulmonary hypertension as the cause of death. The couple also alleged that hospital staff released their son’s body for funeral arrangements and later contacted them to encourage them to proceed with the cremation. Photo by pkanchana via Getty Images Although they held funeral rites, the parents postponed the cremation because they wanted an independent investigation into the cause of death and whether the gathering in the NICU had any connection to the incident. According to the family, the preliminary forensic examination identified a fracture to the baby’s right ankle and an injury to the left front of the skull. However, the cause of death has not yet been determined. Forensic specialists collected blood, tissue and liver samples for further examination. The final results are expected within about two weeks. At the time of publication, the hospital had not issued a public statement responding to the family’s allegations. The story Feast within ICU for infant suspected in death of five day old baby boy as seen on Thaiger News.

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Police

Man Fatally Shot Over Missing Car Keys in Drunken Dispute

A 52-year-old man was shot dead by his housemate in a drunken dispute over missing car keys in Chanthaburi's Pong Nam Ron subdistrict on July 24. The shooter, a 46-year-old friend, was arrested at the scene and charged with intentional murd

Man Fatally Shot Over Missing Car Keys in Drunken Dispute
24 Jul Khaosod

On July 24, 2025, investigators from Pong Nam Ron Police Station in Chanthaburi received a report of a fatal shooting at a residential house in Pong Nam Ron subdistrict. Police arrived at the scene with hospital staff and forensic officers, discovering the body of a 52-year-old man named Daeng with a single gunshot wound to the head. An 11-millimeter handgun and ammunition magazine were found near the victim, surrounded by empty alcohol bottles.

Investigation revealed that the shooter was Anant, 46, Daeng's close friend and housemate. The dispute stemmed from a longstanding suspicion: Daeng had accused Anant of stealing his car keys. On the day of the incident, after both men had been drinking heavily, Daeng brought up the missing keys and the two engaged in a heated argument. When Anant tried to calm down by walking into the house, Daeng continued verbally abusing him from outside. Anant then returned indoors, retrieved a firearm from his bedroom, came back out, and shot Daeng in the head at close range, killing him instantly.

Police quickly tracked down and arrested Anant at the scene. Deputy Commander Arrakchapon Suntharawipath of Chanthaburi Provincial Police, along with investigators, escorted the suspect back to the crime scene to document his confession. Anant was subsequently charged with intentional murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Police

Man Shot Dead During Reconciliation Attempt With Wife

A 45-year-old man was shot dead by his 69-year-old father-in-law during a failed reconciliation attempt at a home in Phrae province on July 24. The shooter surrendered to police immediately after the fatal confrontation.

Man Shot Dead During Reconciliation Attempt With Wife
24 Jul Khaosod

On July 24, officers from Rong Kwang Police Station in Phrae province responded to a fatal shooting at a residence in Ban Pak Huai Oi, Baan Wieng subdistrict, Rong Kwang district. The victim, 45-year-old Yut (surname withheld), was found dead inside the home with a shotgun wound to the torso. The shooter, 69-year-old Wichai (surname withheld), the homeowner and victim's father-in-law, stood waiting to surrender along with the shotgun used in the incident. Police took him into custody for legal proceedings. Initial investigation revealed that the victim had visited his father-in-law's home to plead for reconciliation with his separated wife, but negotiations failed and a severe argument erupted. During the confrontation, the victim challenged the older man to shoot him, causing the father-in-law to lose his temper momentarily. He fired one shotgun round, killing the victim on the spot, then surrendered to authorities.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Arrest Burglary Suspect at Former Politician's Closed Water Plant

Police arrested a burglary suspect who stole motors, electrical equipment, and wine from a closed water plant owned by a former Phichit politician on July 17-19, recovering stolen goods from a second-hand shop in Phetchabun Province.

Police Arrest Burglary Suspect at Former Politician's Closed Water Plant
24 Jul Khaosod

On July 24, 2569, Pol. Col. Thanadkij Tangmanaskul, superintendent of Dong Charoen Police Station, and Pol. Lt. Songkran Panmanee, assistant superintendent, pursued suspects in a theft case reported on July 21, 2569 at 7:40 a.m. The burglary occurred at a water production facility in Moo 6, Wang Ngiao Subdistrict, Dong Charoen District, Phichit Province, which is managed by Ms. Thitiporn (surname withheld) and is located on the property of Pol. Gen. Sanun Kachorprasat, also known as former Phichit politician "Khun Nun."

Investigation revealed that between July 17-19, 2569, burglars forced their way in and stole multiple items including motors and electrical equipment with copper wiring and coils, electronic components, electrical brake controllers, and various types of electrical circuit breakers. They also stole wine during the theft.

CCTV footage identified the suspect riding a black Honda Wave 110i motorcycle with registration plate Chorn 790 from Phitsanulok. After the theft, the suspect sold the stolen goods to a second-hand shop in Moo 9, Takudrai Subdistrict, Chondan District, Phetchabun Province. The seller was identified as Wirojan, a resident of Chondan District.

On July 22, 2569, police conducted a search at the suspect's home and found 10 pieces of evidence. The suspect was arrested, confessed to the burglary, and was charged accordingly.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Removes Barriers to Academic Mobility Across Universities

Thailand's higher education ministry has removed bureaucratic barriers allowing university faculty and staff to work across institutions without losing benefits, service records, or career advancement opportunities. The new policy aims to b

Thailand Removes Barriers to Academic Mobility Across Universities
24 Jul Khaosod

On July 24, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yotchanun Wongsuwan announced good news for faculty and personnel under the ministry, revealing success in unlocking a talent mobility policy.

Yotchanun said the ministry has now fully unlocked the Talent Mobility issue by signing a new ministerial announcement on guidelines for personnel movement and exchange. The core concept is to create opportunities for capable personnel to work in suitable locations where they can maximize their potential and create the greatest benefit, fostering new knowledge exchange without being bound by old regulations.

Previously, many personnel wished to help other universities or organizations but worried about civil service rules, record damage, or career advancement impacts. The ministry therefore issued a new announcement to dismantle these barriers.

Key benefits of the new policy include: full cross-agency work capability, allowing temporary assistance or exchanges between universities and other agencies; uninterrupted service record, ensuring continuous service time counting without losing employment rights; unobstructed career advancement, allowing normal salary raises and academic position applications (Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor); and scholarship repayment time counting, where time spent working in other agencies counts toward any required scholarship repayment period.

This unlocking represents a crucial opportunity for personnel to break free from old frameworks, gain experience, build inter-agency networks, and collectively advance Thailand's research and education systems. Yotchanun stated: "I have always believed human capital is the most important cog in driving the nation forward. The ministry is committed to continuously developing people, removing various barriers, and building the best ecosystem to allow all our talented people to grow and demonstrate their full potential without limits."

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National

Agriculture Ministry Tackles Saline Soil Crisis Across 17 Provinces

Thailand's Agriculture Ministry is rolling out a nationwide initiative to tackle saline soil degradation across 17 northeastern provinces, affecting 33,200 rai of farmland through integrated soil conservation and digital technology solution

Agriculture Ministry Tackles Saline Soil Crisis Across 17 Provinces
24 Jul Khaosod

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangrungruangkit has announced that his ministry is prioritizing systematic land and soil resource management while promoting technology and innovation to strengthen the country's agricultural sector. He has tasked the Department of Land Development with urgently rolling out proactive saline soil management nationwide under an innovation agriculture framework to ensure sustainable livelihoods for Thai farmers. This approach integrates knowledge, technology, and innovation with area-based management to increase land-use efficiency, reduce production costs, and create lasting job security and improved living standards for farmers.

The department is implementing area-based management across sub-watershed basins, combining soil and water conservation systems with digital innovation and data to enhance land use and farmer prosperity. According to Department of Land Development Director Sumitra Wattana, the agency is now actively addressing the saline soil crisis through integrated development covering 33,200 rai across 17 northeastern provinces, using area-based management on sub-watershed bases with measures tailored to the severity of salinity problems.

Saline soil conditions severely limit agricultural production, degrading soil structure, reducing fertility, and hindering plant growth—especially rice, the nation's primary economic crop. The department is therefore implementing systematic solutions through four integrated dimensions: (1) developing active soil and water conservation systems at the watershed level to reduce and slow salt spread while promoting green manure crops and increasing organic matter to restore soil fertility; (2) sub-watershed area-based management, classifying areas into four salinity severity levels to determine appropriate measures; (3) applying innovation and technology to manage saline groundwater levels, preventing salt from rising to the surface, and developing proactive monitoring systems to restore saline areas; and (4) establishing a center of excellence for saline soil management by developing soil database systems and e-services to support planning, monitoring, and solving saline soil problems accurately and efficiently.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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