Thailand’s Customs Department, together with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and the British Embassy in Thailand, has launched the Thailand–UK Partnership on Cannabis Border Con...
Thailand’s Customs Department, together with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and the British Embassy in Thailand, has launched the Thailand–UK Partnership on Cannabis Border Con...
A 14-month-old girl was struck in the head by a pickup truck in Sri Racha and remained unconscious after the incident; she was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
At 11:00 AM on July 8, 2569, rescue units in Sri Racha, Chon Buri received a report of a 14-month-old girl struck on the head by a pickup truck and unconscious with no pulse. Family members were performing CPR at the scene near Soi Trok Satchat Lek, Moo 4, Nong Kham Subdistrict, Sri Racha. Emergency response teams from Phaya Thai Sri Racha Hospital and Lieutenant Panchai Sannasiree from Nong Kham Police Station were dispatched to investigate.
Rescue workers found the girl, identified as "Nam" (alias), approximately 14 months old, with tire marks across her face and severe swelling. She remained unconscious without a pulse. Responders continued CPR while waiting for the medical team before transporting her to the hospital for emergency treatment.
At the scene, police found a blue Isuzu pickup truck with Chon Buri registration. The 70-year-old owner and driver, identified as Mr. Nimit (surname withheld), explained that he had been driving the pickup when he spotted the child's grandmother sitting by the road. He turned into the property to greet her, unaware that the 14-month-old was sitting in a stroller nearby. As he turned in, his front wheel struck the girl's head. Upon hearing the grandmother's screams, he stopped, backed up, and immediately initiated CPR while calling for emergency responders.
The child's mother was contacted and rushed to the scene. Family members stated the grandmother had taken the child outside unusually, as the girl typically played indoors. Police documented the scene and took the driver in for further questioning at Nong Kham Police Station, with legal proceedings to follow.
Thailand's government defended its medical-only cannabis policy on July 8, rejecting criticism that conflates illegal smuggling with official regulation and emphasizing that authorities are accelerating new control legislation with stricter
On July 8, Deputy Spokesperson Lalida Perischvivat addressed criticism from Pheu Thai Party leader Natthapong Ruangpanyawitthi over the government's cannabis policy. The government welcomes all suggestions and acknowledges that public policy can be debated and refined, but stated that discussion should be based on complete facts and not conflate criminal smuggling with government policy. Smugglers bear personal responsibility for their actions.
The government's role is rigorous law enforcement, which is currently underway. Authorities are accelerating new cannabis control legislation to establish comprehensive regulation while preserving medical, economic, and public safety benefits. The government reaffirmed its clear position: cannabis for medical purposes only, not recreational use. Illegal smuggling of cannabis is a legal violation, not a policy consequence, as cannabis remains a controlled plant requiring lawful import, export, and possession.
Illegal exporters face prosecution both domestically and abroad. Recent arrests demonstrate law enforcement is functioning, not neglecting duties. Without rigorous enforcement, such cases would remain hidden and offenders unpunished.
Perischvivat noted that Bhumjaithai Party and the government have consistently supported cannabis for medical and health benefits only. She pointed out that Move Forward previously proposed experimental recreational cannabis zones, suggesting the party should clarify its evolved position when criticizing current policy.
The government is accelerating new cannabis and hemp control legislation with clearer, stricter penalties and ensuring retail compliance with medical standards. Meanwhile, the Public Health Ministry continues inspecting cannabis shops nationwide, revoking licenses from non-compliant or expired operations. Illegal recreational sales or license violations will face strict legal action.
Thailand's defense industry has grown from 20 billion baht in 2015 to over 50 billion baht in 2026, with the government positioning it as a major economic growth engine alongside food production. The Ministry of Industry is supporting expan
Industry Minister Varawut Silpaarch delivered a keynote address at THAIDEF-EX 2026 on "Thailand's Industrial Adaptation and New Opportunities in Defense Industry," stating that the defense sector is evolving from a security role to become a key economic growth engine for Thailand. The industry has significant potential to create added value through technology, innovation, employment, and exports while enhancing national self-reliance.
Thailand's defense industry market value has grown from approximately 20 billion baht in 2015 to over 50 billion baht in 2026. The country currently has around 267 facilities related to this industry, with 152 falling under the Ministry of Industry's oversight, representing 57 percent of the total system. This reflects the readiness of the domestic supply chain to support future growth.
Given global uncertainty from geopolitical conflicts, economic divisions, and fragile global supply chains, Thailand must accelerate its self-sufficiency capabilities. The defense industry will serve as a crucial mechanism for driving economic, social, and environmental progress through the development of dual-use technologies with both security and commercial applications.
Thailand has strong potential in drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which can be applied to agriculture, disaster relief, natural resource management, and advanced data analysis. The country's armored vehicle and shipbuilding industries are also creating export opportunities across ASEAN, the Middle East, and other regions.
To enhance competitiveness, the Ministry of Industry has established a free trade zone for the defense industry since 2025 to reduce component and raw material import costs. The ministry is also streamlining tax structures, simplifying export procedures for military equipment, and promoting a comprehensive one-stop service center.
"Our country is not only prepared in defense industry but also in food and agricultural industries, which are equally important," the minister stated. "With food comes workforce. If we support both the food and military industries simultaneously, we can accelerate Thai economic growth."
The ministry is also coordinating with financial institutions to develop specialized funding sources for entrepreneurs and working with defense technology institutes to establish a defense industrial complex in Kanchanaburi province to create a comprehensive investment ecosystem.
For the S-Curve Phase 3 plan (2027-2031), the Ministry of Industry will focus on three main areas: research and development of green defense industry, production enhancement through deep tech startups and Thai SMEs in AI, robotics, autonomous systems, and foreign joint ventures emphasizing advanced technology transfer.
The key objective is converting research into practical products with commercial value and elevating the defense industry to become a new growth engine for Thailand's economy while building manufacturing sovereignty and long-term economic security.
An ammonia leak at an ice factory in Suphanburi Province forced the evacuation of a nearby school on July 8, but authorities quickly controlled the situation after repairing the faulty valve. Several students and teachers who inhaled fumes
On July 8, an ammonia leak at an ice factory in Khao Tha Phra subdistrict, Derm Bang Nang Buach district, Suphanburi Province, forced the evacuation of students and teachers from Thammachodei School within a 1-kilometer radius for safety reasons. Multiple teachers and students who inhaled the toxic fumes experienced dizziness and were transported to local hospitals. The District Office of Derm Bang Nang Buach announced that the situation is now under control, with all response units successfully managing the emergency. Officials confirmed that the faulty valve causing the leak has been repaired and secured. District Chief Khwan Rit Chai Taiprom reported that the incident was brought under control after emergency repairs were completed. All exposed individuals have been transported to Derm Bang Nang Buach Hospital and their conditions are stable. The cause of the malfunction is still under investigation. Authorities advise anyone experiencing symptoms such as eye or nasal irritation, cough, chest tightness, breathing difficulties, dizziness, or nausea to visit the nearest hospital immediately and inform medical staff of potential chemical exposure.
A 23-year-old woman caught her husband with another woman in his home and vowed never to return, ending their three-year marriage marked by repeated infidelity and abuse.
On July 8, Baem, a 23-year-old wife, opened up about her marriage after a video she posted went viral with 77 million views. She met her husband Ball at a factory party, and after dating for a month, she became pregnant. They registered their marriage but never held a wedding ceremony. Over their three years together, Ball was repeatedly unfaithful, but Baem forgave him each time to preserve the family, despite also suffering physical abuse including being threatened with a knife. Ball also had an online gambling problem.
When asked why she loved him, Baem said it was because he was handsome, charming, made her happy, and was good at winning her over. Their one-year-old child currently lives with Ball's parents. Although Ball's family knew about his behavior, they never intervened.
Baem explained that before the viral incident, they had argued and separated. Ball kept trying to win her back, and even asked to borrow 20 baht for internet and phone credit on Monday. On the day of the incident, while helping a senior register for a job and passing through Ball's neighborhood, she decided to stop by and found an unfamiliar car at his house. She entered and discovered a woman's shoes paired with his. Unable to resist, she opened the unlocked bedroom door and found him with another woman, attempting to slap his face.
Regarding the other woman, Baem believed she knew Ball was married, as he was conscious and there were photos in the room suggesting they had been communicating for months. Baem clarified that the Doraemon pillow and pink bedding belonged to Ball from the start. She had bought and washed all the bedsheets during their relationship, and after she moved out, he apparently removed them.
Baem admitted she posted the video because she was lonely and angry at Ball, wanting society to understand her frustration. She acknowledged receiving romantic interest from other men after posting about being single but said she wasn't ready. She denied having another boyfriend, saying those were just friends she ate and chatted with.
Baem confirmed she did not know posting the video was illegal but was angry that Ball protected another woman while hurting her. She noted that such videos were commonly posted in her factory community, so she thought it was acceptable.
Finally, Baem firmly stated she will never return to Ball.
PHUKET: Patong Police are searching for a foreign tourist accused of assaulting a jet-ski operator following a dispute over alleged damage to two rental jet-skis at Patong Beach yesterday afternoon (July 7).
PHUKET: Patong Police are searching for a foreign tourist accused of assaulting a jet-ski operator following a dispute over alleged damage to two rental jet-skis at Patong Beach yesterday afternoon (July 7).
Thailand's Department of Business Development is helping community entrepreneurs modernize by blending local cultural heritage with digital-age business skills, with 137 entrepreneurs receiving consulting this year through programs like SMA
Thai Community Businesses Tap Modern Markets With Local Charm
Poonpong Naiyanaphakon, director of the Department of Business Development under the Ministry of Commerce, revealed that consumer behavior is shifting toward products with distinctive identity, compelling stories, and authentic local character—representing a significant economic opportunity. Community businesses can now create added value through cultural resources, traditional wisdom, and limitless creative thinking.
The Department of Business Development is continuously advancing entrepreneur development through SMART Local Clinic and SMART Local Camp activities, building essential digital-age skills including brand building, product storytelling, customer experience design, merchandising techniques, and commercial negotiation. This ensures community enterprises grow strong and sustainably in modern markets.
This year, 137 entrepreneurs applied for and received consulting through SMART Local Clinic, while 42 entrepreneurs in the third SMART Local ME-D cohort completed intensive development and concrete business advancement.
To boost local soft power, the Department held a "Community Entrepreneur Success Stories: SMART Local ME-D" event today (July 8) showcasing the third cohort's potential. The event unveiled the "SUNS Day Trip" creative tourism route, transforming community products into contemporary items meeting modern consumer trends.
"SUNS Day Trip" is a community product route weaving Thai community charm through the concept "sun's journey throughout the day," connecting lifestyle, identity, and products in contemporary form from four pilot provinces: Sukhothai, Ubon Ratchathani, Nan, and Satun. The initiative creates novel customer experiences.
A special talk session "Journey through Local Stories: From Thai Community Charm to Modern Inspiration" featured brand-building expert Phaijinapath Jinapun. Certificates were awarded to third-cohort SMART Local ME-D entrepreneurs and "SUNS Day Trip" participants.
Thailand's economy grew 2.3% in 2023, bolstered by a 400 billion baht stimulus package and stronger-than-expected resilience against global supply shocks, the Bank of Thailand reported.
The government's public relations office reported on the July 8, 2569 meeting of the state-private sector economic committee (SPSC) where Bank of Thailand Governor Withaya Ratanakorn presented data showing Thailand's economy is more flexible than many had previously assessed. Contrary to earlier concerns about supply shocks from Middle East conflict, Thailand has managed impacts well across procurement and business adaptation.
With a 400 billion baht economic stimulus package supporting purchasing power, the Bank of Thailand revised its 2023 GDP growth forecast upward to 2.3%—the market's highest estimate and a sign of underlying economic strength. Recent inflation figures came in lower than expected, suggesting further price declines and demonstrating overall economic stability.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told business and economic agencies at the SPSC meeting that foreign investors remain highly confident in Thailand. He emphasized that investors seek streamlined approvals, reduced steps, and one-stop services rather than infrastructure improvements. The government is accelerating facilitation through the Board of Investment and related agencies, with nearly 1 trillion baht in pending investment interest.
The prime minister identified three strategic strengths to attract investment: food security, logistics systems, and Thai companies' international investment capacity. In an uncertain global environment, he noted that food-producing nations gain significant economic leverage, making it essential to elevate agriculture to strategic advantage. He called repeatedly for state agencies and Thai businesses to convert strong foreign investor confidence into actual investment that creates jobs and income for Thai people.
Pong Neelamyothin, Justice Ministry Permanent Secretary, has submitted her resignation after completing her four-year term, citing preference to leave rather than accept a lesser advisory role. Her resignation comes as she faces a corruptio
At 3:30 p.m. on July 8, 2569, sources within the Justice Ministry confirmed that Pong Neelamyothin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, who has completed her four-year term, has decided to submit a resignation letter to Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naowarat. She declined the offer to serve as Prime Minister's Advisor, expressing concern that she would not be able to apply her expertise and professional knowledge effectively in that role—describing it as a meaningless position.
Normally, the Permanent Secretary position can be extended annually for a maximum of six renewals. Historically, only Somchai Wongswasdi received a full six-year extension in this role. Chanchaowaun Chaiyanukit, the previous Permanent Secretary before Pong, also did not seek renewal.
Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naowarat acknowledged receiving Pong's resignation on personal grounds but has not yet approved it. He stated he is still reviewing whether approval is possible, as her name has been referred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for investigation in a Layer 14 police case.
A 21-year-old Englishman used his life savings to take his 80-year-old grandfather to the 2026 World Cup, a gesture that went viral and inspired a U.S. company to refund his £10,000 after England's victory over DR Congo.
A heartwarming World Cup story unfolded when 21-year-old Jacob Allmendinger from East Yorkshire, England, made the bold decision to use his £10,000 (approximately 450,000 baht) savings—money he had carefully set aside for his future—to take his 80-year-old grandfather Jeff Galliger to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For Jacob, the journey was far more than just watching football; it was a way to repay the love his grandfather had given him throughout his life. Since childhood, Jeff had always taken Jacob to football matches, making their bond as close as best friends rather than typical grandparent-grandchild relationships. Over the years, Jeff had consistently accompanied Jacob to watch Hull City matches, and now Jacob wanted to return the favor by sharing the atmosphere of the World Cup together.
During their travels through the United States and Mexico, the story of these two went viral online, with football fans deeply moved by Jacob's sacrifice and commitment to create lasting memories with someone he cherished. Touched by their story, a U.S. company called Metawin reached out to Jacob through social media and announced they would refund the £10,000 if England could defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Previously, the company had set a condition that they would return the money if England defeated Panama by more than 2 goals, but when England won only 2-0, the company still pledged to refund the money if the Three Lions beat DR Congo, regardless of the score.
After England's 2-1 victory over DR Congo, Metawin honored their promise and transferred the full £10,000 back to Jacob, shocking him completely. "At first, I didn't really believe it," Jacob said. "Until I checked my bank account and actually saw the money there. That's when I was completely shocked."
Jacob revealed he would save the money for now and possibly deposit it into a savings account to consider his options, which now include attending other sporting events or even reviving his dream of buying a house.
Grandfather Jeff shared that they had been increasingly approached by football fans during their travels, especially in New York where people asked, "Are you the ones traveling around?" Meanwhile, Jacob acknowledged that messages from people worldwide made him realize just how precious time spent with loved ones truly is, as some opportunities may never come again.