Thailand has nominated “Chud Thai: The Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Practices of the Thai National Costume” to be inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of...
Thailand has nominated “Chud Thai: The Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Practices of the Thai National Costume” to be inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of...
Thailand's Sports Authority begins recruitment for a new director to replace Dr. Kongsakd Yodmani by September 2025, with former Deputy PM Thammachat emphasizing the ideal candidate must be genuinely passionate about sports and skilled in b
The next director of Thailand's Sports Authority must be someone who truly loves sports, whether recruited from inside or outside the organization, with a special focus on proper budget management and athlete welfare, according to former Deputy Prime Minister Thammachat Prombhempao. As Dr. Kongsakd Yodmani's tenure as Sports Authority director ends September 30, 2025, a recruitment process has begun with Nattariya Tweevimangs appointed as head of the selection committee. The goal is to name a new director by September 2025. Thammachat, who previously oversaw sports matters during SEA Games 2025 and currently leads the Thai Water Sports Association, acknowledged that the outgoing director has performed adequately, but stressed that the ideal successor should be genuinely passionate about sports, particularly in managing budgets and ensuring athlete welfare. "I regret that my time in this role has been too brief given the many problems needing solutions," Thammachat said. "Whether the next director comes from inside or outside, they must have sports knowledge and truly love the field." On the readiness of water sports athletes for the Asian Games, Thammachat said the association board has been consulted and preparations are underway, though he acknowledged that medal expectations are high given the long drought and that success requires both skill and luck.
Thai consumer confidence rose to 50.7 in June, its first increase in four months, buoyed by Middle East ceasefire hopes and the government's stimulus program, though business confidence continues to decline as companies await tangible sales
The Thai Chamber of Commerce has reported that the June 2025 consumer confidence index improved to 50.7 from 49.5, marking its first gain in four months. According to Thanavorn Plaveechai, rector and advisor to the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting at Thamasart University's affiliated chamber, consumers have grown less anxious about Middle East tensions following a ceasefire agreement between the United States, Israel, and Iran, while oil prices have begun stabilizing. The government's Thailand Helps Thailand Plus economic stimulus program has also had a positive psychological effect and boosted purchasing power.
However, the business confidence index fell for a fourth consecutive month to 41.4, as stimulus funds have not yet translated into improved sales for businesses. Employment remains low, and economic recovery has been uneven, with growth concentrated in AI and electronics sectors rather than spreading to small and medium enterprises. "Consumer confidence shows positive awareness of the stimulus program with increased purchasing power, but business operators have yet to see tangible benefits from the monthly 50 billion baht stimulus injection," Thanavorn said.
If Middle East tensions do not intensify, the government continues the stimulus for four months, and energy restructuring proceeds as planned, purchasing power could strengthen considerably, potentially driving full-year growth above 2%, Thanavorn predicted. Even if the U.S. escalates strikes on Iran without major military involvement, oil prices should remain below $80 per barrel, supporting growth at the forecast 2-2.5% rate. However, if prolonged conflict erupts with intensive mutual attacks, crude oil could spike to $90-110 per barrel, potentially limiting Thailand's growth to 1.5-2% for the year.
Rescue dog Nuan embarked on a 13-hour journey from Khao Yai National Park to search for a missing 2-year-old girl in Phang Nga's jungle terrain, with dozens of rescue personnel mobilized to aid the effort.
Thailand's emergency rescue services have issued an urgent national mobilization order for July 9th to deploy the acclaimed K9 rescue dog Nuan on a critical search-and-rescue mission. The dog, stationed at Khao Yai National Park, will undertake a grueling 13-hour journey across Thailand to Phang Nga's Khura Buri District to hunt for a 2-year-old girl who has disappeared in the mountainous jungle.
The missing child's parents are in anguish as dozens of rescue personnel have abandoned their rest, prepared to fight through dense, snake-infested forests to bring the girl home. Nuan, though typically a friendly dog loved for belly rubs, transforms into a tireless searcher capable of working continuously for hours in remote, signal-free wilderness.
Official statements have called for blessings on Nuan and all rescue teams, with authorities expressing their sole prayer: to find the lost child. The operation underscores the silent heroism of rescue dogs and anonymous rescue workers who shield the public from darkness. Communities across Thailand are rallying online, sending prayers and support to the front lines as Khura Buri remains awake through the night.
Thailand is shifting its rice strategy from mass production to premium varieties—including organic, low-carbon, and heritage-branded rice—that command prices up to three times higher than conventional rice, aiming to boost farmer incomes ac
Thailand is elevating its rice into high-value products by highlighting three categories: environmentally-responsible rice, health-focused varieties, and heritage-branded rice. The Trade Policy and Strategy Office is driving a demand-driven strategy to promote premium rice and meet modern consumer behavior favoring health and environmental consciousness, allowing producers to command prices up to three times higher than conventional rice.
Nanthapong Jiralertphongs, director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office under the Commerce Ministry, announced the fiscal 2025 project to boost farmer incomes and restructure Thailand's rice trade, supporting Minister Supachai Suthammapun's "refined rice" policy to shift from volume-based to value-based sales. Thailand currently uses 43.3% of its agricultural land—74.7 million rai—for rice cultivation, covering approximately 4.6 million farming households (60% of all farmers). White rice cultivation has surged dramatically from 8 million rai in 2021 to 13 million rai in 2025, yet prices have fallen, trapping Thailand in volume-based production.
The Office has classified high-value rice into three groups based on global market demand:
Eco-responsible rice focuses on environmentally sustainable production meeting international trade standards, including sustainable rice produced to international standards (SRP), low-carbon rice reducing greenhouse gases (methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide), and organic rice free of synthetic chemicals.
Heritage-branded rice emphasizes origin value and irreplaceable local wisdom, including Geographical Indication (GI) rice—Thailand currently has 24 registered GI rice varieties such as Khao Hom Mali Thung Kula Rong Hai and Khao Sang Yod Phatthalung—and indigenous or mountain rice varieties with distinctive flavors and biodiversity.
Health-focused rice addresses aging populations and health-conscious consumers, including nutrient-rich and colored rice high in antioxidants (such as Rice Berry and Purple Rice) and functional rice like low glycemic index rice for diabetics or vitamin-fortified varieties.
The Office has gathered field data on challenges and opportunities from farmers, businesses, and experts nationwide. Key findings include successful low-carbon rice by modern large-scale farmers, where alternating wet-dry farming techniques cut costs by 17% and increased yields by 6%. High-value rice commands significant premiums: organic rice sells 1.5–3 times higher than ordinary rice, GI rice 1.5–3.4 times higher, and colored or health-focused rice 1.2–3 times higher. Infrastructure investment in processing and mill modernization is essential, though middlemen, warehouses, cooperatives, and mills face liquidity constraints from extended payment periods. Global market analysis suggests strong demand for eco-responsible rice, particularly low-carbon varieties driven by trading partners' environmental measures, alongside growing demand for organic rice.
Researchers at Mahasarakham University have identified a new long-necked dinosaur species, Uragasaurus kalasinensis, at a fossil site in Kalasin Province, dating back 150 million years to the Late Jurassic period. The discovery marks Thaila
A groundbreaking discovery announced on July 9, 2025, reveals a new dinosaur species named Uragasaurus kalasinensis (Uragasaurus kalasinensis) found at the Phu Noi fossil site in Kalasin Province. Researchers from Mahasarakham University identified the specimen in the Phu Kradung rock formation, dating back approximately 150 million years to the Late Jurassic period. This represents Thailand's 15th dinosaur species and the first formally named mamenchisaurid sauropod in Thailand and Southeast Asia, with findings published in Scientific Reports on July 8.
The scientific name combines "Uraga" (meaning "snake" in Sanskrit) with "saurus" (Greek for "lizard"), reflecting the dinosaur's exceptionally long, serpent-like neck. The species name references Kalasin Province, where the fossils were discovered. Research using CT scanning of the vertebral column revealed unique internal structures, including honeycomb-like air chambers that distinguish this species from all other known dinosaurs.
This sauropod possessed a remarkably elongated neck comprising nearly half its body length, making it among the world's most prominent long-necked dinosaurs. Previously, such specimens were found primarily in China, but this discovery demonstrates that these creatures inhabited the region that is modern-day Thailand 150 million years ago.
The Phu Noi fossil site in Kalasin Province ranks among Thailand and Southeast Asia's richest vertebrate fossil deposits, with over 6,000 specimens discovered from the Phu Kradung rock formation. These deposits accumulated in ancient fluvial environments with floodplains and oxbow lakes. Beyond this new sauropod, the site has yielded fossils of carnivorous dinosaurs, turtles, crocodiles, freshwater sharks, fish, amphibians, and flying reptiles, providing a crucial window into Thailand's Late Jurassic ecosystem and continuing to reveal the secrets of the ancient world.
A Pheu Thai deputy demanded the Justice Minister explain details of an alleged election fraud case involving vote-buying and candidate hiring, but the minister refused to disclose specifics while the Election Commission still reviews the ma
On July 9 at 10:40 a.m., the House of Representatives met with Speaker Sophon Saram presiding. Pricha Wattrasindhu, list MP and deputy leader of the Pheu Thai party, posed an urgent question to Justice Minister Rutthapol Naowarut regarding Special Case No. 24/2568 under investigation by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). Pricha argued that what is commonly called the "election fraud case" should more accurately be termed an "election scam" because the alleged conduct involves not merely organizing candidate networks for vote-swapping, but using money and other benefits to hire people to register as candidates and hire voters to cast ballots to gain state power. He noted the case is currently under review by the Election Commission (EC) and DSI, and requested the minister explain the details of the fraud, money trails, and amounts involved. Speaker Sophon cautioned Pricha to use appropriate language rather than provocative terms, citing parliamentary rules. Minister Rutthapol responded that the election fraud case was accepted as a special case on March 10, 2568 under money laundering charges, with testimony from one complainant and 753 witnesses. He said eight people filed complaints with interconnected money details, currently under investigation. Regarding the principal charge of joint money laundering under Section 77 of the Constitution Drafting Act on Elections, or the election fraud case itself, this remains under consideration by the Election Commission, which has yet to make a ruling, so he cannot disclose details. Rutthapol further noted parliament rules Section 151 stating ministers must attend in person, but the article has three subsections—the third allows ministers to decline to answer on grounds of national interest or security. He suggested MPs should also study related laws restricting his ability to comment while cases are pending. Rutthapol then played a clip of Pricha's July 2 remarks questioning the urgency of raising the two-year-old case, noting it had not been a pressing issue and the public showed little interest. However, the clip revealed that Pricha's previous statement about forex money laundering cases had prompted the current inquiry, based on media reports. This drew protests from Pheu Thai MPs that the minister's explanation strayed from the actual question, wasting parliament's time until the 15-minute response period expired. Speaker Sophon ruled he had informed the minister of the remaining time but could not compel any particular response. Pricha then presented audio clips allegedly from Nakhon Phanom province referencing connections to certain parties in the election fraud case.
A 32-year-old Malaysian woman married a man 48 years her senior after meeting him on Facebook a decade ago, saying his maturity and patience won her heart despite family shock and public scrutiny.
Many say age is just a number, and the story of 32-year-old Che Sainun Che Ahmad from Kelantan, Malaysia, bears this out perfectly. She chose to marry Haslan Hajar, a man 48 years her senior, despite considerable misunderstanding and criticism from others.
Che Sainun met Haslan about ten years ago when they became friends through Facebook. Their friendship gradually developed into love. She has always been attracted to older men, and while she previously dated people her own age, she never found true compatibility until meeting Haslan.
"His patience and maturity made me fall in love," she explains. "When my family found out, everyone was shocked, but they eventually accepted and blessed us. We married when he was 70 and I was only 22."
The 48-year age gap naturally leads people to mistake Haslan for her father. However, she doesn't take offense, having already prepared herself for such reactions before deciding to marry him. "At first, I felt uncomfortable with others' comments and stares, but I've gotten used to it now. For me, age is just a number. I'm grateful we have two children together—one is 9 years old and the other just turned one month."
Today, the couple is building a warm family life. Though Haslan is elderly, he maintains his health well, eats nutritiously, and remains strong. He is also straightforward and honest, which helps keep their marriage smooth with few arguments, even if he isn't particularly romantic.
"Given our large age difference, our interests and lifestyles naturally differ," she says. "So I choose to compromise more to preserve our marriage, because older men tend to have strong confidence in their own opinions."
Nestlé is investing 23 billion baht in a new Nescafé production facility in Samut Prakan that will create over 520 jobs and source an estimated 4.3 billion baht annually from Thai farmers starting in late 2028.
Nestlé is opening a new Nescafé production facility utilizing cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence to boost quality standards, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The factory, located in Samut Prakan province, represents a 23-billion-baht investment that will strengthen Nestlé's coffee business in Thailand and support export operations.
The new facility will produce multiple Nescafé product lines including instant coffee powder, ready-to-drink canned coffee, and other variants. It will incorporate state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and AI systems to elevate quality standards, enhance efficiency, and promote sustainable operations. A modern distribution center within the project will support various Nestlé product categories. The entire project is expected to create over 520 jobs, including technology specialists and mid to high-level skilled employees.
According to Nikil Charn, Chairman and Chief Executive of Nestlé Indochina, Thailand has been strategically important to Nestlé for more than 130 years. The company will prioritize sourcing raw materials—coffee beans, sugar, and fresh milk—from Thai farmers, with an estimated annual value of 4,300 million baht, supporting local agriculture and economic development.
The factory will install Nestlé's most advanced coffee extraction technology, modern aroma preservation systems, and sophisticated automation including robotics and automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS). AI technology and advanced process control systems will optimize efficiency, quality, and consistency across all production stages.
The investment reflects Nestlé's commitment to Thailand's development. Between 2018 and 2025, Nestlé invested over 27.8 billion baht to expand production capacity across key product groups, including beverages and pet food. The company has been a major buyer of Thai robusta coffee beans for over four decades and continues supporting local farmers through knowledge transfer and quality seedling distribution via its coffee research center. Nestlé also promotes coffee cultivation expansion across various Thai regions. The project has received investment promotion approval from the Board of Investment (BOI) and aligns with Thailand's bio-circular-green economy goals, with operations expected to commence in late 2028.
A team of Italian students built the world's largest paper airplane, measuring 7 meters long with a 20-meter wingspan, and successfully flew it 59 meters to break the Guinness World Record previously held since 2013.
Guinness World Records certified! A team of Italian students has created the "world's largest paper airplane," measuring 7 meters long with a wingspan of over 20 meters, gliding 59 meters through the air and successfully breaking the previous record.
While paper airplanes might seem like simple toys many have folded since childhood, the student team from Pisa, Italy has transformed this ordinary creation into a world-class achievement by building the "world's largest paper airplane" and earning official recognition from Guinness World Records.
This giant paper airplane measures 7 meters in length, has a wingspan of 20.04 meters, and weighs 28.49 kilograms. It was constructed from numerous sheets of paper and several liters of adhesive. Despite its massive size—far too large to be called a simple "toy"—every component still adheres to authentic paper airplane principles.
Breaking the world record isn't judged by size alone. Guinness rules require that the aircraft be released by a single person and must glide through the air for at least 15 meters—a challenge far more difficult than most people realize, given the aircraft's enormous dimensions and weight.
To meet these requirements, the Icarus project development team spent months designing and continuously testing. They analyzed structural strength, weight distribution, flight stability, and aerodynamic principles to ensure the aircraft could actually fly.
Throughout development, the team used over 300 kilograms of paper and more than 60 kilograms of adhesive across numerous prototypes and countless trials before achieving the most efficient design for record-breaking performance.
The key innovation was using a honeycomb structure, which increased the fuselage's strength without adding excessive weight, allowing the aircraft to remain durable and properly suited for gliding flight.
On June 25th, inside the Bologna Fiere Hall, a team member released the giant paper airplane solo, and it glided an impressive distance of 59 meters—far exceeding the minimum 15-meter requirement. This success allowed the Italian team to claim the new world record.
The record surpasses the previous champion, held since 2013 by researchers from Braunschweig University of Technology in Germany, who had created a 5-meter-long paper airplane weighing 24 kilograms with an 18-meter wingspan that glided approximately 18 meters. Now, the Italian team's achievement stands as the latest world record holder.
Host Nok Bripaen coaches contestants through intensive rehearsals in a behind-the-scenes special revealing the preparation that goes into Chumtang Daotong performances. The two-part episode airs July 9-10 on Channel 7 HD.
Chumtang Daotong grants exclusive access to rehearsal rooms where host Nok Bripaen coaches contestants through intensive preparation before their stage performance.
Fans, prepare yourselves! Channel 7 HD's Chumtang Daotong is opening behind-the-scenes footage with the special episode "Behind The Scenes Before The Real Stage." This two-part special takes viewers into the rehearsal room, revealing every step of contestant preparation before they step onto the stage of their dreams.
Throughout the two episodes, viewers will witness contestants from their first arrival through check-in, briefings with the team, and intensive rehearsals with big-name host Nok Bripaen. Beyond just hosting, she takes on a coaching role, sharing techniques in singing, emotional expression, stage presence, and confidence-building strategies before the live performance.
The special goes beyond just rehearsal footage. The team explores the feelings of contestants and their families through exclusive interviews filled with hope, excitement, and the determination that drives people to travel from distant provinces. Some have waited their entire lives for this opportunity, hoping to shine on the Chumtang Daotong stage.
What appears to be just minutes before stepping on stage actually involves rigorous training, refining every note and beat, and thorough mental preparation. Every beautiful song viewers hear is the result of complete dedication from both contestants and the entire team.
If you're a fan of the show or curious about what contestants go through to deliver impressive performances each week, don't miss this! The special airs Thursday, July 9 and Friday, July 10, 2025 at 1:10 p.m. on Channel 7 HD, with replays available on Bugaboo.tv, YouTube Channel 7 Star Studio, and the official Facebook page.