Thailand Launches 25 Million Baht Plan to Revive Shrimp Industry

Thailand is launching a 25-million-baht program to strengthen its shrimp industry, addressing export challenges including Malaysia's temporary import suspension while boosting farmer support and domestic consumption.

18 Jul Khaosod

Deputy Agriculture Minister Watcharapol Khaokhram chaired the first 2025 meeting of the marine shrimp industry management committee at the Department of Fisheries to establish guidelines for strengthening Thailand's shrimp sector throughout the value chain. The meeting brought together government officials, private sector representatives, and shrimp farmers from across the country to develop sustainable, competitive strategies.

The committee reviewed progress on resolving Malaysia's temporary shrimp import suspension, with the Department of Fisheries in ongoing talks with Malaysian counterparts. Following discussions between the agriculture ministers of both nations, they agreed to expedite evaluation of sanitary and phytosanitary measures to normalize shrimp trade. The department was tasked with addressing remaining operational obstacles and implementing a national action plan for marine shrimp development through 2570 (2027).

The initiative emphasizes farmer knowledge transfer, shrimp breed development, production efficiency improvements, and adoption of appropriate farming technology. The government also approved a 25-million-baht program from the farmer assistance fund to link markets, distribute surplus production, and stimulate domestic consumption, offsetting export slowdown and Malaysia's import restrictions. Deputy Minister Watcharapol stressed that sustainable industry growth requires coordinated support from government, private business, and farmers, combining market development with enhanced production capacity and competitiveness.

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National

Thailand Deploys AI to Modernize Sugar Industry

Thailand's government agencies are deploying artificial intelligence across the sugar industry to streamline production from crop planning to market forecasting, while also modernizing broader industrial standards and consumer protection sy

18 Jul Khaosod

The Sugar and Sugar Cane Board (SSCB) and the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) are jointly implementing Thailand's Ministry of Industry's "ONE MIND unified industry" policy by piloting an artificial intelligence platform and data-driven management system designed to connect government databases, eliminate operational fragmentation, and strengthen Thailand's industrial competitiveness. SSCB Secretary-General Baimai Suvannatrai announced the collaboration will streamline the entire sugar production chain—from weather forecasting and crop planning to detecting hot spots to reduce burning, analyzing production processes, and predicting domestic and global sugar consumption trends.

The effort supports Thailand's 2023-2027 digital government roadmap, emphasizing user-centric digital services and staff development to build a sustainable digital ecosystem. Deputy TISI Secretary-General Pattharaphol Limpakdi outlined three dimensions guiding the organization toward becoming an intelligent agency: digital process reform, seamless data integration, and AI innovation for consumer safety. The roadmap includes centralizing registration databases, standards, e-licensing, e-surveillance, and certification systems to achieve three goals—speed, transparency, and safety—with plans to launch an AI Expert System in 2027 for factory risk assessment and a SMART TISI market surveillance system before achieving full data-driven decision-making by 2029.

The project will develop a Risk Assessment Dashboard, an online monitoring system for Thai standards, and AI social listening tools to protect consumers. Additional deliverables include a real-time AI Dashboard, 24/7 AI chatbots for public services, and smart alert systems for emerging risks. Over 170 staff have been trained in data and AI, with knowledge shared with nearly 1,500 farmers, entrepreneurs, and citizens, marking a significant step toward data-driven governance and industry practices in Thailand.

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Police

Murder Suspect Detained After Gruesome Death in Udon Thani

A 30-year-old man was arrested in Udon Thani after a 35-year-old victim was found stabbed seven times, with police discovering blood-stained evidence near the suspect's home located 50 meters from the crime scene.

18 Jul Khaosod

Police arrested a 30-year-old suspect named Thung living just 50 meters from the crime scene on July 18 following a thorough investigation by Region 4 police and provincial officers. Investigators found significant evidence including blood stains on blankets and a knife sheath similar to the weapon left at the body of Somsakdi, or "Tong," age 35, who had been stabbed seven times. Although Thung initially denied any involvement, a urine test revealed drug residues, and he was detained on drug possession charges pending further investigation.

Local authorities conducted an underwater search in the pond behind Thung's hut for the victim's severed head and missing genitals but recovered only animal bones. Thung is reportedly a long-time psychiatric patient with a known preference for eating dog meat and a reclusive lifestyle. The victim had a history of petty theft and was frequently recorded on surveillance cameras stealing from neighbors in the area.

Local village officials expressed shock at the incident, noting that both the victim and suspect were respected community members. While police have gathered circumstantial evidence linking Thung to the crime, residents await the formal investigation results to identify the true perpetrator, as fear and anxiety grip the community.

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National

Thai PM Opens Chengdu Investment Forum, Courts Sichuan Business

Thailand's PM opened an investment forum in Chengdu and launched the BOI's office there, positioning Thailand as a key hub for Chinese businesses seeking ASEAN and Asian market access. The government is promoting investment through expedite

18 Jul Khaosod

Prime Minister Anusit Chanyawimol and Deputy Interior Minister presided over the opening of the Thailand–China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Forum 2026 on July 18 at Tianfu International Convention Center in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. The event also marked the official launch of the BOI Chengdu Office, attended by Sichuan provincial officials, senior executives from both countries, investors, and Thai-Chinese private sector representatives.

The PM expressed gratitude to the Chinese government, Sichuan provincial authorities, and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (Sichuan branch) for supporting the forum and BOI office opening. He noted that Sichuan, with 80 million people and China's sixth-largest economy, is a major economic and industrial hub. Thailand, he said, offers competitive advantages including its position as ASEAN's geographical center, quality infrastructure, strong supply chains, skilled workforce, and clean energy resources.

The government is pursuing a three-dimensional economic development strategy: accelerating business approvals through the Thailand FastPass program (which has already facilitated over 750 billion baht in investment), upgrading Thai entrepreneurs and personnel through BOI competitiveness funds and skill-bridge programs, and strengthening the domestic economy through short-term stimulus measures and structural reforms in energy and digital sectors. These efforts have earned recognition from Moody's and S&P Global Ratings, which upgraded Thailand's creditworthiness outlook, while Thailand's IMD competitiveness ranking continues to rise.

The PM highlighted the significant trade potential between Sichuan and Thailand through the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle initiative, positioning Thailand as a central hub linking China's western regions with South Asia, Central Asia, and ASEAN.

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National

Bitkub CEO Top Spends Millions on Swiss-Like Home Climate

Bitkub CEO Topp Jirayut spent millions on health technology and Swiss-quality air systems in his Bangkok penthouse, including a 2.5 million baht lymphatic stimulation device and advanced air conditioning, prioritizing wellness over traditio

18 Jul Khaosod

Bitkub CEO Topp Jirayut, a prominent Thai entrepreneur who balances full commitment to work with sustainable health management, recently appeared on the One Playground channel's program Kehasathan Baan Plai (Episode 108) to showcase his luxury penthouse on the 42nd floor in downtown Bangkok. Located at the top floor to maximize sunlight, the residence includes a private ice bath.

Topp revealed he owns no house or car conventionally, holding only Bitcoin because he doesn't view such assets as wealth but rather liabilities. However, he is willing to invest heavily in one thing: health. He currently rents the penthouse for 500,000 baht per month, which includes all services, breakfast, and daily housekeeping.

He showed his private Longevity room, in which he invested over 500,000 baht, equipped with Red Light Therapy machines costing hundreds of thousands of baht for body recovery and skin therapy, and an icoone® device costing over 2.5 million baht to stimulate lymphatic circulation and eliminate waste.

Topp spent millions on air conditioning systems to replicate Switzerland's air quality, arguing that Thailand's outdoor air quality differs drastically from his indoor environment. "Why invest in a luxury car when you can breathe Swiss-quality air every day?" he said, noting that every home should have such systems.

Beyond this, Topp employs a personal trainer and private chef who prepare healthy meals. His health commitment extends to taking 30 dietary supplements daily, costing 120,000 baht annually, and investing over 65,000 baht in a water filtration system to avoid microplastic concerns.

He also displayed his wardrobe of luxury suits, each set costing 300,000 baht with four sets totaling over 1.2 million baht, which he changes every six months. The entrepreneur exemplifies dedication to both work and health management.

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National

PM Anutin Leads Thai Delegation to Chengdu Investment Forum

Prime Minister Anutin led a Thai delegation to Chengdu to launch an investment forum and negotiate with six major Chinese corporations in technology, automotive, and tourism sectors. The visit aims to strengthen economic ties and attract Ch

18 Jul Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Anutin Chaiyawongse led an economic mission to Chengdu to open a Thai-China investment forum and conduct one-on-one negotiations with six major corporations in technology, automotive, and tourism sectors to attract investment into Thailand.

Reporting from the People's Republic of China, Prime Minister Anutin Chaiyawongse and the Minister of Interior, accompanied by a high-level Thai government delegation, are on an official visit to China from July 16-20, 2025. On July 18, the Prime Minister led the delegation from Shanghai to Chengdu, Sichuan Province, to advance full-scale economic, technology, and tourism cooperation. The delegation participated in the "Prime Minister-Thai Private Sector Luncheon" to exchange perspectives with Thailand's leading business representatives and hear recommendations for penetrating the Chinese market.

A total of 48 Thai companies with 153 representatives attended the business negotiations in Chengdu, combining both those already conducting joint ventures with Chinese investors and those seeking new business partnerships. One hundred ten business leaders participated in the luncheon with the Prime Minister.

Eleven prominent business executives dined at the PM's table, including Pimjai Lee Isisaranukul, President of the Federation of Thai Industries; Norungsak Putthaprommonkol, President of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce; Viboon Suphakropongkul, Vice President of the Thai Chamber of Commerce; Surachai Jiaranon, Senior Vice President of Charoen Pokphand Group; Saravuth Yuvittaya, CEO of TCP Business Group; Supralaks Ampuch, Chairman of The Mall Group; Vikrom Kromditsathit, CEO of AMATA; Vichai Kulsomsap, CEO and Chairman of Sahapattana Group; Yothin Damnanchaivanit, President of Industrial Park 304; Chaya Chantavasu, Senior Vice President of PTT; and Manoo Chotetewanya, Chairman of Sahafarm.

The Prime Minister will use this opportunity to gather feedback and recommendations from Thailand's private sector to discuss with the Chinese government. A meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang is scheduled for July 20. The Board of Investment (BOI) office in Chengdu was officially opened during the visit to serve as a link connecting Chinese investors to Thailand, signaling the Thai government's commitment to deepening trade and investment relations with China at the regional level.

Sichuan Province is strategically important as China's sixth-largest economy with a population of over 80 million, with economic potential comparable to Thailand. Thailand and China have emphasized connectivity through the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Chengdu-Chongqing economic corridor, which will position the region as a crucial connection point between western China, South Asia, and ASEAN, with Thailand serving as the region's primary gateway.

The Prime Minister revealed that last year, the value of investment promotion applications from Chinese entrepreneurs reached a record 380,000 million yuan, equivalent to an economic stimulus of over 1 trillion baht, a 67% increase from the previous year. Trade between Thailand and Sichuan in 2025 expanded by 112%, reflecting investor confidence in Thailand's infrastructure, clean energy, and strong supply chains.

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National

Thailand Cracks Down on Illegal Logging in Lampang

Thailand's Natural Resources Ministry seized 10 teak logs worth 226,450 baht during an enforcement operation against illegal logging in Lampang province's Mae Ta and Mae Mai National Forests.

18 Jul Khaosod

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin announced on July 18 that he received a report from Forestry Department Director General Nikorn Sirorjanananth regarding an enforcement operation against illegal logging and forest destruction in Lampang province. The operation aligns with a key policy directive from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who has instructed all agencies to intensify efforts to combat forest encroachment and resource destruction in order to preserve Thailand's forests and natural resources.

Chomklin stated that forest protection officials and personnel from relevant agencies jointly conducted an inspection at the Mae Ta and Mae Mai National Forests near Ban Na Mai in Muang Mai subdistrict, Chae Hom district, Lampang province. The operation resulted in the seizure of 10 teak logs totaling 6.47 cubic meters, valued at approximately 226,450 baht in state damages.

The investigation determined that the violations contravened the Forestry Act and the National Forest Reserve Act. Officials seized the evidence and referred the case to Chae Hom police for prosecution of the suspects and further investigation of all persons involved.

The Natural Resources and Environment Minister reiterated that his ministry will strictly enforce the law in accordance with government policy to prevent any illegal logging or forest encroachment. He instructed the Forestry Department to monitor high-risk areas, increase patrol frequency, and coordinate with all security and administrative agencies to protect forest resources as a national asset belonging to all Thai citizens.

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Police

Hospital Suspends Doctor After Patient Death at San Camillo

San Camillo Hospital Ban Po suspended a doctor after a patient's death and launched an investigation to review treatment procedures. The hospital pledged to ensure transparency while the patient's family questioned why a proper examination

18 Jul Khaosod

San Camillo Hospital Ban Po has suspended the attending physician and established a fact-finding committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding a patient's death. The hospital expressed deep condolences and sent support to the family, acknowledging public concerns about the incident. Hospital management appointed a committee of relevant experts to thoroughly and fairly review all medical data and treatment procedures. To ensure transparency and impartiality, the hospital has ordered the treating physician to remain suspended until the investigation is complete. The hospital stated it is committed to conducting a transparent and fair examination of the incident and pledged to improve treatment quality according to medical ethics and professional standards with patient safety as the priority. Meanwhile, teacher Suray shared a final photo of her husband who had just picked up their child from school before his death, expressing grief and frustration in a caption questioning why the doctor did not perform an examination when it could have made a difference.

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Police

Former Karate Champion Arrested With 2 Million Speed Pills

A 19-year-old former national karate champion was arrested on Asia Route 41 after a 20-kilometer chase with 2 million methamphetamine tablets hidden in his vehicle.

18 Jul Khaosod

On July 18, Pol. Col. Phakphol Suchol, Pol. Lt. Prinyaa Rakkhaeow, and Pol. Lt. Tula Sawangratana arrested 19-year-old Siriraj (surname withheld) along with 2 million methamphetamine tablets, two mobile phones, a white Honda Accord (Bangkok license plate Khor 5739), and 50,000 baht in cash. Officers spotted the vehicle on Asia Route 41 in Baan Nadoem subdistrict lacking a rear license plate and signaled it to stop. The driver accelerated and fled, leading to a 20-kilometer chase that ended when the car ran out of fuel near Tha Sathon. The suspect attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended.

Police recovered five plastic bags containing methamphetamine hidden in the vehicle's trunk and three more inside the passenger compartment, totaling 2 million pills. During interrogation, Siriraj admitted joining the drug operation at age 15. This run saw him hired to deliver the car laden with drugs from the Southern Seaboard area to an undisclosed destination for 50,000 baht, but he was intercepted before receiving final directions. He recently completed grade 12 at a school in Thungsong district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and was formerly a decorated karate athlete with national-level gold medals who did not pursue further education.

Investigators booked him on charges of trafficking Class 1 drugs (methamphetamine) for commercial distribution, operating a vehicle while under the influence of Class 1 substances, and drug consumption. Police are pursuing the network of accomplices involved.

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Tourism

Thai Artists Reimagine Elephant Symbol in Neo Art Toy Exhibition

Thai artists reimagine the elephant symbol through 49 contemporary artworks at the Neo Land Festival 2026, opening at Icon Siam on the Chao Phraya River. The exhibition features painted sculptures by 33 acclaimed artists using diverse techn

18 Jul Khaosod

Icon Siam, a world-class landmark on the Chao Phraya River, is partnering with KHUNPARE COLLECTION to present the Neo Land Festival 2026—an art exhibition featuring painted sculptures called NEO Art Toys inspired by the elephant, a symbol of Thai identity. The works reinterpret this icon through contemporary perspectives of Thailand's diverse artists, inviting audiences to experience creativity and artistic identity in a fresh format.

The exhibition comprises 49 artworks by 33 acclaimed Thai artists spanning contemporary Thai art, pop art, doodle art, surrealism, and other modern genres. Each artist conveys stories, experiences, beliefs, and imagination on neo sculptures using distinctive techniques to create unique original works.

"Neo" is a dimensional art canvas representing "rebirth," reflecting how artworks transform when placed in an artist's hands. Rather than being predefined, neo serves as a starting point for imagination that is constantly reborn. Through its distinctive and singular works, neo is not merely an elephant character or art symbol—it is a space of creative freedom where artists can fully unleash imagination and creative potential without limits on canvas and dimensional surfaces. Every artwork in the exhibition is handcrafted by artists using varied techniques including oil paint, acrylic, spray paint, colored lines, and markers, becoming a space for new ideas and endless artistic interpretation.

Among the exhibition's highlights is "Horse of Dawn," a 170-centimeter-tall art toy by Indy Nine (Chanok Nanth Khwan Muni), which conveys the human condition in the modern world facing expectations, power, and spiritual seeking through the symbol of a golden horse representing freedom and wisdom. Set against intense red tones, delicate flowers hint at hidden gentleness within the human heart.

Another notable work is "Flash Space" by Uang Angyakorn Mun Phonlasri, a doodle-art-style piece blending cars, speed, space, and infinite imagination with vibrant colors expressing maximum playfulness and bold thinking outside convention. Her "Doodle Flow" conveys simple yet powerful lines in doodle style, while "Love of the Forest 01: My Sleeping Forest Summer" tells of nature's resurgence. "TAMU's Land" reflects ideas of sustainability and clean energy, and "Rhythm of Love" draws inspiration from Ganesh as the origin of art and creation.

The exhibition also includes "Low Fat" by Norngchai Oon Jai, a surrealist work peeling away neo's outer "shell" or patterns to reveal inner muscle and skeletal structure, signifying the "common foundation" hidden beneath diverse differences. The work humorously takes its name from the artist's personal experience with weight management.

Other notable works in the exhibition include Monster Parade, NEO 2050, Ruby Ganesha, NINJA Ganesha, and Night Dr.

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Police

Watch Out for Scammers Posing as Friends to Borrow Money

Scammers are cloning friends' LINE accounts to request money through fake emergencies, starting with small amounts before escalating to larger sums. Verify requests by calling the person directly and report suspicious activity to Thai polic

18 Jul Ko Lanta Police

Scammers are creating counterfeit LINE accounts using your friends' profile pictures and names to contact you with sympathetic stories designed to extract money. They typically request small amounts initially to lower your guard, though some fabricate urgent scenarios—such as a parent falling seriously ill—to justify requesting larger sums. Once the victim transfers money, the fraudster immediately blocks the account and disappears. To protect yourself, call your friend directly rather than trusting messages alone, since chat conversations can be easily faked. Do not rush into transfers, and if you are unsure, do not send money. Report suspected scams online at www.thaipoliceonline.go.th.

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