Thailand Launches Affordable Curry Rice Initiative With Vendors

Thailand's Internal Trade Department is launching talks with restaurant operators and market vendors to make curry rice meals more affordable through subsidies or direct farmer-to-restaurant sales. The initiative involves 5,000 Blue Flag bu

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The Thai Internal Trade Department is convening talks with Blue Flag restaurant operators and fresh market associations to find solutions for affordable curry rice meals. Internal Trade Secretary-General Wityakorn Manirat announced that the department will meet with food vendors and market representatives on July 15 to hear their concerns and gather proposals for managing curry rice prices.

The discussions will focus on identifying specific challenges facing curry rice vendors and determining how the Commerce Ministry can assist, whether through subsidizing cooking gas and electricity costs or by connecting fresh ingredients directly from farmers to restaurants to eliminate middleman markups. The department is currently compiling feedback to develop suitable programs.

The department currently operates approximately 5,000 Blue Flag budget restaurants nationwide and maintains a network of about 200 fresh markets in Bangkok, surrounding areas, and major cities. Officials are considering whether to expand the Blue Flag restaurant program further. Regarding consumer product price reductions following recent oil price cuts, the department noted it already has price ceiling controls for regulated goods, with many items currently trading below set maximums. For other products under review, the department acknowledged prices may not drop immediately with oil reductions but expects major retailers to lower prices soon, having previously requested they review merchandising fees to reduce supplier costs.

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National

Bangkok Political Figure Defends Aide's Fire Rescue Role

A Bangkok political figure defended his candidate's actions at a warehouse fire after criticism that the aide impersonated an official while wearing military uniform and briefing media alongside the Prime Minister.

1d ago Khaosod

Mongkol Kitti, chairman of the Bangkok Flies group and founder of the Kaokham Party, posted a statement defending an individual against criticism that he impersonated an official while dressed in full military uniform, giving media interviews and following Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul during a beer warehouse fire in Lat Phrao, despite not being a government employee.

Kitti praised candidate Chitpong Kattapong, running for Bangkok district representative with his group, for helping disaster victims and responding to the Lat Phrao warehouse fire from 11:47 p.m. on July 12 to 4:15 a.m. on July 13, 2569.

Kitti explained that Kattapong kept him informed throughout the incident via his secretary, but because Kitti was ill and taking sleeping medication, he did not visit the scene that night, arriving the following morning instead. His secretary authorized Kattapong to provide full assistance on the ground. Kitti stated that Kattapong reported to him from start to finish, and he called on the public to recognize Kattapong as an exemplary citizen.

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National

Thailand Prepares to Host 2026 IMF and World Bank Meetings

Thailand will host the 2026 IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok from October 12-18, expecting over 15,000 participants from 191 countries to discuss global economic direction and sustainable development.

1d ago Khaosod

The Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand announced Thailand's readiness to host the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, dubbed the "Financial Olympics," scheduled for October 12-18, 2026 at the Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok. Over 15,000 participants from 191 countries—including policymakers, economists, government officials, private sector leaders, and media—will gather to exchange views on global economic direction, building on Thailand's successful hosting of the inaugural meeting in 1991.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphas emphasized that hosting this conference presents a significant opportunity to strengthen the nation economically, enhance Thailand's international image and credibility, showcase local communities globally, and advance sustainable development. Thailand's central theme, "New Horizons for Thailand: Empowering People and Building Readiness for Change," integrates the philosophy of sufficiency economy with balanced, sustainable, and people-centered global economic approaches.

The Thai government has aligned its financial policy vision with four strategic pillars addressing current global challenges: (1) digital and artificial intelligence transition for inclusive and resilient growth, positioning Thailand as a model through public infrastructure like digital payment systems and Cross-Border QR codes; (2) expanding Thailand's role as a regional connector and trusted hub for trade, finance, and investment in Asia, with flexible supply chains and new cooperation frameworks; (3) creating new financial architecture to support climate change adaptation and energy transition; and (4) turning demographic and economic changes from aging populations into opportunities for economic growth and financial preparedness.

Another key highlight is showcasing Thai identity and soft power through distinctive textiles selected from 21 provinces and 26 communities across 37 unique patterns, alongside premium Thai jasmine rice, to leave a lasting impression on international participants.

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National

PM Defends Record After Beer Bar Fire, Eyes Entertainment Zone Laws

Prime Minister Anutin rejected resignation calls over a deadly beer bar fire in Bangkok, instead pledging to overhaul entertainment zoning laws he says contain contradictory rules that operators exploit for profit.

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Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul rejected calls to resign over the Lat Phrao beer bar fire during a 1 p.m. statement on July 14, 2025, at the Government House, instead announcing plans to review and revise entertainment zoning regulations. He acknowledged that enforcement has been strict but noted repeated violations occur because operators intentionally break rules to maximize profit, adding that the affected venue's license has been seized and cannot operate again.

Anutin said zoning rules in Bangkok are the responsibility of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and police, and that only two properly designated nightlife zones exist in the capital—one at Khao San and one at RCA. He expressed frustration with contradictions in current entertainment law, questioning why live music must stop at midnight while karaoke is permitted, or why dancing is forbidden but patrons can sit and listen to music. He also pointed out the illogic of distance-based restrictions from schools and temples, noting that nearly every location in Bangkok falls within two kilometers of a temple.

When asked whether he would resign given 30 deaths from the fire, Anutin dismissed the question as emotionally driven and unprofessional, saying officials must act with integrity. He emphasized that times have changed and the government must balance Thai traditions and culture with economic reality, as artists and entertainers depend on their work to earn a living. Anutin reiterated that recurring violations stem from operators' deliberate disregard for regulations, not lack of enforcement, and said relevant agencies must submit revised proposals to better align the law with modern circumstances.

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National

Po Teck Tung Foundation Signs Second Vocational Aid Agreement

The Po Teck Tung Foundation signed a second agreement with the Department of Women's Affairs to provide vocational training and equipment for unemployed women, men, and families in Thailand. The foundation has distributed over 6.2 million b

1d ago Khaosod

The Po Teck Tung Foundation signed its second Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Women's Affairs and Family Development on July 14, 2026, to support vocational equipment and training for women, men, and families in need. Led by foundation vice-chairman Sak Gor-siang-ruang and attended by department director Jatuporn Rojnpanich and other senior officials, the agreement aims to help single parents and caregivers build sustainable livelihoods and support their families.

Foundation vice-chairman Sak Gor-siang-ruang noted that rising unemployment in Thailand affects both women and men, creating broader economic and social challenges. Over the past three years, the foundation has distributed vocational equipment worth over 6.2 million baht to 326 individuals and families. In 2026 alone, equipment has been distributed to seven locations benefiting 130 people, with five more locations scheduled to receive assistance before year's end.

The foundation expressed hope that the "Career Promotion for Women and Families" program will create sustainable livelihoods and improve quality of life for individuals, families, communities, and society at large. For more information, the public can contact the foundation via Facebook at www.facebook.com/atpohtecktung or the Po Teck Tung hotline at 1418.

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Community

New Coach Wins Over Phlang Kanchana FC With $1,000 Personal Donation

Park Hang Seo, the new head coach of Phlang Kanchana FC, donated $1,000 from his own pocket to the team's common fund, earning widespread appreciation from players and club leadership for his leadership approach.

1d ago Khaosod

Park Hang Seo, the new head coach of Phlang Kanchana FC, has earned widespread appreciation from the team's players after contributing $1,000 of his own money to the team's common fund for shared expenses. The common fund typically accumulates through fines levied on players for lateness, unexcused training absences, tardiness, yellow cards, and red cards. These funds are traditionally used for activities that bring the team together, such as coffee breaks, monthly parties, birthday gifts, and similar social occasions. Club president Dr. Prawat Kitthammakoolnit announced the contribution on his personal Facebook page, expressing admiration for Coach Park's action. He noted that while the common fund normally relies on player fines, Park's personal contribution of $1,000—not 1,000 baht but 1,000 US dollars—exemplified genuine leadership.

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Regional

Thai Golfers Eye Macau Open With Million-Dollar Prize

Thai golfers Rattanon Wannasrichan and Pavit Tangkamolprasert will compete in the SJM Macau Open 2026, a $1 million tournament featuring world-class players including Sweden's Henrik Stenson at Macau Golf and Country Club in October.

1d ago Khaosod

The Macau Sports Bureau, alongside SJM Resort, IMG, the Asian Tour, and the Macau Golf Association, has unveiled the SJM Macau Open 2026 golf tournament, offering $1 million in total prize money at Macau Golf and Country Club from October 15–18, 2026. The field will include 144 golfers competing internationally, headlined by Henrik Stenson of Sweden, who won the 2016 Open Championship and the 2009 Players Championship, and is the first golfer in history to win both the FedEx Cup on the PGA Tour and the Race to Dubai on the European Tour in the same year (2013). South Korean star Im Sung-jae will also compete, along with Asian Tour champions and emerging Asian talent. Thai representatives Rattanon Wannasrichan and Pavit Tangkamolprasert, both former champions of this event, will lead the Thai professional contingent.

At the press conference, executives including Lei Si Leng, acting president of the Macau Sports Bureau, Dessy Ho, general manager of SJM Resort, Jasmine Lim, vice president of global partnerships at IMG Golf, Philip Chiang, and other key officials announced their readiness. Lei Si Leng stated that the SJM Macau Open is one of Asia's most prestigious and influential international golf tournaments, showcasing Macau's professional capabilities in hosting world-class sporting events while blending international sport with Macau's unique cultural heritage. This year, promotional efforts will expand to reach all age groups, with plans to integrate cultural elements, including a cultural and creative merchandise booth, enriching the tournament while driving Macau's tourism and social development through the fusion of sport and culture.

Dessy Ho remarked that the Macau Open serves not only as a competitive stage for leading world golfers but also as an important platform for SJM to advance an integrated approach to sports and tourism, helping to showcase Macau's diverse tourism appeal to a global audience while reinforcing its status as a vibrant 'sports city.'

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Weather

Storm Baroui Triggers Trat's Second-Highest Rainfall; Dam Overflows

Tropical Storm Baroui has triggered Trat Province's second-highest rainfall on record at 155.4mm in 24 hours, causing a major dam overflow and flooding across multiple districts with 98 destroyed houses reported so far.

1d ago Khaosod

Since July 11, Tropical Storm Baroui has unleashed heavy rainfall across Trat Province, affecting multiple areas. The Huai Raeng Reservoir in Ban Chumpol subdistrict, Bo Rai district—which holds a capacity of 36.80 million cubic meters—has now overflowed its spillway. The upstream catchment area received more than 100 millimeters of cumulative rainfall in 24 hours, causing floodwaters to surge down Huai Raeng canal, breaching the spillway by 0.8 meters, or 102 percent. These waters will flow into the Trat River before emptying into the Gulf of Thailand. Additionally, floodwaters have rapidly passed through the Wang Thong and Chang Toon weirs, raising water levels in Satoer canal to 8.45 meters and overtopping embankments by 45 centimeters, with flooding already reported in some areas. Trat Province recorded the second-highest cumulative rainfall nationwide at 155.4 millimeters over 24 hours.

Muang Trat District Officer Krienngkai Pannyapongthon identified two critical risk zones: inflows from Sarasiset Reservoir (Khao Rakhum) potentially entering the city, and floodwaters in the Trat River fed from upstream districts Bo Rai and Khao Saming. To prepare and manage the flood, authorities have conducted continuous surveys and inspections and deployed new water management techniques. The Sarasiset Reservoir, which formerly had only one outflow into town, now has a second outlet directing water to the sea and Trat River through irrigation channels toward Cape Takkaw, significantly reducing water entering the city. The district officer noted that dredging operations within the city from the Three-Way Large Canal junction to the Trat River bridge have been completed, improving water flow efficiency. These combined measures will substantially reduce flood risk in Muang Trat.

As of this morning, Trat Province's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office reported the latest impact: damage across three districts totaling 98 destroyed houses and one capsized fishing boat. Local government organizations are coordinating rescue efforts, clearing obstacles, and maintaining 24-hour surveillance. Muang Trat District suffered 63 damaged houses across eight subdistricts, with Wang Krachae subdistrict hit hardest at 26 houses. The Sukhumvit Road experienced flooding at two points but has since cleared, though water pumps remain operational. Huai Raeng subdistrict recorded 23 damaged houses, with canal water levels rising slightly but not yet overtopping. Other affected subdistricts include Chamrak (4 houses), Tha Prik (3), Takang (3), Noen Thai (2), Laem Klat (1), and Tha Kum (1), with additional impacts in Nong Samet, Nong Khanthorn, and Nong Sone subdistricts.

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National

PM Anusit Questions Man in Uniform at Brewery Fire Scene

PM Anusit questioned an unidentified man in military-style clothing at a beer factory fire in Bangkok who gave conflicting statements to media despite having no official role at the scene.

1d ago Khaosod

On July 14, 2569, Prime Minister Anusit Charnveerakul and Interior Minister disclosed an unusual incident involving a man dressed in military-style clothing who positioned himself among responders at a beer factory fire in Ladprao. The man provided confusing information to media, including claims that customers had to pay before leaving the establishment, despite not being present during the incident itself.

Anusit stated that official personnel were already fully present at the scene, but this man appeared alongside them and began giving interviews to journalists. The Prime Minister questioned who authorized this individual to provide information and whether he held any official capacity. He expressed uncertainty about whether such conduct violates any laws and whether wearing uniform-style clothing is legally permitted. Anusit noted that while he could accept information from legitimate experts, he was puzzled by this unauthorized figure following him around and providing inconsistent statements.

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Tourism

Moo Deng Predicts France and England for World Cup Final

Moo Deng, Thailand's famous pygmy hippopotamus, predicted France and England will face off in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final by choosing their fruit platters at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri province.

1d ago Khaosod

CHONBURI — Moo Deng, the globally beloved pygmy hippopotamus at Thailand's Khao Kheow Open Zoo, has joined the pre-match excitement by predicting that France and England will meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

The prediction event was held on 14 July at the zoo's hippopotamus exhibit in Si Racha district, Chon Buri province, ahead of the World Cup semi-finals.

Narongwit Chodchoy, director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, and the animal keepers prepared fruit platters carved with the names and decorated with the national flags of the four semi-finalists — France, Spain, England and Argentina — allowing Moo Deng to make her selections.

For the first semi-final between France and Spain, Moo Deng headed straight to the fruit platter representing France, drawing cheers from tourists gathered to watch the event.

She then chose England's fruit platter over Argentina's in the second semi-final prediction, forecasting a France-England showdown in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

Narongwit said the activity was organised to entertain visitors while also promoting animal enrichment. Using fruit as dietary enrichment encourages the animals to move, exercise, reduce stress and display natural behaviours while receiving an appropriate diet.

The zoo stressed that Moo Deng's prediction activity was organised solely for entertainment and public relations purposes, regardless of whether her predictions prove correct, and was not intended to promote or encourage gambling, which is illegal in Thailand.

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National

Cabinet Eases State Welfare Card Eligibility, Adds 5.4 Million Beneficiaries

Thailand's Cabinet approved revised eligibility standards for state welfare cards on July 14, adding 5.4 million marginalized individuals to the program while removing certain criteria that inadvertently excluded vulnerable groups needing g

1d ago Khaosod

On July 14, 2025, at the Government House, Prime Minister's Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek and Winij Visetsuwan, Director of the Fiscal Policy Office, announced Cabinet approval of revised eligibility standards for the 2025 state welfare card registration program. The revisions aim to ensure government assistance reaches low-income and vulnerable populations who are genuinely in distress, following a Prime Minister directive to review and update criteria in line with current conditions and public feedback.

The Cabinet approved four key amendments: First, it added 5.4 million marginalized individuals identified by the Interior Ministry during the June 4–21 registration period to undergo eligibility review. Second, it removed the criterion disqualifying parents of income earners who claim parental support tax deductions, to avoid inadvertently affecting those legitimate tax benefits. Third, it revised credit qualification limits to exclude agricultural loans from the 100,000-baht ceiling, recognizing that farm credit operates differently and may reflect disaster relief rather than credit-seeking behavior. Fourth, it set implementation dates: existing cardholders begin using new benefits on August 1, 2025, while newly approved applicants begin on October 1, 2025.

Ratchada stated that the committee will verify all beneficiaries against the revised standards and announce results on July 17 starting at 6:00 a.m. through multiple channels including the welfare website (https://welfare.mof.go.th), the Pao Tang app, the Thailand Government app, and five participating banks: Krung Thai Bank, Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, Government Savings Bank, Government Housing Bank, and the Islamic Bank of Thailand.

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