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Regional

Thailand Releases Baby Leatherback Turtles at Khao Lam Pi National Park

Baby leatherback turtles were released into the sea at Khao Lam Pi National Park in Phang Nga as part of a royal conservation initiative to boost hatchling survival rates. The effort highlights Thailand's commitment to protecting endangered

Thailand Releases Baby Leatherback Turtles at Khao Lam Pi National Park
1d ago Khaosod

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchath Chomklin has announced a major success in leatherback turtle conservation efforts at Khao Lam Pi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park in Phang Nga province, following a royal conservation initiative. On July 5, 2025, the minister reported significant progress in rare marine animal protection and praised multi-sector cooperation in advancing the leatherback turtle conservation mission at this strategically vital sea turtle nesting site. The project represents a collaborative achievement between the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and the Thai Coral Reef and Marine Life Conservation Project Committee, led by Princess Siriwannawaree Nariratanarachakanya under Admiral Vorawuth Prueksa-aroongrog's direction. Activities included field monitoring of nesting activities, educational exhibitions, and a key highlight: the nighttime release of baby leatherback turtles back into the sea, a critical mechanism for boosting hatchling survival rates through natural processes.

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry prioritizes sea turtle protection as a barometer of marine ecosystem health. According to ministry reports, this activity serves as a crucial component of the Thai Coral Reef and Marine Life Conservation Foundation's 2025 annual program, aimed at strengthening scientific data collection and planning to secure nesting sites on both the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman coasts as safe, sustainable habitats for endangered marine species. Minister Suchath also stressed the role of the public in conservation efforts, calling on tourists and citizens to strictly adhere to regulations, particularly by avoiding littering at tourist destinations and refraining from activities that disturb wildlife. He urged all to help preserve these beaches' natural abundance and maintain them as safe nesting grounds, ensuring this invaluable natural heritage is passed on to future generations.

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National

Thai Students Transform Forgotten Memories Into 3D Balloon Art

Thai university students have created innovative 3D balloon sculptures exploring forgotten memories and emotions as part of the "Art for Art 2026" competition, with winning designs set for exhibition at Bangkok's art center in August.

Thai Students Transform Forgotten Memories Into 3D Balloon Art
1d ago Khaosod

Balloon Art Company Ltd. has partnered with Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin's Department of Communication Design and the Network Institute to drive creative innovation through the "Art for Art 2026" competition, a 3D art design contest under the theme "The Forgotten Things." The project opens a creative space for Thai youth to transform forgotten memories, feelings, and overlooked moments into inflatable balloon sculptures for the first time.

Sculptor and competition judge Worsawong Samatthapon stated: "This year's project seeks to innovate and position balloon sculpture as contemporary art media and installation work. The theme 'The Forgotten Things' challenges the younger generation to reinterpret forgotten memories, emotions, or once-meaningful moments through deep thinking, from concept development and design refinement to technical documentation and prototype production."

Following an intensive ideation process and expert workshops, judges have officially selected six outstanding teams from 15 finalists:

**Grand Prize: "Timeless" (Team Three Moms, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi)** – Conveys father-child relationships through an hourglass structure, questioning how we sacrifice the present for the future and lose family time.

**First Runner-Up: "Fading Wings" (Team Sticky Chicken Lost, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin)** – Depicts growth constrained by societal expectations, losing freedom and dreams.

**Second Runner-Up: "Forgotten Identity" (Team Three Remaining Four, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin)** – Reflects how personal identity changes as we grow, causing us to forget our original goals.

**Honorable Mention: "Young Elephant Guardian of the Forest" (Team Sadhu, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin)** – Conservation-focused artwork highlighting disappearing nature and wildlife.

**Honorable Mention: "Forgetting the Need for Comfort" (Team We Bare Bears, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin)** – Invites viewers to embrace vulnerability in a world that demands growth.

**Honorable Mention: "Grandmother's Darling" (Team Noo Unknown, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi)** – Explores forgotten loved ones we leave behind in our rush forward, symbolized by a grandmother waiting at home.

The winning designs will be produced as large-scale inflatable balloon sculptures and exhibited at a full-scale exhibition with an official awards ceremony at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) from August 18–30.

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National

Thailand Urges SMEs to Tap Mexico's Natural Beauty Market

Thai SMEs are encouraged to tap Mexico's booming wellness and natural beauty market, where consumers increasingly prefer natural-ingredient skincare products valued at $2.2 billion annually. Mexican buyers spend roughly 6,000 baht monthly o

Thailand Urges SMEs to Tap Mexico's Natural Beauty Market
1d ago Khaosod

Thailand's Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) is encouraging Thai small and medium enterprises to enter the Mexican market and capitalize on the booming wellness and natural beauty product sector. DITP Director Sunantha Kangwalkulgij announced that commercial attachés posted abroad have been instructed to survey trade routes and export opportunities in their host countries, following a policy initiative by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supratip Suthappenpant. The Bangkok trade office in Mexico City has reported on the surging wellness beauty trend in Mexico and the potential for Thai SMEs to expand into that market.

Mexican consumers are increasingly viewing skincare products as health essentials rather than luxury items, with a strong preference for natural ingredients and long-term skin health solutions. This shift is driving continuous market growth fueled by rising popularity of self-care and wellness trends. According to the Mexican cosmetics industry association (CANIPEC), Mexico's skincare market is valued at approximately 2.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, with fast-growing segments including sunscreen products at 13.10 percent growth, fragrances at 11.90 percent, and skincare care products at 9.30 percent. Mexican consumers spend an average of 2,997 pesos (roughly 6,000 baht) monthly on health and skincare products, reflecting a fundamental shift from luxury goods to everyday essentials.

This trend is supported by changing consumer behavior, particularly among younger generations who prioritize holistic health management through exercise, healthy eating, and daily skincare routines. Skincare product use is no longer limited to women as it was historically but is expanding across all genders and age groups. Social media and beauty content play a critical role in educating consumers about skincare ingredients and encouraging product experimentation, making consumers more knowledgeable about product ingredients, efficacy, and personal suitability. Competition in the market now depends not only on brand reputation but also on product quality, ingredient credibility, and real results that address individual consumer needs.

There is also growing demand for products with natural ingredients, skin-safe formulations, and preventive skincare solutions. Consumers increasingly seek products that protect skin from sun damage, pollution, and urban stress. Manufacturers are increasingly turning to plant-based materials and natural extracts, particularly Mexican native plants like aloe vera, prickly pear cactus, and local botanical ingredients being developed as key components in new skincare formulations. This reflects a fundamental shift in Mexico's skincare market from competing on beauty image to competing on health, safety, and ingredient efficacy.

Sunantha noted that the growth trend of Mexico's skincare market represents an attractive opportunity for Thai entrepreneurs in the cosmetics sector.

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National

Parliament Committee Freezes 1 Billion Baht Farmer Relief Fund Over Accounting Issues

A parliamentary committee froze 1.08 billion baht in farmer relief funding after auditors discovered 613 million baht in unverified cash reserves and 7.77 billion baht in farmer debts with no supporting documentation, citing accounting fail

Parliament Committee Freezes 1 Billion Baht Farmer Relief Fund Over Accounting Issues
1d ago Khaosod

On July 14, 2025, a parliamentary budget committee held an extraordinary session to review the 2025 fiscal-year budget proposal, including the Farmer Rehabilitation and Development Fund's 1.08 billion baht allocation. Committee member Chaiyawat Sathavawichit, a former MP from the People's Party, raised serious concerns after reviewing the State Audit Office findings. The auditors could not verify 613 million baht in cash reserves because the fund's accounting records were improperly maintained across multiple bank accounts, with receipt and expense entries scattered across different registers. Additionally, of the 8.48 billion baht in farmer debts, auditors could only verify 708 million baht—the remaining 7.77 billion baht lacked any supporting evidence because the fund never prepared a closing balance sheet for inspection.

Chaiywat noted that the audit report revealed numerous other problems: outstanding debt reports contained errors unrelated to accounting entries, the fund had no standards for recording transactions, and some listed farmers were found to be non-existent. The report also documented 12 instances of retroactive accounting adjustments over ten years totaling 1.62 billion baht in unexplained transfers with no record of the source. "Money comes in from nowhere, money goes out to nobody, and some farmers don't exist at all," Chaiywat remarked, questioning whether the fund's management failures stemmed from negligence or something worse.

Chaiywat further criticized the fund's ineffectiveness, noting that since its establishment in 1999 it had spent 16,000 million baht with no reduction in farmer debt. The 2025 budget targets helping only 621 farmers at a cost of 288 million baht, raising questions about whether the fund should continue operating. The committee unanimously recommended suspending the fund's budget pending a full investigation and demanded accountability from those responsible.

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Police

Nurse Dies in Bangkok Beer Bar Fire; Husband Grieves Lost Dreams

A 38-year-old nursing assistant from Buriram became one of 26 victims of a Bangkok beer bar fire on July 12, leaving her grieving husband to honor their unfulfilled dreams of expanding her parents' home.

Nurse Dies in Bangkok Beer Bar Fire; Husband Grieves Lost Dreams
1d ago Khaosod

On July 14, a reporter visited the home of Ms. Maneeratana Bomklang, a 38-year-old nursing assistant at a private hospital in Bangkok and one of 26 victims of the Ladprao beer bar fire. After her body was released from the Police Hospital's forensic institute, it was brought to her native village in Kok Klang subdistrict, Lam Plai Mat district, Buriram Province. Relatives and neighbors gathered to help arrange her funeral, which was marked by profound grief, especially for her parents Thongphoon and Mayuri Bomklang, who struggled to accept the loss of their beloved daughter and family pillar.

Her husband, Off, 35, was equally devastated at losing his cherished wife. The family scheduled chanting rites for the evenings of July 14–17 and set the cremation for Saturday, July 18, 2026.

When questioned, Off tearfully recounted that on July 12 his wife finished work around 4 p.m. He picked her up and they stopped at a restaurant near the Anusan monument—a place she had long wanted to visit. A friend later called inviting him to Saphan Mai, and while Off was working his night shift, his wife messaged around 4 p.m. saying she would visit him at work and then return home together. At midnight, someone phoned to say a beer bar in Ladprao was on fire. When a friend asked if his girlfriend was there, Off initially believed she was at Saphan Mai. Worried, he called and messaged her repeatedly, but she did not answer.

When told that 26 people had died, Off rushed from work to the scene. Bodies wrapped in white cloth were being moved from the bar. His unease grew. He called his wife many times, thinking she might not hear. An NGO officer eventually answered and said they had found a phone at the scene. Still hopeful, Off traced which hospitals the injured had been taken to, then went to the Phahon Yothin Morgue searching for his wife.

Office staff showed him photos of the deceased. When they reached the twelfth body, he recognized his wife and felt his heart break. He had not expected her to be taken so suddenly. Of the three friends who went out that night, one was severely injured, one was unharmed, and his wife did not return.

Off also recalled an eerie premonition. After picking her up from work that evening, she normally napped on the sofa while he lay on the floor to protect her back. But that night she came down and hugged herself—unusual behavior that puzzled him. He never imagined it would be her last embrace. Before he left for his night shift, she kissed his cheek and said, "Work well, honey. Don't come home early."

His wife's dream was to expand her parents' house, which is why Off took extra shifts and supplementary work. After their marriage, they had planned to save money and build a stable family. He never thought he would end up arranging her funeral. Yet he has vowed to honor her memory and fulfill their shared dreams.

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Police

Family Grieves Young Worker Who Died in Bangkok Fire

A young man from northeast Thailand who had worked in Bangkok for just one month to send money home to his disabled mother died in a beer bar fire in the capital; his family traveled over 800 kilometers to retrieve his body.

Family Grieves Young Worker Who Died in Bangkok Fire
1d ago Khaosod

On July 14, 2569, officials from the Bangkok Emergency and Disaster Prevention Office inspected the beer bar structure at Ladprao to gather information for policy meetings on entertainment venue regulations and to investigate the fire's cause. When asked whether preliminary assessments found any code violations, officials said they were only collecting data for future meetings and could not yet respond.

The family of Sittipong Chaiyoe, known as "Art," who died in the Ladprao beer bar fire, traveled from Namyuen District in Ubon Ratchathani province to the scene. They invited a Buddhist monk to perform a spirit-summoning ceremony at the venue before traveling to the Police Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine to retrieve the body for merit-making ceremonies in Ubon Ratchathani.

Art's aunt tearfully explained that she had raised him since childhood because his mother is disabled and his father died about three years ago. They were very close and shared everything together. Before the incident, Art had been in Bangkok for only about a month, working at a restaurant because there was no work at home. He intended to send money to his mother after receiving his first paycheck, but he died before fulfilling that promise.

The family learned of the tragedy around 3:00 a.m. when another relative saw Art's image circulating on Facebook. They initially did not believe it and were afraid to tell Art's mother. They contacted Phuea Thai MP Wasavorn Puangphonsri for assistance coordinating with relevant agencies to bring their relative home.

Art's aunt said that since learning of his death, she has been unable to eat or sleep. She acknowledged that this tragedy is a lesson no one wishes to experience. The family will retrieve the body from the Institute of Forensic Medicine before conducting religious rites at their home in Ubon Ratchathani.

Wasavorn Puangphonsri revealed that he hopes the Police Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine will provide compassion to the deceased's family, noting that new procedures now require both fingerprint and DNA comparison, which is time-consuming and burdensome for families, especially those traveling long distances like this family from Namyuen, over 800 kilometers away. If testing takes several days, families do not know where to stay while waiting for results, and this family has already arranged a funeral date back home. He urged the institute to reconsider the appropriateness of these procedures.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Irrigation Department Trains Youth on Water Management in Phetchaburi

The Royal Irrigation Department is training youth in Phetchaburi on water management and conservation, aiming to build a network of young guardians committed to protecting local water resources.

Irrigation Department Trains Youth on Water Management in Phetchaburi
1d ago Khaosod

The Royal Irrigation Department's Phetchaburi Project is launching a youth water conservation network through a training program called "Young Irrigation Officers Learn About Water Management" at Naresuan Border Patrol Police School in Huay Sok, Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi Province. The program aims to instill awareness about the value of water resources and encourage youth to participate in protecting local water sources.

The Irrigation Department's Office 14 is conducting the "Young Irrigation Officers Learn About Water Management" curriculum-based training at the school to promote learning about water management and build conservation awareness among students. The activities are designed to help participants understand the role of irrigation work, the importance of water management, and efficient water use through age-appropriate learning methods, enabling youth to apply their knowledge to daily life and become important guardians of their community's water resources in the future.

Ms. Chomrat Tikul Sanit, head of the Water Allocation and Irrigation System Improvement Division, along with Phetchaburi Project staff, shared their expertise and engaged closely with students in a fun learning atmosphere that encouraged discussion about water resource conservation. The youth irrigation officer training program is one of the department's ongoing initiatives to build a network of informed young people who value water resources, leading to efficient water use and a commitment to sustaining the environment for future generations.

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Police

Family Grieves Grateful Young Man Killed in Bangkok Beer Hall Fire

A 48-year-old woman claimed her younger brother's body at Bangkok's forensic institute after he died in a beer hall fire while working to support their disabled mother. The congressman who knew the victim called for stricter regulations on

Family Grieves Grateful Young Man Killed in Bangkok Beer Hall Fire
1d ago Khaosod

On the morning of July 14, 2026, Kongkaew Kulti, 48, sister-in-law of the deceased Sithipong ("Art"), arrived at the Police Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine accompanied by Congressman Wasawat Phuengphomsri to claim the body of her beloved younger brother. Through tears, Kongkaew explained that Art had decided to come to Bangkok to work as a server at a restaurant just one month earlier. He had never attended school due to the family's financial hardship, and Kongkaew had raised him since he was 11 years old. They had worked construction jobs together and struggled side by side since childhood.

Kongkaew revealed what broke the family's heart: Art's devotion and sacrifice. His only goal in coming to Bangkok was to earn money to support their disabled mother. Before leaving, Art told her, "I'm going to work now," and she replied, "Work hard and save money so we can build a new house for Mom." Tragically, this was their final conversation. Though Art was stubborn like a typical teenager, he was the family's main earner and never wasted time on late-night outings—he always woke up ready to work. The family never imagined they would lose him so suddenly. Regarding compensation, the family is worried about their disabled mother's future, but Art's coworkers have begun coordinating paperwork for the restaurant to process compensation payments.

Congressman Wasawat, from Ubon Ratchathani province, noted that he knew Art personally from the neighborhood and confirmed he was a grateful, hardworking young man who had always fought to support his impoverished family. Wasawat called this tragedy a major lesson for the state to seriously reform laws governing entertainment venues—including proper zoning regulations, control of construction materials often using cheap flammable materials that accelerate fire spread, and strict enforcement of operating hour regulations that are routinely violated.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Missing Buddhist Monk Found Safe After Getting Lost in National Park

A Buddhist monk lost in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park after a raft accident during a pilgrimage was found safe in the Bang Jam forest area, suffering only from fatigue.

Missing Buddhist Monk Found Safe After Getting Lost in National Park
1d ago Khaosod

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park officials have located a Buddhist monk who went missing after becoming lost and experiencing a raft accident, reporting that he is in good condition with only fatigue from his travels. On July 14, 2569, Kittisak Chukaew, director of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, announced the discovery of the missing monk in the Bang Jam forest area. On July 13, 2569, at around 8:00 PM, officials received a report from the village headman of Moo 15 Bang Jam, Wiphawadi District, Surat Thani Province, that the monk had walked out to the park's protective unit at Station 5 (Bang Jam), received initial assistance, and was taken to Bang Jam Monastery.

According to the monk's account, he was traveling as part of a dhutanga pilgrimage group from Ranong Province to Surat Thani Province via Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. When they reached the Khlong Yai area, their food supplies had depleted, so they decided to build a raft hoping to reach their destination faster. However, the raft broke apart during the journey, forcing the group to separate and walk out until they eventually encountered park officials and local residents.

The monk is now in good health with only minor travel fatigue. The national park has coordinated with relevant agencies to provide care and handle further necessary procedures.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

KKU Launches Probe Into Student Bullying Allegations

Khon Kaen University is investigating bullying allegations by a female engineering student who says classmates subjected her to gossip, insults, and social exclusion. The accused students have apologized and admitted their harassment, while

KKU Launches Probe Into Student Bullying Allegations
1d ago Khaosod

Khon Kaen University's Faculty of Engineering announced it has opened an investigation following a female student's allegations of sustained bullying by her classmates, which she says caused serious damage to her mental health. The student posted online describing how she was subjected to gossip, insults, physical intimidation, and social exclusion by nearly everyone in her department—including mockery over her father's workplace accident and collective condemnation when she declined to contribute a large sum toward a senior class celebration.

The case ignited significant backlash on social media, prompting the accused students to issue an apology acknowledging they had used harsh language, made sarcastic remarks, and removed her from the department group chat. They admitted their actions constituted bullying and apologized for damaging KKU's reputation, while declining to respond further on social media in hopes of avoiding additional harm.

The Faculty of Engineering stated it was aware of the allegations and had already reached out to the student for support. The university said it is conducting a comprehensive investigation based on accuracy, transparency, and fairness to all parties. The faculty emphasized its commitment to student wellbeing, safety, and dignity, and pledged that any findings of bullying or misconduct will result in disciplinary action.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Kasetsart University Appoints New Leadership Team

Kasetsart University appointed Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kongsak Thiangtharm as interim president and 16 vice presidents to lead the institution under a new KU SYNTEGRATION policy aimed at integrating expertise across disciplines to address national

Kasetsart University Appoints New Leadership Team
1d ago Khaosod

Kasetsart University has appointed a new management team, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kongsak Thiangtharm serving as interim president alongside 16 vice presidents. The university aims to integrate knowledge, expertise, and potential across all disciplines to advance the institution's mission of creating positive value and impact for society, the nation, and the global community under the KU SYNTEGRATION policy. The university council approved the appointments on July 13, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

The new leadership team includes vice presidents for academic affairs and lifelong learning, human resources, administration, research, student affairs, international relations, innovation and academic services, finance, digital technology and artificial intelligence, facilities, asset management, quality development, territorial mission integration, and the Kamphaengaesaen, Sakon Nakhon, and Si Racha campuses.

Interim President Kongsak outlined the KU SYNTEGRATION vision, emphasizing that the university will integrate the strengths and expertise of all disciplines to address national and international needs through glocalization—creating knowledge and innovation relevant at both domestic and global levels. He stated that the new leadership team is committed to driving the university forward through collaboration, resource integration, and personnel coordination across all sectors, maximizing Kasetsart University's potential to create meaningful positive impact on society, the nation, and the world.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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