BANGKOK: Thailand is positioning itself as a leading destination for wellness and longevity in Asia within three years, combining modern medical technology, world-class tourism and traditional Thai medicine.
BANGKOK: Thailand is positioning itself as a leading destination for wellness and longevity in Asia within three years, combining modern medical technology, world-class tourism and traditional Thai medicine.
Discover Thailand's four most dramatic sunset spots, from Promthep Cape's Andaman panorama to Doi Luang Chiang Dao's mountain vistas, offering travelers spiritual renewal and unforgettable views.
A travel guide highlighting Thailand's four most spectacular sunset destinations. First is Promthep Cape in Phuket, offering a 360-degree Andaman Sea panorama with golden light reflecting off the water; visitors are advised to walk down rocky paths for 15 minutes to reach the peninsula's tip and escape the crowded main platform. Second is Wat Arun in Bangkok, where the iconic temple silhouettes against the Chao Phraya River's twilight sky; the guide recommends rooftop bars near Wat Pho like Rongros and Eagle Nest for elevated viewing. Third is Noen Nangphaya viewpoint in Chumphon, featuring Thailand's most scenic S-curved coastal highway where sunset unfolds along the winding road leading to the sea. Finally, Doi Luang Chiang Dao in Chiang Mai offers views from Thailand's third-highest peak, where evening light bathes limestone karst formations and clouds below in serene, painterly beauty. The piece emphasizes that these natural wonders offer spiritual healing and freedom, inviting travelers to plan sunset-chasing road trips and create lasting memories.
Myanmar's military-backed parliament approved the death penalty for online scam gang leaders who force or detain victims, the first law passed under its new government as the country grapples with a growing fraud industry during civil war.
NAYPYIDAW — Myanmar's military-backed parliament has approved a law allowing the death penalty for people who detain or violently force victims to work in online scam centres.
Union Parliament Speaker Aung Lin Dwe announced during a live television broadcast on Tuesday that lawmakers had passed the Anti-Online Scam Bill following a joint session of the upper and lower houses in Naypyidaw.
MP Aye Chan said the final version retained provisions allowing capital punishment for those who detain victims or use violence to force them to carry out online fraud. Lawmakers made few changes to the draft during discussions between the two chambers.
The draft published in May prescribed prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life, as well as the death penalty, for anyone who uses violence, torture, unlawful detention or cruel treatment to compel another person to commit online scams.
The death penalty must be imposed when such abuse results in a victim's death, according to the legislation.
People convicted of operating online scam centres or carrying out cryptocurrency-related fraud may also face life imprisonment.
The legislation is the first passed by Myanmar's new military-backed government, led by President Min Aung Hlaing, as the country faces the rapid expansion of scam compounds during its continuing civil war.
Myanmar has become a major base for Southeast Asia's online fraud industry, including romance and cryptocurrency investment scams targeting victims around the world.
Although some workers enter the compounds voluntarily, many foreign nationals who have been repatriated say they were lured by fraudulent job offers or trafficked before being detained and forced to carry out scams.
The International Organization for Migration said trafficking into Asian scam centres is rising sharply, with victims from more than 80 countries subjected to threats, violence, sexual abuse and other forms of coercion.
Min Aung Hlaing has pledged to crack down on the industry amid mounting pressure from countries including China and the United States. However, rights groups and analysts have questioned the effectiveness of previous operations, with thousands of people reportedly still trapped in scam compounds near Myanmar's border with Thailand.
China has also imposed severe punishments on criminal groups connected to Myanmar's scam industry. In January, Chinese authorities executed 11 members of a crime syndicate linked to compounds in northern Myanmar after they were convicted of offences including fraud, unlawful detention and murder.
Kasetsart University and Krabi Province agreed to collaborate on developing an Andaman research hub focused on agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and tourism through integrated knowledge and community-based projects.
Kasetsart University management, led by Acting Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kongsak Thientharm, held discussions with Somsak Kittitharakul, chairman of the Krabi Provincial Administration Organization, at the Ratchasila Conference Room at Krabi Provincial Hall. The meeting was called to establish collaboration guidelines on education delivery, public land utilization in Thung Khuan Yao, Huai Yung subdistrict, Nueaklong District, and concrete development of the Andaman coastal area.
Thientharm outlined the university's KU Syntegration concept, which integrates knowledge and work across all disciplines to create added value and results. The approach emphasizes collaboration with the province, private sector, and communities for tangible area development, while applying research findings to real community needs for sustainable development. This supports lifelong learning and skill development programs for people of all ages.
The meeting brought together representatives from government agencies, educational institutions, and local government organizations to exchange ideas and establish guidelines for balanced development in economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The focus is on applying university knowledge, technology, and innovation to area development, with plans to sign a memorandum of understanding between Kasetsart University, Krabi Province, and the Krabi Provincial Administration Organization.
Following the meeting, university executives visited the Andaman Regional Research and Academic Service Center to discuss strategies for promoting education, research, and academic services supporting the region's strategic sectors: agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and tourism. This represents a significant step in integrating cooperation between educational institutions and government agencies to enhance the Andaman coastal zone's capacity, drive area-based development, create added value, improve residents' quality of life, and strengthen long-term coastal sustainability.
The Election Commission upheld two Amnatcharoen senators' qualifications after dismissing challenges that claimed they lacked proper business registration, finding their decades of market vendor experience met legal requirements.
The Election Commission has released its decisions dismissing qualifications challenges against two Amnatcharoen senators: Daeng Kongma and Samphon Palasak, after activist Yiangcheepa Archannont of the Internet Law Project (iLaw) demanded transparency on the case. Both had been challenged for allegedly lacking qualifications to run in Category 10 (general business operators) due to operating without proper business registration documents. The Election Commission's ruling states that Daeng had worked selling pork at Ekacha Witchit market in Mueang district since 1997 and served as a market development committee member since 2004, meeting the ten-year experience requirement. Similarly, Samphon's twelve years selling chicken noodle soup qualified him under the law despite lacking formal business registration. The commission found sufficient witness testimony and community endorsements supporting both candidates' experience, and no government agency had formally notified the provincial election officials of any disqualifications. Therefore, the Election Commission dismissed both challenges, determining the candidates met legal requirements.
Police issued an arrest warrant for Myanmar national Zaw Thet Lwin in the July 26 murder of 64-year-old former tennis player Natthawi Sukkhantharun at his Pattaya home. Evidence includes CCTV footage of Zaw near the victim's residence and a
Myanmar man wanted for murder of former national tennis player in PattayaLegacyPolice issued an arrest warrant for a Myanmar man in connection with the murder of the former national tennis player who was found dead at his home in Pattaya on July 26. The victim, 64 year old Natthawi Sukkhantharun, was discovered in a bedroom of his Pattaya home at about 3pm. Police reported that he had an injury near his left elbow, while a kitchen knife was found on the bed. As part of the investigation, officers questioned four people who had connections with Natthawi. The first was 20 year old Rin, the man who discovered the body. According to police, he had known Natthawi for more than 20 years. The second man, identified only as Ple, was also questioned, although police did not disclose his relationship with the victim. The remaining two men were Laotian nationals identified as Somwan, a tennis trainee and employee at Natthawi’s tennis court, and Auan, another employee. Photo via MGR Online Police collected DNA samples and fingerprints from all four before releasing them after finding no grounds for further suspicion. Investigators later examined Natthawi’s financial records and found that 37,500 baht had been transferred through a mobile banking application to 29 year old Myanmar national Zaw Thet Lwin at around the time of the victim’s death. Police identified Zaw Thet Lwin as the main accused in the investigation. The Myanmar man had worked for Natthawi for about one month before being dismissed one to two weeks before the killing. Police have not disclosed the reason for his dismissal. Photo via MGR Online Police also reviewed CCTV footage, which they said showed Zaw Thet Lwin riding a grey Honda Click motorcycle near the victim’s home on the day of the incident. According to investigators, the footage then showed him returning to his rented accommodation, packing his belongings and leaving shortly afterwards. Police further alleged that Zaw Thet Lwin transferred 10,000 baht to another person, believed to have been hired to drive him to a northern border province. Photo via MGR Online MGR Online reported that Zaw Thet Lwin entered Thailand two years ago and had complied with accommodation reporting requirements during his stay. The report added that he had previously lived in Pluak Daeng district, Rayong, before relocating to Bor Win district, Chon Buri. According to the report, he was last seen in Mae Sot district, Tak province, after Natthawi’s death. Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation, police have obtained an arrest warrant and are continuing efforts to locate Zaw Thet Lwin for questioning and further legal proceedings. The story Myanmar man wanted for murder of former national tennis player in Pattaya as seen on Thaiger News.
Man charged with premeditated murder after shooting kills two elderly relatives in Nonthaburi over a decade-long land dispute on July 28. Two others were injured in the confrontation.
Police have filed four serious charges against a man accused of shooting two elderly relatives to death on July 28. The suspect, Theeramat, allegedly shot and killed a 71-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman at a residential home. The confrontation stemmed from a long-running dispute over land access that had led to ten years of legal disputes. After committing the shooting, Theeramat was apprehended by crowds and sustained injuries in the process.
On July 29, Pol. Lt. Suriya Phonsri, the investigating officer from Bang Bua Thong Police Station in Nonthaburi Province, announced that charges would be filed against Theeramat for premeditated murder, attempted murder, unlicensed possession of a firearm in a residential area, and firing a weapon without justification in a residential or community area. Two additional people were also injured in the incident and are being treated at Krung Thai Western Hospital.
Theeramat will be remanded in custody to Nonthaburi Provincial Court in absentia because he remains hospitalized and under medical care. Once physicians authorize his discharge, he will be transferred to court for further proceedings. The four charges against him include premeditated murder, attempted murder, unlicensed firearm possession in a residential zone, and unjustified discharge of a firearm in a residential or community area.
Democrat MP Karee Leiaopairoj launched a public petition campaign to halt the 1.6-billion-baht TH-AI Passport project, arguing it offers no advantage over free alternatives and lacks performance metrics to justify taxpayer spending.
On July 29, 2569 (2026), Karee Leiaopairoj, Democrat Party list MP and deputy party leader, posted on Facebook requesting the public to sign a petition under a campaign to halt the TH-AI Passport project, which carries a budget of over 1,600 million baht but is inferior to free alternatives. She stated that "systematic corruption is something that cannot be tolerated" and thanked supporters for their participation and encouragement. Karee further promoted the campaign, saying "Support and encourage MP Karee Leiaopairoj, who has stood up to question and examine the TH-AI Passport project to protect over 1,621 million baht in taxpayer funds, ensuring it is used transparently, efficiently, and for genuine public benefit. She now stands alone in holding fast to this issue. Every baht of taxpayer money must be accountable. Add your voice and sign at Stopaipass website," while using hashtags such as #TransparentAudit and #StopWastedBudgets. According to reporting, the campaign was initiated by a group of Thai technology sector workers, independent of any political party and unfunded by any corporation or agency. The campaign website states its position: it will not accept systematic corruption as a national standard. While every step of the project may be procedurally correct, with proper announcements, complete documentation, and legitimate bidders, this is precisely the concern. The real problem is not procedural violation but using procedures as a shield, because there are no performance metrics and no answers to what the country gains in return. Being procedurally correct is not the same as being right, and it is not the same as being cost-effective. "We are not asking for one project to be reconsidered," Karee stated. "We reject the standard that allows billion-baht taxpayer funds to move without answering basic questions about who benefits, how results are measured, and whether scrutiny is possible. We will not accept billion-baht approvals without pre-announced performance indicators. We will not accept undefined departmental spending. We will not accept 'procedurally correct' as the final answer for public fund use. We invite the public to sign in order to send this demand to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society to terminate this project," she concluded.
Multiple T-POP artists including members of DICE, QENRYX, SuperThai, and TACE performed together at a Random Dance event on July 24 at Union Mall, delighting fans with their camaraderie and energetic performances.
T-POP fans experienced a special moment when Apo, Otto, and Frame from DICE, along with artists from QENRYX, SuperThai, and TACE, participated in a Random Dance event on July 24 at Union Mall. The atmosphere was filled with cheers, smiles, and excitement from the large crowd of music fans in attendance.
All the artists enjoyed the activity together in a friendly spirit, creating moments of camaraderie, exchanging positive energy, and giving fans lasting memories. The event reflected the warmth of the T-POP community, where artists from different labels come together to create color and grow as one.
Thailand is capitalizing on surging global demand for natural health products, with the market projected to reach $90.24 billion by 2033, leveraging its 1,800 native herb species and traditional medicine expertise. Thai herbal exports jumpe
The global wellness trend driven by natural health practices is pushing innovation in Thai herbal products, leveraging Thailand's biodiversity and rich traditional medicine heritage. Nanthapon Jiralertpong, director of the Commerce Ministry's Policy and Trade Strategy Office, explained that worldwide demand for plant-based and natural health care products is skyrocketing, transforming herbal medicine into a booming industry encompassing supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and wellness products. Global media coverage and consumer-focused research are accelerating this expansion, positioning herbal products as a major health care option.
The Herbal Supplements Market report estimates the global herbal product market at approximately $45.65 billion in 2025, with potential growth to $90.24 billion by 2033, representing an average annual growth rate of 8.89 percent. The FAO's 2025 Global Trade of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants report confirms that medicinal and aromatic plants are crucial natural resources used across the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, and pesticide industries, with consumer demand for natural products driving significant market expansion. Major importing nations include Germany, the United States, and Japan, while China and India lead in exports.
Global medicinal and aromatic plant trade data from 2015 to 2025 shows exports and imports increased by 67.4 and 65.9 percent respectively. In 2025, global herbal product exports reached approximately $5.257 billion, with the top five exporters being China (17.5 percent), Canada (10.8 percent), India (9.0 percent), Germany (5.3 percent), and Egypt (4.4 percent), while Thailand ranks 12th globally at 1.6 percent. Global imports totaled $5.108 billion, with Germany (15.4 percent), the United States (10.0 percent), Japan (6.7 percent), China (6.5 percent), and India (3.6 percent) as leading importers.
Thailand classifies herbal products as strategic bioagricultural commodities, benefiting from over 1,800 native herb species, many internationally recognized. This aligns with the National Herbal Action Plan 2023–2027, which aims to position Thailand as the region's herbal hub and promote "Herbal Champions" such as turmeric, andrographis, and black cardamom. Thai herbal product exports surged 375.3 percent in 2025, while herbal extracts and essential oils also performed strongly, expanding 29.4 and 14.7 percent respectively. Thailand's strengths extend beyond biodiversity to include favorable climate and climate conditions.
Phuket businesses remain uncertain about alcohol sales rules on Buddhist holy days while waiting nearly a year for Bangkok's decision on a tourism area designation that could clarify regulations across the island.
PHUKET: Phuket officials say they have heard nothing but silence from the Ministry of Interior in Bangkok nearly a year after formally requesting that the entire island be declared a tourism area, leaving businesses caught in continuing legal uncertainty over who is actually allowed to sell alcohol on Thailand’s five major Buddhist holy days.