Thailand's Energy Ministry said it is ready to manage the sharp volatility in global oil and LNG prices, reiterating that the country has sufficient reserves for 101 days of domestic use and will continue protecting electricity rates. Deputy Permanent Secretary Veeraphatthanom Kiatfuengfoo, the ministry's spokesperson, described the severe global oil market turbulence caused by unpredictable U.S.-Iran hostilities, which directly affect worldwide energy supply. The ministry will maintain close monitoring and vigilance. Oil prices in July rose an average of 7-8 U.S. dollars per barrel above June levels, a 10-12% increase. Although neighboring countries have raised retail fuel prices in line with global markets, Thailand continues to use fuel fund mechanisms and refinery price controls approved by the Energy Policy Management Committee (EPMC) to shield citizens from rising living costs. On the security front, Thailand's oil reserves as of July 30, 2025, are sufficient for 101 days of domestic consumption. LNG imports, a critical fuel for electricity generation, have climbed sharply—from approximately 11 dollars per million BTU before the conflict to 18-20 dollars per million BTU today, nearly a 60% increase, as markets price in elevated supply risks. About 20% of global LNG supply depends on transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and prices are expected to rise further as winter demand increases. Veeraphatthanom said the ministry continuously monitors global oil and LNG prices, which remain highly volatile daily. For oil, it uses fuel fund mechanisms and refinery price controls to maintain retail prices domestically. For imported LNG, which affects electricity tariffs, the ministry will employ management strategies including increased gas extraction from the Gulf of Thailand, short-term renewable energy purchases, electricity imports from Laos, and increased operations at Mae Moh power plant to minimize LNG imports and protect electricity rates. The ministry stands ready to implement all necessary measures to reduce the cost of living for the Thai people.

Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiyachote Chidchob said he has no concerns following Kaladee Liawpairojn, a list-based MP and deputy leader of the Democrat Party, sending a letter to the ministry demanding suspension of the TH-AI Passport project citing transparency issues and threatening to invoke the highest level of parliamentary oversight if no action is taken. Chidchob stated that advance coordination had been made regarding suggestions for improvement, and welcomed scrutiny of the program. He expressed confidence that the project under his supervision is cost-effective and high-quality, giving citizens access to quality-standard AI with diverse models free of charge for one year.

Japanese prosecutors drop charges against Thai woman found with crystal methLegacyJapanese prosecutors dropped legal proceedings against a Thai woman who was arrested at Fukuoka Airport after crystal meth was discovered hidden inside coffee and tea packages she was carrying. The arrest of the 28 year old Juthathip in Japan attracted public attention after her family appealed to Thai authorities and the media, maintaining that she had unknowingly transported the drugs after being recruited by a suspected trafficking network. According to Juthathip’s boyfriend, the couple operated a courier service transporting goods between Thailand and Japan. He said Juthathip was contacted through the LINE application by a user identified as “Ing Ing”, who offered her 3,500 baht to transport 12 kilogrammes of goods to Fukuoka. The boyfriend said the couple travelled to Japan on July 12 carrying nine parcels, accompanied by another person. He said immigration officers questioned three of them on arrival, but Juthathip was the only person detained. Juthathip’s mother | Photo via MGR Online Her boyfriend and parents were later informed that crystal meth was found concealed inside coffee and tea packages among the items she had carried into Japan. Thai officials had previously said Japanese prosecutors were expected to announce their decision on the case today, July 31. This afternoon, Office of the Narcotics Control Board Deputy Secretary-General and spokesperson Areephak Ngern-bamrong confirmed that Japanese prosecutors had decided to drop the charges against Juthathip. Juthathip’s parents in white and orange shirts | Photo via Matichon According to Areephak, Japanese authorities have not yet provided a detailed explanation for their decision. He said officials had only indicated that investigators concluded Juthathip did not intend to transport illegal drugs into Japan. Areephak added that Japanese immigration authorities and the Thai consulate would coordinate arrangements for Juthathip’s return to Thailand. It has not yet been confirmed whether she will face any future immigration restrictions or be placed on Japan’s immigration blacklist. Photo via TNN Thailand Meanwhile, Thai authorities are continuing to investigate the suspected source of the drugs. According to Areephak, investigators successfully identified the parcel delivery rider who transported the packages from the LINE user known Ing Ing to Juthathip. Officials called on the rider to come forward if he was not involved in the alleged trafficking network and to assist with the investigation. At the time of the announcement, Areephak said the rider had not responded to the request. Thai officials have not disclosed whether investigators have identified the person behind the LINE account Ing Ing. The story Japanese prosecutors drop charges against Thai woman found with crystal meth as seen on Thaiger News.

A new workplace trend is gaining traction: the "capybara mode" approach to office life. This concept encourages calm, measured work habits by setting clear boundaries, avoiding unnecessary drama, declining tasks outside your responsibility, and building sustainable work-life balance.

Many workers have experienced the frustration of having unsolicited tasks dumped on them—either because their boss demanded it or they felt too anxious to refuse—despite already being overwhelmed. This pattern is common, causing people to accept everything and accumulate stress without realizing it.

The "capybara mode" concept draws inspiration from capybaras, animals known for their calm, unflappable nature that don't react to everything around them. Rather than encouraging laziness or shirking responsibility, it promotes mindful work, knowing your own boundaries, and not automatically accepting every burden others throw your way.

The core principle of capybara mode is understanding what your actual responsibilities are. If a task is assigned to you, do it well—but within reasonable working hours and without unpaid overtime. If a task falls outside your responsibility, pass it to the appropriate person instead. Politely declining doesn't mean you lack professionalism; it means directing work to the best-suited person.

Another valuable insight is using modesty strategically. Talented people often get repeatedly chosen for extra tasks because they excel at presentations, design, or problem-solving. But accepting every job simply because you're good at it can lead to burnout. A better approach is factually explaining who the actual responsible party is while supporting the work's progress—without carrying everything alone.

Capybara mode also recommends staying away from workplace drama. Every office has gossip, rumors, and conflicts, but you don't need to participate. You can be friendly with everyone without commenting on every issue, spreading rumors, or unnecessarily creating enemies. A calm demeanor actually makes work more pleasant.

Another crucial principle is separating work time from personal time. When work ends, your life should be yours again—for rest, family, or hobbies. If your boss or colleagues contact you outside work hours, assess whether it's truly urgent. If not, handle it during regular work hours. Protecting personal time isn't neglecting your duties; it's maintaining long-term life balance and mental health.

Historically, many were taught to work like "sharks"—constantly moving, never stopping, ready for anything. But in modern work culture, the "capybara mode" approach may be more fitting. It's about working thoughtfully, directing energy toward what matters, setting appropriate boundaries, and not letting others' expectations define your worth. Perhaps being a capybara at work is an essential skill for making both work and life sustainable.

The Football Association of Thailand announced a 16-player roster for the men's national futsal team competing in the Continental Futsal Championship 2026, held August 1–6, 2026, at the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization gymnasium. The squad will be led by head coach Raksapol Saienetngam, known as "Coach Mee."

The tournament features five nations: Thailand (hosts, ranked 11th globally), Russia (7th), Afghanistan (21st), Vietnam (22nd), and New Zealand (48th). The competition will follow a round-robin format, with the team earning the most points across all matches crowned champion.

Thailand's 16-player squad includes: Goalkeepers: Thirat Orthay (Blue Wave Chonburi) and Theerawat Kaowvilai (Takhao Frozen Foods); Defenders: Itthicha Praphapan (Port Authority ASM), Ranchai Joongwongsuk (Takhao), and Nongsakdi Wingwon (Takhao); Midfielder/Winger/Forward: Sarawut Polaphruk (Takhao); Wingers: Chaowala Sriawut (Takhao), Athipphong Munphlai (Takhao), Shiriwit Buattonglert (Phetchaburi Rajabhat), Adinun Moontasob (Phetchaburi Rajabhat), Aphiwat Chamcherueng (Blue Wave Chonburi), Therdsakdi Charoenpong (Takhao), and Panasorm Kittiphanuwong (Black Pearl United); Forwards: Worsak Srirangpairojn (Takhao), Minthada Phiromyu (Phetchaburi Rajabhat), and Pierpat Kaowvilai (Takhao).

Thailand's match schedule: August 1 vs. New Zealand (8:30 p.m.), August 2 vs. Afghanistan (8:30 p.m.), August 5 vs. Vietnam (8:30 p.m.), and August 6 vs. Russia (8:30 p.m.). All matches will be streamed live on the TrueVision Now app.

As of July 31, 2025, officials remain actively searching for two missing Russian siblings whose fate is still unknown. The latest effort involved the Sawang Boriboon Foundation rescue team in Pattaya, working with Bang Lamung district officials to search more than 100 acres of dense forest in Huai Yai subdistrict, Chachoengsao province, after residents reported spotting smoke rising from the woods that could be linked to the missing persons case.

Team leader Sutthipong Bunmachai revealed that upon receiving the tip, officials immediately dispatched a thermal-imaging drone to survey the area from above, improving search efficiency in the inaccessible, densely forested terrain. However, the investigation found that the smoke came from a cooking fire lit by fishermen in the area. No suspicious items or evidence connected to the case was discovered, and the search was called off at that location.

"Although the latest lead proved unrelated to the case, officials confirmed they will continue to follow up on all information received from the public," the statement said. "We ask anyone who witnesses anything unusual or has useful information to report it to authorities immediately so we can locate the missing persons and resolve this case as quickly as possible."