Thailand is stepping up efforts to expand its presence in the Middle East tourism market following the launch of a new direct route between Dubai and Don Mueang through a strategic partnership with flydubai. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is hosting the "Amazing Thailand Takes Off with flydubai Roadshow 2026" on July 7-8 to attract more high-spending visitors ahead of the upcoming high season.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesaengchan said the Thai government, through TAT, has partnered with flydubai to strengthen Thailand's presence in the Middle Eastern tourism market. The partnership launched its inaugural direct flight between Dubai and Bangkok on July 1.

To support the new route, TAT will host the roadshow in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on July 7 and 8, aiming to expand business opportunities, strengthen ties with travel industry partners, and attract high-spending visitors from the Middle East ahead of peak tourism season.

The Middle East, particularly the UAE, is one of Thailand's key long-haul tourism markets, with visitors known for their high spending and strong tourism potential. Between January 1 and June 21, Thailand welcomed 188,447 visitors from the Middle East, with average spending exceeding 100,000 baht per person per trip. Travellers from the region typically visit in extended family groups, stay for 10 to 12 nights, and favour five-star hotels and luxury resorts. Around 65% are repeat visitors.

The new service currently operates one daily flight and is scheduled to increase to two daily flights from September 15. Between July and August 31, the route is expected to add approximately 10,292 inbound seats, helping stimulate travel demand and support continued growth in arrivals from the Middle East.

PATHUM THANI — 6 July 2026, Fourteen people, including 13 student footballers and their driver, were injured after a school van crashed into a power pole outside a school in Pathum Thani on Sunday morning.

Police said the van apparently swerved to avoid a trailer parked on the roadside before mounting the footpath and crashing into the pole. Investigators are also examining whether driver fatigue may have contributed to the crash.

The collision occurred at about 07:30 on Muang Ake Road outside the Demonstration School of Rangsit University in Lak Hok subdistrict, Mueang district. Officers from Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station, traffic police and rescue workers responded to the scene.

Authorities found the Toyota van, bearing red temporary registration plates, heavily damaged after the impact. The power pole had snapped and fallen onto the front of the vehicle.

The van was carrying 13 male students from lower and upper secondary levels at Wat Nawong School, along with the 25-year-old driver. Rescue workers provided first aid before taking eight of the injured to Krungsiam St. Carlos Hospital and the remaining six to Paolo Hospital.

According to police, the van had picked up the students from a dormitory in the Khlong Song area of Thanyaburi district. The students, all members of the school's football programme, stay at the dormitory and are transported to school each morning.

A 16-year-old Year 10 student told police he was sitting in the front passenger seat and noticed the driver appeared drowsy, with heavy-lidded eyes, shortly before the crash.

The student said that as the van approached the parked trailer, the driver appeared startled and suddenly swerved, causing the vehicle to lose control before striking the power pole.

Police said they will continue questioning the driver to determine the exact cause of the crash, including whether fatigue played a role and whether the van was carrying more passengers than legally permitted.

Drivers using Easy Pass cards on expressways on July 7, 2025 will receive a 50% refund on tolls across all eight expressway routes operated by the Expressway Authority of Thailand. Refunds will be automatically credited to users' Easy Pass accounts for use on future toll payments. Those without an Easy Pass card can still apply today at the Expressway Authority's management center or toll collection booths to take advantage of the promotion. Easy Pass members are encouraged to prepare and make their trips worthwhile by taking part in the 7.7 Easy Pass campaign.

PHUKET: Two British tourists and three Thai women were injured in a fight inside a popular Bangla Rd entertainment venue in the early hours of Sunday morning (July 5), Patong Police have confirmed.

On July 6, 2025, Kanjanee Poolkaew, Secretary-General of the Social Security Office, announced that when an insured person dies, eligible beneficiaries receiving compensation from the social security fund are not restricted to legal heirs alone. Insured persons may designate other individuals to receive benefits by submitting written notification according to the Social Security Office's guidelines. Death benefits comprise three components: funeral expenses, death compensation, and old-age pension benefits.

1. Funeral Expenses: Insured persons under Sections 33 and 39 receive 50,000 baht in funeral expenses if they have contributed for at least one month within six months before death. Eligible recipients include the person designated by the insured to handle the funeral and the actual funeral arranger with evidence, or any person with documentation proving they arranged the funeral. Section 40 insured persons with Options 1 and 2 (contributing 70 or 100 baht monthly) receive 25,000 baht, while Option 3 contributors (300 baht monthly) receive 50,000 baht if they contributed for at least six months within 12 months before death.

2. Death Compensation: For Section 33 and 39 insured persons, those contributing 36-119 months receive 50% of monthly wage times four months; those contributing 120 months or more receive 50% of monthly wage times 12 months. Section 40 Options 1 and 2 insured persons receive 8,000 baht if they contributed at least 60 months before death. Death compensation is paid to the person designated by the insured. If no designation exists, payment follows this order: registered spouse, parents, legally recognized children. Single insured persons without parents or heirs may designate others by submitting written documentation. If no eligible person exists, the fund will not distribute benefits. The Social Security Office recommends that single insured persons clearly document their designated beneficiary, including full identification numbers and witness information to ensure validity.

3. Old-Age Pension Benefits: When Section 33 and 39 insured persons die, heirs receive accumulated funds and returns distributed as follows: legitimate children receive two portions (three portions if three or more children), registered spouse receives one portion, living parents receive one portion, and any person designated in writing receives one portion shared with heirs. If no heirs or designated beneficiaries exist, distribution follows the order of siblings.

The Bangkok Southern Criminal Court on July 6, 2026 delivered its verdict in case number Ø765/2565 involving the Prosecutor's Office against Tawan Taturanont (defendant 1) and seven associates. The prosecution had charged all eight defendants with violations under Articles 112-116 of the Criminal Code and for jointly disobeying an official's lawful order, which all defendants denied. During proceedings, defendant 3, Netiporn, died, and her case was dismissed as criminal prosecution rights terminated upon death.

The court found defendants 1, 2, and 4-8 guilty under Criminal Code Section 368, and defendant 6 also guilty under Section 138. Regarding defendant 6's multiple offenses, the court consolidated the sentences. For failing to comply with the official's lawful order, each defendant was fined 5,000 baht. For obstructing an official's duties, defendant 6 received a three-month prison sentence, with an additional one-third enhancement under Section 92, resulting in a four-month sentence plus a 5,000 baht fine. Failure to pay the fine would result in additional penalties under Sections 29-30 of the Criminal Code. Other claims were dismissed, and confiscated signage was ordered returned to its owner.