The Comptroller General's Department has revised procurement regulations to screen construction contractors serving the public sector with new penalties including rank demotion and delisting. Director Patricia Mongkolvanic revealed that the Finance Ministry has issued a regulation on public procurement and state asset management (Version 3, B.E. 2569) to assess the performance and capability of construction contractors working on government projects while establishing penalties for those who breach contracts, fail to meet engineering standards, or are grossly negligent, causing harm to public life or state property.

Key provisions include:

1. Applicability: The regulation applies to construction projects worth 5 million baht or more under six agencies including the Irrigation Department, Department of Highways, Department of Rural Roads, Port Authority, Department of Water Resources, and Department of Public Works and Town Planning; high-rise buildings, mega-structures, and public assembly buildings; and all construction projects valued at 1,000 million baht or more with notices and invitations published and contracts signed from July 10, 2569 onward.

2. Assessment Criteria and Damage Scores: Divided into two periods—during contract execution and during defect warranty—with damage scores assigned for various violations such as contract termination under Section 103 (60 points), work not meeting engineering standards or gross negligence causing death (60 points) or serious injury (30 points).

3. Suspension of Proposals and Contracts: Damage scores accumulate and are used to evaluate contractors. If scores reach suspension thresholds, contractors are barred from submitting proposals or entering contracts with state agencies for subsequent projects, with penalties up to 720 days. If a contractor was previously suspended within two years and accumulates additional damage scores, the previous suspension period is deducted from the new one.

4. Appeals and Score Correction: Contractors may appeal assessment results to state agencies within seven working days of receiving scores through the e-GP system. Damage scores are deleted after two years from publication; if a court rules the contractor is not at fault, the score is deleted immediately.

5. Rank Reduction and Delisting: Contractors with 120 or more damage points face rank reduction by one level at set intervals (maximum penalty 1,440 days). After the reduction period, contractors may request reinstatement if they meet standard registration criteria. Contractors reduced to the lowest rank or those in serious cases—such as negligence causing death—may be delisted but can reapply after two years.

The CJ More x Kham Tong Chuem Campus Tournament has become the hottest activity for Gen Z, drawing impressive crowds of students and teenagers to every location. The latest stop at Bangkok University reflected the campaign's success, with participants from various institutions arriving in large numbers. Many came specifically to meet influencers like Terd, Samuekr, and Mee from Kham Tong Chuem, who created an engaging, casual atmosphere with games, conversations, and booth tours that energized the space with youthful energy all day long.

The fun extended beyond meeting influencers, as the CJ More booth was packed with Gen Z-friendly activities including CJ Easy Card membership sign-ups for free photo booth privileges, fortune-telling sessions with complimentary Nine Beauty cream samples, and authentic Toy Story collectible merchandise from UNO. The booth became more than just an activity stop—it transformed into a gathering space where people could have fun with friends, earn prizes, and experience the brand in a casual, welcoming environment.

The success of this Campus Tournament demonstrates that reaching Gen Z today requires more than communication alone; it demands creating tangible experiences, enabling participation, and integrating the brand into daily life. CJ More strategically brought the campaign directly to teenagers at universities and popular youth hangouts to deliver fun, value, and accessible activities aligned with the brand's philosophy of "growing together, daily, complete, and worthwhile."

As CJ More marks its 21st anniversary and prepares to expand to over 2,000 locations across 60 provinces nationwide, this event reinforces the brand's commitment to continuously adapt and evolve with changing Gen Z lifestyles.

For those who missed the Bangkok stop, there is no need to worry—more Campus Tournament stations are coming in August. Gather your friends and prepare to check in, win prizes, participate in activities, and capture fun moments together.

Upcoming dates: • August 13, 2026 at Thai Chamber of Commerce University • August 22, 2026 at Central Ladprao

Whether you're a student or youth activity enthusiast, make sure to visit the CJ More x Kham Tong Chuem Campus Tournament wherever it appears, as each station offers fun, value, and exciting surprises for everyone.

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) is coordinating benefits for those injured in a brewery fire at Ladprao, ensuring continuous treatment under the Gold Card system until patients are out of critical condition, with no payment concerns for patients or families. According to NHSO Deputy Secretary-General and Spokesman Dr. Atthapon Liamphuntharakul, as of 3:45 a.m. on July 13, 2569, the fire has resulted in 27 deaths—9 male and 18 female—with many more injured. The NHSO expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and encouragement to all injured, medical personnel, rescue officials, and related agencies involved in the response.

For severe accident victims in critical condition, those covered can use the UCEP (Emergency Care for All) policy to receive treatment at any hospital nationwide within the first 72 hours or until stable, with no advance payment or charges. The NHSO will coordinate with relevant facilities to transfer patients to appropriate care for continuous treatment. For injured individuals not in critical condition who hold the National Health Security Card or 30-baht Gold Card, the NHSO system covers accident and emergency care treatment, allowing hospitals to bill the NHSO according to established standards.

Dr. Atthapon stated: "Injured persons and relatives need not worry about treatment rights, hospital choice, or payment concerns. The NHSO covers both critical emergencies under UCEP and cases meeting Section 7 criteria. Hospitals can immediately provide necessary care, while the NHSO handles benefit coordination, transfers, and billing to ensure continuous appropriate care." The NHSO Region 13 Bangkok is currently coordinating with relevant service units to support Gold Card holders injured in the fire and guide hospitals on payment procedures. The NHSO requests treating facilities to follow professional standards and submit billing data through the NHSO system. Anyone with questions or difficulties regarding medical benefits, Gold Card use, or seeking additional help may contact the NHSO hotline 1330 toll-free 24 hours.

Thailand's weightlifting team will send its strongest squad to chase medals at the 20th Asian Games, led by two Olympic medalists, Weeraphol Wichuma (Wave) and Surajana Kumbao (Oy). General Wisut Dechsakul, secretary-general of the Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association, is confident the team's capabilities place it at the forefront of Asia and will not disappoint fans.

General Wisut revealed that Thai weightlifters are training at the National Weightlifting Training Center in Chiang Mai with support from Thailand's Sports Authority (SAT). The team has a quota of 10 athletes—five men and five women—selected through intensive trials to secure the strongest competitors with the best records. Weightlifting is among Thailand's medal-winning opportunities at the Asian Games.

The stars anchoring Thai hopes include Wave Weeraphol Wichuma, a gold medalist at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and Oy Surajana Kumbao, a gold medalist at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Both are key pillars in Thailand's bid for medals.

"The association has fully applied sports science to build athletes' physical condition to peak performance and aid injury recovery, with strong support from SAT," General Wisut said. "Thai weightlifters have consistently delivered for the country, and we will do our best this time. Though we face strong rivals like China, South Korea, and Indonesia, our elite-level athletes should not let anyone down. We ask Thai sports fans to support us."

Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Phancharoenworakul opened the Tourism Authority of Thailand Action Plan 2027 meeting in Bangkok on July 13, 2026. He was joined by Permanent Secretary and Board ...

Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin ordered the Pollution Control Department to coordinate with the Land Transport Department and National Police to conduct rigorous inspections of all intercity bus depots following spot checks on 36 buses across three depots that revealed 21 vehicles—58 percent—exceeding black smoke emission standards. The minister instructed enforcement action against all non-compliant buses and rapid engine repairs without waiting for the air pollution season. The inspection was prompted by a complaint from parliament member Suphannath Meenchaiyanan of the Thai People's Party regarding routes 26, 191, and 510. Results showed the Minburi depot detected 8 non-compliant buses out of 16 inspected, Suanluang depot found 12 out of 14, and Thammasat depot found 1 out of 6, though route 510 bus number 1-40194 that was complained about passed standards. Suchat emphasized that black smoke control must continue year-round, not just during the PM2.5 crisis period, and urged both state and private bus operators to maintain engines regularly and promote safe driving habits to reduce gear-dragging, a major cause of black smoke. Bangkok's Mass Transit Authority plans to gradually introduce 1,520 electric buses starting with 500 vehicles by March 2025 and completing the full fleet by May 2025 to improve public transport cleanliness and reduce air pollution.