BANGKOK — 3 July 2026, Thai police have unveiled a new technology platform dubbed SHIELD, describing it as the world's first system developed specifically to combat transnational call centre scam syndicates and human trafficking networks through real-time international intelligence sharing.

The platform was launched on Friday at the Vithes Samosorn Hall inside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the closing ceremony of the second consultation meeting on preventing and suppressing human trafficking linked to cybercrime. The event was jointly organised by the Royal Thai Police and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bringing together frontline law enforcement officers and representatives from international organisations.

The ceremony was chaired by Social Development and Human Security Minister Nikorn Soemklang and attended by Pinsuda Jayanama, Director-General of the Department of International Organizations, Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapong Thanomchit, Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8, Pol. Lt. Gen. Kritsada Kanjanalongkorn, Assistant Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, representatives from law enforcement agencies in 11 countries and officials from several international organisations.

According to the Royal Thai Police, SHIELD is the first platform designed specifically to integrate intelligence against transnational call centre scams and human trafficking. The system enables participating agencies to exchange real-time information on scam compound locations, criminal financial networks, suspected offenders and trafficking victims, helping authorities coordinate investigations, rescue operations and cross-border enforcement more efficiently.

The launch comes as authorities continue to confront large-scale cyber scam operations linked to human trafficking networks operating across parts of Southeast Asia, particularly in border areas of Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. Thai authorities say these criminal groups have exploited victims from numerous countries, generating billions of dollars in illicit proceeds while using neighbouring countries as operational bases and regional transit routes.

In response, the Thai government has designated the suppression of call centre scams and human trafficking as a national agenda, directing relevant agencies to strengthen prevention, law enforcement and international cooperation.

The launch also builds on discussions held during the International Conference on Global Partnerships Against Cyber-Scamming, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok in December 2025, which brought together representatives from 67 countries, international organisations, the private sector and civil society to strengthen global cooperation against cyber-enabled crime.

To date, Thai police said SHIELD has already been adopted by partners in 10 countries: Australia, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, South Korea, the United States and Vietnam.

The on-screen chemistry between In Chakrasindhu and Ongsa Theerachat from "Arun Rung: The Edge of Horizon" has generated overwhelming fan excitement across social media platforms, with the series currently two episodes in. During an exclusive interview, both actors expressed their relief and happiness at the response, which exceeded all expectations. They revealed their behind-the-scenes approach, emphasizing the importance of trust and consent-based principles when filming intimate scenes, while also diving deep into period-appropriate character work set in 1932. The actors teased that upcoming episodes will be far more intense than what viewers have seen so far, guaranteeing that the relationship between their characters will keep audiences smiling, crying, and surprised throughout.

When asked about the feedback, In described it simply as "very good," while Ongsa noted being overwhelmed by the positive reception and pleased to see audiences connecting with the story from day one. In mentioned enjoying TikTok clips where fans have edited scenes, with particular praise for Kattleya's portrayal of Nuan, the mother character. Both actors confirmed they felt relieved rather than anxious after the positive response, viewing it as a reward for their dedicated effort.

Regarding character preparation, In explained that his role as Phobteer has two distinct parts—as a servant and later as a lieutenant colonel—requiring different physicality, speech patterns, and military etiquette to reflect the period and rank. He consulted with the director using a numbered scale technique and received advice from senior military contacts on proper manners and posture. Ongsa similarly divided his preparation into two aspects: understanding Thinkhon's internal emotional world and external expression. He researched the character's responsibilities and deep love for Phobteer, then adjusted his performance style—slowing his naturally quick speech and adopting the refined tone befitting the character's social class.

When asked about their chemistry and how they managed intimate scenes as first-time scene partners, Ongsa noted he didn't feel pressured to "melt" emotionally, relying instead on In's naturally warm and encouraging demeanor. In emphasized his efforts to create a comfortable, low-pressure environment during their early interactions and workshop sessions, ensuring any "magic moments" would happen naturally rather than forced.

Young actor Bank Athit Tung Vibulyapanich is stepping into his first BL series without hesitation, taking on the role of Ing in the romantic-drama "Fool in Love," adapted from a hugely popular novel. To fully commit to the character, Bank lost 8 kilograms in a single month. The series is produced by iQIYI Original and premieres July 3, 2025.

At a blessing ceremony held at Union Mall on July 3, 2025, Bank explained his decision to take on the role. "Acting is acting, whether it's a drama, film, or BL series," he said. "The decision wasn't difficult at all."

When asked if being a BL series gave him pause initially, Bank admitted, "At first, maybe I was a bit shy. But not anymore, especially after we did workshops together. When you actually play the role, it's no different from anything I've done before. It's just a character with scenes and emotions."

Bank revealed that he had received other offers to act in BL productions before, but this script felt different. "I've had people approach me about casting in other projects, but after reading the scripts, I didn't feel they were right for me. But with this story, the character Ing just resonated with me. I felt like I could really bring something meaningful to it, so I wanted to take this role."

He emphasized that all actors receive such offers: "Every actor gets contacted for BL, GL, and other projects. It's not about that—it's about whether the script is right. All actors can play anything. Acting doesn't differentiate between genres anymore."

When asked what he liked about Ing, Bank said, "I understand why fans of the novel love this character so much. The character has a lot of charm. Does he feel pressured? Everyone feels pressure, but I try to help the other actors relax as much as possible. I want them to let go of that stress, because if we can't relax, our performance suffers. I keep telling them, 'Don't stress too much, just relax.'"

Bank works closely with his co-stars, offering guidance without imposing his own acting style. "I want them to grow as actors in their own way, not become copies of me. I guide them but don't direct them too heavily," he explained.

He has developed a close bond with the cast through their constant work together on set and in activities. Bank has also done his homework, reading the source novel twice to understand the character and respect the expectations of fans. "Fans already have their vision of who Ing is, so I read the novel twice and gave it my all in the adaptation. At first, the other actors were nervous, but I told them not to worry. Remember how everyone had expectations for the new Harry Potter films? We made sure to do it justice, and we'll do the same here. We're committed, and we won't betray the characters."

PTTEP has successfully reused an entire oil wellhead platform structure for the first time in Thailand, with plans to expand the initiative to 10 additional platforms during 2025-2027 under circular economy principles. PTTEP President Montri Rawaloichaikul announced that the company has implemented circular economy concepts combined with modern engineering and technology to give new life to oil production platforms that have reached the end of their initial operation. The breakthrough achievement occurred at the JKWK wellhead platform from the Funan field in the G 1/61 project, where the topside, jacket structure, and partial piles were relocated and reinstalled in the same field.

The reuse effort dramatically reduced project timelines from approximately 20 months to just 6 months for construction and installation—a 70% reduction—while cutting construction costs by 35-50% compared to building entirely new platforms. Beyond cost savings, the approach eliminates approximately 3,270 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions per platform by reducing steel and equipment manufacturing requirements.

When petroleum resources in a field become depleted, old wellhead platforms that remain structurally sound and safe can be given new purpose and extended utility. The latest relocation and dismantling process employed modern engineering by using wet tow operations to move the jacket structure through water, further reducing energy consumption while minimizing impacts on marine life that inhabit the platform structures.

"PTTEP plans to expand this initiative continuously, with plans to redeploy approximately 10 additional structurally sound and safety-certified wellhead platforms during 2025-2027," the company stated, emphasizing its commitment to advancing circular economy principles in petroleum operations while promoting sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship in offshore operations.

This success demonstrates the practical application of circular economy concepts in petroleum exploration and production, representing efficient resource management that reduces operational timelines, minimizes new resource consumption, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions. The approach creates value across economic, energy security, and environmental dimensions simultaneously.

The Thai athletics community mourned a tragic loss in the early morning of July 2 when Abhisit Promkaew, a former national team sprinter, died in a motorcycle accident. Known as "Khlui," Abhisit was a decorated athlete who won gold medals in the 4x100-meter relay at two consecutive SEA Games—the 27th in Myanmar in 2013 and the 28th in Singapore in 2015. He died from fatal neck injuries sustained when his motorcycle collided with an electrical pole near his home in Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani. The news sparked an outpouring of condolences from the athletics community, teammates, and close friends, including national sprint record holder Phuripol Bunsonn, who posted tributes to the fallen athlete.

Gulf Development Public Company Limited (GULF) has claimed prestigious honors at the international Asian Excellence Award 2026 for the third consecutive year, organized by Corporate Governance Asia magazine, Asia's leading publication on corporate governance. The awards demonstrate the vision of GULF's management team in collectively driving organizational growth within a comprehensive ESG framework across all dimensions, alongside internationally recognized investor relations efforts.

GULF's awards this year include Asia's Best CEO, presented to Saratcha Ratanawadet, President and Chief Executive Officer, recognizing his pivotal role as top leader in driving organizational strategy and growth while building confidence among shareholders, investors, and all stakeholders. The company also received Asia's Best CFO, awarded to Yupapim Wangwiwat, Chief Financial Officer, for her leadership in financial strategy management, efficient financial structure administration, financial discipline, and maintaining strong cash flow amid economic volatility. GULF was also named Best Investor Relations Company – Thailand for its excellence in investor communication, delivering quality and timely information with full transparency to facilitate investor understanding and informed decision-making.

Additionally, GULF received the Sustainable Asia Award, recognizing the company's excellence in conducting business sustainably under an ESG framework with comprehensive social responsibility and stakeholder care. The company also earned the Best Environmental Responsibility award for the first time, reflecting its concrete commitment to environmental policies and efforts to drive the organization toward a low-carbon society.

The 16th Asian Excellence Award 2026, organized by Corporate Governance Asia magazine, a leading Hong Kong and Asia-based publication on corporate governance, has been held annually since 2011 to honor individuals and organizations excelling in management, finance, investor relations, corporate social responsibility, and corporate governance. Winners are selected based on organizational performance evaluated alongside surveys of investors, analysts, and experts across the Asia region.