The '10 Champions of the Home' off-road racing series has become a long-standing tradition, marking exactly 20 years since its debut in 2006. Organized through a partnership between Grand Prix International and Toyota Motor Thailand, the event attracts top national and international drivers competing across four vehicle categories: Toyota Hilux 4×4, Super Open, Off-Road Open, and Off-Road Club Team. This year, 131 vehicles gathered at Grand Prix Motor Park in Bo Phloi, Kanchanaburi, with competitors representing Thailand, Malaysia, and Laos.

Beyond the racing competition, the event features numerous activities including ride-alongs with professional drivers, hands-on demonstrations of off-road driving techniques, and a 4×4 Academy Test Drive course with multiple challenging terrain simulations. Participants can navigate slopes, water crossings up to 700 centimeters deep, mud pits, sand pits, and obstacles designed to test vehicle suspension and control systems. A highlight showcases the performance capabilities of the Toyota Hilux Travo and Land Cruiser FJ, demonstrating their advanced systems for overcoming obstacles.

Suphakorn Ratanavarahah, Senior Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Thailand, stated that the competition reinforces Toyota's position as the 4×4 off-road leader. He emphasized that Toyota's four-wheel-drive models confidently navigate all competition obstacles, reflecting their genuine off-road DNA through outstanding strength, durability, and driving performance across all terrain conditions.

At 10:20 a.m. on July 14, 2025, at the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police Hospital, Jitthiya, the aunt of Namphueng Thapsuek (Ice), who died along with her husband Suwichai Sirisolung (Lee) in the Ladprao beer hall fire, collected their bodies to take them back to Nakhon Nayok province for merit-making ceremonies amid deep sorrow.

Jitthiya and close friend Chudathip revealed that Ice and Lee were kind-hearted, cheerful people who always supported each other. The couple had two young children—a 5-year-old and a 4-year-old—who now face an uncertain future. While the older child has begun to understand that both parents have died, the younger is still unaware of what has happened. The family is currently discussing care arrangements for the children.

Friends of the deceased highlighted critical safety concerns at the entertainment venue, noting that tables and obstructions should never block walkways or fire exits. If management fears customers will leave without paying, they should station staff rather than lock or block exits, as this prevents people from escaping during emergencies. The fire has deeply affected those who knew the couple.

Ice had recently completed teacher training and worked to support her family, while Lee was a volunteer who constantly helped others. The family is calling for a transparent investigation and accountability, particularly regarding the blocked fire exits, which they believe was a major factor in the high death toll. They emphasized that no amount of compensation can replace the lives lost or restore what the family has lost. The family also demands that those responsible issue a public apology and take clear responsibility for the tragedy. According to those close to the couple, Lee also worked as a volunteer driver, providing free transportation for elderly people, children, and pregnant women. After news of his death spread online, many people expressed their grief and praised his dedication to volunteering.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and AirAsia Group signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 9 July 2026 at Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to expand tourism cooperation and s...

Following the successful launch of their first flagship store on the 4th floor of CentralWorld late last year, PISEN, a leading Chinese technology brand represented by PISEN Tech Thailand, is accelerating market expansion and customer growth. The company has unveiled two personalities—Kaeng Hurit and Nam Ping Naphassorn—as the inaugural Friends of PISEN ambassadors for Thailand, representing the new generation and helping communicate the brand's image to consumers more effectively.

Kaeng Hurit expressed his pride in the partnership: "I'm honored to work with an international brand like PISEN, especially as Thailand's first Friends of PISEN ambassadors. This collaboration brings new standards in quality gadgets to Thai consumers. I believe power banks today need to be both functional and stylish. My lifestyle demands constant movement, so having lightweight, sleek, premium-looking equipment makes daily life flow seamlessly."

Nam Ping Naphassorn added: "I'm thrilled because PISEN's premium brand image and attention to detail align perfectly with who we are. Being representatives for a brand that blends fashion and technology is exciting. For me, gadgets have become part of my daily luxury."

Miss Xiang Zhao, CEO of PISEN Tech Thailand, revealed the strategy behind their selection: "The positive response to our first store opening shows Thai customers value safety standards and long-term durability—strengths that align with our brand. Today we're positioning ourselves as a Premium Gadget Lifestyle Brand, not just focused on function but on becoming part of customers' lifestyles at every moment. Kaeng and Nam Ping represent the new generation with clear character and DNA matching what we're looking for. Their authentic, approachable image reflects our goal of being a friend-like brand that understands and supports customers' everyday needs."

The Department of Land Transport, coordinating with Chumphon-Prachuap Highway Police, has established checkpoints to intercept Chinese trucks operating outside permitted routes, warning that further violations will trigger immediate seizure, mandatory rerouting to approved paths, and strict legal action.

On July 14, 2025, Department Director Saropong Paithoonyapong disclosed enforcement efforts against Chinese cross-border cargo vehicles illegally deviating from GMS (Greater Mekong Subregion) transport agreements to smuggle fruit into southern Thailand. The department is implementing countermeasures to prevent repeat offenses and safeguard Thai transport operators.

On July 13, Chumphon Transport Office, collaborating with police from Lang Suan Station, district officials, customs, commerce department, and immigration checkpoints, conducted inspections of cargo trucks and sales permits. They also publicized international freight regulations under the GMS cross-border transport agreement signed by Cambodia, Laos, China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam at Lert Prom Market, Morkot Market, and nearby areas in Lang Suan District, Chumphon.

This proactive operation targets Chinese trucks attempting to deviate from authorized routes into southern regions. Following coordinated efforts between Chumphon Transport Office and highway police from both provinces, inspectors discovered five Chinese container trucks parked behind Morkot Market with no drivers present. Vehicle registration checks revealed these trucks were registered for international freight transport, had entered Thailand via Chiang Khong Customs in Chiang Rai between June 29 and July 1, with declared destinations in Bangkok and Chanthaburi. Officials seized the vehicles to investigate buyers, sellers, and parties involved in unauthorized cargo pickups for legal action.

The Department of Land Transport warns that any Chinese trucks operating outside approved routes will face immediate interception and document inspection. Violators will be fined and forced to return immediately to one of nine authorized GMS routes, with no permission to proceed to off-route destinations. The department has also notified foreign transport operators through diplomatic channels operating in Thailand who have violated these routes, urging strict driver supervision. Coordinating with highway police and relevant agencies, authorities will continue surveillance and interdiction; further violations will prompt reconsideration of stricter measures.

The Royal Gazette has published a royal decree elevating eight Buddhist monks to the rank of Somdet Phra Ratchakana. The elevation includes Phra Phrom Vichir Mongkol, Phra Phrom Vichir Athipatee, Phra Phrom Vichir Muni, Phra Phrom Vichir Agorn, Phra Phrom Dilok, Phra Phrom Molee, Phra Phrom Siddhi, and Phra Phrom Patch Yana Muni, the first foreign-born monk to receive this honor. Each monk has been granted a royal title and multiple subsidiary honors. The monks are assigned to various royal temples in Bangkok, including Wat Rajathiwas Viharn, Wat Mahathat Yuvaraj Rangsrit, Wat Suthat Thepwararam, Wat Rajaphatigaram, Wat Samphraya, Wat Paknam, and Wat Saket, among others.