While Thailand has a comprehensive public healthcare system, access to medical services in remote areas remains a significant challenge, particularly in mountainous regions and areas with poor transportation infrastructure. This hampers the delivery of medicines, medical supplies, and diagnostic samples, as well as emergency patient care during disasters when roads are cut off.

True Corporation's Research and Innovation Center has introduced True SkyBridge, an autonomous air logistics platform designed to deliver medicines and medical supplies to remote areas in both normal and crisis situations. The platform recently demonstrated its success in real-world operations in Nan Province through collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and network partners, proving that distance will no longer be a barrier to healthcare.

Ekkaraj Panjvinin, head of research and innovation at True Corporation, stated that the innovation originated from the intention to use technology to solve real problems and benefit Thai people. The company ensured that the innovation had potential for broad expansion and could improve both the industry and people's quality of life, making healthcare the top priority. "We're not just making drones, but creating a platform that connects all stakeholders into an ecosystem and truly solves the problem," he said.

The heart of True SkyBridge is not the drone itself, but a platform that integrates all aspects of medical logistics, from aircraft and AI systems to flight control centers, hospitals, health authorities, and regulatory agencies such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

True SkyBridge differs from typical platforms as an open system that can connect with drones from multiple brands and types, allowing for easier fleet management and future expansion. The platform is powered by an AI system that not only controls autonomous flight but also analyzes and makes decisions throughout each mission, from assessing urgency and weather conditions to analyzing airspace restrictions, payload weight, and selecting optimal routes.

For emergencies such as blood transport for surgery or urgent medical supplies, the system automatically prioritizes tasks to ensure critical items arrive first. The platform also features a Disaster Resilience Mode that instantly adjusts operations during floods, landslides, or road cutoffs by prioritizing the transport of life-saving equipment, AED machines, blood, medicines, and emergency supplies.

Another highlight is the Cold-Chain Intelligence system designed for transporting blood, vaccines, and medical samples that require strict temperature control. The platform monitors and records temperature throughout the route and immediately alerts if conditions approach critical levels. True SkyBridge is also designed to integrate with existing healthcare operating systems, allowing medical personnel to order missions, track progress, and confirm delivery results from their hospital systems.

Bangkok, 27 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is celebrating the inscription of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat on the UNESCO World Heritage List as Thailand’s ninth World Heritage property and sixth cultural property. TAT is carrying this historic recognition forward through “The Twelve Sacred Discoveries Nakhon Si Thammarat: A Journey to World Heritage” campaign, a year-round programme inviting visitors to discover the site’s living Buddhist heritage across the seasons.

The World Heritage Committee inscribed the property at its 48th session, held from 19–29 July 2026 in Busan, Republic of Korea, following a recommendation by the International Council on Monuments and Sites. Recognised for its Outstanding Universal Value under criteria (ii) and (vi), Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan has served as a major regional Buddhist centre since its foundation in the eighth century.

Religious and architectural traditions from northeastern India, central Java, Sri Lanka and the Mon region of southern Myanmar were integrated into the monastery’s buildings, rituals and cultural practices. Its distinctive artistic and architectural expressions subsequently exerted an enduring influence across Thailand and Southeast Asia. Religious and local traditions have continued at the monastery for more than 1,500 years, including the annual cloth-wrapping ceremony for the Great Reliquary and the Nora dance drama.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “TAT will build on this recognition to position Nakhon Si Thammarat as a leading destination for living heritage, where faith, culture and community remain central to the visitor experience. Our focus is to create lasting value through responsible tourism, strengthen local participation and ensure that the significance of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan is understood, respected and sustained for generations to come.”

The inscription brings Thailand’s World Heritage portfolio to nine properties, comprising six cultural and three natural properties. The cultural properties are the Historic City of Ayutthaya; Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns; Ban Chiang Archaeological Site; The Ancient Town of Si Thep and its Associated Dvaravati Monuments; Phu Phrabat, a testimony to the Sīma stone tradition of the Dvaravati period; and Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan. The natural properties are Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex and Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex.

The inscription is being celebrated across Nakhon Si Thammarat through a two-day programme concluding today, 27 July. Organised by the province with government agencies, private-sector partners and local communities, the programme includes Nora and Khon performances, merit-making and alms-giving, Buddhist chanting, ordination ceremonies, meditation sessions and exhibitions. Nora and Khon are both recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Together, the activities present the historical, religious, artistic and cultural significance of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan while reflecting its continuing role as a centre of worship and community life. They also celebrate the traditions and cultural identity of Nakhon Si Thammarat and southern Thailand.

Running alongside the celebrations, TAT is hosting a commemorative photo booth from 25–30 July near the sacred Bodhi tree and Sai Kaeo courtyard, opposite Phra Wihan Luang and in front of the souvenir centre. Visitors may register to receive an instant photograph and digital image marking Thailand’s newest World Heritage inscription and share the story with wider audiences.

Beyond the commemorative programme, TAT will extend the recognition throughout the year through “The Twelve Sacred Discoveries Nakhon Si Thammarat: A Journey to World Heritage” campaign. Under the concept “Discover the Past. Share the Faith. Shape the Future.”, the campaign invites visitors on a journey through the province’s Buddhism, ancient civilisation and enduring traditions.

Each month and season will reveal a different dimension of the royal monastery, from its architecture and inherited wisdom to Buddhist teachings and stories of faith. Guided by the local saying, “everyone should pay homage to Phra That of Nakhon Si Thammarat at least once in their lifetime”, the campaign will encourage deeper understanding of the property while supporting responsible visitation, heritage conservation, local participation and sustainable economic opportunities.

Participation in the commemorative activities is free of charge. Further information is available from the TAT Nakhon Si Thammarat Office at +66 (0) 7534 6515–6 or through the Facebook page TAT Nakhon Si Thammarat Office.

The post TAT celebrates Wat Phra Mahathat UNESCO World Heritage inscription with year-round campaign appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

Police have identified a group of suspects in the mysterious death of a former national tennis team athlete and are gathering evidence before issuing arrest warrants, focusing on personal conflicts and property disputes. Deputy Commander Chokuchai Ngamwong visited Nong Prueao Police Station in Chonburi on July 27, 2026, to oversee the investigation into the death of Nathvir, 64, a retired Thai national tennis player who died in his accommodation. Deputy Commander Wasutrachai Chaitherapat and station commander Nathapol Pong Suksakul attended the coordinated meeting with investigating officers.

After the meeting, Chokuchai revealed that the case has progressed significantly, but because the incident occurred on the night of July 25, he could not disclose full details to avoid compromising the investigation. Officers have been continuously collecting witness statements, examining circumstantial evidence, and gathering forensic evidence, allowing them to identify suspects for further investigation. "The individuals currently being questioned remain in witness status while officers screen information and systematically eliminate unrelated persons," he stated.

Regarding arrest warrants, Chokuchai indicated that evidence collection is still ongoing to confirm the perpetrator's identity with certainty, so no warrants have been issued yet. The investigation is pursuing multiple leads, including personal disputes, property theft, and personal matters, with authorities committed to quickly resolving the case and prosecuting the responsible parties.

Sleek has joined forces with ICBC Leasing (Thailand) to introduce the "SLEEK Green Loan" campaign, offering affordable financing for electric motorcycle ownership. Kantinun Tanveenung, CEO and co-founder of Sleek EV, announced that the program aims to improve access to financing and make it easier for professional riders to own electric motorcycles. The loan provides a maximum credit amount of 86,900 baht with repayment periods up to 36 months, with entry-level monthly payments of 3,362 baht or approximately 113 baht per day.

The campaign comes amid surging growth in electric vehicle and motorcycle adoption in the commercial transport sector. Demand for electric vehicles has climbed more than 35% compared to the same quarter last year, fueled by rising consumer environmental consciousness. Sleek developed the Green Loan initiative to support riders seeking commercial use of electric motorcycles, offering flexible ownership options and financial relief.

Customers can apply for the SLEEK Green Loan with any Sleek electric motorcycle model, including the SLEEK PLAY and TYPE-E. The program reduces upfront capital barriers while supporting long-term energy cost and maintenance management. The partnership reflects Sleek's commitment to building a comprehensive ecosystem that supports riders throughout their journey—not just through vehicle sales, but also energy services, after-sales support, and appropriate financing options. This enables riders to confidently start their careers, generate income, and enjoy improved quality of life through reduced costs, increased earning opportunities, and sustainable transportation.

Actor and television personality Auan Rangsit Sirinananth has upset his fans by posting about an incident involving his young son Roha, who was scratched on the face by another child while playing at an amusement park inside a shopping mall. Auan questioned parental supervision and admitted he was unsure how he would have reacted if he had been there.

In his post, Auan shared a photo showing scratches on Roha's face and wrote: "If your child has behavioral or mental issues, you should supervise them closely rather than letting them become a social threat like this. The incident happened yesterday when my wife and son went to play at an amusement park in a mall in the Nonthaburi area (I wasn't with them). As Roha was walking into the trampoline area, a child who appeared to be at least 10 years old walked up and scratched his face for no reason, then followed and continued scratching him even though Roha did nothing and didn't fight back. Anyone who knows Roha knows he is a well-behaved child who would never initiate conflict or fight with anyone. After seeing the video, that's exactly how it happened. If I had been there, I'm not sure I could have controlled my emotions. My son shouldn't have to experience something like this. Finally, I want to thank the Klinique for providing first aid to Roha's wound." He added hashtags #WhatShouldIDo and #ChildWithMentalDisorder.

Fans have expressed concern and sympathy, with many commenting that the other child's parents should be held responsible, suggesting Roha was fortunate the injury wasn't more serious, and recommending that the mall's security footage be reviewed and warnings given to both the child and parents.

Bangkok's deputy governor coordinated all city agencies to reorganize the area layout and relocate service points to accommodate construction of the royal crematorium for the royal funeral ceremony of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, scheduled for July 27, 2026.

At a meeting of the Field Command Center in Pranakorn District, Deputy Governor Thaiwut Khankaew presided over the third meeting of the coordination body, with representatives from Bangkok municipal offices, the Fine Arts Department, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMA), and other relevant agencies in attendance.

Deputy Governor Thaiwut briefed the meeting on progress in site preparation and the layout plan for constructing the royal crematorium and its supporting structures for the royal funeral ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit Phra Borom Rajini Nath, the Queen Mother. The Fine Arts Department will extend temporary fencing on the western side to begin construction on August 1, 2026, necessitating the relocation of rest tents and royal food distribution points from that area.

The Public Works Office has been assigned to prepare a comprehensive area map that clearly designates each agency's work zones. Pranakorn District Office will coordinate with local police to manage access routes to pay respects and traffic flow to ensure safety and minimize impact on the public.

Regarding area management and public services, various service points such as royal food distribution and medical services will be relocated to the tunnel area in front of the Grand Palace, with the tunnel interior organized proportionally, neatly, and appropriately for service delivery.

Additionally, the Public Relations Office will relocate large LED screens from the rest tent and food distribution areas, beginning tonight until completion, with some screens to be installed at the royal kitchen area. Communications systems and supporting equipment will be checked to ensure readiness, along with public announcements about tent relocations and changes to the access routes for paying respects, so the public receives comprehensive information.

All agencies have been instructed to ensure orderliness and readiness for ongoing operations, including checking personnel preparedness and verifying opening and closing times for public communication. The Environment Office will be tasked with maintaining cleanliness, managing mobile public restrooms, and handling waste disposal continuously, while coordinating with relevant agencies to prepare for the royal ceremony and tribute exhibitions.