PHUKET: Two people were injured in a house fire at the Villa California housing estate in Wichit late last night (July 5), with firefighters taking about 40 minutes to bring the blaze under control.
PHUKET: Two people were injured in a house fire at the Villa California housing estate in Wichit late last night (July 5), with firefighters taking about 40 minutes to bring the blaze under control.
Defense Minister Anutin dismissed Cambodia's allegation that Thai troops threw grenades at Cambodian soldiers, suggesting they may have stepped on their own landmine instead. Thailand plans to use UNCLOS maritime law to address erosion at H
Defense Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's deputy General Adul Bunyatharmcharoen disputes Cambodia's allegation that Thai soldiers threw explosives causing Cambodian troop injuries, suggesting they may have stepped on existing mines instead. Speaking at Royal Thai Air Force headquarters on July 6, General Adul said the exact cause of the incident cannot be confirmed, but there is a possibility Cambodian troops stepped on mines already present in the area. He emphasized Thailand maintains strict control measures, clear rules of engagement, close command oversight, and forces ready to defend national sovereignty, all operating under the ceasefire agreement from December 27, 2024.
Regarding diplomatic resolution, General Adul noted that Thailand and Cambodia are inseparable, but the current situation stems from Cambodia linking border issues to internal politics. Thailand's priority is building public confidence in the government's ability to protect sovereignty and ensure border residents' safety through coordinated national efforts.
On the sediment-trapping dam near Ban Hat Lek in Trat province, built by Cambodian private interests, General Adul acknowledged it is located in Cambodian territory and has created a port for tourist boats. However, the dam causes problems as sediment accumulation leads to seawater erosion of Thailand's Ban Hat Lek coastline. He said the two countries must discuss solutions, noting the issue has persisted since 1998 and he has already inspected the site.
When asked if UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982) mechanisms should be used, General Adul agreed, noting the dam is outside Thai territory and just 300 meters from the maritime boundary marker 71. He acknowledged concerns about threats to Thailand's maritime sovereignty and emphasized discussions are needed once conditions improve. Regarding Cambodia's leader Hun Sen ordering the dam not be dismantled, General Adul said he had no comment.
Defense Minister Adisorn dismisses opposition accusations of being a "demon minister" over frigate procurement, denying he would alter technical standards to favor any particular bidder without merit.
Defense Minister General Adulyadej Boonthammacherng dismissed accusations from a Pheu Thai Party MP who called him a "demon minister" and linked him to the Navy's frigate purchase, claiming he was changing technical requirements and NATO standards. Speaking on July 6, 2025 at Royal Thai Air Force headquarters, Adulyadej responded to MP Ekachai Udomamnuay's parliamentary debate accusations during the consideration of the fiscal year 2570 budget bill by characterizing them as immature remarks unworthy of attention.
The minister said he was accused of being a "demon minister"—apparently referencing a movie trend—and of rigging the frigate purchase by changing technical requirements. He countered that frigate procurement decisions must consider the Navy's operational needs, not just technical specifications alone.
Before drafting technical requirements, ethics committees oversee every step of the process, Adulyadej explained. He urged patience until the Navy selects a winning bidder, at which point it will become clear whether technical standards can be modified. He stressed that weapons systems and basic equipment standards cannot be arbitrarily changed.
"If we acquire one ship but cannot operate it jointly with existing naval forces or warships, and cannot conduct other training operations, then frankly, I'm not that corrupt," Adulyadej stated.
Thai soldiers arrested 11 foreign nationals and one Thai citizen illegally crossing from Cambodia near Sa Kaeo after they allegedly fled unpaid jobs at a Cambodian restaurant and online business.
SA KAEO – On July 5, 2026, Thai soldiers arrested 11 people, including foreign nationals and one Thai citizen, after they illegally crossed into Thailand through a natural border crossing from Cambodia. The group claimed they fled jobs linked to online businesses after not receiving the wages they had been promised.
Troops from Burapha Task Force, together with Khok Sung Task Force and other security agencies, were conducting a border patrol when they spotted the suspects crossing a natural passage near boundary markers 41-42 in Ban Ang Sila, Non Mak Mun subdistrict, Khok Sung district, Sa Kaeo province.
Authorities detained all 11 suspects, identified as seven Bangladeshi nationals, one Chinese national, two Vietnamese nationals, and one Thai national. None carried passports or identification documents.
During questioning, the suspects said they had worked for about three months at a restaurant and online sales business in Poipet, Cambodia. A Chinese contact known as "Mr. Sunwia" had promised them US$200 daily wages, but they never received payment. They also cited intensified Cambodian crackdowns on foreign nationals as their reason for fleeing.
The suspects paid 8,000 baht each to a human smuggling network for their return to Thailand. They were driven from Poipet to the border, where three Cambodian guides led them through the natural crossing. Border patrol officers intercepted the group while the guides escaped.
All 11 suspects were transferred to Khok Sung Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities are investigating to identify and prosecute smuggling network members and others involved.
Thailand launched a direct flight between Dubai and Bangkok with flydubai on July 1, targeting wealthy Middle Eastern travelers who spend over 100,000 baht per visit. The Tourism Authority will host promotional roadshows in Dubai and Abu Dh
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.
Thailand's inflation hit 2.42% in June as fuel costs and prepared food prices climbed, with curry rice and other single-dish meals expected to keep rising through year-end despite falling oil prices.
Commerce Ministry Deputy Director Nattiya Sujinda announced that June 2025's Consumer Price Index reached 102.85, up 2.42 percent from June 2024, driven by higher domestic fuel prices that increased public transportation costs. Prepared foods like curry rice and stir-fried noodles have seen widespread price hikes with no downward trend expected. Non-food and beverage categories rose 3.31 percent from fuel and transport costs, while food and non-alcoholic beverages climbed 1.03 percent due to prepared foods and rice price increases. Core inflation excluding fresh food and energy jumped to 1.23 percent from May's 0.92 percent, bringing second-quarter inflation to 2.70 percent and six-month average inflation to 1.08 percent.
Sujinda forecast third-quarter inflation will accelerate to 2.79 percent and fourth-quarter to 3.02 percent, citing persistent single-dish meal price increases despite falling oil prices, as vendors face accumulated costs. Small vendors particularly need to raise prices 5-10 baht per meal or 10-20 percent, she explained. Full-year inflation is projected between 1.5-2.5 percent with a midpoint of 2 percent, assuming GDP growth of 1.5-2.5 percent, Dubai crude at $80-90 per barrel, and the baht at 32-33 per dollar.
The Commerce Ministry Secretary-General has instructed provincial commerce offices to monitor single-dish meal prices in their areas and address any unjustified price gouging.
A school van carrying 13 teenage footballers crashed into a power pole in Pathum Thani on Sunday morning, injuring all 14 occupants including the driver; police are investigating whether driver fatigue contributed to the collision.
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.
The Judicial Commission unanimously appointed Veeraphong Sudavongse, Vice President of the Supreme Court, as the 52nd Supreme Court President, effective October 1, 2025, pending royal endorsement.
The Judicial Commission unanimously approved the appointment of Veeraphong Sudavongse, Vice President of the Supreme Court, to serve as the 52nd President of the Supreme Court effective October 1, 2025. The commission held its important meeting on July 6, 2025, to consider judicial appointments and transfers scheduled for October 1, 2025. Following this approval, the Office of the Judiciary will proceed with submitting the appointment to the Royal Palace for formal endorsement.
Sudavongse holds a Bachelor of Laws from Ramkhamhaeng University and a Thai legal certificate from the Institute of Law Studies. His significant career positions include: Chief Judge of Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Court, Chief Judge of Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Court, Deputy Head of the Drug Cases Division in the Appeals Court, Director of the Moral and Ethical Misconduct Criminal Court Division 5, Head of the Consumer Cases Division in the Appeals Court Region 1, Director of the Central Moral and Ethical Misconduct Criminal Court Division, Supreme Court Judge, Head Judge Panel in the Supreme Court, and President of Region 5 Appeals Court.
He has also served in special capacities including membership on the Judicial Commission as a Supreme Court Commissioner, and has chaired committees on protecting citizens' rights and freedoms, judicial research, case management studies, and judicial system development.
Expressway drivers using Easy Pass cards on July 7 will automatically receive 50% toll refunds across all eight Thai expressway routes, with credits applied to their accounts for future use.
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.
Thailand's Culture Minister inspected Wat Phra Mahathat in Nakhon Si Thammarat on July 6 to prepare the temple for World Heritage listing at a UNESCO committee meeting in South Korea later this month. If approved, it would become Southern T
Nakhon Si Thammarat — Culture Minister Sabida Thaiset inspected Wat Phra Mahathat Wormahavihar in Nakhon Si Thammarat province on July 6 to prepare for its World Heritage listing. She met with officials from the Fine Arts Department, provincial authorities, and relevant agencies, including Fine Arts Department Director Panom Boonboonchoti and Provincial Governor Somchai Lehlamnoi.
After the meeting, Thaiset disclosed that the World Heritage Center has invited Thailand to participate in the 48th ordinary session of the World Heritage Committee, scheduled for July 19-29 in Busan, South Korea. The temple will be proposed for World Heritage status based on its outstanding universal value (OUV), demonstrating the fusion of Hindu Brahmanical, Mahayana Buddhist, and Theravada Buddhist religions across Central and Southeast Asia.
The temple exhibits art and architecture, religious traditions, and local influences that shaped regional structures and meets World Heritage criteria. It reflects Hindu, Mahayana, and Theravada Buddhist influences with prototypes from Pala art in Nalanda, Central Java, Lanka, and Mon influences from Myanmar, affecting religious structures throughout Thailand, Malaysia, and elsewhere.
Thaiset expressed satisfaction that, if approved, Wat Phra Mahathat Wormahavihar would become the first World Heritage site in Southern Thailand. The Fine Arts Department and Nakhon Si Thammarat province are preparing grand celebrations throughout July.
Before formal approval, historical exhibitions about the temple and its World Heritage nomination process will be displayed, with public celebrations scheduled for July 26-27. Events include Buddhist chanting, Dharma recitation, cultural performances including Manora dance, multimedia light and sound shows depicting temple legends, and illumination of the pagoda.
The city will be decorated under the theme "Wat Phra Mahathat Wormahavihar: Faith and City, World Heritage and Humanity." Post-approval celebrations will include panel discussions, Khon dance performances, local cultural shows, and Loy Krathong ceremonies. Discussions also covered management of the World Heritage site and status reporting.
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.
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.