PHUKET: Overnight closures at four of Phukets busiest highway underpasses have been extended again as work continues on the islands delayed Smart City traffic management project.
PHUKET: Overnight closures at four of Phukets busiest highway underpasses have been extended again as work continues on the islands delayed Smart City traffic management project.
BANGKOK: Former deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, known as “Big Joke”, appeared at the Supreme Court alongside his lawyer to face corruption allegations related to the gold-bribe scandal yesterday (July 6).
BANGKOK: Former deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn, known as “Big Joke”, appeared at the Supreme Court alongside his lawyer to face corruption allegations related to the gold-bribe scandal yesterday (July 6).
Thailand expanded its 2025 National Welfare Card program to cover over 5.3 million previously unregistered vulnerable people, removing parental tax deductions and agricultural loans from eligibility disqualifications.
On July 7, 2025, the Office of Fiscal Policy director Winit Wisetsuwanphum announced the results of the eighth meeting of the Public Welfare Committee for Grassroots Economy and Society. The committee approved preliminary registration and qualification assessment results for the 2025 National Welfare Card registration program, and authorized adding a new target group. The Interior Ministry identified 5,383,393 vulnerable people without existing welfare cards during field registration from June 4-21, 2025, who will now be processed for eligibility checks.
Key changes to 2025 welfare card criteria include:
1. Eliminating the parental support tax deduction criterion: The program will no longer disqualify people whose income-earning family members claimed parental care expenses as tax deductions.
2. Adjusting the 100,000-baht debt threshold to exclude agricultural loans: Following the Bank of Thailand's recommendation presented to the cabinet on June 2, 2025, the debt limit will not count agricultural credit. Agricultural loans differ from standard loans as they are seasonal and sometimes provide disaster relief, and therefore may not reflect actual financial capacity or wealth status the way other debts do.
Additionally, the Finance Ministry is considering allowing current welfare card holders who lose eligibility under 2025 criteria to access the Thai Helps Thai Plus (60/40) program for two months (August 1 – September 30, 2025), since they were ineligible during the original registration period.
The changes will be submitted to the cabinet for consideration before the results are announced as scheduled on July 17, 2025.
Six-month-pregnant singer Farida Hai Thongkham recorded her debut song "A Bad Wife Wanting to Be a Good Mother" in the studio, with producer Prajak Chai impressed by her vocal performance and dedication to creating music for her unborn chil
Producer Prajak Chai praised Farida Hai Thongkham for entering the recording studio while six months pregnant to record her debut track "A Bad Wife Wanting to Be a Good Mother." Chai addressed skeptics who doubted her vocal abilities, saying he was relieved when she nailed the key, lyrics, and melody during recording sessions. "She stood and sang for an hour straight with barely any breaks," Chai posted, adding that Farida's motivation—to create something for her unborn child—moved him deeply. When asked why she was pushing herself so hard while pregnant, Farida simply answered, "I'm doing it for my baby." The song's lyrics resonated with listeners, reflecting her own life journey. Farida continues juggling music performances and online sales while preparing for a major concert alongside other established artists. On social media, she recently updated fans that she is now six months along and shared her excitement about the concert appearance.
South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-In will join Atletico Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth approximately 40 million euros.
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has announced that Lee Kang-In, South Korea's midfield star, is set to join Atletico Madrid in Spain's La Liga. The 25-year-old midfielder is a cornerstone player for the current South Korean national team and is departing Paris Saint-Germain from France's Ligue 1. According to Romano, the player will transfer to Real Madrid following a completed agreement between both clubs. The transfer is valued at approximately 40 million euros, with personal contract terms already finalized. Should the move materialize, Lee Kang-In will return to Spanish football for another spell, having previously played for Valencia and Mallorca.
Northeastern Thailand's high liver fluke infection rates stem from consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish, which can harbor parasites that live in the bile duct for decades and increase cancer risk.
Doctor Suphruck Vicharanyan, known as Dr. Oak and owner of the "Dr. Oak DoctorSixpack" social media page, has explained why parasitic liver fluke infections are so common in northeastern Thailand.
While many have heard that "the northeast has lots of liver flukes," this is true, but the cause isn't related to the region's geography or ethnicity. Rather, it stems from eating raw or undercooked freshwater fish combined with the parasite's life cycle in local waterways.
Why is the Northeast Most Affected?
Many traditional dishes—such as koi pla (fish cakes), larb pla ding (raw fish salad), pla som (fermented fish), pla jom, and pickled or marinated fish that haven't been heat-treated—may contain liver fluke larvae. When consumed, the larvae travel to the bile duct and can live in the body for 20-30 years.
How Prevalent Is This in Thailand?
National surveys over the years show that in 1981, about 14% of Thais were infected with liver flukes, but in the northeast the rate reached 34.6%—roughly one in three people in some areas. Although infection rates have declined due to ongoing campaigns, the northeast remains the most affected region, with some surveys still finding 13-16% infection rates through stool samples, and some communities showing even higher prevalence. A 2019 national health ministry survey found 2.2% of all Thais infected, with most cases concentrated in the northeastern region.
The Most Frightening Aspect: It's Not Just Having the Parasite
Many believe taking deworming medication is sufficient, but liver flukes can inhabit the bile duct for 20-30 years. Repeated infections from regularly eating raw fish cause chronic bile duct inflammation, which is a critical factor triggering cell mutations that develop into cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). The World Health Organization classifies liver flukes as a Group 1 human carcinogen.
Early stages often show no symptoms, but over many years, complications can include chronic bile duct inflammation, bile duct stones, hepatitis, bile duct infections, liver dysfunction, and most dangerously, bile duct cancer. Thailand, especially the northeast, has one of the world's highest rates of cholangiocarcinoma, clearly linked to chronic liver fluke infection.
Prevention Is Possible
- Always eat freshwater fish thoroughly cooked - Avoid fish cakes, raw fish salad, and unheated fermented fish - If you've regularly eaten raw fish, seek medical checkups as recommended - Don't think taking deworming medication regularly is enough—repeated infections still increase cancer risk
Liver fluke may not cause illness today but silently damages the liver and bile duct over decades. Avoiding raw fish just once may reduce future disease risk significantly.
About Salmon: FAQ
Raw salmon is generally "not" a source of Thai liver flukes. However, raw salmon does carry risks from other parasites and pathogens. Liver flukes are found in freshwater fish such as tilapia.
Argentina's defending champions advanced to the Round of 16 after winning all group matches, but coach Scaloni says this World Cup lacks a clear favorite due to increased competition and widespread player fatigue affecting all teams.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni says this World Cup is more competitive than ever, with no clear title favorite. The defending champions advanced to the Round of 16 to face Egypt on Tuesday after narrowly defeating Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time during the group stage. Argentina won all three group matches, but the tight match against Cape Verde showed the increased parity in the tournament. Scaloni explained that the World Cup is challenging for everyone, with no obvious favorite like in previous tournaments and different environmental conditions affecting play. He noted that most players are fatigued from playing many matches, which may explain why performance levels haven't matched expectations. Even the four or five main contenders haven't performed as anticipated before the tournament. Despite the declining standards throughout the competition, Scaloni expressed satisfaction with Argentina's results. "Argentina's performance is at an acceptable level," he said. "We've won all four matches, and I think that's reason enough to be pleased. Though we're winning, there's always room for improvement."
Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes vows the team will eventually win the World Cup after their 0-1 loss to Spain ended their 2026 tournament hopes in the Round of 16.
Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes remains confident that Portugal will capture the FIFA World Cup trophy in the future following their Round of 16 exit from this World Cup.
Portugal, one of the tournament favorites, was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup at the Round of 16 stage after losing 0-1 to Spain on July 6th.
After the match, Bruno shared his feelings, saying: "I know Portugal has never won the World Cup, and we always had high expectations. But I am absolutely convinced that this team has the potential to win the World Cup."
"It's unfortunate that it won't happen now. It's impossible this time. But we must not lose faith in ourselves. We need to look ahead with a different mindset. I believe we must hold even more strongly to our identity."
Astrologer Mor Chang Thosaporn warns Aquarius and Libra signs to brace for unexpected expenses this month, advising careful financial planning to avoid overspending.
As the new month gets underway, astrologer Mor Chang Thosaporn is rushing to warn two zodiac signs about financial matters. He cautions, "These zodiac signs need to hold their money tight this period." Mor Chang warns that both signs face a risk of unexpected expenses hitting them in quick succession. "Don't rush into shopping at the start of the month, because this month brings unexpected expenses coming in waves," he advises. "Plan your finances carefully so your wallet won't take a beating later." The two zodiac signs to watch are Aquarius (born February 13 - March 14) and Libra (born October 18 - November 16).
Chelsea is open to selling Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho this summer after he failed to meet expectations following his £40 million signing from Manchester United last year. Italian clubs including Napoli, Juventus, and AC Milan have
Chelsea is preparing to release Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho to a team that submits an offer during this summer's transfer window, after the player failed to deliver the expected performance.
According to Football London, Chelsea is willing to permanently part with Alejandro Garnacho during this transfer period, following his arrival from Manchester United for £40 million with a contract through 2032 last year.
Garnacho made 43 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea in the previous season but failed to perform as expected and could not secure a regular starting position at Stamford Bridge.
Despite his underwhelming form last season, the player has attracted interest from several Italian clubs including Napoli, Juventus, and AC Milan, while Roma is hoping to secure a loan deal.
Thailand's Meteorological Department warns of heavy rainfall across 37 provinces through July 8 due to a low-pressure system, with flash flooding risks in northeastern and eastern regions and rough seas affecting the Andaman Sea and Gulf of
On July 7, 2569, the Thai Meteorological Department forecasts continued heavy rainfall in northern, northeastern, and eastern regions over the next 24 hours due to a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam and moderate southwest monsoon winds. Residents in eastern areas of the Northeast and East regions are warned of potential flash flooding and flash floods, particularly in hillside areas and low-lying zones near water channels. The Andaman Sea's upper section and upper Gulf of Thailand will experience moderate winds with waves around 2 meters high, while the lower Andaman Sea has 1-2 meter waves. Thunderstorm areas may see waves exceeding 2 meters. Fishermen are advised to navigate with caution and avoid thunderstorm zones. Northern region: 40% thunderstorms with heavy rain in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, and Phetchabun; temperatures 23-25°C minimum, 31-35°C maximum; southwest winds 10-20 km/h. Northeast: 60% thunderstorms with heavy rain in Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Chaiyaphum, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani; temperatures 23-25°C minimum, 29-35°C maximum; southwest winds 10-20 km/h. Central region: 40% thunderstorms mainly in Nakhon Sawan, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi; temperatures 23-27°C minimum, 34-36°C maximum; southwest winds 10-25 km/h. Eastern region: 60% thunderstorms with heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Sa Kaeo, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat; temperatures 23-28°C minimum, 30-34°C maximum; southwest winds 20-35 km/h; waves around 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas. Southern region (east coast): 30% thunderstorms mainly in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Yala, and Narathiwat; temperatures 23-25°C minimum, 32-37°C maximum. From Surat Thani northward: southwest winds 20-35 km/h, 1-2 meter waves offshore, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorms. From Nakhon Si Thammarat southward: southwest winds 15-30 km/h, approximately 1 meter waves, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorms. Southern region (west coast): 20% thunderstorms mainly in Ranong and Phang Nga; temperatures 24-26°C minimum, 32-35°C maximum. From Phuket northward: southwest winds 20-35 km/h, approximately 2 meter waves, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorms. From Krabi southward: southwest winds 15-35 km/h.